Obituaries
Susan E. Mead
Susan Emalie Mead, a sweet and caring person, known as the chocolatier of the family, of Mulliken, died January 29, 2021. Susan, 70, was born October 30, 1950, in Lansing, Mich. to Harold Norris and Mary (McCrum) Norris. Susan was raised in Nashville and graduated from Maple Valley High School. Susan married Larry Mead on October 25, 1969, and together they raised three children, Autumn, Amber and Aaron. Susan and Larry were married for 51 years, and Susan said of their marriage, “It’s been awesome.” It was after marrying Larry that Susan learned farming. Susan worked at Charlotte Plaza Florist where her creativity was expressed and appreciated. She also worked as an office worker for Dowding Industries.
Susan was extremely gifted in sewing, quilting, crocheting, baking, and candy making. Her grandchildren will cherish T-shirt quilts she made, and taking trips with their Grandma. The family’s memories will include trips to the Grand Canyon, Germany, and many Midwest zoos. Susan’s children question: “Who will make the cinnamon rolls and cream puffs at Christmas?” They have fond memories of her abilities from “cake to clothes.” She will be remembered for always meeting the needs of others; those needs may be in the form of a wedding cake, bridesmaid dresses, or outfitting a nursery. A perfectionist when it came to standards for herself, but thought she never quite achieved perfection. Her children say, “Our Mom made beautiful things.” She will be remembered and cherished for her sweet and caring ways.
Susan is survived by her devoted husband, Larry; her daughters, Autumn (Justin) Sivyer, and Amber (Mike) Straatman; and her son Aaron (Shelli) Mead. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Hunter Sivyer, Colin Sivyer, and Emalie Sivyer, Austin Mead, Khloe Mead, Kierstyn Mead, Samantha Straatman; Kal Straatman, and “adopted” grandchild Justin Wells; siblings, Karen (Skip) Dowding, and Mark Norris; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Cheryl Savage Tewksbury; brother-in-law, Theo Savage; and her parents.
Friends supported Susan’s family at a visitation on Thursday, February 4, 2021 at Pray Funeral Home. A memorial service was held on Friday, February 5, 2021, at 2 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Matt Rhode officiating. Attendance was limited due to current COVID restrictions. The service was webcast for viewing from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device by visiting Susan’s tribute page at PrayFuneral.com, then clicking on the photos and videos tab (or media from your smartphone). Immediately prior to service, a link appears on that page. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton County 4-H. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Susan on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
George N. Reichert, Jr.
George Nicklas “Nick” Reichert Jr., 70 of Charlotte, who enjoyed cars immensely because “It’s who I am,” died January 27, 2021. Born in Owosso, Mich. to George Nicklas Reichert Sr. and Frances Irene (Parker) Reichert on July 18, 1950, Nick started working at his dad’s garage at the age of eight, and worked with his father until his death in 1968 when Nick was 18. He then worked at the Ford battery plant in Owosso before going to college, then enlisted in the Navy Seabees Construction Battalion to serve during Vietnam. After Nick’s return, he found a new job at Consumers Energy Fleet Department, where he worked for 35 years. Following his retirement in 2008, Nick served as a consultant for a handful of years.
In 1975 Nick married Lucille “Lucy” Humphrey, and together they raised two sons that taught him about the depth of a father’s love. Nick was very proud to be a father, and even more proud to be a grandfather when his sons grew and had their own children. He could often be found wearing a shirt that read, “Great Dads Get Promoted to Grandpas.” As a father, Nick went beyond the usual call of duty to help his children build their lives. His ever-present dedication manifested in many ways, including helping to build a home, moral support, and a firm sense of support. Nick and Lucy enjoyed spending time with their family and created many special memories together during their 45 years of marriage.
Nick’s love of cars came from working side-by-side with his dad in his automotive shop as he was growing up. Because of this love, Nick became a member of the National Association of Fleet Administrators, Society of Automotive Engineers Affiliate, and was a certified Master Automotive Technician and Master Heavy Duty Truck Technician from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.
Nick will be missed by his family, including his wife of 45 years, Lucy; sons, Nicklas (Sarah) Reichert, and Jameson B. Reichert; grandchildren, Jonathan, Eliana, Emily and Renata; siblings, Gary (Janet) Reichert, Dianne Green, Joanne (Tom) Skinner; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Nick’s family. Nick was a member of First Baptist Church in Charlotte, where funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 5, 2021 with Ryan Manning officiating. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service, at the church. Mask, group capacity, and distancing guidelines were practiced. The funeral was also webcast so guests could watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the First Baptist Church of Charlotte Senior Programs. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Nick on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
George A. Smith
George A. Smith, age 76, of Olivet, Mich. passed away on January 30, 2021 at his residence. He was born on August 23, 1944 in Battle Creek, Michigan the son of George and Viola Smith. He moved from Battle Creek to Olivet in 1973 where he resided until his passing. George was a supply sergeant and truck driver in the Army National Guard from 1965 until 1994. George was a member of Battle Creek Friends Church. He enjoyed collecting model trains, listening to old time music, building and fixing projects which included small engine repair. George was united in marriage in 1967 to his wife Kathleen, she preceded him in death in 2006. Surviving are his daughters, Tracy (Harry) Reynolds and Susan Meade, both of Olivet; grandchildren, AJ Barnes, Linda Meade, Harry Reynolds III and Claudia Reynolds. The family received friends on Thursday, February 4, 2021 at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home in Battle Creek. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 5, 2021 at Battle Creek Friends Church. Interment followed at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the ALS Association. Memories and condolences may be left for the family at henryfuneralhome.org.
Lester R. Brimmer
Lester R. Brimmer, 78, of Charlotte, a man who was a hard person to ignore, died unexpectedly at his home February 2, 2021. Lester was born October 25, 1942 in Belding, the son of Chester and Helen (Zinchkowski) Brimmer. Lester worked at General Motors for 31 years in a variety of jobs. He was a fork lift operator, a driver, worked in the press department and in the paint department.
Lester loved the opportunity to express his opinion which often resulted in lively and sometimes argumentative conversations. No matter how the conversation may have sounded, Lester was always a person who had a kind heart and was willing to help out others when in need. That was evident in his marriage to his late wife, Shirley. They loved each other very much even though they didn’t see eye to eye on everything. Lester was always amazed and proud of Shirley and her ability to manage the household finances and support her church. Les was a creature of habit. He had to have his morning State Journal so he could do the crossword puzzle and every Sunday he had to watch Detroit Lions Football (he was a true fan). He also loved listening to his favorite country singer, Waylon Jennings, playing euchre, or fishing with his step-son Willie.
Lester is survived by his step-children, Dan (Patsie) Butler, Darlene Sanders, Dawn (Gerald) Funk, David (Dawn) Butler, Tamara Strickland, Sandra Bennett, William (Lorrie) Householder, Sheila (Bill) Hurtubise, Bonnie Clay, Jay Lamie; and brother Walter Brimmer; his friend Dick Strickland; and his beloved cat, Waylon.
He was predeceased by his wife, Shirley; his parents; brother, Bob Brimmer; sister, Jeanette Schultz; and step-daughter, Dixie Burg.
Friends are encouraged to support Lester’s family by sharing memories of Lester on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. A graveside service will take place on February 8, 2021 at 12 noon at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte with Pastor Mike Knauff officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to United Way. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Max A. Horn Jr.
Max Aaron Horn Jr. of Eaton Rapids, passed away February 3, 2021 at the age of 73. Max was born in Eaton Rapids on October 16, 1947, the son of Max Horn Sr. and Barbara Campbell. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1967. Max was a gentle giant standing all of 6’ 9” and with special permission from the government, he proudly served with the US Marines from 1970 – 1972. He worked for Borg Warner in Cadillac before retiring in 2006. Max loved being outdoors, going to Lake Michigan, fishing, bowling and bird watching.
Max is survived by his sisters, April (Fred) Copeland of Eaton Rapids, Patricia (Tim) Harrison of Ala.; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
No services are planned at this time. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Capital Area Humane Society, 7095 W. Grand River Ave, Lansing, MI 48906. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Please visit their website to place condolences online at MillsFuneral.com.