Obituaries
John J. Conrad
John J. Conrad of Charlotte, age 57, passed away surrounded by his family and friends on Thursday, August 13, 2020 after a short illness. He was born on April 17, 1963 to Sherwood R. and Kathryn (Staron) Conrad at Ft. Benning Army Hospital in Columbus, Georgia. John was a graduate of Everett High School and the meat-cutting program at Southwest Technical Institute in Fennimore, Wisconsin. He married his wife of 30 years, Debbie Daugherty, on May 26, 1990 in Canton, Michigan. They were blessed with a son, John, and a daughter, Chelsey, along with Debbie’s daughters, Sheri and Kristy.
John was a conscientious, hard worker and excelled in his occupation as a Journeyman meat-cutter. He worked the majority of his career, thirty-four years, for Meijer, Inc., working in Sterling Heights, Monroe, Mason, and Charlotte, assisting in the start-up of new stores.
An avid outdoorsman, John thoroughly supported the management of both the environment and wildlife. A skilled hunter, with the bow and arrow as well as with firearms, John took great pleasure in his “deer camp,” where he hosted both family and friends. His other sources of enjoyment were fishing, beekeeping, vacationing at Munro Lake with Grandpa and Grandma Mangler, and sitting on his back porch overlooking the pond and bird feeder.
A man with a strong faith, John used the last days of his life to show his love and appreciation for his family. He surprised Debbie a few weeks before his passing by arranging a ceremony renewing their wedding vows. He also arranged the baptism of his and Debbie’s grandchildren, Hunter, Adalynn, and Hazel. His brother, Jim, officiated at both ceremonies. Family and friends shared in their celebrations.
John was preceded in death by his grandparents, Fred and Agnes (Ondra-Staron) Mangler and Sherwood F. and Helen (Farr) Conrad. He is survived by his wife, Debbie; son, John Conrad; daughters, Chelsey (Ashton) Wood, Sheri (David) Collins, Kristy (Martin) Wilmath; grandchildren, Hunter, Adalynn, and Hazel Wood, Cody and Meghan; great-grandchildren, Rylee, Beau and Blakely Wilmath; his parents; brother, Jim (Helen) Conrad; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 29, 2020, 1 p.m. at First Lutheran Church in Charlotte. Masks and social distancing will be observed. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of John on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
John’s family wishes to thank the many friends and family who brought food, sent cards, and visited John during his illness. A special thanks to Hospice caretakers Ranea and Niccole for their compassionate, patient care.
Larry Leo Weicht (Poppa Leo), a beloved, caring and generous father, grandfather, brother and friend passed away from a lengthy illness while surrounded by his family on June 6, 2020. Larry, age 75, was born in Kendallville, Indiana, the son of Leo and Lucille (Weimer) Weicht on December 12, 1944.
Larry served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. After returning home, he worked at General Motors for 37 years while raising his family, retiring in 2006.
Larry was known for being someone that liked to make the best out of every situation and enjoyed joking with people and having fun. He was a kid at heart, definitely the joker of the family. He enjoyed meeting new people and could make anyone feel like they had known him for years. He was very generous with his family and could always be counted on if someone needed a hand.
Larry enjoyed spending time with family and friends, classic cars (especially Mustangs), Harley Davidson Motorcycles, good music and movies. He enjoyed holidays (especially Christmas) and special occasions, often being the “life of the party.”
Larry is survived by his sons, Steve (Patti) Weicht of Charlotte, David (John Dortch) Weicht of Cape Coral, Florida, Shawn (Kim) Weicht of Charlotte; daughter, Robin (Denny) Watson of Lansing; brother, Lynn (Sue) Weicht of Grand Ledge; grandchildren, Tori Weicht, Hunter Weicht, Logan Weicht, Chad Petersen, Ashley Eaton, Shauna Yon, Keeley Coon, Aiden Myers; former spouses, Janet Weicht and Lauraine Paladino; life-long friends, Don (Sally) Strouse, Bob (Martha) Geyer and Larry Mason, and many more friends and extended family. Larry was predeceased by his parents, Leo and Lucille Weicht; son, Mike Weicht; infant daughter, Lucy Weicht; and grandson, Liam Myers.
Funeral services for Larry were held Wednesday, June 10, 2020 with Celebrant Laura Cooper officiating. Interment was in Maple Hill Cemetery following the funeral service.
Friends and family are invited to share memories or Larry on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
As one of the granddaughters said, “Rest easy now, Poppa Leo. This world was so much better with you in it, but I’m so relieved you are at peace now. I love and miss you now and always. We all do.”
Jeane E. Burt
Jeane Elaine Burt, a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, died Sunday, March 22, 2020 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Jeane, 87, of Charlotte, was born August 23, 1932 in Spring Arbor, Mich. the daughter of Edward and Neita (Alldaffer) Hillis. Jeane married her sweetheart Leo Clifford Burt and created their legacy together for 39 years until his passing in 1988. She was a provider for her family, and she devoted her early years as a homemaker for her family. Later she worked at Dicks Restaurant, the Medical Care Facility and most recently at Galewood Elementary as a Lunch Lady. Jeane was one who will be remembered for being social and being able to strike up a conversation with anyone that she crossed paths with. Her smile could brighten a whole room. Her hobbies included attending blue grass festivals, dancing at senior centers, wintering in Florida and having card parties.
Jeane is survived by her children, David (Pam) Burt, Rose Broskey, Linda (Harold) Carpenter, Ed (Gerrie) Burt; she had 50 plus grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Leo; her first husband, Richard Bauer; son, Lynn Burt; son-in-law, Roger Broskey; siblings, Wayne Hillis, Catherine Jardot, and Grace Wood.
Friends are encouraged to support Jeane’s family through calls, letters, and through Jeane’s Tribute Page at PrayFuneral.com. Private graveside services will be held. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Mae Lorene Clouse
Mae Lorene Clouse, a loving mother, grandmother and friend, who was always laughing and smiling, died Saturday, August 15, 2020. Lorene, 61, of Lansing, was born March 14, 1959, in Lansing the daughter of Ray and Maudie (Fulcher) Dunn. Many will remember Lorene loved her Coca-Cola, Lays potato chips, dancing and watching Jerry Springer on TV. Most importantly Lorene loved spending time with her family. Being a mother and grandmother was her biggest enjoyment in life. Her family is at peace knowing that she spent the final years of her life in a loving home with the care of her significant other, Dave Lauer.
Lorene is survived by her son, Dustin (Amanda Jones) Clouse; favorite granddaughter, Avry; best grandson, Skyler; significant other, Dave Lauer; siblings, Ray Dunn and Danielle (Rob) Gillentine; and step-father, Ron Crook. She was predeceased by her daughter, Ileta Zank; and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Lorene’s family. A graveside service was held on Friday, August 21, 2020 at 2 p.m. at Glendale Cemetery in Okemos with Pastor John Bailey officiating. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Lorene on her Tribute Page at PrayFuneral.com.
The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Betty Louise Hendrickson, of Eaton Rapids, passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2020 at the age of 93. Betty was born on March 28, 1927 in Lansing, the daughter of George and Margaret (Symonds) Wyatt. She graduated from Eastern High School class of 1945 and went on to attend Lansing Community College. Betty worked as a house mother at the VFW National Home in Eaton Rapids from 1966-1979. She also worked for Eaton Stamping, the Eaton Rapids Cable Company, Continental Cable and most recently at Family Fare in Eaton Rapids. Betty was a lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, George Hendrickson; sons, David Hendrickson and George Hendrickson; brothers, Patrick Wyatt and Raymond Wyatt; sister, Clara Wyatt; sisters-in-law, Jane Wyatt and Nellie Wyatt; and brothers-in-law, Ted Garrison and Bill Mills.
Surviving are her sons, Charles (Kathie) Hendrickson, Bruce (Dawn) Hendrickson; daughter, Anne (Jeff) Vance; 8 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; sisters, Barbara Garrison, Suzanne Mills; brother, David Wyatt; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, August 24, 2020 at Skinner Funeral Homes, Eaton Rapids. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Jean Bradford Kline Senior Center or to the First United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids
To share memories or condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.