Obituaries
Catalia G. Myers
Catalia Grace Myers, our precious little girl, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on June 22, 2020. She was born April 14, 2020, in Grand Rapids, the daughter of K.C. and Ashley (Philburt) Myers. Catalia was a spunky little girl with a unique personality. She loved life and enjoyed listening to music and watching Disney movies with her siblings. Catalia also had a special bond with her grandmother, Tammie Grover.
She is survived by her loving parents; twin sister, Gabriella Myers; big brother, Dominic Myers; big sister, Alexia Myers; grandmother, Tammie Grover; and great-grandparents, Grace and Harry Thompson.
The funeral services for Catalia will be private.
Those desiring, may make contributions to the family. The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Daniel D. Black Sr.
Daniel Dee Black Sr., age 71, of Charlotte passed away Thursday, June 18, 2020. He was born September 10, 1948 in Battle Creek, the son of Thearon and Mary (Barrow) Black. Dan was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
On April 27, 1968, Daniel married the love of his life, Amelia Collette and created their 52-year legacy together. Ten days following his wedding, he joined the United States Army where he served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1970 and was the recipient of a Purple Heart. In 1988, Dan started Dad and Sons Services with his sons and proudly worked alongside his children until his retirement.
Daniel was a man who showed the utmost passion for whatever he was doing. His was an avid gardener and took great pride in the fruits of his labor by giving away almost everything he grew to friends and family. It gave him such happiness to see others enjoy this bounty. He also loved working in his greenhouse and planting flowers along with fishing, bowling and golfing. Daniel was happiest when surrounded by his family, cherishing those times the most. His ethic of hard-work and his Love for God were attributes in which he took the greatest amount of pride.
Daniel is survived by his wife, Amelia; children, Daniel (LaDawn) Black Jr., Paul (Jennifer) Black, Tracy (Randy) Smith; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild; siblings, Thearon “Butch” Black, Rodney (Michelle) Black; Rosalie (Will) Thompson. He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Diana Black, Betty Howard, and John Black.
A funeral service was held on Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at the Charlotte Seventh-Day Adventist Church with Pastor Jerryn Schmidt officiating. Donations can be made in Daniel’s name to Mooseheart at mooseintl.org.
Chris E. Schultz
Chris Eugene Schultz, age 56, of Charlotte — known as a loving father who worked his behind off for his family — died unexpectedly June 22, 2020 at his home. Born March 15, 1964 at Camp Pendleton, CA to Donald and Alice (Hatcher) Schultz, the family later moved to Charlotte where Chris and his siblings were raised. Chris was a happy guy, known as a jokester, yet very respectful and private. Chris took great pride in his work, always working hard to make sure Grand Ledge Public Schools were taken care of; He was loved by the students and staff. Working for 33 years at the schools, Chris recently retired and was enjoying time with his wife, his children and time spent in his new role as grandfather. In his spare time, Chris loved metal detecting, taking care of his lawn, collecting coins and stamps and going to Menards and Harbor Freight. A family man through and through, Chris enjoyed camping and taking trips with his family to Cedar Point, Michigan’s Adventure and Florida.
Chris is survived by his wife of 30 years, Shawn; daughters, Megan (Devin Oberlin) Schultz, Madison (Eric) Smith; son, Mitchell (Paige Daniels) Schultz; granddaughter, Paisley; siblings, Clint (Tammy) Schultz, Chet (Jennifer) Schultz, and Cindy Weaver; step-mom, Vivian Schultz. He was predeceased by his parents, Donald Schultz and Alice Hatcher.
Visitation and funeral services will be held at the Charlotte Assembly of God Church. Visitation is Monday, June 29, 2020, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services are Tuesday, June 30 at 11 a.m. Webcasting of the service will take place so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone or mobile device that has internet access. Go to prayfuneral.com, click on his tribute and then click on Photos & Videos from your computer (or media from your smart phone). Just prior to the beginning of the service, a link will appear on this page to watch the webcast. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the National Keratoconus Association. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Chris on his tribute page. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Dr. Waldo Frankenstein
Dr. Waldo “Doc” Erhardt Robert Frankenstein, age 92, of Bellevue passed away at home on June 12, 2020 with his family by his side. Doc was a compassionate and caring man who loved his family, friends and community fiercely. Waldo was born on October 13, 1927 in Royal Oak. His parents, Paul and Hedwig Frankenstein, immigrated from Germany in the 1920s and instilled the value of education and hard work into their sons. Waldo served in the United States Army during World War II, volunteering to become airborne by the flip of a coin. After graduating from Detroit College, Waldo attended Des Moines University, graduating as a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. While studying at Des Moines University, Waldo met and married his late wife Marilyn Frankenstein on June 19, 1954, in Prairie City, IA. They were married for 49 years. Waldo and Marilyn, along with their three children, John, Bridgett and Holly, moved to Bellevue in 1960 and made the village their home for over 60 years.
Doc’s commitment to Bellevue and its residents included serving as village mayor, multiple appointments on village committees and supporting any initiative or project that he believed would help his neighbors. Doc is probably best known for the years he spent as the local hometown physician. He practiced medicine in Bellevue for 55 years. Doc was devoted to his patients and it was common practice for him to make house calls, meet you in the office after hours or to see him on the sidelines at all the Bronco home games. He has touched the lives of almost everyone who has called Bellevue home. The impact Doc had on the Bellevue community as a physician, friend and neighbor will not be forgotten. When Doc was not in the office or making a house call, you could find him on the golf course or skiing, at Lions Club, or in the basement working on various woodworking projects. Some of his other hobbies included piloting, traveling with his wife and family, fishing and hunting. Waldo is survived by his three children; John (Terry) Frankenstein, Escanaba; Bridgett Frankenstein, Bellevue; and Holly (Ron) Baker, Middletown, Ohio; four grandchildren; six great -grandchildren; and brother Guenther (Ute) Frankenstein, Lebanon, NH. He was proceeded in death by his wife Marilyn Frankenstein and brother Paul Frankenstein.
Doc is greatly loved by all who know him and will be missed more than words can describe. Due to current health guidelines a private funeral service will be held for the family with a community memorial service planned for a later date. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting kempffuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the Bellevue Memorial Scholarship Fund in honor of Dr. Frankenstein, 904 West Capital Ave., Bellevue MI 49021.
Virginia LaFleur Cox
Virginia LaFleur Cox “Ginny,” age 88, passed with peace and grace into the Lord’s arms June 23, 2020 with her family by her side. She was born on April 1, 1932 to Ernest and Mary (Shepard) LaFleur of Vermontville, where she graduated and was crowned Maple Syrup Queen in 1950.
Ginny loved knitting, playing piano, euchre parties and long walks. She will always be remembered as one who loved creating memories with fun and laughter. Ginny worked at Michigan Magnetics, Carl’s Supermarket and was a cook at Maple Valley Schools. In her later years, she wintered in Bradenton, Florida with her husband.
Ginny is survived by her children, Linda (Ron) Hannink of Big Rapids, Cindy “Sam” Grant of Charlotte, Debbie Furlong of Charlotte, Ross (Deb) Furlong of Vermontville and Teresa “Toot” (Steve) Hamilton of Hastings; along with beloved grandchildren, Mary Jean, Michaellynn, Veronica, Joheather, Leslie, Jessie, HyDee, Bobby, Michael, Jacob, Craig, Cory, and Dana; and many great-grandchildren for whom she created unique and loving nicknames.
A celebration of life will take place on Wednesday, July 1 from 5 to 7 p.m. located under the pavilion at the park in Vermontville for all family and friends. Memorial contributions may be made in Ginny’s name to the Vermontville Maple Syrup Association. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Ginny on her tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.