Obituaries
David Foster
David “Larry” Foster of Charlotte, an avid hunter and fisherman that could always find the best fishing hole, died May 25, 2019. Larry, 79, was born April 25, 1940 in Lansing to David and Agatha (Massey) Foster. He worked at General Motors on the line, retiring several years ago. Larry loved being outdoors, all of his favorite activities revolved around that, including: hunting, fishing, gold prospecting, traveling to Colorado, Canada, Alaska and Hawaii, and even watching the outdoor channel on TV. He had a large collection of game trophies to enjoy while he was indoors. Sixteen years ago Larry had a change of heart and became a Christian, enjoying studying the Bible and praying with his wife, Barb, every day. Barb is comforted knowing she will see him again in Heaven. Larry loved hugs and sharing his faith with others. Larry valued friendship, and if you were his friend he let you know he loved you.
Larry is survived by his wife of almost 27 years, Barbara (Shaver) Foster; children, David (Connie) Foster, Martin (Kathy) Foster, Joe Wheeldon, William (Beverly) Stone, Michael (Elisabeth) Stone, Diane (John) Wiley, and Toscha Klopp; 15 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by daughter, Sonja Crabtree; his parents; and a brother and a sister.
Friends are encouraged to support Larry’s family at visitation and memorial services. Memorial services are Friday, June 14, 2019, at noon at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Randy Royston officiating. Visitation is two hours prior to service, from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, June 14.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to New Hope Community Church.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of David “Larry” on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Larry L. Sterle
Larry L. Sterle, 73, died Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at the home he shared with his son outside Charlotte. Larry was born November 27, 1945, and raised in Mason, where he was a graduate of Mason High School. He served in the U.S. Army, and was a career letter carrier with the U.S. Post Office.
He was married for over 46 years to Jacqueline “Jackie” Sterle, and was the loving father of Waylon, 50, and Shannon, 47.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Sterle and Thelma (Rich) Sterle; sister, Joan (Sterle) Ammerman; mother-in-law, Dorothea Demery; and beloved wife, Jackie Sue (Toman) Sterle.
He is survived by his son, Waylon Lee Sterle; daughter, Shannon Marie (Sterle) Patton and spouse, Joseph Patton; brother-in-law, Archy Ammerman; brother-in-law, Mark Turcotte and spouse, Susan Neill; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Larry was a serious reader of American and World history, of which he acquired a professorial knowledge. He was a passionate fan of Michigan sports, and enjoyed watching old movies, especially spaghetti-westerns and historical epics. In his retirement, he indulged in several driving trips, visiting locations from Civil War battlefields to Devil’s Tower National Monument. He enjoyed the company of his family, holiday meals, playing marathon sessions of Euchre, and was known to complete the Sunday New York Times crossword as if he was jotting down a grocery list. He was an intelligent, curious, kind and loving husband, father and friend.
Michael E. Smith
Michael E. “Smitty” Smith, 67, of Charlotte, passed away Friday, May 24, 2019, at his home. He was born January 2, 1952, in Ferndale, Mich., the son of LeRoy and Dolores (Hageman) Smith. Smitty graduated from Waterville High School in 1970. He went on to serve his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. Smitty was extremely proud of his country and was always concerned about the welfare of the men and women serving around the world in active duty. Smitty owned and operated Honey-Doers Home Remodeling for many years. He was a talented woodworker and enjoyed creating bookcases, toys, and furniture.
He is survived by his wife, Gayle L. Smith; children, Kristine (Chris) Marzic of Battle Creek, Nichole Snyder of North Carolina; grandson, Brent Marzic; siblings, Phyllis (Walt) Gerard of Essex, Ontario, and Charles Smith of Brownsville, Mich.
Smitty was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Marvin Smith.
In keeping with his wish’s, cremation has taken place and interment will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Smitty’s honor to the Disabled American Veterans-DAV, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.
To view his obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Barbara J. Dahlem
Barbara Jane Dahlem, 80, of Eaton Rapids, passed away Monday, November 19, 2018. She was born May 17, 1938, in Battle Creek, the daughter of David and Nora (Baker) Sumption. Barb graduated from Olivet High School on May 31, 1956. On June 1, 1956, she married the love of her life, Charles L. Dahlem. Barb was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved spending time together with her family. In her spare time Barb enjoyed bowling and tending to her roses.
She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Charles; children, Nolita (Darrell) Cameron of Columbia, Tenn., Carol (Marion) Schlyer of Bellevue, Darlene Hendrickson of Eaton Rapids, Neal (Alice) Dahlem of Olivet; 12 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and sister, Viola Armstead.
Barb was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers; and three sisters.
In keeping with Barb’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial visitation will be held on Sunday, June 2, 2019, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Olivet First Assembly of God, located at 4767 Butterfield Highway in Olivet.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Barb’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association.
To view Barb’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhear-greenfuneralhome.com.
Jean M. Weikel
Jean Marie Weikel, 81, a kind and giving mother, grandmother, wife and sister, died peacefully on Saturday, May 18, 2019 in Lansing. Jean was born December 17, 1937 in Grand Ledge, the daughter of Louis Cecil and Mable Helen (Sharp) Rosendahl. She graduated from Portland High School in 1955 before beginning her family. Jean worked over 30 years for General Motors, where she met the love of her life, Dale Weikel. The two married on October 5, 1972, enjoying 42 years of marriage until his death in 2015. Following retirement, Jean enjoyed bowling, crossword puzzles, and especially crocheting. She created countless crochet pieces, which will be forever treasured by her family. Many will remember Jean’s selfless nature, always putting others first. Above all, she cherished time spent with her grandchildren.
Jean is survived by her daughters, Donna (Gregory) Dufault, Laurie (Alan) Switzer, Deborah (Charles) King, Tina (Mark) Wilton, Barbara (David) Lakes, Melissa (Daniel) Hall and Jennifer (Daniel) Ockert; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and her sister, Donna (Ron) Atkinson.
She was predeceased by her husband of 42 years, Dale Gordon Weikel; son, Jerome Smith; granddaughter, Morgan Dufault; sisters, Barbara and Genevieve; and her parents.
Funeral services were held Thursday, May 23, 2019 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Michigan Chapter.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Jean on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.