Obituaries
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.
Philip A. Crowner
Philip Arlan Crowner, 82, an adventurous man who “did it his way,” died Saturday, May 18, 2019 in Lansing. Phil was born May 8, 1937 in Lansing, the son of Charles A. and Marjorie Elouise (Shaffer) Crowner. At the age of 16, Phil started racing stock cars at Capital City Speedway, a passion that gave birth to a lifelong “need for speed.” Phil’s racing hobby saw him behind the wheel of several cars throughout the years, especially his beloved 1932 Ford Street Rod. He shared his talents as a mechanic in his shop on Lansing Road, even fixing the broken-down tour bus for the The Who. Phil and his brother, Dave were founding members of the local Headers Car Club, and could often be spotted at cars shows, auctions, and checking in on projects at Eaton Auto Body. Phil also drove trucks for Leaseway, as well as cement trucks, and worked briefly for Oldsmobile.
Phil demonstrated stern love and guidance, not only to his nieces and nephews, but also mentoring countless troubled teens, thus positively impacting many lives. He enjoyed camping trips up north with family and friends. Many will remember Phil’s ability to “say it like it is,” and always being a man of his word.
Phil is survived by his sister, Jane (Davide) Crowner-Friedman of Dimondale; sister-in-law, Betty Crowner of Charlotte; nieces and nephews, Larry (Amy) Crowner of Olivet, Catherine Crowner of Charlotte, Mike (Mallory) Crowner of Charlotte, and Christian (Sarah) Smucker of Portage; and several extended family members.
He was predeceased by his parents; and his brother, David Arthur Crowner.
Friends are encouraged to support Phil’s family at a Memorial Service on Thursday, May 30, 2019 at 2 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service, from noon to 2 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children at shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/shc or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital at stjude.org.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Philip on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Brian S. Hill
Brian Scott Hill, 55, of Vermontville, went home to be with the Lord Thursday, May 16, 2019. Brian was born in Lansing on September 9, 1963, the son of the Carl and Mary (Hillis) Hill. Brian was raised in the Vermontville area and attended local schools, graduating from Maple Valley High School in 1981. Brian spent his working career in the manufacturing industry where he specialized in plastic injection molding.
Brian enjoyed being outdoors fishing, hiking and hanging out on the beach. Brain loved being in the gym, lifting weights and competitive boxing. During his time in the ring, Brain was the State of Michigan Golden Gloves state runner up.
Brian is survived by his parents, Carl (Mary) Hill; his daughter, Christina (Alex) Torres; his son, Logan Hill; his lifelong friend and mother to his children, Wendy James; his sister, Brenda Phenix; brother, Robert (Sandie) Hill; his grandchildren, Belanna, Leilani, and Julian Torres; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held at The Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, 2019. The family will receive visitors prior to the funeral service on Saturday beginning at 1 p.m. at The Daniels Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Autism Speaks.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. For further details, please visit danielsfuneralhome.net.