Obituaries
Roy L. Brooks
Roy Lawrence Brooks, born January 3, 1958, passed away May 2, 2019, following a several month’s illness. A lifelong resident of the Charlotte area, Roy graduated from Charlotte High School in 1976, then commenced to develop his talent for inventing and repairing all things mechanical. His enjoyment of, and skill with building and racing cars evolved, over time, into a hobby as he focused more and more on developing his business, Roy’s Welding Fabrication and Repair. His wife, Mary, described him as a “jack of all trades,” but as a skillful welder and inventor of solutions to mechanical problems, he had no peer. No one ever left his shop at 3483 Island Highway unhappy with the work done or miffed about the price paid. A big job or little job, Roy gave it his undivided attention, creative solution, and high-quality result.
Roy is survived by his wife of 25 years, Mary (Klatt) Brooks; brother, Jon Brooks; sister, Gail Twork; daughter, Tammy Perleberg; grandchildren, Rusty and Harley Perleberg; great-granddaughter, Ava Moore; special buddies, Jerry Clay and Mike Carter; extended family members; plus countless friends, business associates, and satisfied customers.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Donald.
Having celebrated the life of Roy Brooks at Riedy’s on May 11, the family plans no further service.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Roy’s family would be appreciated.
A jack of all trades, but one of a kind: Roy Brooks will be missed by all who knew him.
Gary O. Richards
Gary Otis Richards, 80, of Bad Axe, formerly of Charlotte, passed away Monday, April 29, 2019 due to heart complications. He was born August 16, 1938 in South Bend, Ind. to the late Walter and Hazel (Guthrie) Richards. He married Mary Kay Richards on February 21, 1976 in Charlotte. Gary was a 1957 graduate of Holt High School. He worked in various jobs, including bartender and factory work. He was a former member of Teamster, Charlotte Eagles, and the Charlotte Moose. Gary enjoyed racing cars in his younger years and enjoyed watching NASCAR. He was a huge Michigan State fan. He enjoyed the company of his friends and family, especially when he spent time with his daughters and grandsons. Gary cherished time spent with his wife, Mary Kay, the love of his life.
Gary is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Mary Kay Richards of Bad Axe, formerly of Charlotte; two daughters, Valerie (Mark) Kneffel of Ubly, and Jennifer Gilmore of Phoenix, Ariz.; two grandsons, Ja’Coby Gilmore of Phoenix, and Otis Kneffel of Ubly; sister, Nancy (Ted) Kingsley of Dimondale; sister-in-law, Barbara George of Greenville, N.C.; nephews and nieces, Gary and Brinda Ridenour of Charlotte, Troy Ridenour of Ft. Myers, Fla., Jody Root of Charlotte, Dawn and Jeff Wendorf of Charlotte, Monica Murray of Lansing, Jeremy and Amy Nierecberger of Charlotte, Timothy Clark of Windermere, Fla., Joanna and Marcus Waller of Greenville, N.C., Nicholas and Angela George of Encinitas, Calif., and Christopher and Daryl George of Northvale, N.J.
A memorial service for Gary will be held June 1, 2019, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Charlotte Eagles. Memorials are suggested to the donor’s choice.
Michael L. Broskey
Michael Lee Broskey passed away peacefully April 26, 2019 surrounded by family following a short battle with cancer. He was born April 4, 1944. Mike had a passion for garage sales and flea markets, finding watches and clocks.
He is survived by his children, Lori (Dave) Root, Mark (Shannon) Broskey, Mike (Pam) Broskey, Alex Joseph Broskey, Robin Broskey, Bob (Lexi) Broskey, Sonny Broskey; sisters, Mary Ellen (Denny) Geisenhaver, Myra Little, Rose Broskey; brother-in-law, Charles Leonard; numerous nieces and nephews, and grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Joeseph and Alvina; wife, Dixie; son, Jason; siblings, Fran, Roger, Beverly, Bonnie, and Iva; brothers-in-law, Neil Geisenhaver, and Dennis Little.
There will be a celebration of Mike’s life on Sunday, May 5, 2019 at 2 p.m. at the Masonic Temple in Charlotte.
Michael J. Sevenski
Michael John Sevenski, 72, a caring and humble man of few words, died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on Sunday, April 28, 2019, following a nine-year battle with cancer. Mike was born January 20, 1947 in Lansing, the son of Carl and Helen (Gawala) Sevenski. He graduated from Everett High School in 1965 before being drafted into the U.S. Army and serving as an Army Engineer during the Vietnam War. Following his honorable discharge, he worked final repair for General Motors, retiring in 2001. He served three years as the GM/Pontiac Representative for national auto shows. Mike married Sandy Keeler on February 25, 1967, and the two lived a life of love and happiness raising their four children. Mike and Sandy remained active at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte throughout the years. Mike was one of the founders of St. Mary’s St. Vincent DePaul Society and a member of the church Men’s Club.
Mike was known as “Huey,” a nickname given to him from his childhood best-friend Mike (Horsehead) Olger. He enjoyed time spent with family and friends bowling, hunting, league softball, and trips to the casino. Mike coached hundreds of kids in youth leagues, and loved to make people laugh and had a soft spot for the less fortunate. He loved trips up north to the family property in Elmira, where he enjoyed tinkering out in the pole barn. Mike was the Duck Tape King, and was often quoted as saying, “If it can’t be fixed, duck tape it.” He loved and cared for animals, usually inheriting them from his children. Mike was proud of over 40 years of sobriety, and always served as an example of a strong work ethic. Above all, Mike lived a life of Faith, and loved his family.
Mike is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sandy Sevenski; their children, Renee Sevenski, Michael John Sevenski II, Cami Sevenski, and Ryan (Dawn) Sevenski; he will be remembered as “Pa” by his grandchildren, Kelsey (Michael) Sailor, Konner Whitinger, Anna Marie Sevenski, and Steven Michael Sevenski; great-grandchildren, Michael and Ty Sailor; brother, Carl Sevenski; sisters, Sandra Eldred and Joyce (Larry) Cords; and brother-in-law, Arthur Montgomery.
He was predeceased by his brother, Richard Sevenski; sister, Carlyne Montgomery; brother-in-law, Lyle Eldred; and nephew, Mark Montgomery.
A Funeral Mass of Celebration was held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 3, 2019 at St. Mary Catholic Church, with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Vincent DePaul of Charlotte or Hospice of Lansing, 3186 Pinetree Rd., Lansing, MI 48911, hopsiceoflansing.org.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Michael on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Marilyn U. Ranshaw
Marilyn Uvon Ranshaw, a devoted farmer, wife, mother and grandmother, of Potterville, died Friday, April 26, 2019. Marilyn, 90, was born July 2, 1928 in Potterville, to Virgil and Lorene (Troyer) Fosket. On July 4, 1945, Marilyn, at the age 17 married her sweetheart, Robert Ranshaw and together spent the next 70 years creating their legacy. Their legacy consisted of the family farm. Each year they farmed vegetables and fruit. She devoted her entire life to her family, from working on the farm with her husband and sons, to cheering on her grandchildren during their sporting events. Even with high demand on the family, Marilyn and Robert were able to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with their family in Branson, Missouri. Marilyn was very strong in her faith, attending church and being involved with prayer groups. Above all Marilyn was most proud of her sons and her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Marilyn is survived by sons, Dick (Libby) Ranshaw, Larry (Diane) Ranshaw; grandchildren, Ryan, Chad, Clint (Normarie), Blake (Rebecca) Ranshaw; five great-grandchildren; siblings, Vernon (Joan) Fosket, Dianne Fulgum.
She was predeceased by her husband, Robert in 2015 and her parents.
Memorial services are Saturday, May 4, 2019, at 11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Keith Sova officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Friends are encouraged to support Marilyn’s family. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Hospice House of Mid-Michigan.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Marilyn on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.