Obituaries
Frederick W. Grove
Dr. Frederick W. Grove, MD, of Eaton Rapids passed away February 24, 2020, at his home. Fred was born April 18, 1945, in Ontario, Canada, to the late Frederick G. and Kathleen M. (Cluney) Grove. Fred graduated from Utica High School, where he was a talented athlete setting several school records in track and field. He went on to attend the University of Michigan, graduating with a Doctorate of Medicine. Fred was a general practitioner and was associated with Hayes Green Beach and Eaton and Springport Medical Centers. He was a diehard U of M fan and loved to watch football and basketball. He enjoyed reading, learning about history and considered himself an amateur astronomer. He had a telescope since he was in high school and was referred to as “Dr. Starman” by many. He was also an avid gardener and enjoyed cooking, especially different kinds of soup. Fred looked forward to traveling to Northern Ontario to canoe and fish with his Uncle Terry, with whom he was very close. He looked forward to attending his granddaughter’s soccer games and connecting with his friends at the Hotel Tavern in Springport. Fred will be remembered for his generosity to his family and friends.
He is survived by his daughter, Sandra (Scott) Dillon, granddaughter, Aleigha Sutton; and siblings, Linda (Peter Korch) Grove and Dave Grove.
A memorial gathering with a potluck will be held Sunday, March 15, 2020, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Eaton Rapids Senior Center, 201 Grand St. in Eaton Rapids. Arrangements by the Holihan-Atkin-Barclay Funeral Home, Grand Ledge. Memorial contributions may be given to the family to be used according to their wishes. Share your memories and condolences online at holihanatkin.com.
William Papranec
William Papranec, age 85, of Eaton Rapids passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2020. William was born on June 24, 1934, in Chicago, the son of Joseph and Amalia (Skrip) Papranec, Sr. He moved with his family to Charlotte in the 1930s, where they operated a dairy farm. William graduated from Charlotte High School in 1953 and went on to attend MSU before enlisting into the United States Air Force. He returned to Michigan, where he went to work as an airplane mechanic working for Marshall and Big Rapids airports. He eventually returned to Eaton Rapids to raise his family and work on the dairy farm. William’s talents for fixing things stretched well beyond airplanes. He could come up with a simple solution to almost any problem. He loved to travel, especially to Alaska where he enjoyed hunting and traveling the countryside. William was an excellent story teller and extremely out-going; he could strike up a conversation with anyone he came across.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Joseph Papranec, Jr. and Paul Papranec.
Surviving are his children, Adam (Crystal) Papranec, Andy Papranec, Heidi (Matt) Williams, Heather (Brian) Lewis; grandchildren, Trent (Elizabeth) Hurd, Barrett Papranec, Gabrielle (Collin) Smith, Marcus Papranec, Grace Papranec, Caleb Williams, A.J. Papranec, Clara Williams; great-grandchildren, Tucker Hurd, Carson Hurd, Harper Smith and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
A graveside service will be held at noon on Saturday, March 7, 2020, at Brickyard Cemetery in Eaton Rapids Township. The family will receive friends at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids at 11 a.m. for processional to the cemetery. Immediately following the graveside service, a luncheon will be hosted at the Charlotte Pentecostal Church of God. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent Catholic Charities in memory of William. To share memories or condolences, visit skinnerfuneralhomes.com.
Carrie L. Blanchard
Carrie Louise Blanchard, age 72, of Eaton Rapids (formerly of Onondaga), went to be with her Lord and Savior on February 17, 2020. Carrie was born in Lansing on November 24, 1947, the daughter of Charles and Arlene (Doxtador) Higelmire.
She worked several years at Eaton Stamping and Ole School Apartments in Eaton Rapids. She enjoyed cooking and watching her grandchildren.
Carrie is survived by her husband, Franklin James Blanchard; daughter, Tia (Jason) Bartley of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Amber Bartley of Eaton Rapids, Erica (Brandon) Holt of Grand Rapids; great-grandson, Cavan Bartley of Eaton Rapids; brothers, Dennis (Sue) Higelmire of
Onondaga, David (Linda) Higelmire of Rives Junctions and Steve (Kathy) Higelmire of Three Rivers. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Charles Higelmire Jr.
A Celebration of Life will be held 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2020, at Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Carrie. Online condolences may be placed at millsfuneral.com.
Joyce E. Yerxa
Joyce Elane Yerxa, age 86, of Farmersville, Ill., and formerly of Eaton Rapids, went home to be with her Lord on Monday, February 24, 2020. Joyce was born on the Twichell family farm in Eaton Rapids on April 12, 1933, the daughter of Joseph and Esther (Gardner) Twichell. She was raised in Eaton Rapids, where she graduated from high school in the class of 1951. Although Joyce primarily stayed at home raising her children and taking care of the family, she did spend time working at Lansing General Hospital, Eaton Rapids Woolen Mill and Ivy Manor Nursing Home. She was a talented crocheter and tater who made beautiful pieces and learned her craft because of her Auntie Rose Ribby. Joyce was also a devout Christian and a longtime member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Girard, Ill. Joyce had a nourishing but playful personality; she was always there to take care of a family member or friend in need but also loved to play practical jokes and roughhouse with her grandchildren. Above all, Joyce was a beloved mother, grandmother and mother-in-law who adored her family and the time she spent with them.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Melvin Yerxa; siblings, Virginia Purvis, Ron Twichell, Ruth Foster, Raymond Twichell, Janet Smith-Allman and several nieces and nephews.
Surviving are her daughter, Pamela (Ronald) Morrow; son, Steven (Rose) Yerxa; grandchildren, Erica (Chris) Hughes, Becky Welsh, Patrick Morrow, Jason (Amanda) Burgess, William (Lindsi) Morrow, Steven Morrow, Joe (Kristie) Yerxa, Cecil Yerxa, Andre Simmons-Holt, 24 great-grandchildren and numerous extended family and friends.
Funeral services were scheduled for 1 p.m. on Friday, February 28, 2020, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel, with visitation starting at noon. Burial will be immediately following at Rosehill Cemetery, along with a reception at the Eaton Rapids Conservation Club located at 4483 Freeman Rd. in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Dementia Society of America. To share memories or leave condolences, visit skinnerfuneralhomes.com.
Stanley D. Black
Stanley Dail Black, age 76, of Eaton Rapids was carried into heaven by the arms of angels on February 19, 2020. Stan was born in Allegan, Mich., on March 23, 1943, the son of Delbert and Agnes (Staley) Black.
Stan graduated from Olivet High School and attended Jackson Community College. He proudly served his country with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Stan retired from the Michigan State Police after 29 years, serving at five posts during his career. He was a member of the state police pistol team, the American Legion and St. Peter Catholic Church. Stan enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, cutting wood, biking and traveling with his wife and good friends.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Martha Black; sisters, Ardeth (Gaylord) Harris of Olivet, Margot Benham of Ariz.; Stan was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Wilma Black. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, February 25, 2020, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Eaton Rapids, with Fr. George Puthenpeedika officiating. Interment followed in Rosehill Cemetery. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to St. Vincent DePaul Charities or the American Cancer Society. To place online condolences, visit millsfuneral.com.