Obituaries
Grover “Gil” Gilbert Jessen
Grover “Gil” Gilbert Jessen, a jack of all trades, passed away on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024. Gil, 80, was born on May 26, 1943, in Dallas, Texas, the son of Clarence John and Dorothy (Harvey) Jessen. In 1965, Gil enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1968 and he was awarded three Purple Hearts for his service towards his country. While at a party with his friend, Gil met Marilyn Bowden. His piercing blue eyes and being dressed in his military uniform won Marilyn’s heart. On April 12, 1969, the couple was married. Gil earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Medicine from Duke University. To this day he was an avid Duke Blue Devils fan. He worked for 55 plus years in the medical field as a Nuclear Medicine Tech.
Family meant the world to Gil. He loved playing, coaching, and officiating hockey. The family spent their summers at the family cottage on Houghton Lake. Later in his life Gil took up a passion for cooking alongside his daughter Missy. His love for the outdoors led to countless fishing and hunting adventures. Gil had a strong respect for different genres of music. He was an active member of the New Hope Community Church, devoting his life to the Lord, and loved reading his bible. Above all his biggest joy in life was being with his family.
Gil is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marilyn; children, John Jessen, and Melissa “Missy” Jessen; sister, Jan Marie Jessen. He was predeceased by his parents, and best friend, Joseph Schwartz.
Friends are encouraged to support Gil’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 12:00 Noon at the New Hope Community Church in Charlotte with Pastors Randy Royston and Victor Williams officiating. A visitation will be held just prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. until noon. There will be a luncheon following the service for a time of continuing fellowship. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to New Hope Community Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Jeffry Scott Stoecker
Jeffry Scott Stoecker, age 59 of Charlotte, Michigan, passed peacefully after a brief battle with cancer surrounded by family Friday April 5, 2024. Jeff was born May 1, 1964, to Donald and Patricia Stoecker. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1982. Jeff met the love of his life Norma June Stoecker in 1992 and began a long lasting and strong relationship in late April of the same year. The two were married June 29, 2001, and spent the years together building and nurturing a still growing family, that of which has become Jeff’s legacy. A soft-spoken man of wit, charm, and of the utmost integrity, possessing the biggest and warmest heart for all those he cared for would have done anything and everything to protect those he loved. Jeff chose to be a father where he was not obligated, ultimately adopting Norma’s two sons Michael and Levon later in their adult lives. Jeff and Norma also played a major role in the raising of their grandson Mathias. Jeff was an amazing father and loved raising the boys and teaching them to be men of integrity, kindness, and respect. He was so proud to give them his last name and provide the opportunities to continue his lineage and legacy, though not through heredity, but through the qualities he lovingly instilled in all three whom have and will continue to be the men he raised them to be.
Jeff worked at the Eaton County Governmental Complex in the Physical Plant as a master problem solver where there were few things he could not fix or issues he could not resolve. He enjoyed working with his hands and helping to keep the facilities operational and in tip top condition. Jeff retired from the county in 2019 and spent the years that followed gardening and helping with the educational development of his granddaughters Aubree, Emery, and Islie, of whom he utterly adored.
Jeff is survived by his life partner and wife of a combined total 32 years Norma Stoecker; parents, Donald and Patricia Stoecker; sister, Vicki (David) Wickens; sons, Michael (Karissa) Stoecker of Vermontville, Levon (Samantha Boucher, fiancé) Stoecker of Grand Ledge; grandsons, Mathias Stoecker and Roarke Hammond; granddaughters, Aubree Roth, Emery Stoecker, and Islie Stoecker; best furry friend “Cat” AKA Snickerdoodle; aunts, Cindy (Leonard) Maybee, Sharon (Doug) Hildreth; uncles Gerald (Denice) Stoecker, Cliff (Cathy) Carey II; cousins, Scott (Andrea) Stoecker and their daughter Elena, Debbie (Darrin) Gray, Cliff Carey III, Amy (Dave) Bowman, and Alex Hildreth; and many other friends and family members.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Theodore “Ted” and Alice Stoecker, Clifford and Esther Carey, and Agnes Carey; nephews, Curtis Harris and Cody Wickens; and cousin, Brian Hildreth.
The family would like to express a most sincere thank you to Dr. Weiss as well as the staff of the Oncology Department of 5 West at Sparrow Hospital of Lansing. Most specifically we owe a debt of gratitude and appreciation to Naomi, Jess, Jeanette, Alexa, Kelly, Desean, and Esha and Dr. Clouse whose combined kindnesses made our difficult journey as bearable and comfortable for Jeff and every one of us. He would have told you all that you were 5-star rockstars.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop celebrating. The family received friends on Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Needmore Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers or financial contributions, the family requests that donations be made to the St. Judes Children’s Hospital in Jeff’s name or a tree be planted in his memory.
To view Jeff’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Gordon Karl Davis
Gordon Karl Davis, a respected and beloved member of the Charlotte community, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2024, at the age of 88. Gordon was born on November 6, 1935, in Lansing, Michigan. Gordon loved to learn and was very creative. He is Deeply Loved and Missed by his family and close friends.
He was very proud to have completed eight years of trade school. He proudly served his country as a member of the United State Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. His service was a testament to the values he held dear throughout his life. Gordon also served his community through his career as the owner and operator of his own Auctioneer business.
Gordon’s involvement in his community was heartfelt and deeply important to him. He was a life member of the Paralyzed Veterans of America Chapter #13, the 1st Marine Division Association, the Marine Corp League of Lansing, D.A.V. Capital City Chapter #8, Charlotte American Legion Post #42, Charlotte VFW Post #2406, Eagles of Charlotte, and the Silver Star Member of the Michigan Sheriff’s Association. He also supported the VFW National Home of Eaton Rapids, the Michigan Auctioneers Association, and the National Auctioneers Association #3551.
Gordon is survived by his children, Cindy Davis-Brown, son-in-law, Bob Brown, Teresa Brace and son-in-law Ken, and Richard Davis. He was also blessed with one granddaughter, two grandsons, and one great grandson. He is also survived by one brother, Fred and sister-in-law Katy.
Gordon is preceded in death by his mother, Alberta Davis and father Carl. He is also preceded in death by three sisters, and one brother.
A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held at Oakwood Cemetery, Grand Ledge on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. Cremation has taken place. The family has entrusted arrangements to Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, Grand Ledge.
Patrick O’Howard Mahan
Patrick O’Howard Mahan, 86, of Charlotte, Michigan passed away on March 20, 2024, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing.
He was born on July 21, 1937, to Frank and Helen (Smith) Mahan in Mt. Pleasant, MI. Pat graduated from Charlotte High School, class of 1956, then very, proudly served in The United States Marine Corps from 1956 – 1958. Following his military service, he began his 30-year career with Owens Illinois Glass Plant, retiring as foreman. Some years later, following the death of wife, Kathryn, he married Martha Hamilton on August 24, 2013, at the Charlotte First Baptist Church and enjoyed a beautiful life together.
Pat attended the First Baptist Church of Charlotte for many years; enjoyed golf and played in the church golf league. He was a life member of the Masons.
Patrick is survived by his loving wife, Marti; son, Shane Mahan of CA; son, Chris Mahan of FL; daughter, Gail (Terry) Geach of AZ; Mark (Donna) Barnett of GA; step-sons, Larry (Michelle) Hamilton of Jackson, MI, Don (Jennifer) Hamilton of Marshall, MI; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Katheryn (Gene) Thorndyke-Reppuhn of Olivet, MI; sister-in-law, Janet Mahan of Bellevue, MI; as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by parents; previous wife, Kathryn Mahan; brother, Chuck Mahan, and a nephew.
Per Pat’s wishes cremation has taken place through the care of Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, Michigan, 49068. Please join Pat’s family for a committal service with military honors which will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 19, 2024, at Fort Custer National Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Road, Augusta, MI 49012, with Pastor Pete Kroll, officiating. Please arrive at Fort Custer between 10:45 – 10:55 a.m. We will gather in the staging lanes to the right after turning into the cemetery.
A Celebration of Life will take place following the committal service, at First Baptist Church, 1110 S. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813 beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions are suggested to First Baptist Church, in person, by mail, or on their website at https://www.fbcchar.org/give . Also, please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.
Matthew “Matt” Allen Siple
Matthew Siple
Matthew “Matt” Allen Siple, 32 of Vermontville, beloved family man and “Mr. Mom,” died April 1, 2024. Matt was born June 20, 1991, in Charlotte to Mark Siple and Patricia (Hewitt) Brunke. Matt was able to be a stay-at-home dad, spending lots of time with his girls, while he learned about botany and gardening. Loyal, determined, and with a fierce love for those close to him, Matt enjoyed life and enriching the lives of those around him. Music of almost any kind, and the louder the better, was something he enjoyed. Some of the other things he enjoyed over the years include hunting, playing football and floor hockey, and watching football. Matt was very proud of turning his life around, going from a troubled young person transforming into the man he was today.
Matt is survived by the love of his life and mother of his children, Jessica Bernheisel; daughters, Kennedy Evyr, and Ember; mother, Patricia Brunke; brothers, Ben Shepherd and Vincent (Sarah) Shepherd; grandmother, Lois Siple; uncles, Dan (Lisa) Siple, Mike (Michele) Siple, Marty (Linda) Hewitt, Bob (Nancy) Hewitt, Bill Hewitt, Clare (Pat) Hewitt; aunt, Janice (Chris) Crane; mother-in-law, Dana (Norm) Aspinall; brothers and sisters-in-law, Josh (Jamie) Bernheisel, Samantha (Jake) Brinkman, Amanda (Chuck) Riegler; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his dad, Mark Siple; and grandparents, Bob Siple, Beverly Yeck, and Merle Hewitt.
Friends are encouraged to support Matt’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Tuesday, April 9, 5-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Wednesday, April 10, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the family for his daughters. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte