Obituaries
David L. Halsey
David Lee “Hap” Halsey, age 84, a man who should have been born in the old Wild West, died on February 24, 2020. Hap was born March 7, 1935, in Eaton County to Elmer C. and Rena M. (Scott) Halsey. He grew up in the rural Gresham area, helping on Don Hale’s farm down the road. He applied many skills learned working along with him to those jobs he held throughout his lifetime.
He was a proud, independent man always willing to help others. He could do anything he set his mind to — including welding, carpentry and mechanics — and was a helpful expert while helping others with projects they were working on. He was a gifted storyteller and loved to share stories. His years as a truck driver at Crandell Trucking led him to be an informal foreman and jack of all trades. He not only loved to watch old western movies but had an extensive gun collection. Hap and his wife Gerry loved spending time together at Platte Lake, where the pair built their family cottage. The couple shared a very strong and close relationship. They were meant for each other. Their partnership in running the household was very efficient. He brought the check home, and she handled the family business with an “iron fist.” She made Hap promise to let her go first, and she did. Geraldine passed away March 27, 2019. He was very close to his granddaughter, and recently took a road trip to Colorado to visit her, as well as his great-granddaughter and great-grandson.
David is survived by his children, David R. Halsey, Douglas E. Halsey, Daniel L. Halsey; grandchildren, Greg, Patrick, Joseph and Erica Cicchinelli; and two great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Geraldine and his parents.
The family will have a graveside service for Hap and Gerry at Woodlawn Cemetery on Saturday, March 7, 2020, at 11 a.m., with a reception to follow at the Eaton Area Senior Center, 804 S. Cochran Ave. in Charlotte. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Hap on his tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Arley L. Nelson
Arley Leland Nelson, age 94, of Charlotte passed away Thursday, February 27, 2020. He was born September 8, 1925, in Grand Junction, Colo., the son of Fred and Laura (Dorothy) Nelson. He enlisted in the United States Army. Arley faithfully served his country in World War II and the Korean Conflict. Upon his return from WWII, Arley married the love of his life, Phyllis Jean Andrews, on January 18, 1947, in San Diego. Arley was a terrific family man. He loved each and every member of his family with a deep devotion. He had a passion for music. Whether he was directing his dance band, participating in barbershop groups or singing in church, Arley loved them all. Arley owned and operated H and R Block in Charlotte for many years. He was proud of his community and served in many different capacities over the years. Arley was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and served in many leadership callings within the church. He will always be remembered by those who knew him as being an all-around great man.
Arley is survived by his wife of 73 years, Phyllis; children: Cheryl (Jay) Hanger of West Jordan, Utah, Val (Carolyn) Nelson of Charlotte, Kevin (Jeanene) Nelson of Gunnison, Colo.; 15 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Walter Nelson.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Those desiring, may make contributions in Arley’s memory to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Humanitarian Fund. To view Arley’s obituary online, or to leave a condolence for the family, visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
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.