Obituaries
Edward M. Breier
Edward M. Breier went home to be with our Lord on January 7, 2019. He was born in Lansing on September 28, 1941. He graduated from Eastern High School in January 1960 and finished one term at MSU.
Edward is survived by his wife, of 57 years, Cathleen; son, Stephen Breier; and daughter, Melissa (Keith) Springstead. He has six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He worked for Apco Inc. from 1960-1976 then started his own business, ACE Appliance, from 1976-1989. He started a new adventure, with his wife, Cathleen, as OTR drivers for Gainey Transportation out of Grand Rapids until 2004 when they retired. He worked, for a short time, for Advent House Ministries as a mentor for appliance repair. Ed was involved as a 4H leader and loved teaching children. He loved telling stories of his past and sharing his knowledge. You could always count on a smile and an occasional practical joke. Ed had a passion for creating new things out of old things. He was a great craftsman with stained glass and wood. Nothing was impossible. He believed you come into this world with only your name and you leave this world with only your name. That is why Ed believed in doing business with a handshake, with his word as his bond. He will be missed by many whom he met on his journey through life.
There will be no service as per his wishes. Cards are welcome and should be mailed to: Cathleen Breier, (C/O Melissa Springstead) PO Box 16, Woodland, MI 48897.
David A. DeFrates
David Arthur DeFrates, 79, of Charlotte, passed away Tuesday, January 8, 2019, at Hayes Green Beach Hospital in Charlotte. He was born March 3, 1939, in Indiana, the son of Arthur and Isabel (Kelly) DeFrates. Dave graduated from Charlotte High School in 1957. On December 12, 1959, he married Margaret Ann Kline. As many of Dave’s friends can attest, he was a walking encyclopedia. He loved knowledge and enjoyed sharing it with others. Dave was a charter member and past vice president of the International Coleman Collectors Club. He was instrumental in organizing and hosting their annual convention, which took place in Charlotte in 2014. He also served as president and was an active member of the Mid-Michigan Model A Club and the Gold Wing Road Riders Association. Dave was also currently serving on the Maple Hill Cemetery Association Board and was a member of the Eaton County Buck Club. Dave retired from GM in Lansing after many years of faithful service. He also enjoyed spending time outdoors, either snowmobiling, hunting, or fishing.
Dave is survived by daughter, Cheri DeFrates; best friend and companion, Joy Mogg; siblings, Doug DeFrates of California and Pat Humphrey of Arizona.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Margaret in 2011; brothers, Phillip DeFrates, and Mike DeFrates.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 14, 2019, at 11 a.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor John Bailey officiating. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte.
Those desiring may make contributions in Dave’s honor to the Charlotte Church of Christ, 64 Vansickle Drive, Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Dave’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Mary J. Wilcoxson
Mary Jeanette Wilcoxson, 74, of Charlotte, passed away Friday, December 21, 2018, at her home with her family by her side. She was born July 3, 1944 in Lansing, the daughter of Marvin and Mary (Parks) Henrys. Mary was a free spirit that lived life to the absolute fullest. She was passionate about having a good time no matter what her circumstances were. She enjoyed fishing, bowling, water skiing, and shopping. She was a fiercely devoted mother and grandmother. She loved spending time together with her family.
Mary is survived by her daughters, Michelle (Jim) Mead of Charlotte, Pamela (Brian) Wagner of Lansing, Sandra Patten of Lansing; grandchildren, Ryan (Lisa) Patten, Nikki Mead, Mallery Mead, Russell Bernheisel; great-grandchildren, Lily, Landon, Eli, Maci, Isabelle; brother, Norm (Loraine) Henrys; sisters-in-law, Sharon Henrys, Leah Henrys; and brother-in-law, Patrick McClain.
She was preceded in death by her parents; granddaughter, Melanie Posey; and siblings, Marvin “Bud” Henrys Jr., Patricia (George) Kirchmeier, Michael Jon Henrys, and Beverly McClain.
In keeping with Mary’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Mary’s honor to Grace Hospice, 2205 Jolly Rd., Okemos, MI 48864.
To view Mary’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Benjamin L. Hall
Benjamin Lee Hall, 80, of Alpena passed away Friday, December 21, 2018 at Medilodge-Alpena. Lee was born in Charlotte on January 23, 1938 to the late Theron and Stasia (Holcomb) Hall. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1957. He attended the University of Michigan, where he played football and graduated in 1962 with a bachelor’s degree in education. He went on to earn his master’s degree in mathematics from Boston College. He taught math at Alpena High School from 1964 until his retirement in 1999. He received the outstanding educator award twice, coached varsity football for many years and was inducted into the Michigan High School Hall of Fame in 2005. Lee was a member and served as an elder in the Community of Christ Church. He was a wonderful husband and father.
Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Sandra; four daughters, Lynn (Bob) Hollingshead, Heather (Jeff) Deitrick, Stephanie Hall, Blythe Morales; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brother, Dennis (Nancy) Hall; two sisters, Ellen Force, Gloria Armbrustmacher; several nieces and nephews.
Cremation arrangements have been handled by the Bannan Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held for family and friends at a later date.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Community of Christ Church or Alpena Boys and Girls Club.
Sandra L. Blodgett
Sandra Lee Blodgett, of Charlotte, a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, died Saturday, December 22, 2018. Sandra, 74, was born December 27, 1943, in Lansing to Vance Sr. and Evelyn (Moore) Disbrow. On September 26, 1970 Sandra married Dennis Blodgett and together created their legacy. Sandra was a member of the Chester Gospel Church. She devoted most of her time as a volunteer there teaching Sunday school and being the office secretary. Sandra was also very active with the Child Evangelist Fellowship. Her hobbies included reading, sewing in her early years, and spending time with her family.
Sandra is survived by her husband, Dennis; children, Michelle (Dan) Glover, David Blodgett; grandchildren, Roselynn (Tim) Corcoran, Peyton Burkhart; great-granddaughter, Ashlyn; sister, Judy (Ed) Volz; and many nieces and nephews.
Sandra is predeceased by her parents and brother, Vance Disbrow, Jr.
Funeral services were held Friday, December 28, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home, with pastors Marc Livingston and Dennis Weeks officiating.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Child Evangelist Fellowship.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Sandra on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.