Obituaries
Ronald Johnson
Ronald Johnson, 75, passed away Friday, November 16, 2018 in his home in Okemos. He will be sorely missed by his loving family and friends. Ron will be remembered for his dark, witty sense of humor along with his dedication to his family. He was a musical genius (borderline fanatic) who never left home without his camera. A beloved brother, uncle, father and grandfather he was also a devoted animal lover whose kindness and gentle soul enriched all who knew him.
Ron graduated from Charlotte High School in 1961. While attending MSU, he joined Phi Sigma Kappa and earned his B.A. in 1965. In 1967 he was drafted into the Naval Reserves at Great Lakes and served as Company Clerk 2nd Class Petty Officer until the Vietnam war ended. In 1976, he earned a Master of Public Administration degree from WMU, which led to a career working for the State as an Assistant Director in the Department of Social Services.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, John (J.D.) and Sybil Johnson, along with numerous aunts, uncles and grandparents.
Ron is survived by his sister, Janice Wiltshire of Charlotte; his sons Jeffrey Johnson Hall (Rebecca) of Charlotte, Chris Johnson (Rebecca) of Grand Rapids and daughter Rebecca Johnson (Ben) of Berkeley. He is also survived by seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a host of aunts, uncles, nephews, cousins and friends.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date, please check dignitymemorial.com for updates.
Ron respectfully requests six Michigan State athletes as pallbearers so the Spartans can let him down one last time.
In lieu of flowers contributions be made to, AFFEW (A Few Friends for the Environment of the World) affew.org PO Box 177 Ludington 49431…Another would be his church…People’s Church 115 W. Loomis St. Ludington, or The Ludington Area Center for the Arts 107 S. Harrison, Ludington.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at greastlansing.com for the Johnson family.
Gary L. Stults
Gary Lee Stults, 74, of Bellevue, a maintenance man who could fix or build anything, was taken from us by the only thing in his life he couldn’t fix on Sunday, November 18, 2018, at his home with his family by his side. He was born April 18, 1944 in Charlotte, the son of Paul and Erma (Walters) Stults. Gary graduated from Charlotte High School. He retired after many years of service from Care-Free General Aluminum Products in Charlotte. Gary enjoyed hunting, working on cars in his shop, and demolition derby. He was a math genius and could figure out any formula or problem. He was a passionate family man, who was especially fond of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Gary is survived by his loving wife, Yvonne; children, Jeff (Carla) Stults of Lake Odessa, Jerry Bracy of Battle Creek, Laura (Russ) Crosslan of Bellevue, Vicki (Dominic) Stasi of Florida; grandchildren: Scott (Jessica) Stults, Brooke Bracy, Kerstin (Chris) Smith, Olivia Rushmore, RJ Crosslan, Jakob Crosslan, Jenna Stasi, Gauge Linn; great-grandchildren, Chyenne Stults, Scott Stults Jr., Madison Stults, Jaylinn Smith, Colton Smith, and a baby Smith due in May; siblings, Joan (Dave) Harris, Jean (Paul) Dodds, Ken Stults, Bob Stults; stepsister, Paula Wylie; stepbrothers, Craig Wylie and Mark Wylie; half-sister, Eileen Stults; and in-laws, Lyle and Shirley Royston.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Melvin Royston; and sister-in-law, Diane Stults.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, November 21, 2018, at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. Interment took place at Bosworth Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Gary’s honor to the charity of their choice.
To view Gary’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Sterling W. Treadwell
Sterling Wood Treadwell, 98, died peacefully with his daughter by his side on November 15, 2018, in Sturgis. It is fitting he should enter heaven on the first day of hunting season, and the day after his beloved wife would have celebrated her 99th birthday.
Sterling was born September 16, 1920 in Olivet, the second son of Leo Ray and Bertha Ophelia (Wood) Treadwell. As a boy, Sterling developed a deep-rooted connection to the family farm and a profound appreciation of nature. He grew up in a three-generation household, a house in which he lived nearly all of his life, rarely leaving. Sterling married Arlouene Marie Furu in 1938, and the two cared for his parents while raising their two children, Rosalie and Lawrence, on the homestead. Throughout the years, Sterling and Arlouene demonstrated to generations of their family the values of hard work, honesty, and love. Together they attended Lee Center United Methodist Church as faithful members, raised a beautiful flower and vegetable garden, enjoyed camping across the United States, and hosted countless family functions on their Centennial farm. They were truly life partners and were married 66 years at the time of Arlouene’s death in 2004.
When he wasn’t listening to Straus Waltzes while plowing the fields with his John Deere, he worked full time in Charlotte at Wertz Implement. As a skilled tractor mechanic, he developed a reputation throughout the county for good service and was eventually elevated to Service Manager. After 25 years at Wertz, he retired in 1974 and dedicated the rest of his time to farming. After his retirement, many farmers sought him out for his mechanical expertise. Sterling enjoyed hunting on the farm and was an avid reader. He had a keenly sharp intellect, maintaining his quick wit and sense-of-humor right to the end.
Sterling is survived by his daughter, Rosalie (Leonard) Eishen of Sturgis; granddaughters, Lori (Joseph) Pray of Charlotte, and Robin (fiancé David Morris) Porter of Royal Oak and Sturgis, respectively; grandsons, Eric (Chandre) Eishen of Bronson, and Chad Treadwell of Claremont, Calif.; 11 great-grandchildren; three great great-grandchildren and two more expected soon; and niece, Gwen (David) Shoff of Lee Lake, Mich.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Arlouene Marie Treadwell; son, Lawrence Lee Treadwell; grandson, Lawrence Lee Treadwell II; and brother, Clifton Treadwell.
Funeral services were held Monday, November 19, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Rev. Dr. James M. Gysel officiating. Interment took place in Lee Center Cemetery in Lee Township.
Memorial contributions may be made to Lee Center Methodist Church or Thurston Woods in Sturgis, where Sterling received excellent care in his final year.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Sterling on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Barbara J. Dahlem
Barbara Jane Dahlem, 80, of Eaton Rapids, passed away Monday, November 19, 2018. She was born May 17, 1938 in Battle Creek, the daughter of David and Nora (Baker) Sumption. Barb graduated from Olivet High School on May 31, 1956. On June 1, 1956, she married the love of her life Charles L. Dahlem. Barb was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved spending time together with her family. In her spare time Barb enjoyed bowling and tending to her roses.
She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Charles; children, Nolita (Darrell) Cameron of Columbia, Tenn., Carol (Marion) Schlyer of Bellevue, Darlene Hendrickson of Eaton Rapids, Neal (Alice) Dahlem of Olivet; 12 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and sister, Viola Armstead.
Barb was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers; and three sisters.
In keeping with Barb’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date.
Those desiring may make contributions in Barb’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association.
To view Barb’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Thomas S. Vedder
Thomas S. Vedder, 91, of Grand Blanc, formerly of Olivet, passed away Tuesday, November 13, 2018. He was born January 3, 1927, in Avon Lake, Ohio, the son of Sherman and Wilma (Barrett) Vedder. Tom went on to honorably serve his country as a Radio Man Second Class in the United States Navy in the Pacific Theater during WWII. Upon his return from the war he was hired as the Post Master in Olivet. One day Tom met a young lady that had come to Olivet to teach at the elementary school. Little did he realize that this beautiful girl would become his wife. On March 28, 1953, Tom married the love of his life Alberta J. Donnelly. Tom was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Both he and Alberta made many sacrifices throughout the years for their family. It was a priority of his to see to it that all of his children had the opportunity to attend and graduate from college. Tom loved nothing more than to be together with his entire family, especially during the holidays. They also enjoyed many wonderful times together at their cottage on Torch Lake. In Tom’s spare time he enjoyed UofM sports, NASCAR, trips to Vegas, and a good glass of champagne. He also served as a timer for the Olivet High School track team for over 10 years. Tom retired from Olivet Machine Tool Engineering Company after 30 years of service.
Tom is survived by his children, Jim (Diane) Vedder of Grand Ledge, Steve (Lisa) Vedder of Grand Rapids, Michael (Lori) Vedder of Grand Blanc, Sandy (Brad) Boyer of Saline; grandchildren, Ian (Ashley Palenkas) Vedder, Kristin (Tony) Robinson, Kelsey Szpara, Breana (Daniel) Jackson, Madison Vedder; great-grandchildren, Josephine Szpara, Everlee Robinson, Ryland Vedder, Jameson Szpara, Elliott Jackson, Wesleigh Jackson; and siblings, Richard (Annette) Vedder, Jane Jones.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Alberta, in 1994; and sister, Phyllis Windiate, in 2018.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 17, 2018, at 11 a.m. at Olivet Congregational Church, with Rev. Jack Brown officiating. The family received friends on Friday, November 16, 2018, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will take place at Bosworth Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contribution in Tom’s memory to the Fern Persons Elementary School Library Book Fair Fund, 4425 W. Butterfield Hwy., Olivet, MI 49076.
To view Tom’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.