Obituaries
Thomas Neil Stanke
Thomas Neil Stanke, a generous neighbor that would give you the shirt off his back, died unexpectedly on Saturday, October 26, 2019, at home. Tom, 63, of Charlotte, was born October 8, 1956, in Charlotte to Raymond and Mary (Clarke) Stanke. He graduated from Charlotte High School and remained in Charlotte, working on the family farm, for his entire life. He enjoyed talking with his neighbors, cutting wood, taking care of his many barn cats and farming; the family farm was 200 acres. He was a big supporter and former member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) in Charlotte. His family fondly reminisced that “Tom was Tom,” right to the very end.
Tom is survived by his siblings, Lynn A. (Cindy) Stanke, and Bonnie S. (Pete) Raut; nieces and nephews, Mike (Katy) Stanke, Brad (Jen) Stanke, Christie (Nate) Omo, Joshua (Kayla) Raut, Kathryn Raut; and eight great-nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents.
A Celebration of Life was held on Thursday, October 31, at the Chester Township Hall. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Charlotte FFA Alumni Scholarship Fund. Friends and family are asked to share memories of Tom on his Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.
Michael D. Root
Michael Dee Root, a devoted husband, father and grandfather, died Sunday, October 27, 2019. Michael, 69, of Vermontville, was born December 27, 1949, in Charlotte to Cedric and Kathleen Root. A supervisor at General Motors, Mike was well-respected by everyone he worked with. In addition to his job at GM, Mike enjoyed farming and traveled every year to Mackinaw City for a farm tractor parade. His kids always had to help on the farm, especially the dreaded springtime rock-picking from the fields. Family was very important to Mike. No matter how busy he was, he always found time for his children, and then his grandchildren, attending their events and being there, supporting them in all their activities. He also served as the Chester Township Clerk for several years, as well as being an active member of the Charlotte Church of Christ. After his retirement, he enjoyed spending more time traveling, both to Florida and the Western parts of the U.S. He could often be found watching sports and, as a true Michiganian, he enjoyed the Lions, Tigers and Michigan State Spartans events.
Mike is survived by his wife of 50 years, Vicki; children Lance Root, Dawn (Chad) Crandell, Laura Medina, Jamie Wiggs, and Matthew (Micheala) Root; 12 grandchildren; his siblings, Cindy (Dennis) Walker, Bill (Vickie) Root, and Jim (Evelyn) Root; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial services were held Wednesday, October 30, at the Charlotte Church of Christ. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Maple Valley Scholarship Fund. Friends and family are asked to share memories of Mike on his Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Barbara Jean Putman
Barbara Jean Putman, a spiritual and devoted Baptist, died peacefully on Wednesday, October 23, 2019. Barbara, 79, of Charlotte was born February 17, 1940, to Herbert and Annie Seals. On February 17, 1955, Barbara married Jerry Putman and started their family together. Barbara devoted her life to her family and her church.
Barbara is survived by her children, Dennis (Tracy) Putman, Donald Putman, Patricia (Bruce) Cotter, Elizabeth Wolcott, Jerrie (Jeffery) App; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild that is due next month. She was predeceased by her husband, parents and five siblings.
A memorial service was held on October 25, 2019, at the Calvary Baptist Church in Charlotte with Pastor Mark Booth officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Calvary Baptist Church. Friends and family are asked to share memories of Barbara on her Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Richard L. Andreau
Richard “Rick” L. Andreau, age 58, of Lake Odessa, passed away Sunday afternoon, October 27, at home. Rick was born on May 27, 1961, in Lansing, the son of Kosta and Doris (Smith) Andreau. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School with the Class of 1979. Rick’s pastimes included camping, riding his Harley and spending time with his grandkids. He was always the first to offer help to any one in need of it, however not so quick to accept help.
Rick will be remembered by his wife, Jill, his dear children, Stacy and Rob Bryson and Eric and Andrea Andreau; three grandsons, Bobby, Porter and Donald Bryson, who affectionately referred to Rick as ‘Baa. The three grandsons were Baa’s world. He is also survived by his mother, Doris Andreau; his mother-in-law, Bernie Goodemoot; siblings, Jeff and Sandy Waldron and Alex and Maggie Andreau; in-laws, Jim and Chery Valentine, Kyle and Marilyn Goodemoot, and Randy and Doni Nurenberg and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Kosta Andreau; father-in-law, Donald Goodemoot; and brother, Chris and twin brother, Nick Andreau and his beloved dog, Bristol.
Private services will be held at a later time. For additional information, contact Verdun Family Funeral Home in Belding at (616) 794-1300 or at www.verdunfh.com.
Walter Daniel Ottney
Walter Daniel Ottney — our wonderful husband, father, grandfather, papa, and friend to many — passed from this earth October 28, 2019, at the age of 79. Walter was born June 6, 1940, in a small farmhouse on Spicerville Highway just outside of Charlotte, the son of Daniel and Lilly (Little) Ottney. On October 21, 1961, Walter married Judith K. Davis at the First Congregational Church in Charlotte. Walter and Judy began their lives together and would raise their daughter and two sons in the very same house he was born in. Walter had a passion for building life with his hands and imagination. He never had something done that he could or would do himself. Simply put, Walter took care of people. He did the right thing above all else and made sure at the end of the day it was done right. Because if it wasn’t, he could not go to bed until it was corrected. His legacy is carried on through those who survive him and possess the same tenacity for life and hard work as he did. Walter’s love for a good Clint Eastwood movie was second to none. He enjoyed family, friends and the many wonderful memories that they created together.
Walter is survived by his wife of 58 years, Judith; sons: Jimmy (Monica Nichols) Ottney, Slade (Jill) Ottney; daughter, Kristina (Allen) Bland; grandchildren: Jessica (Chris) Bouvier, Tyler (Alexanna McKessy) Bland, Kylie Ottney, Ashley Wilkins; great grandchildren: Logan Bouvier, Carson Bouvier, James Ottney, Amare Ottney.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2019, at 2 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Bosworth Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Walter’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10001.
To view Walter’s obituary online, or to leave a condolence for the family, visit www.burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.