Obituaries
Marian Marie Arendash
Marian Marie Arendash, a hard worker with a quiet temperament and sweet smile, passed away on August 16, 2025. Marian, 91, of Charlotte was born June 27, 1934 in Ionia County. She was the daughter of Elva (Peggy) Burton, who passed when she was three. Marian was raised by her maternal grandmother, Marie Larsen. Marian was a graduate of Ionia High School. In 1959 she married Luke Paul Arendash and in 1984 they moved from Gladstone to Charlotte. Marian was the wife of a Michigan State Trooper, a dedicated homemaker and worked as a medical transcriptionist while living in Gladstone and at Hayes Green Beach Hospital in Charlotte.
Marian loved reading, bird watching, baking brownies and pies, and physical fitness. She was always out walking, and her winters were spent traveling to Arizona and Florida. She was very devoted to her family and to her Catholic faith. Above all she was most proud of her family.
Marian is survived by her husband of 66 years Luke; daughter, Teresa (Richard) Znidarsic, Luke (Kathy) Arendash; grandchildren, Erin (Spencer Jackson) Verscheure, Justin Verscheure, and Mary Beth (Kyle) Arendash. She was preceded in death by her grandmother; parents; and brother, Larry Burton.
Friends are welcome to support Marian’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Rosary service took place on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte followed by a visitation from 10-11 a.m. Funeral services were Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 11 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Interment will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Mary Catholic Church, Advisa Care Hospice, or Sensations Memory Care. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Linda Diane Loveless
Linda Diane Loveless, age 72 of Charlotte, Michigan, formerly of Charlevoix, Michigan, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025 in Lansing, Michigan after a short battle with cancer. Linda was born on May 4, 1953 to Ward and Barb (Wyble) Loveless. Linda graduated from Olivet High School with the Class of 1971.
Throughout her life, she displayed a remarkable talent and passion for working with her hands, particularly in woodworking and painting. Her journey through life was spent serving others with her talents. She spent countless hours helping family and friends with interior painting and house projects, ensuring the project met the high standard she held for herself and her work.
Linda loved all of her family and especially cherished her role as aunt and godmother. She truly enjoyed time with family whether it be making fudge during the holidays, mushrooming in the Spring or camping and fishing in Canada in the summer.
She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Linda is survived by her three siblings, Larry (Julie) Loveless, Lori Sedlar, and Lyle Loveless; nieces and nephews, Terry (Sally) Sedlar, Chad (Jennifer) Loveless, Marcus Loveless, Kassi (Nich) Dennany, Brad Hoeve, Jason (Christy) Becker; great nieces and nephews, Damien Loveless, Mycaela (Rylan) Ducheney, Tori Sedlar; great-great niece, Presley Ducheney; and many friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Ward and Barb Loveless; paternal grandparents, Forest and Bernice Loveless, and maternal grandparents, Clayton and Goldie Wyble.
A graveside memorial with family was held at Bosworth Cemetery in Olivet on Sunday, August 17, 2025.
Memorial contributions in Linda’s memory may be made to Hospice of Lansing, 3411 Stoneleigh Dr. Lansing, MI. 48910.
To view Linda’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Jeffry Todd Lundeen
Jeffry Todd Lundeen, age 62, of Central Lake, MI, formerly of Charlotte, MI, was called home by our Lord on Friday, August 8, 2025. He passed at home with his loving mother at his side.
He “Went All In” while playing his final hand and got busted on the river with cancer and he was a warrior until the very end.
Jeff was born on July 16, 1963; one of two sons to William (Bill) and Cecelia (Osborne) Lundeen. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1981 where he played on the varsity golf team and finished tied fourth in his class with a GPA of 3.98. Jeff then enrolled in the Professional Golf Management Program at Ferris State University where he graduated in 1986 with a B.S. degree in business (PGM/Marketing) and was a member of the PGA.
Jeff was employed as an assistant golf pro over the next 20 plus years at the Legend/Summit and Cedar River golf courses at Shanty Creek in Bellaire, MI and had a golf club repair business on the side. After having his fill of pay cutting shenanigans, Jeff got out of the golf business and went to work for the Village of Central Lake DPW, for the last 13 years, until his retirement this past April 2025.
Jeff had a special bond with his collies: Milo and Remi. He loved the outdoors; morel hunting, hunting, especially bow hunting deer, ice fishing, trout fishing, rock hunting on Lake Superior, and treasure hunting via his metal detector. He enjoyed the Lundeen’s annual bowhunting and trout fishing camps. Jeff was an excellent woodworker and enjoyed playing cards; Poker and Peanuts, playing golf, shooting pool, bowling, working crossword puzzles, playing Scrabble and was a whiz at trivia games. He enjoyed watching MSU sports, NCAA tourney, Detroit Tigers and Lions.
Jeff is preceded in death by his father Willam “Bill” Lundeen. He is survived by his mother Cecelia Lundeen of Clare, MI; brother Ron (Cheryl) Lundeen of Manton, MI; nephew Mark Lundeen of Branch, MI; niece Courtney (Jimmy) Winkleblack; and great-niece Lucy Lundeen of Holland, MI; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Special thanks to the visiting Hospice nurses for the care they provided. Additionally, Jeff’s family wishes to thank Jeff’s friend, Chris Duff, for his unwavering support during Jeff’s final hours.
Per Jeff’s request, cremation has taken place at Mortensen Funeral Home. No services will be held at this time. His family will be discussing the best ways to honor Jeff’s wishes for his final resting place.
Arthur William Groner
Arthur “Art” William Groner, 87, of Bellevue, Michigan, passed away on August 9, 2025 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Michigan.
He was born on December 14, 1937 to Theron and Ruth (Lehmer) Groner in Charlotte, Michigan.
On September 30, 1961, Art married Pamela Priesman in Bellevue, Michigan. He was a 1956 graduate of Bellevue High School. Art served in the United States Army, drafted on December 7, 1961 and was honorably discharged on May 16, 1963 attaining the rank of PFC.
He worked in packaging and production at Kellogg Cereal Company in Battle Creek for over 30 years, retiring in 1993. Art was a member of the Kellogg 25 Year Club. He was a longtime farmer, raising crops and livestock all the while working full-time at Kellogg’s. Art would tell you that farming was his favorite job. He loved to fish, going to Minnesota and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan was something he looked forward to. He also enjoyed hunting, mainly to be at deer camp with the guys and just being outdoors.
Art is survived by his loving spouse of 63 years, Pamela; his children, Mark (Kelly Gies) Groner of Grand Ledge, Michigan, Kelly (David) Lowe of Marshall, Michigan, and Mike Groner of Traverse City, Michigan; his grandchildren, Ammie Powell of Bellevue, Michigan, Madison Groner of Grove City, Ohio, Katie (Nick) Cooper of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Tyler Groner of Lansing, Michigan. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Ryder Hill, Reese Cooper, and William Cooper.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Robert Groner; and his nephew Van Groner.
Funeral services were held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Bellevue United Methodist Church, Bellevue, Michigan, with Pastor Ben Palmer, officiating. Burial took place at Riverside Cemetery in Bellevue, Michigan. Memorial contributions may be directed to the charity of one’s choice. Please visit www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.
Raymond Henry Sherman
Raymond “Ray” Henry Sherman, was born on June 27, 1944, in Bath, MI. the son of Devorn and Francis (Woodard) Sherman, passed away on August 5, 2025. Raised in Perry, MI, Ray graduated high school in 1962 and served three years in the Army. Upon returning, he worked at his brother, Ron’s fuel and service station, where he met Garry Sullivan. This meeting led to his introduction to Garry’s sister, Darlene. Ray and Darlene fell in love and married on July 19, 1969. They raised their three sons together until Darlene’s passing on October 13, 2014. Ray proudly worked as a Master Plumber for 35 plus years until his retirement in 2009. Hobbies that he cherished included, family time, observing nature from his porch, golfing, fishing, bowling, and playing billiards. He was known for his strong moral compass; he lived a life ground in principle and love.
Ray is survived by his three sons, Kevin (Tammy) Sherman, Travis (Nikole) Sherman, and Troy (Sarah) Sherman; grandchildren, Adam, Noah, Brayden, and Colten Sherman; brothers, Russ Sherman and Ed DeLong; sisters, Penny (John) Sekrenes, Mary Donaldson, Jenny Sherman, and Ana Holmberg; sister-in-law, Barb DeLong; cherished family friend, Patty Cooper; and several beloved neighbors. He was predeceased by his wife, Darlene; brothers, Ronald Sherman and Paul DeLong; sister, Janet Molner; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Ray’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A funeral service was held on Tuesday, August 12, at 1:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Laura Cooper officiating. Visitation will be held just prior to the service beginning at 12 Noon. Interment will follow at Benton Township Cemetery, in Potterville. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Kathleen Mary Warner
Kathleen Mary (Thayer) Warner, age 73, was called to heaven on July 28, 2025 with her husband by her side, at their home in Vermontville from complications of congestive heart failure.
Surviving are her husband, Steve Warner; her sons, Ryan (Melissa) Warner of Perrysburg, OH and Kirk (Angela) Warner of Cadillac; her grandsons, Grant Warner and Cole Warner; sisters, Rosemary (Randy) Gunnels of Burton and Chris (Jamie Johnson) Dexter of Burton; her in-laws, Pat Diericks of Flint, Linda Danders of Okemos, Robert Warner of Fowlerville, James (Sharon) Warner of Howell, Jackie Warner of Mason; and special adopted Mom, Pat Adsit and family of N. Ft. Myers.
She was preceded in death by her father, Edward Junior Thayer of Swartz Creek; her mother, Bernita Salgat Thayer of Flint; older brothers, Edward Thayer and Dan Thayer both of Flint; and by her very special granddaughter, Lauren Warner of Cadillac.
Kathy graduated from Saint Agnes High School in Flint with the class of 1969. She then moved to Lansing and attended Lansing Community College for one year. While there she met Steve (Fowlerville Class of 69) and they got married on August 6, 1971 at St. Casmir Catholic Church in Lansing. Kathy worked for 40 years with the State of Michigan, mostly in the Department of Health. She loved her job and continued to see her retired friend group several times a year. Kathy was a competitive bowler and won a state junior women’s championship in 1968. She enjoyed bowling in mixed bowling leagues with her husband Steve for many years. They loved camping, with one of their favorite trips being with Steve’s father to Glacier National Park in Montana. In later years they owned a winter home in Lake Wales, FL where they enjoyed multiple cruises and exploring the south. Kathy also loved crafting, bingo, casino trips, traveling to Toronto, Chicago, NYC and other cities for plays and concerts with her Vermontville friends. She was an avid card player with monthly ladies’ poker group and in recent years the Warner sibling Texas Hold’Em poker get-togethers. Kathy was most proud of her family’s academic and professional success. As a grandmother she valued her time with the kids. As a result of her teen years, she always had an open door to any child or teenager who needed a safe place to go or someone to talk to, even if that included a whole school year to stay on the farm. She always felt blessed by her and Steve’s marriage and valued their shared faith with friends made at St. Cyril in Nashville over the years. A memorial mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 807 St. Mary Blvd. Charlotte, Michigan 48813 on Sept. 20, 2025 with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Mass at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will take place immediately after Mass in the church hall. The family wants to thank Elara Caring Hospice, Barb Gurd of Nashville and all the family and friends who pitched in to give Kathy the very best end of life care possible. Also thank you to Father Dwight, who came by the home and performed last rights and gave Kathy so much comfort. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Kathy’s name to the Joubert Syndrome and Related Disorders Foundation. Arrangements entrusted to Family First Funeral & Cremation Services, 52780 Marcellus, MI 49067. To leave an online condolence, visit https://www.familyfirstfunerals.com.
Janice Elaine Ikle
Janice Elaine Ikle, age 77 of Port Orange, Florida, formerly Charlotte, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on July 25, 2025, in Hastings, Michigan, while visiting family.
Janice was born in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, on April 21, 1948, daughter of the late Bernard and Dorothy (Prowdley) Tice.
She was raised in the Lansing area and attended Dewitt Public Schools graduating from Dewitt High School in 1966. Shortly after completing her education, Janice married Robert Secord, and the couple had three children, Robert Jr., Joey, and Wayne.
Janice spent her working career as a Postal Service Clerk operating the mail sorting machinery at the USPS on Collins Road in Lansing for over 30 years before retiring in 2005.
On June 20, 1981, Janice married Scott Ikle and for over 39 years the couple made their home together in the Charlotte area. Janice and Scott enjoyed the Charlotte community and volunteered at the Eaton Community Palliative Care facilities and Charlotte Sirens for many years. After retiring Janice and Scott spent winters in Florida before making it their permanent residence in 2021.
Janice and Scott were motorcycle enthusiasts and were active members of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) for over 20 years. Together, they have visited over 26 states on their Gold Wing, often venturing out of Michigan with no particular place to go. One of their adventures involved a plane ride to Las Vegas where the couple rented a motorcycle and toured the Western United States.
During her spare time, Janice loved playing Bingo and would find a game at least once a week. She also enjoyed watching daytime television, action-comedy movies, listening to Elvis Presley, and knitting hats for the homeless.
She loved her sons deeply and was very proud of her grandchildren. Janice was a dog lover, and over the years has enjoyed the companionship of several different breeds of dogs most recently her Shitzu “Bella”.
Janice is survived by her beloved husband Scott; their children, Robert Jr. (Laurie) Secord, Joey (Judy) Secord, Wayne (Robin) Secord, Scott (Kyleen) Ikle, Melissa Ikle; sisters, Carolyn (Ed) Reed, Margie (Scott) Glashower, Sue Tice, Cindy Tice; and sister-in-law Cherie (Bruce) Griffin, 13 grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her infant brother and sister.
Memorial donations can be made in Jan’s name to Siren/Eaton Shelter, 520 Robinson St., Charlotte, MI 48813 or Eaton Community Palliative Care at 2675 S. Cochran Rd. Charlotte, MI 48813.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home – Hastings, conveniently located at 1401 North Broadway, Hastings, MI. For further details, please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.
Gary Edward Wichman
Gary Edward Wichman, 73 years old, passed away on August 3, 2025, and was a loving husband, father, grandfather, community leader and dedicated athlete.
Gary passed away at home surrounded by family on Sunday August 3, 2025 after a long battle with cancer. He was born May 24, 1952 to Edward and Loretta Wichman of Lansing, Michigan and grew up exploring the city on his bike with his beloved younger brother Mike.
Gary graduated from Everett High School in 1970 where he played football, basketball, golf, and track. He attended Kalamazoo College where he was the quarterback for the football team his freshmen year, then transferred to Michigan State University where he received his Bachelor’s degree. Gary received his MBA from University of Virginia.
Gary was a tremendous athlete throughout his life. He played basketball, softball, and golf long into adulthood. He completed the Chicago Marathon and 14 years of the Dick Allen Lansing to Mackinac bicycle ride, better known as the DALMAC.
Gary shared his love of sports on and off the field. He coached youth football, basketball, and t-ball for many years.
Gary was a strong community advocate and had great passion for Eaton Rapids. He was instrumental in securing funds for Eaton Rapids downtown revitalization, creating the riverwalk, and bringing new business to the city of Eaton Rapids. Gary served as Vice President of Eaton Rapids School Board and started the Eaton Rapids Education Fund, Eaton Rapids City Council, Eaton Rapids Community Alliance-Teen Space (Board Treasurer), Founder of Eaton Rapids Development Corp., DDA-Downtown Development Authority, Eaton Community Health Alliance, First United Methodist Church Finance Committee, Kiwanis Club, Kiwanis Spring Brook Nonprofit Housing Association, City of Eaton Rapids Planning Commission, Eaton Community Heritage Foundation, Eaton Rapids Historical Foundation, Michigan Main Street Community, and Founding member of SOM.
Gary worked for PNC Bank/National City/ First of America/ American Bank & Trust for over 40 years, and was known for his hard work ethic and strong integrity, while also creating humorous skits at company meetings.
Gary was a music enthusiast and was a gifted accordion player, air guitarist, and air drummer. He loved spending time in the Eaton Rapids Paddle Club, coordinating over 40 years of euchre tournaments and spending time on Michigan’s lakes and shoreline.
Gary purchased many kayaks for his 12 grandkids to enjoy at their family lake house. He loved swimming across the lake to visit his lifelong friend and playing instruments around the bonfire.
Gary is survived by his wife Cheryl (Mock) Wichman; son Matt (Ashley) Wichman; daughters, Amy (Lyn) Wichman-Ovalle, Bethany (Daniel) Wichman-Buescher, Erin (Hunter) Wichman-Wyble; grandchildren, Hayleigh Townsend, Juliana Griffin, Avery Ovalle, Kaelin Griffin, Noah Ovalle, Brooklyn Griffin, Skylar Wichman, Logan Wichman, Ari Wichman, Eli Wichman-Buescher, Marley Wichman-Buescher, Willow Wyble; brother Michael (Mary) Wichman; and many nieces and nephews.
He was an intentional speaker and a thoughtful, attentive listener, guided by his strong Christian faith. He believed in making meaningful, authentic connections with others and approached every conversation with sincerity and grace. His faith shaped the way he lived, served, and loved. Despite being deeply involved in his community, he always made his family a priority. He never missed a dance recital, school play, game, or ceremony, his children and grandchildren could always count on him to be there, offering his steadfast love, support, and encouragement.
Most of all, Gary cherished the time he spent with his beloved wife of 47 years, Cheryl. He loved serenading her with Elvis songs, exploring both domestic and international destinations, and discovering hidden gems in small towns especially those rich in art, good food, and local wineries. Together, this dynamic duo poured their hearts into Cheryl’s passion project, the Teen Space Teen Center, working side by side to make a lasting impact on the lives of local youth.
Visitation will be at 10 a.m. First United Methodist Church of Eaton Rapids, 600 S. Main Street, Eaton Rapids on Monday, August 11, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. Memorial luncheon to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Eaton Rapids Teen Space Teen Center at eatonrapidscommunityalliance.org/#post-64
Rocky Gordon Irelan
Rocky Gordon Irelan of Eaton Rapids, passed away on July 28, 2025, at the age of 74. Rocky was born in Lansing, Michigan on May 22, 1951, the son of Edward and Donna (Austin) Irelan. He was a 1971 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School. After graduation, Rocky joined the United States Navy and served in the Vietnam War. Following his honorable military service, Rocky transitioned to a successful career at General Motors, where he worked until his retirement in 2005. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he was a man who relished the joys of the outdoors. Rocky was an avid hunter and fisherman, skills he learned and perfected over many years. His love for nature was equally matched by his passion for mechanics, as he found contentment and challenge in working on vehicles of all shapes and sizes. One of his favorite pastimes was camping at his property up north, where he would enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Above all else, Rocky loved to spend time with his grandkids, he took great pride in being a papa.
He is survived by his children, Monnica (Jacob) Krawczyk of Florida, Rocky (Cyrene) Irelan II of Jackson; grandchildren, Elliahna Krawczyk, Chiara Irelan, Rocky Irelan III, Abraham Krawczyk; siblings, Donald (Lynne) Irelan, Edna Umbarger. Rocky was preceded in death by his wife, Pamela Irelan in 2013; father, Edward Irelan; mother, Donna Morris; stepfather, Carl Morris; sister, Vicki Witzke; brother, Raymond Morris.
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice of charity in loving memory of Rocky Gordon Irelan. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Elizabeth Ann Guilford
Elizabeth Ann Guilford of Eaton Rapids, peacefully passed away on August 1, 2025, at the age of 80. Elizabeth was born in Battle Creek, Michigan on February 8, 1945, the daughter of Irvin and Jessie (Guthrie) Cochran. She had numerous hobbies that included working on jigsaw puzzles, playing euchre and cribbage, weeding her beautiful flower gardens and watching the hummingbirds and butterflies that visited her gardens. Elizabeth spent many winters in Texas until her husband George passed away in 2020 and spent the last three winters in Weston, Florida with family and friends. She loved ice cream, as she said, “it filled in the cracks”, and loved the color purple. She adored her grandchildren and created a lot of fond memories with all of them. She left many stories and life lessons for the family to enjoy and share.
Elizabeth is survived by her daughters, Vicki (Mark) Sheffield of Eaton Rapids, Judy (Steven) Sharpe of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Logan (Cassidy) Sheffield, Parker Sheffield, Morgan Sharpe, and Marissa Sharpe; great grandchildren, Lincoln and Bennett Sheffield; sister-in-law, Lynda Cochran; along with numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, George Guilford; siblings, Barbara Jean O’Herron and Roger Louis Cochran.
Funeral services were 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Visitation was on Tuesday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. and Wednesday one hour prior to the service. Interment will be held in Abscota Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dementia Society of America, Post Office Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901. To leave condolences for the family please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.