Obituaries
John Harry King
John “Jack” Harry King, age 87, of Olivet, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on July 4, 2025. He was born in Romeo, Michigan on June 21, 1938, to Henry and Irene King and at the age seven moved to Olivet, a place he would call home for the rest of his life.
After serving in the United States Air Force, he was honorably discharged and in 1960, married Laura Ernsberger. Together they raised five children, creating a lifetime of memories. Taking classes and becoming a skilled auto mechanic, Jack operated King’s Auto Service for 40 years. He also served as a volunteer firefighter. He was a man who enjoyed the little things in life, morning coffee with friends, his bowling league, hunting, fishing, the thrill of a good hand at the blackjack table, but most of all traveling in his motorhome.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Laura; children, David (Patricia) King, Karen King, Judy King, Steve (Kathy) King, John King; grandchildren, Matthew, Miranda, Laura, Zachary, Evan; great-grandchildren, Harrison, Geneva, Raeya, Piper; as well as his brother and sister-in-law, James and Cleta King.
Jack leaves a legacy of kindness, integrity, quiet strength and a life well lived.
In keeping with his wish’s cremation has taken place and no services will be held.
Those desiring may make contributions in Jack’s memory to Oaklawn Hospice, 13444 Preston Drive, Marshall, MI 49068.
Jack’s Final Journey
Jack wandered life on open roads
Where sunsets blaze and freedom flowed
From Mountain pass to ocean shore
Each mile he claimed, then sought one more
His home on wheels, his faithful guide
With dreams and stars along for the ride
No map could match his boundless zest
Each stop a place his soul could rest
Now wheels are still, but nor the flame
Jack’s spirit roams where skies proclaim
That journey’s end, but love goes on
In every dusk, in every dawn.
To view Jack’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.
Michael Allert Lokken
Michael Allert Lokken, age 69 of Eaton Rapids, died July 5, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Michael was born July 9, 1955, in Eaton Rapids, Michigan to Allert Theodore and Doris J (Horning) Lokken. He worked as a machinist and maintenance director at several jobs, but for the last 25 years at Edgewater Apartments in Eaton Rapids until his health forced him into retirement. Michael was a true outdoorsman, he loved to fish in the morning, clean his catch in the afternoon and have it for dinner later that day. His wood carvings of canes were impressive, and he was known to be able to fix anything that was broken. He married Teresa Annette (Merriott) Menzer on July 30, 1997, at noon on a pontoon in the middle of Narrow Lake.
Michael is survived by his wife, Teresa Annette Menzer; children, Nicole Lokken, Michele Lokken, Erin Lokken, David Menzer, and Elizabeth Thornsbury; several grandchildren; brother, Timothy (Bonnie) Lokken. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Traci Underwood and Terri Bradley.
A Memorial Service will be held Monday, July 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, 518 S. Main Street, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. For those desiring, Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in loving memory of Michael Allert Lokken. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
John Daniel Creyts
John Daniel Creyts, age 51, of Charlotte, Michigan, passed away on June 30, 2025, due to heart failure and other ongoing health challenges.
John was born on August 2, 1973 and raised in Charlotte and spent his life surrounded by the places and people he loved most. He had a kind spirit, a unique sense of humor, and a deep appreciation for life’ s simple pleasures.
John had a lifelong love of music. He especially cherished the sounds of Johnny Cash, Marty Stuart, and big band legends like Glenn Miller. He played the drums and other instruments with joy and enthusiasm, often filling his home with rhythm and song. His favorite shows included The Price Is Right, Sanford and Son, and Frasier, and he rarely missed an episode.
Every Saturday night was pizza night — a tradition he never grew tired of — and every Wednesday brought a trip to the bowling alley. John also had a soft spot for a chocolate Frosty from Wendy’ s and never passed up a chance to build something with his Lincoln Logs.
John attended Meadowview Eaton Intermediate School and he was a graduate of Grand Ledge High School, completing his education at age 26. He worked for several years at Pizza Hut and was a proud helper on the family farm, where his favorite task was driving the empty wagons back out to the hayfield — a job he approached with steady dedication.
He shared a deep bond with his beloved cat, Phineas-Jerry, and took great comfort in his companionship.
John is survived by his parents, Jean and Daniel Creyts; his sister, Ruth Creyts; his brother-in-law; and his niece, who all loved him dearly and will miss him.
A private family funeral will be held where he has been laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery, Delta Twp., Michigan. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’ s honor to the University of Michigan-Sparrow Foundation, which is currently building a new mental health facility in Lansing — a cause close to the family’ s heart. To donate, please use the following link: uofmhealthsparrow.org/give and click on the “Behavioral Health Services” option. For online condolences please visit www.millsfuneral.com
In tribute to John’ s wonderful life and spirit, the family shares the following poem by Kathy R. Wofford:
The Gift of Special Children
God Blesses some with Special Children…
Who with the magic of their smile…
Have the power to touch our souls…
And make our lives worthwhile.
Sometimes God in all His wisdom…
Fulfills our very lives…
With a child who’ll truly capture….
Our heart quite by surprise.
A child who is always giving
Such unconditional love…
Unique and oh so precious
A gift from God above.
Kathy R. Wofford
Thomas Patrick Kay
Thomas Patrick Kay, 78, of Wyoming, MI, formerly of Vermontville, died peacefully on Friday, June 27, 2025 with his son by his side. Tom was born November 15, 1946 in Lansing, the son of Paul Thomas and Doris Elizabeth (Healy) Kay. Tom enjoyed a happy childhood, participating in Boy Scouts, delivering newspapers, and attending Catholic Schools. He graduated from Msgr. John A. Gabriels High School (Lansing Catholic) in 1965 and briefly attended the seminary before deciding on another course in life. He went on to earn a bachelor degree in Management of Human Resources from Spring Arbor University and settled in St. Ignace, MI, where he started his career in Community Mental Health and opened his own health food store.
Tom married the love of his life, Linda Sue Baird, on February 4, 1978. Together they raised two sons, Brandon and Jonathon in Vermontville, MI. Tom was active in his son’s lives, serving as Scout Master and assistant basketball coach for their teams. As a family, the Kay’s enjoyed time in the outdoors, especially camping trips to the Upper Peninsula. Tom and Linda opened Natural Living Health Food Store on the West side of Lansing, which they owned and operated for 19 years together. All the while, Tom worked training and supporting mentally and physically challenged adults for the State of Michigan Community Mental Health. He retired after nearly 30 years.
Tom lived a life full of compassion. Throughout the years, he dedicated much of his time to humanitarian work, including co-founding Students for Migrant Workers, working with the church in serving the poor and needy in the Lansing migrant population. Many will remember Tom as a strong but gentle man who loved his family and devoted his life to the well-being of others.
Tom is survived by his son, Jonathon (Robin Meester) Kay; two grandchildren, Lillian and Jackson Kay; and several nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was predeceased by his wife, Linda Sue Kay in 2024; their beloved son, Brandon Kay in 2003; his brothers, Richard and Daniel Kay; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Tom’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Memorial Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, MI. The service will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Tom’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smartphone). In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Community Mental Health Clinton Eaton Ingham at http://www.ceicmh.org/make-a-donation. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Cynthia Ann Hiser
Cynthia “Cindy” Ann Hiser, a woman who was always up for an adventure, died on Tuesday, June 24, 2025
after a courageous battle with cancer. Cindy, 65, of Charlotte, was born June 7, 1960, the daughter of Paul and Phyllis (Walter) Binkowski. After graduating from Charlotte High School, Cindy began working in Customer Service. She worked for General Aluminum, Felpausch Party Store, Admiral, and most recently Shell. Cindy greeted everyone with a big smile and always had a joke to share. Hobbies that she enjoyed included doing plastic canvas, cross-stitching, playing Backgammon, reading horror novels (especially Stephen King), camping, going to Rock and Roll concerts, trips to the sand dunes, and going putzing around town in her beloved ’78 blue Ford pickup. Above all, throughout her life, she loved the friendships she made and her daughter.
Cindy is survived by her daughter, Rachelle Hiser; sisters, Cathy Bennett, and Paula (Kelly) Naber; nephews, Brandon and Jeremy Truax; niece, Shawn (Josh) Hose; great-nephews, Aleks and Ethan; great-niece, Maddianna; and close friends, Rose and Kelli. She was predeceased by her parents; and her brother-in-law, Mike Bennett.
Friends are encouraged to support Cindy’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Visitation was held just prior to the service from Noon until 2:00 p.m. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Cindy’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the family to help with funeral expenses. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Dawn Rose Stanley
Dawn Rose (Lettimore) Stanley, age 51, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully into the arms of her Savior on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. She was born on September 11, 1973, in Lansing, Michigan, the daughter of Walter and Vicky Lynn (Morse) Lettimore. Dawn graduated from Charlotte High School with the class of 1992. In April of 2006, she married Chad Stanley in Eaton Rapids. Dawn loved her family and cherished spending time together with them. Her personality could be described as sweet, caring, kind, and sometimes bossy. Dawn looked forward to their yearly family camping trip where they enjoyed fishing and special time spent together. She faced life’s difficulties with a strong courageous spirit and always did her best to be bright and uplifting to those around her.
Dawn is survived by her husband, Chad; son Hunter Stanley; father, Walter Lettimore; sisters, Victoria Lettimore and Shannon Lettimore; and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Vicky Lettimore; and her son, Earl Long IV in 2022.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. Burial took place place at Gunnisonville Cemetery in DeWitt Township.
Those desiring may make contributions in Dawn’s memory to Ele’s Place, 1145 W. Oakland Ave., Lansing, MI 48915.
To view Dawn’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.
Michael Olmstead
Michael “Mike” Olmstead of Bellevue, age 74, passed on from this world on June 18, 2025. He was born to Rex Edward and Ardeth Olmstead on April 12, 1951. He grew up in Bellevue and graduated from Bellevue High School. Mike then entered a 36 year career at Post Cereal and while at Post, attended KCC, finishing an apprenticeship in machine repair and retired at the age of 55 as a mill-right. He served in the Reserves with an Honorable discharge in 1977.
Mike is survived by his wife, Nancy (Butler) Olmstead of nearly 53 years of marriage; sons, Kory (Jen) Olmstead of Sherwood, Kyle (Teresa May) Olmstead of Maine; grand-children, Kenyon and Kiara Olmstead of Portage, Ava Hammond and Ayden Olmstead of Sherwood, Josephine and Eleanor Olmstead of Maine; brothers, Randy (Becky) Olmstead of Battle Creek, Tim (Karen) of Florida; sister-in-law Susan Stibitz of East Lansing; along with numerous nieces and nephews and made long life-long friends here in Michigan and Florida.
Mike thoroughly enjoyed sports through his life. Playing softball into his 40’s, basketball, bowling and golfing into his retired years. He especially loved watching his grandson, Ayden, play baseball and basketball games. He was and always will be, his biggest fan. He loved nature, especially his very active backyard. He loved gardening and his love of dogs in which he has handed down to both of his sons. But most importantly, he has instilled the importance of family.
Mike was a snowbird for many years, making great friends all over the states and Canada. He was a member of BC Chapter Local 374, Retirees and the PNA Club. But his love of his family was his top priority. He loved his weekends hanging out with Kory’s family at the lake and he loved his yearly travels to Maine to see his son, Kyle’s family. Having sons, he never missed their sporting activities. He instilled in them as much knowledge as he could about cars and how to take care of them. He was always just a phone call away to answer any questions they had and how to help them fix anything.
Mike spent the last month of his life at home with the help of Centrica Care Navigators (Hospice) and family. He passed away peacefully with his family by his side. Our family will be forever grateful to all his nurses and health aides and the staff at Centrica for making it possible for our family to make many more memories and for the amazing care he received.
As per his request, cremation has taken place and if one wishes memorials may be made
to: Bellevue Fire Department, 115 E. Jackson St., Bellevue, MI 49021 or Centrica Care Navigators, 7100 Stadium Dr., Kalamazoo, MI 49009.
Marian Elizabeth Zeis
Marian Elizabeth (Gelow) “Ducky” Zeis passed away on June 28, 2025, at the age of 88. Born December 9, 1936, to Harold and Marian Gelow. Marian lived in Durand, Charlotte, Lansing and at her family cottage in Greenville. She graduated from Sexton High School in 1954 and worked for the State of Michigan for 37 years.
Marian is survived by her daughters, Deborah Zeis (Judy Tegreeny) and Theresa Thomas; grandson, Levi G. Thomas; and special friend, Julia Freije. Preceding her in death were her parents, Harold and Marian Gelow; sister, Mary Johnson; granddaughters, Vanessa, Ginger, and Erika Hicks; and former husband, Robert D. Zeis.
Family was everything to Marian. She loved her daughters, saying they were “the best part of her life”, along with her grandchildren. She was always sharing stories about them to anyone who would listen.
In 1953, her parents purchased a cottage on Half Mile Lake in Gowen, MI. This was Marian’s “Happy Place”, where she was known as “Ducky” (her family nickname). After retiring, Ducky spent 23 summers at the lake, cherishing every moment, whether it was enjoying family and friends, riding around the lake on the pontoon or entertaining her grandchildren.
The funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, 325 W. Washtenaw St., Lansing. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Ele’s Place. Online condolences may be left for her family at www.EstesLeadley.com.
Kolean England
Kolean England, 78, of Homer, passed away on June 12, 2025 at Centrica Rose Arbor Place in Kalamazoo, MI. She was born on November 23, 1946 to William “Bill” England Sr. and Emma Jean (Allen) England in Hanover, MI. She received an Associates of Applied Science specializing in tool and die from Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek, Michigan in 1986 and graduated from Olivet Michigan High School. She was a trailblazer for women in her trade. Kolean started out at Eaton Manufacturing for five years and served as a Sunday School teacher in her earlier years at Grace Freewill Baptist Church. She retired from the manufacturing industry and American Axel (previously Simpson Industries) after 35 years. She took great pride in her home landscaping, gardening, pets, and taking her grandkids on vacation trips as much as possible.
Kolean is survived by her sister, Pamela L. (Pat) Kibbler; daughter, Darla Jean Woodman; son, Alan John Woodman; grandchildren: Adrianna (Tray) Davis, Jeremiah (Erika) Hutchison, Benjamin Mathew Woodman, Acacia Bree Harris; and great-grandchildren: Tracy Jr., Raidyn, Sydney, Raphael, Ariella, Layla and Baby River. God Bless Everyone with being Saved and Baptized.
She was preceded in death by her parents Emma England, William “Bill” England Senior and their son William “Bill” England Junior; brothers, Delmar, Jacob, and Copas “John” England; sister, Jean Passmore; former husband, Jackie Allen Woodman; and son, Brian M. Woodman.
Visitation will be held on Monday, July 7, 2025 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., with a service following at Kempf Family Funeral & Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy. 27 N., Marshall, MI 49068.
Burial will take place in the West Clarendon Cemetery, following the service. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Kolean’s name may do so to the Humane Society of West Michigan or John Hagee Ministries, 239 N. Loop 1604 E, San Antonio, TX 78232. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guestbook, to share memories and pictures with the family.
James Claire Kingsley
James Claire Kingsley, 86, of Springport, Michigan, passed away at home on June 28, 2025. He was born on December 28, 1938, to Elma and Ralph Kingsley in New Harmony, Indiana. Jim grew up in Saranac, Michigan, graduating in 1956 as class president and was active in the FFA. He attended Michigan State University, earning a DVM in 1962. After graduation, he married Judy (Witt) and enlisted in the army, being stationed at Fort Detrick for two years. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Captain.
Returning to Michigan in 1964, he practiced veterinary medicine in Eaton Rapids for several years until purchasing a farm in Springport. He changed careers to become a teacher and taught at Leslie Schools. Jim enjoyed farming, camping, canoeing, woodworking, and supporting his children’s school, sports, and 4H activities. He attended Springport sporting events until his health no longer allowed.
Jim is survived by his spouse, Judy; his children: Jennifer (Doug) Rainey of Newaygo, Jeff (Gabby) Kingsley of Eaton Rapids, and Joanna Kingsley of Charlotte; and his grandchildren: Hannah Rainey, Selena Kingsley, and Sofi Kingsley.
A visitation will be held on Monday, July 7, 2025, from 4 – 7 p.m. at Vickers Springport Funeral Home located at 121 Pearl Street in Springport, Michigan. A private burial will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Springport Funeral Home, P.O. Box 235, Springport, MI 49284. 517-857-4848.