Obituaries
Brian Wilmore
Brian “Muggs” Wilmore, passed away unexpectedly on April 6, 2025, in his hometown of Charlotte. He was born on March 1, 1956, in Charlotte. Brian graduated from Charlotte High School in 1974. He furthered his education by earning an associate’s degree from Lansing Community College. On February 17, 1990, he married Carla Ann Maurer at the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church.
Brian dedicated many years of his life to working at O-I Glass, where he was known for his commitment and easy-going nature. He loved being outdoors and had a particular passion for hunting and fishing. One of his favorite traditions was the yearly salmon fishing trip he took up north, an event he eagerly anticipated each year. He also enjoyed playing Keno on Thursday afternoons with his best friend, Randy Lee Grundstrom.
Family was of utmost importance to Brian. He cherished his time with his wife, Carla, and he adored his sons, Tom and Andy. His grandson, Vincent, held a special place in his heart as well.
Brian is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Carla; his sons Tom Wilmore, Andy (Rylie) Wilmore; his grandson Vincent Wilmore; his parents, Clare and Joyce Wilmore; his siblings, Ilene (Garth) Matonis, Neal (Kim) Wilmore, Wendy (Jim Martin) Wilmore, and Laurel Wilmore. He also leaves behind his best friend, Randy Lee Grundstrom and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded death by his brothers, Barry, Kenny, and Alan Wilmore.
In keeping with the wishes of the family, cremation has taken place, and no services will be held.
Those desiring may make contributions in Brian’s memory to the Gresham United Methodist Church 5055 Mulliken Road, Charlotte, MI 48813 or Charlotte High School Athletics 378 State Street, Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Brian’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.
Mitchell Dale Towns
Mitchell Dale Towns was born in Eaton Rapids on October 28, 1952 to Clare & Anne (Winslow) Towns. Mitchell passed at home on April 4, 2025. He grew up working on both family farms, was active in 4-H, he played football and basketball throughout high school, graduating in 1971. With family, he hunted, fished, traveled to horse shows, car races, and concerts. Mitchell was a huge MSU sports and Lions fan. He played softball for years for his favorite bar and always his office, Abies. He spent three years in the army garnering an early out for voluntarily spending a year in Korea on the DMZ. Mitch worked in the insulation business as well as being a carpenter and starting his own business. After being injured in a construction accident in 2019 he spent his time enjoying his family and friends especially his grandchildren and great nephews.
Mitch is survived by his sister, Ava Towns; daughter, Amber (Tyler Taber) Hensley; grandchildren, Nick Kane, Easton Hensley, Carter Taber, Gabriella Taber, Alicia Wright, Jaden Wright, Angelina VanOveren; stepsister, Nancy (Tim) Propst; stepbrother, Bob (Kathy) Cantine; Aunt, Norine Winslow; sister-in-law, K. Simon Towns, Kari Hummel and several cousins, nephews, a niece, and two great nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather, David Cantine; infant brother, brother, Michael Towns; and partner, Krista Vercruysse.
No services are planned as this time. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Rosemary A. Cochrane
Rosemary A. Cochrane, a beacon of loving kindness and thoughtful grace, passed away surrounded by the warmth of her family in Charlotte, MI, on March 26, 2025. Born on July 17, 1925, in Lansing, MI, Rosemary laid down an enduring legacy of love, service, and dedication throughout her ninety-nine years.
A proud graduate of Sunfield High School in 1943, Rosemary’s work ethic was evident early on. Soon after, she became a valued employee in food service at Michigan State University. Her dedication to family called her back to the farm, where she embraced the role of a nurturing mother and a diligent farmer’s wife.
Rosemary’s community spirit shone through her active involvement with the Order of the Eastern Star #161. Beyond that, her enduring compassion led her to volunteer at the Eaton County Medical Care Facility Palliative Care, touching many lives with her unwavering support and gentle care.
Her memory will be cherished by her beloved grandchildren, Michael Dixon, Lynette (Christopher Johnson) Rider, and William (Colette) Frith; seven great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; nephew Grant Lott; and great-nieces Maria (John) King and Shawnda Lott. Rosemary’s love story with her family is a testament to her beautiful heart, now carried forward by each generation.
Preceded in death by her parents Albert and Lera Lott, her loving husband Robert, daughter Sharen Frith, brother Albert H. Lott, and nephew Alan S. Lott. Rosemary’s legacy is one of enduring love, a legacy that will continue to flourish in the hearts of those she touched. Rosemary will be deeply missed yet eternally remembered as the embodiment of love and thoughtfulness that guided her through a well-lived life.
Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. with an OES service beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 4, 2025, at the Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, 301 E. Jefferson St., Grand Ledge, MI 48837.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, Grand Ledge, with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Freemire Cemetery, Sunfield. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be given in her name to Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation Elderly Home or Fernwood Christian (Youth) Camp. For those sending flowers, the family kindly request potted plants that can be cherished in her remembrance. For online condolences please visit www.millsfuneral.com
Rene Valerie Van Neste
Rene Valeire Van Neste, a man who devoted his life to his family, and the Lord, died on Monday, March 31, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Rene, 81, of Charlotte, was born on January 3, 1944, in Albion, the son of Gerald and Celina (Martin) Van Neste. On December 14, 1968, Rene married Patricia Karpi and together they devoted their life to one another. Rene was a lifelong learner attending Michigan State University and later earning an Associate’s Degree after the family relocated to Florida. In his younger years Rene worked on the family potato and onion farm in Mulliken. He loved being able to work alongside his family on the farm. Rene was a caregiver, he cared for his parents when their health declined. He also cared for his wife for several years. Rene learned the skills needed to tend to Patricia’s needs in her final days. Most recently Rene worked at Meijer in Charlotte. He loved his work at Meijer because he was able to talk with customers. Rene worked at Meijer for 22 years before his retirement in 2022.
From his years of working on the family farm, Rene took on a passion for anything John Deere. He also enjoyed steam engines, being a civil war reenactor with his brothers, and trips to Nevada to hunt for the perfect rocks to tumble and turn into beautiful jewelry. Rene could also be found cruising around his yard on his zero turn. Above all Rene was strong in his faith. He was a longtime member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte, and a proud Knights of Columbus 4th degree member. Along with his wife, Patricia, they made sure their children were raised in a strong Catholic faith and tradition. However, once his grandchildren were born, they became his biggest passion.
Rene is survived by his children, Steven (Maureen) Van Neste, Lisa (Brad) Fears; grandchildren, Jeff, Mae, and Zachary; and several extended family members. He was predeceased by his wife, Patricia; siblings, Germanie Suurs, Gerald Van Neste, and Roy Van Neste; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Rene’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Wednesday, April 2, 2025, from 5-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. A funeral mass was held on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. 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 Rene’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 St. Mary Catholic Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Robert Earl Steiner
Robert “Bob” Earl Steiner, 96, of Charlotte, died on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at the Eaton Community Palliative Care. Bob, was born on May 18, 1928, the son of Albert and Opal (Penny) Steiner. He graduated from Potterville High School in 1947 and shortly after enlisted in the United States Army serving in the Korean War until his discharge in 1952. After his honorable discharge Bob began working for Fisher Body in the Upholstery Department for 30 years until his retirement in 1980. On May 4, 1962, Bob married Barbara MacKenzie and together they created many lasting memories unit her passing in 2011. After retirement Bob and Barbara lived in Honor, MI, and Florida. Before moving back to Charlotte to be by family. He was a lifelong Michigan Masons Potterville Lodge NO. 367. Hobbies that Bob enjoyed included, hunting, reading, Tigers Baseball, watching college basketball, watching western movies and games shows, working in his flower gardens and tending to his tomato plants. Above all Bob was proud that he was able to live independently for 14 years following the passing of his wife.
Bob is survived by his stepchildren, Michael (Angela) Scott, Debbie Richardson; two grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sister, Marjorie Warren; niece, Jodi Steiner; nephews, Mike Warren, Tom Warren; and many extended family members. He was predeceased by his wife, Barbara; brother, Richard (Barbara) Steiner; niece, Karen Steiner; brother-in-law, Lynn Warren; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Bob’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.