Obituaries
Garry F. Craven
Garry F. Craven, formerly of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at his home in Elkhart, Ind. on Sunday, June 24, 2018 at the age of 71. He attended Charlotte High School, graduating in 1965.
He was preceded in death by his father, Frank Craven; and youngest brother, Timothy Craven.
Garry is survived by his mother, Elaine Craven; wife, Sandra Ignafol; sons, Douglas (Lisa) Craven, Mitchell (Michelle) Craven; and stepson, Stephen Krecsmar. Garry was the proud grandfather of Ethan and Olivia, Douglas’s children and Madison, Mitchell’s child. Garry will be fondly remembered by his brothers, Roger (Ruth) Craven, Gregory (Johanna) Craven; and sister, Judy (Jim) Greening and his many nieces and nephews.
Garry was a proud patriot and served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. As an avid conservationist, Garry had a deep love for the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where he enjoyed many seasons hunting, ATV riding, hiking and spending time with family. Remembered as “U.P. Grouser,” he will forever rest up north at Nevins Lake.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
Barbara R. Pittenger
Barbara Ruth Pittenger, 89, of Charlotte, passed away Tuesday, June 26, 2018, at Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services in Charlotte. She was born October 22, 1928, in Lansing, the daughter of Clifford and Marion (Gearhart) Bever. Barb grew up on the family farm in Grand Ledge. She graduated from Grand Ledge High School in 1946. Barb was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She adored her grandchildren and cherished every opportunity she had to spend together with them. Throughout her life Barb enjoyed listening to Big Band music and flowers. In later years she enjoyed her job at the Charlotte Walmart, where she worked as a greeter.
Barb is survived by her children, Doug (Julie) Murray of Louisa, Ky., Sharon (Gary) Russell of Nashville, Ann (Jim) LeMay of DeWitt; 11 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and one great great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert; and two brothers.
Funeral services were held on Friday, June 29, 2018, at 1 p.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. Interment took place at West Carmel Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Barb’s honor to Ele’s Place in Lansing.
To leave a condolence for the family or to view Barb’s obituary online, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Richard L. Chamberlain
Richard Lyman “Dick” Chamberlain, 82, of Haslett, our beloved brother and uncle passed away June 21, 2018. He was born August 23, 1935 in Charlotte. He was a 1953 graduate of Charlotte High School. He begin his career with the U.S. Postal Service as a mail carrier in Charlotte and later in many supervisory roles in Lansing before retiring in 1990 after 35 years of service. In 1996 he went to work at Hawk Hollow and Eagle Eye Golf Courses, where he made many great friends. He loved spending his winters in The Villages in Florida. He attended MSU and played the drums in the marching and concert bands. He enjoyed parades. He played in the VFW Band, Spartan Alumni Band (winning three national championships), and the Capital Caravan Club Oriental Band. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge 120 of Charlotte and a member of the Lansing Commandery Drill Team. He was a member of the Eaton County Shrine Club and the Capital Commandery. He was the 1973 president of the Charlotte Lions Club. He was an avid fan of MSU sports.
Surviving are his four sisters, Beverly Meeder, Joyce (Gary) Shirkey, Sue Huffman, and Ruth Ann Sigler; six nieces and nephews, Gary Meeder, Nancy Folkertsma, Cindy (Dave) Dunn, Susan Oliver, Kurt Shirkey, and Kyle (Deborra) Shirkey; four great-nieces and one great-nephew.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Lyman and Gertrude Chamberlain and nephew, Kraig Shirkey.
A celebration of Dick’s life will be held in October. We would like to thank all of Dick’s devoted friends for their support and visits during his illness.
Contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice in memory of Dick.
Arrangements were made by Tiffany Funeral Home. Friends may visit the guest book at tiffanyfuneralhome.com.
Donald M. Klingshirn
Donald “Donnie” Martin Klingshirn, a faith-filled, teddy bear of a man, died unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, June 20, 2018. Donnie, 73, of Charlotte, was born November 11, 1944 in Rogers City, Mich., the son of Alfred and Anna (Grochowski) Klingshirn. He graduated from high school in Rogers City in 1962 and shortly after moved to Charlotte to take a job with Harris Brothers, fellow Rogers City natives. He proudly answered the call to duty when he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the Vietnam War, where he helped build the airport in Cam Ranh Bay. Upon his return, he married the love of his life, Jane “Janie” Orban, on May 18, 1968. The two started their family and Donnie went to work for Oldsmobile, retiring in 2004 after over 30 years. In retirement, Donnie worked for Delta Airlines at the Lansing airport, working in many capacities on and off the tarmac.
Donnie and Janie were devout members of St. Mary Parish in Charlotte, where he was very involved in St. Vincent DePaul and the Knights of Columbus, achieving the honor of fourth degree brother knight. Everyone will remember Donnie as the beloved St. Nicholas, visiting Mass during the feast day in full staff and mitre and handing out candy canes. He also sang in the church choir, and participated in every church function throughout the years.
He loved the Detroit Tigers, the ink on his fingertips from reading “real” newspapers, and woodworking. He was a skilled handyman and craftsman, always keeping things running around the house and helping with woodcraft for Janie’s elementary art classes at St. Mary School. He loved music, and even enjoyed the opportunity to sing the “12 days of Christmas” on stage with Kenny Rogers. Donnie remained proud of his service to his country, his faith, and his family. One of his greatest joys in life as “Dzia Dzia” was time spent with his grandchildren, especially attending their many activities and events.
Donnie is survived by his wife of 50 years, Jane Klingshirn; three daughters, Marcy Klingshirn, Kristy (Steve) Shepard, and Jenny (Larry) Hart; five grandchildren, Amelia, Annalise, Adeline, Gunnar and Archar; four siblings, Betty Valentin, Barbara (Gary) Lamb, Jimmy (Nancy) Klingshirn, and Mary (Mike) Witulski; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brother, Charles Klingshirn; sister-in-law, Gayle Klingshirn; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Donnie’s family at visitation and funeral services. Funeral Mass was held Monday, June 25, 2018 at St. Mary Catholic Church, with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Mary Parish or St. Vincent DePaul.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Donnie on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Beverly J. England
Beverly Jean England of Eaton Rapids passed away after a short battle with cancer on June 25, 2018. Bev was born in Eaton Rapids, February 18, 1935, the daughter of Franklin and Violet (Weatherby) Rockafellow. She worked as a bookkeeper for several companies. Bev was a member of the Jean Bradford Kline Senior Center, was an avid doll collector and loved to work in her flower and vegetable gardens.
Beverly is survived by her husband, Richard England; children, T. Michael (Darlene) Swan of Eaton Rapids, Timothy Swan of Charlotte, Debra England of Charlotte, Richard (Debra) England of Elsie, Michael Swan of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Mischelle Prill, Melissa (Donny) Bever, Teresa (Jamie) Bartley, Rachel (Scott) McCune, Jerry England, Joshua England, Ricky (Misty) England, Tony Swan, Trevor (Katie) Swan, Stacee (Justin) Robison, Dillon (Harley) Swan; 20 great-grandchildren; three great great-grandchildren; siblings, Judy Husted, Joyce Burlison, Robert Rockafellow, Keith (Carol) Rockafellow.
She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Juanita Kirchen, James and Donald Rockafellow; great-grandchildren, Victoria Tanner and Hayden Bartley.
A Celebration of Life will be held July 15, 2018 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 600 S. Main St., Eaton Rapids.
Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Jean Bradford Kline Senior Center, 201 Grand St., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Please visit millsfuneral.com to place online condolences or to sign the guest book.