Obituaries
Joyce Arleene (McIntyre) Middaugh
Joyce Arleene (McIntyre) Middaugh, age 86, peacefully passed away, surrounded by her loving family in Lansing, MI, April 7, 2024. She was born May 14, 1937, in Mulliken, Michigan to Harley and Geraldine McIntyre.
On a beautiful summer day, July 16, 1955, Joyce married her soulmate Marion E. Middaugh, with whom she embarked on a life-long journey of companionship and devotion. Together, they raised a family, creating a home filled with laughter, delicious meals, and unconditional love.
As a passionate gardener, Joyce found solace and joy in the beauty of nature, tending to her plants with the same care she extended to all aspects of her life. She delighted in the blooms and harvests that were the fruits of her labor. As an enthusiastic sports fan she was always cheering on her favorite MSU Spartans. Joyce was sure each family member was given one of her handmade quilts, either knitted, crocheted, or embroidered, and each is a cherished heirloom.
Above all else, Joyce is celebrated as a perfect mother, not just in name but in every action and sacrifice. She instilled love and kindness in her children: Julia Middaugh-McArthur, Michael Middaugh, and James E. (Rena) Middaugh. Her grandchildren: Tina Cole-Day, Rebecca Lobdell, Lisa (John) Warner, Michael Middaugh II (Katie Baum), Sheri (Jeff) Ide, Sheli Knott, Jaclyn (Tyler) Ripley, Janet (Matthew) Kruse, and James R. (Mikayla) Middaugh, knew her as a source of endless encouragement and wisdom. She was a treasured matriarch to 23 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great-grandchildren. She is now reunited with her parents and her dear husband, Marion, who preceded her in death.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 13, 2024 at the Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, Grand Ledge with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. A graveside service will follow at the Delta Center Cemetery. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia Research Foundation, in memory of Joyce Middaugh.
Nyle Robert Weiler
Nyle Robert Weiler, a man known for his need for speed, died in his home on Sunday, April 7, 2024, after a courageous battle with ALS. Nyle, 72, grew up on the family farm in Vermontville, Michigan, the son of Dick and Rachel (Viele) Weiler. After graduation from high school, he enrolled in trade school and became a carpenter. He started T&W Builders with his childhood friend, David Thrun. Together they installed many kitchens in the mid-Michigan area before he moved on to become a Union Carpenter. As an avid Spartan fan, he was especially happy to share that he installed the ceilings at the Jack Breslin Center on the campus of MSU. Nyle retired at the age of 49 from Bouma Corporation as a foreman who managed the remodels of countless Meijer stores. After his diagnosis, he conveyed how fortunate he felt to have enjoyed so many of his other hobbies while he was a healthy man. His passion for speed led to muscle cars, dune buggies, snowmobiles, and motorcycles, but his biggest love was his open-wheeled modified race cars. He was crowned the 1998 Michigan Modified Asphalt State Champion and won back-to-back Spartan Speedway track championships in 1997 and 1998. When Nyle was not racing he loved spending time with Kris at the cottage on Higgins Lake where he developed many great friendships. Nyle had a large circle of friends and he was known as one of the good guys. He enjoyed hunting, bowling, golfing, poker during the racing off-season, racquetball at the courts he helped build in Nashville, Michigan with ten other friends and traveling to many locations around the world; including riding his Harley to Alaska, visiting Italy with Kris’s family and three weeks in Hawaii with beloved friends Larry and Renee Lowrie. Some of his proudest accomplishments in life were his son, Zack and the home that he built on the family farm where he lived for over 50 years.
Nyle is survived by his life partner of 26 years, Kris Hudson; son, Zachary (Andrea) Weiler; grandson, Zane Weiler; mother, Rachel Weiler; twin sister, Nancy Weiler; sister, Susan (Paul) Trinklein; Kris’s family, Karen Hudson, Tom Hudson, Thomas (Sheila) Topham, Ryan (Anna Dematatis) Topham, Matthew (Kurt Lu) Topham; and many extended family members and dear friends. He was predeceased by his father, Dick Weiler. Special thanks to the Sparrow Home Hospice Team for the support and care they provided.
Friends are encouraged to support Nyle’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Friday, April 12, 2024, from Noon until 2:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. A funeral service followed at 2:00 p.m. with Chaplain Allison Ellsworth officiating. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Nyle’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 be made to the family for his grandson Zane’s 529C College Fund or The Susan Mast ALS Foundation. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Grover “Gil” Gilbert Jessen
Grover “Gil” Gilbert Jessen, a jack of all trades, passed away on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024. Gil, 80, was born on May 26, 1943, in Dallas, Texas, the son of Clarence John and Dorothy (Harvey) Jessen. In 1965, Gil enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1968 and he was awarded three Purple Hearts for his service towards his country. While at a party with his friend, Gil met Marilyn Bowden. His piercing blue eyes and being dressed in his military uniform won Marilyn’s heart. On April 12, 1969, the couple was married. Gil earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Medicine from Duke University. To this day he was an avid Duke Blue Devils fan. He worked for 55 plus years in the medical field as a Nuclear Medicine Tech.
Family meant the world to Gil. He loved playing, coaching, and officiating hockey. The family spent their summers at the family cottage on Houghton Lake. Later in his life Gil took up a passion for cooking alongside his daughter Missy. His love for the outdoors led to countless fishing and hunting adventures. Gil had a strong respect for different genres of music. He was an active member of the New Hope Community Church, devoting his life to the Lord, and loved reading his bible. Above all his biggest joy in life was being with his family.
Gil is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marilyn; children, John Jessen, and Melissa “Missy” Jessen; sister, Jan Marie Jessen. He was predeceased by his parents, and best friend, Joseph Schwartz.
Friends are encouraged to support Gil’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 12:00 Noon at the New Hope Community Church in Charlotte with Pastors Randy Royston and Victor Williams officiating. A visitation will be held just prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. until noon. There will be a luncheon following the service for a time of continuing fellowship. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to New Hope Community Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Jeffry Scott Stoecker
Jeffry Scott Stoecker, age 59 of Charlotte, Michigan, passed peacefully after a brief battle with cancer surrounded by family Friday April 5, 2024. Jeff was born May 1, 1964, to Donald and Patricia Stoecker. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1982. Jeff met the love of his life Norma June Stoecker in 1992 and began a long lasting and strong relationship in late April of the same year. The two were married June 29, 2001, and spent the years together building and nurturing a still growing family, that of which has become Jeff’s legacy. A soft-spoken man of wit, charm, and of the utmost integrity, possessing the biggest and warmest heart for all those he cared for would have done anything and everything to protect those he loved. Jeff chose to be a father where he was not obligated, ultimately adopting Norma’s two sons Michael and Levon later in their adult lives. Jeff and Norma also played a major role in the raising of their grandson Mathias. Jeff was an amazing father and loved raising the boys and teaching them to be men of integrity, kindness, and respect. He was so proud to give them his last name and provide the opportunities to continue his lineage and legacy, though not through heredity, but through the qualities he lovingly instilled in all three whom have and will continue to be the men he raised them to be.
Jeff worked at the Eaton County Governmental Complex in the Physical Plant as a master problem solver where there were few things he could not fix or issues he could not resolve. He enjoyed working with his hands and helping to keep the facilities operational and in tip top condition. Jeff retired from the county in 2019 and spent the years that followed gardening and helping with the educational development of his granddaughters Aubree, Emery, and Islie, of whom he utterly adored.
Jeff is survived by his life partner and wife of a combined total 32 years Norma Stoecker; parents, Donald and Patricia Stoecker; sister, Vicki (David) Wickens; sons, Michael (Karissa) Stoecker of Vermontville, Levon (Samantha Boucher, fiancé) Stoecker of Grand Ledge; grandsons, Mathias Stoecker and Roarke Hammond; granddaughters, Aubree Roth, Emery Stoecker, and Islie Stoecker; best furry friend “Cat” AKA Snickerdoodle; aunts, Cindy (Leonard) Maybee, Sharon (Doug) Hildreth; uncles Gerald (Denice) Stoecker, Cliff (Cathy) Carey II; cousins, Scott (Andrea) Stoecker and their daughter Elena, Debbie (Darrin) Gray, Cliff Carey III, Amy (Dave) Bowman, and Alex Hildreth; and many other friends and family members.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Theodore “Ted” and Alice Stoecker, Clifford and Esther Carey, and Agnes Carey; nephews, Curtis Harris and Cody Wickens; and cousin, Brian Hildreth.
The family would like to express a most sincere thank you to Dr. Weiss as well as the staff of the Oncology Department of 5 West at Sparrow Hospital of Lansing. Most specifically we owe a debt of gratitude and appreciation to Naomi, Jess, Jeanette, Alexa, Kelly, Desean, and Esha and Dr. Clouse whose combined kindnesses made our difficult journey as bearable and comfortable for Jeff and every one of us. He would have told you all that you were 5-star rockstars.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop celebrating. The family received friends on Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Needmore Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers or financial contributions, the family requests that donations be made to the St. Judes Children’s Hospital in Jeff’s name or a tree be planted in his memory.
To view Jeff’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Gordon Karl Davis
Gordon Karl Davis, a respected and beloved member of the Charlotte community, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2024, at the age of 88. Gordon was born on November 6, 1935, in Lansing, Michigan. Gordon loved to learn and was very creative. He is Deeply Loved and Missed by his family and close friends.
He was very proud to have completed eight years of trade school. He proudly served his country as a member of the United State Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. His service was a testament to the values he held dear throughout his life. Gordon also served his community through his career as the owner and operator of his own Auctioneer business.
Gordon’s involvement in his community was heartfelt and deeply important to him. He was a life member of the Paralyzed Veterans of America Chapter #13, the 1st Marine Division Association, the Marine Corp League of Lansing, D.A.V. Capital City Chapter #8, Charlotte American Legion Post #42, Charlotte VFW Post #2406, Eagles of Charlotte, and the Silver Star Member of the Michigan Sheriff’s Association. He also supported the VFW National Home of Eaton Rapids, the Michigan Auctioneers Association, and the National Auctioneers Association #3551.
Gordon is survived by his children, Cindy Davis-Brown, son-in-law, Bob Brown, Teresa Brace and son-in-law Ken, and Richard Davis. He was also blessed with one granddaughter, two grandsons, and one great grandson. He is also survived by one brother, Fred and sister-in-law Katy.
Gordon is preceded in death by his mother, Alberta Davis and father Carl. He is also preceded in death by three sisters, and one brother.
A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held at Oakwood Cemetery, Grand Ledge on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. Cremation has taken place. The family has entrusted arrangements to Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, Grand Ledge.
Patrick O’Howard Mahan
Patrick O’Howard Mahan, 86, of Charlotte, Michigan passed away on March 20, 2024, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing.
He was born on July 21, 1937, to Frank and Helen (Smith) Mahan in Mt. Pleasant, MI. Pat graduated from Charlotte High School, class of 1956, then very, proudly served in The United States Marine Corps from 1956 – 1958. Following his military service, he began his 30-year career with Owens Illinois Glass Plant, retiring as foreman. Some years later, following the death of wife, Kathryn, he married Martha Hamilton on August 24, 2013, at the Charlotte First Baptist Church and enjoyed a beautiful life together.
Pat attended the First Baptist Church of Charlotte for many years; enjoyed golf and played in the church golf league. He was a life member of the Masons.
Patrick is survived by his loving wife, Marti; son, Shane Mahan of CA; son, Chris Mahan of FL; daughter, Gail (Terry) Geach of AZ; Mark (Donna) Barnett of GA; step-sons, Larry (Michelle) Hamilton of Jackson, MI, Don (Jennifer) Hamilton of Marshall, MI; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Katheryn (Gene) Thorndyke-Reppuhn of Olivet, MI; sister-in-law, Janet Mahan of Bellevue, MI; as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by parents; previous wife, Kathryn Mahan; brother, Chuck Mahan, and a nephew.
Per Pat’s wishes cremation has taken place through the care of Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, Michigan, 49068. Please join Pat’s family for a committal service with military honors which will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 19, 2024, at Fort Custer National Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Road, Augusta, MI 49012, with Pastor Pete Kroll, officiating. Please arrive at Fort Custer between 10:45 – 10:55 a.m. We will gather in the staging lanes to the right after turning into the cemetery.
A Celebration of Life will take place following the committal service, at First Baptist Church, 1110 S. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813 beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions are suggested to First Baptist Church, in person, by mail, or on their website at https://www.fbcchar.org/give . Also, please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.
Matthew “Matt” Allen Siple
Matthew Siple
Matthew “Matt” Allen Siple, 32 of Vermontville, beloved family man and “Mr. Mom,” died April 1, 2024. Matt was born June 20, 1991, in Charlotte to Mark Siple and Patricia (Hewitt) Brunke. Matt was able to be a stay-at-home dad, spending lots of time with his girls, while he learned about botany and gardening. Loyal, determined, and with a fierce love for those close to him, Matt enjoyed life and enriching the lives of those around him. Music of almost any kind, and the louder the better, was something he enjoyed. Some of the other things he enjoyed over the years include hunting, playing football and floor hockey, and watching football. Matt was very proud of turning his life around, going from a troubled young person transforming into the man he was today.
Matt is survived by the love of his life and mother of his children, Jessica Bernheisel; daughters, Kennedy Evyr, and Ember; mother, Patricia Brunke; brothers, Ben Shepherd and Vincent (Sarah) Shepherd; grandmother, Lois Siple; uncles, Dan (Lisa) Siple, Mike (Michele) Siple, Marty (Linda) Hewitt, Bob (Nancy) Hewitt, Bill Hewitt, Clare (Pat) Hewitt; aunt, Janice (Chris) Crane; mother-in-law, Dana (Norm) Aspinall; brothers and sisters-in-law, Josh (Jamie) Bernheisel, Samantha (Jake) Brinkman, Amanda (Chuck) Riegler; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his dad, Mark Siple; and grandparents, Bob Siple, Beverly Yeck, and Merle Hewitt.
Friends are encouraged to support Matt’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Tuesday, April 9, 5-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Wednesday, April 10, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the family for his daughters. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte
Randi Sue Colestock
Randi Sue (Johnson) Colestock, 80 of Charlotte passed away peacefully at home on March 22, 2024. She had been ill for several months. Randi was born June 16, 1943, to Roy and Marian Johnson in Gladwin, Michigan on her dad’s 24th Birthday. She was the first girl as she followed her three big brothers and would later be joined by three sisters. The Johnsons moved to Eaton Rapids in 1960 when Randi was 17. Her first job was as a waitress at Baldy’s restaurant, and she graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1961.
Randi married Gary Horton in 1961. They had four kids: Becky, Jeff, Tim and Misty. She and Gary divorced around 1986. She then married Don Colestock in 1991 and when Don became Mayor of Eaton Rapids in 1994, she became the “First Lady of Eaton Rapids” until their divorce around 2004.
Randi worked for Owens- Illinois Glass Container plant in Charlotte for several years. She then became a Certified Nurse’s Assistant (CNA) and worked at Eaton County Medical Care Facility. Randi officially retired in 2010 but continued to work there part time in various positions such as in restorative and activities.
Randi is survived by her children, Rebecca (Tim) Swix of Remus, Jeff Horton of Charlotte, Tim Horton of Jackson, and Misty Horton of Eaton Rapids. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
Randi is also survived by one sister, Sue (Tom) Wilson of Las Vegas, NV and one Brother-in-law, Kent Moss of Bushnell, FL; several loving nieces and nephews and her dear friends Jim and Addriett Balgoyen of Charlotte.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Bob, Jim, and Tom Johnson; sisters, Cheryl Moss and Penny Johnson; and granddaughter Alisha Horton.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Randi was well known and liked in the Eaton Rapids and Charlotte communities and will be missed by all that knew her.
David John Naasko
David John Naasko of Eaton Rapids peacefully passed away at home on April 3, 2024, at the age of 83. David was born on November 22, 1940, in Toivola, Michigan, the son of Charles and Esther (Maki) Naasko. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Eaton Rapids and had a close relationship with his Lord and Savior. David was a family man and enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was a very skilled woodworker and dabbled in metal sculptures as well. David was very creative and had some beautiful masterpieces he created over the years.
He is survived by the love of his life, Jane Naasko of Eaton Rapids; children, Debbie Naasko, Joy (Jerry) Anzalone, Amy Naasko, David (Betsy) Naasko, Adam Naasko, Joel (Angella) Naasko; grandchildren, Michael (Heather), Joshua, Nathan, Kiira, Michaela, Cailyn, Jacob, Lily; great-grandchildren, Kora, Aada, Trista, Maija, Emily; brother, Thomas Naasko. David was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Charles Naasko; sisters, Marjoria Wickstrom, Arbutus Durocher.
Memorial services will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Eaton Rapids on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior. Visitation took place at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel Friday, April 12, 2024, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Small Blessings Childcare, 600 S. Main St., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827, in loving memory of David John Naasko. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Richard Tobias
It is with great sadness that the family of Mr. Richard (Dick) Tobias, age 79 of Nashville, MI announces his passing on March 22, 2024, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing.
Richard was born on May 23, 1944, a son of the late Keet Ivan and Marguerite Alice Tobias. Richard grew up on the family farm in Hastings, attending country school as a young boy later graduating from Hastings Highs School in 1962. After completing high school, he attended Michigan State University where he studied agriculture.
Richard was married to Ginger (Burd) Tobias and the couple had three sons, Aaron, Dan and Ben Tobias. On April 1, 1982, he later married Virginia (Potter) Tobais. Richard and Virginia made their home together in the Nashville area and have celebrated over 41 years of marriage.
After leaving MSU, Richard used his knowledge of farming to begin a career selling dairy equipment, which he did for several years. During the mid-1970’s he transitioned from agricultural sales to auto sales, working for several dealerships in the Hastings area. In 1980 Richard became a licensed insurance agent and embarked on a career in the insurance industry which spanned over 30 years before retiring in 2010.
In his younger years, Richard enjoyed spending a summer afternoon playing softball with friends. His love of sports transitioned to golf in his later years, both participating and watching the professionals on television. Family was always extremely important to Richard, and he especially enjoyed visiting family members, and gathering for the holidays and family reunions.
Richard was a dedicated and integral member of the First Baptist Church in Bellevue. He enjoyed his time spent as a Sunday school teacher and served on the board of church elders. His passion for the church’s media outreach program was his main focus in recent years.
Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Virginia; his sons, Aaron (Adrianne) Tobias, Daniel (Mandi) Tobias, Benjamin (Rebecca) Tobias; siblings, Jerry Tobias, Ron Tobias, Lois (Don) Bowers, Pauline Armstrong; six grandchildren, Izabel, Jude, Eddie, Claire, Charlie, Caleb and Elly. He is also survived by his very dear extended families – the Burketts (Debby), the Newtons (Kathy), the Parrs (David), and the Halseys (Cindy). He was preceded in death by his brother, Edger Tobias; sister, Margie Slocum; and sister-in-law, Carol Tobias.
The family received visitors Tuesday evening, April 2, 2024, at The Daniels Funeral Home-Nashville.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at The Daniels Funeral Home-Nashville, conveniently located at 9200 E M-79 Hwy, Nashville, MI. Guests were invited to remain at the Daniels Funeral Home immediately following the funeral service for a time of fellowship and luncheon.
Internment took place following the funeral luncheon at Cedar Creek Cemetery in Hastings, MI.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, MI. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.