Obituaries
Leonard E. Johnson
Leonard “Len” E. Johnson, of Charlotte, a man of freedom and respect for both his fellow humans and the great green Earth passed away. Leonard was born on the family farm on June 4, 1928. At the age of 89 Len died Saturday, May 5, 2018. This is who our husband, father and grandfather was. He understood the beauty and passion of those he loved. He was intelligent, charming, funny, kind and handsome, but most of all he conducted himself with a quiet grace. He had piercing blue eyes and with his smile you felt blessed all the way through. Our parents shared a deep love, the kind of love where you are lovers and friends. They so loved to dance together. They were two halves that make a whole and they understood how rare and lovely that is. The saying, “still waters run deep” comes to mind. Yet he never missed a trick and should you need a talking to he would deliver it without you ever doubting he had your back. He will be missed.
Len is survived by his wife of 67 plus years, Donna Mae; children, Cathy (John) Roberts, Dan (Katherine) Johnson, Linda (David) Prevo and Tom Johnson; nine grandchildren, Lisa, Adam, Keith, Kara, Amelia, Caelen, Alex, Jackson and Cydne; five great-grandchildren, Samantha Donna, Caroline Grace, Lyla Mae, Henry Leonard, and Beckett Francis; siblings, Pat Langmaack, Richard Johnson; plus so many dear friends and extended family members. Leonard is predeceased by his parents, Leonard Johnson Sr. and Isabel Johnson; sister, Peggy Moon; and brother, Casey Johnson.
Len loved to read, it was common for him to read four books a week. He loved to dance, ski, and travel. He loved Meadowland Farm, having lived in both houses on the property twice. Best of all was his family. Leonard served on many boards including, The First Congregational Church Board, Olivet School Board- 17 years, 4-H Leader – Livestock, Farm Bureau, Land Bank – First of America Bank of Charlotte and also First of America Bank of Lansing, to name a few. He was named a State Farmer and also American Farmer. Len and Donna wintered in Arizona for twenty-three years and so enjoyed the many friends and fun times. They traveled far and wide, living a wonderful life together. “It may seem that I am here and you are there. But my heart knows better. You are always with me.”
Friends are encouraged to support Leonard’s family at visitation and memorial services. Memorial services were Thursday, May 10, 2018 at The First Congregational Church in Charlotte, with Pastor Phil Hobson officiating.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to First Congregational Church. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Len on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Richard E. Van Fossen
Richard Eugene Van Fossen Sr., 91, of Potterville, passed away Monday, May 7, 2018 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. He was born March 12, 1927, in Flint, the son of Donald and Verl Van Fossen. As a boy Richard attended Flushing Schools. He then went on to honorably serve his country in the US Navy in World War II in the Pacific Theater. Upon his return from the war he married the love of his life, Jennie E. Petherbridge on November 25, 1944. Richard was a pillar in the Potterville community. He served as the town constable in the 1950s. Richard was also the Mayor of Potterville, longtime member and president of the Potterville School Board, and City Council. He was an honorary Kentucky Colonel. Richard was a licensed commercial pilot, who loved to fly every opportunity he had. He owned many planes throughout the years and even built one himself. Richard was a proud member of the Operating Engineers Union for over 50 years. In his early years Richard enjoyed racing stock cars and riding motorcycles. He owned and operated Van Fossen Excavating and Van Fossen Trucking for many years. He loved to read and was an ardent supporter of the Benton Township Library. Richard was a proud Shriner. He saw to it that every child that needed medical care had a ride to their appointments.
Richard is survived by his sons, Richard (Theresa) Van Fossen II, Michael Van Fossen; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn in 2014; daughter, Diane Jean in 1989; and granddaughter, Kelly Jean Van Fossen.
Funeral services were held on Friday, May 11, 2018, at 10 a.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte. Interment took place at the Benton Township Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Richard’s memory to the Shriners Hospitals for Children 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.
To view Richard’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Janice V. Bumgardner
Janice V. (Nelson) Bumgardner, 83, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, of Vermontville, went to be with her Lord and Savior on May 3, 2018 surround by her loving family. Janice was born May 31, 1934 in Sullivan County, Tenn. Her southern roots would forever stay with her, through her cooking, hospitality and love. She and Charles met while walking to church. The couple quickly fell in love and would later marry and spend the next 68 years truly devoted to one another. Her marriage to Charles was the joy of her life along with her children. Their humble beginnings started in 1953, when Charles came to Michigan to find a place to bring his family to. He found that in a small home that was owned by the late Harold and Edith Benedict.
Janice loved cooking; a few of her specialties were fried apple pies and cookies. She was known for making a fresh batch of cookies and taking them to different people in the community.
Janice also enjoyed creating beautiful quilts, made most the time from material originating from early feed mill fabric. Janice worked very hard all of her life. She was a butcher at Hanna’s Meat Locker in Sunfield for eight years, and later worked as a manager at the Lansing Butcher Shop for 28 years. Janice was a beautiful backup harmony singer for her daughter’s band called “Cathy Ann and the Sounds of the South.” She then went on to help Cathy Ann with her ministry of Christian Counseling.
Janice loved the Lord and made it her mission in life to tell everyone she could about the way to salvation. Through the last two weeks here on earth she continued to tell everyone at Sparrow Hospital and visiting her at home what heaven looked like and her walk with the Lord. Even during her struggles she would wink and throw her thumb up and giggle.
Above all, Janice was one of the most caring and loving women you could meet.
She is survived by her loving husband, Charles Bumgardner; children, Bob (Kathy) Bumgardner, Nancy (Larry) Trask and Ginny (David) Chase; grandchildren, Cheryl (Tim) Versalle, Denise (Ted) Kurdziel, Marc Trask, and Anne (Chad) Archer; great-grandchildren, Christopher Knoll, Cameron Trask, and Nate Lovaas(Chosen in love to be a part of the family); brothers, Floyd (Carolyn) Nelson, David Nelson, and Clay( Shirley) Nelson; and god son, Mark Truman Woodman III.
She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter Cathy Ann; four sisters and two brothers; and her parents.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at Sunfield United Brethren Church, with Pastor Joe Benedict of Vermontville Bible Church officiating.
In lieu of flowers, Janice had a passion for children to come to know the Lord, and her family asks that memorial contributions be made to either Camp Living Water: or Vermontville Bible Church directed to Youth Mission Camp.
Please visit a special webpage at RosierFuneralHome.com made especially for Janice to light a candle in her memory or leave a condolence for the family.
The family has entrusted the arrangements to the independent family owned funeral home in Sunfield: Rosier Funeral Home.
Rosanne Telfer
Rosanne Telfer, 95, of Brookfield, Wisc., formerly of Charlotte, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on May 9, 2018 in Brookfield. She was born on February 4, 1923, to George and Lillian (Woods) Porter in Highland Park. Rosanne married Alex Telfer on April 14, 1945. She was a 4-H leader teaching clothing and cooking for several years, and she loved gardening and taking care of her family.
This beautiful, warm, compassionate woman leaves a legacy of love, humor, understanding, patience, kindness, elegance and a deep love of children. Everyone who met her loved her. We are so sorry to have lost you but know that many others are rejoicing, including all the precious children in heaven that now have a wonderful guardian angel of their own. We loved you yesterday, today and will every tomorrow.
Rosanne is survived by her daughter, Kathy (James Mathew “Matt” Bourne) Bourne; two sons, Ross (Tammy) Telfer, Bruce (Julie) Telfer.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Alex, in 1994; and her son, Scott, in 1991.
Visitation will be held from noon to 2 p.m., Monday, May 14, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with funeral services following at 2 p.m. Rosanne will be interred during a private graveside service at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte.
The family expresses its deepest appreciation to Silverado Oak Village where Mom has been loved and cared for over the last seven years, Community Memorial Hospital and Horizon Hospice. They all surrounded her with love and wonderful care.
If desired, the family suggests memorial tributes to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin, Inc., 8948 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, where they house and support families whose children are having medical treatment at Children’s Hospital. She loved the gardens and the house there and has always loved children.
The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online in Rosanne’s tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Sylvia Williams
Sylvia Williams, 86, of Vermontville passed away peacefully Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at her home.
Funeral Services will be held at The Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 5, with Pastor Karen Kinney officiating.
The family will receive visitors on Friday, May 4, 2018, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Daniels Funeral Home. Interment will take place immediately following the funeral service at Freemire Cemetery in Sunfield Township.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Maple Valley Scholarship Foundation or the Lake Odessa Historical Society.
For further details, please visit danielsfuneralhome.net.