Obituaries
Dewain J. Sivyer
Dewain J. Sivyer, 76, of Vermontville, a man who loved outdoor activities and was known for his stubbornness, died May 2, 2018. Dewain was born August 1, 1941 in Lansing to James and Jeanette (VanPolen) Sivyer. He graduated from Grand Ledge High School and enlisted in the Army. While serving in Germany, he met his future wife, Monika Secker, and they were married October 6, 1962 in Frei-Laubersheim, Germany. They have been happily married for 55 years, and have enjoyed many adventures together traveling and fishing, as well as raising their four children. Dewain loved to fish in Canada, hunt on his property for deer and turkey, he had several vegetable gardens and canned the fruit of their labor, and he also loved fabricating in his barn (a skill he learned from his grandfather).
Dewain was very proud of his children and grandchildren, and they will miss him dearly. Dewain is survived by his wife, Monika Sivyer; children Susan (Edward) Daaod, James (Linda) Sivyer, Richard (Martha) Sivyer, and Cynthia (Brad) Huff; grandchildren, Alex, Cody, Anna, Hannah, Brianna, Amber, Jacob; great-grandchildren, Joyeln, Ava, and Braden; siblings, Jeanette (Don), Helen, Donna (Gary), and Arlene. Dewain was predeceased by his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Dewain’s family by visiting his tribute page and sharing memories of him at PrayFuneral.com.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Stoneleigh Residence in Lansing, where Dewain spent his final days being cared for by a wonderful staff. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.
Debra Elaine Moore, 64, made her journey to heaven on April 24, 2018.
Debbie leaves behind her father, Ralph Moore; four sisters, Diane Dixon (Dale), Doreen Moore, Dawn Moore, and Darlene Moore (Georgia); nieces, Danielle Dixon, Amy Moore, Tina Stine; and nephew, TJ Kurylo; along with many great-grand nieces and nephews.
Waiting to welcome Debbie into heaven was her mother, Dorothy Moore.
When Debbie was born in 1951 she was not expected to live into adulthood, but her lifelong trait of feisty determination led her to a full and long life. Debbie was an avid fan of roller coasters, dancing, music, binge-watching “Cops,” scary movies, puzzles, hot air balloons and napping. Debbie worked for many years at Transition’s North in Lansing.
The family would like to thank Residential Options for the commitment shown to Deb over the years and the fine staff at Canarsie House for their love and devotion. Because Debbie’s life was so enriched by the kindness of others in lieu of donations the family suggests performing an act of kindness in Debbie’s name.
A celebration of Deb’s life will be held at Center Eaton Community Center on Monday, April 30, with visitation/viewing from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Her service will be officiated by Pastor Charles Jenson and will begin at 12:30 p.m., followed by internment, a balloon release, and refreshments.
The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.
Douglas C. Kelsey
Douglas Clare Kelsey, a happy, honest friend of many, died peacefully on Sunday, April 22, 2018 in Kalamazoo. Doug, 68, of Vermontville, was born November 21, 1949 in Lansing, the son of Dr. Lewis Donald and Hildred Louise (Figg) Kelsey. He graduated from Maple Valley High School in 1967 before earning a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from Olivet College, and a master’s degree in public administration from Western Michigan University. He also graduated from the Institute of Organizational Management through Notre Dame University.
Doug held many esteemed positions throughout his career. He started with the Michigan Auto Parts Association in membership benefits before moving to the Michigan Floral Association. He worked three years as the Director of Education and Certification for the Professional Insurance Agents of Michigan, followed by serving as Director of Member Programs for the National Hearing Society and administered the National Board of Certification for hearing instruments and specialists. He served as CEO and President of the Michigan Home Health Association for two years before eight years as Executive Director of the Association of Builders and Contractors of Central Michigan. He formed his own firm, Kelsey Consulting and Management Group until 2008, when he went to part time project consultant for the Dispute Resolution for Education Resources. He held distinctions as Past President of Michigan Chapter of Meeting Professionals International and as a certified Association Executive.
Doug loved Vermontville. He served as Master of Ceremonies for the Syrup Festival for 35 years and was named the festival’s Grand Marshal for 2018. Throughout his many years of public service, he always remained fiercely dedicated to his hometown. He spent much of his time with friends. He enjoyed time on the golf course – as long as no score was kept – and enjoyed the occasional good scotch or bourbon. Doug will be remembered for his quick wit and approachable nature. He made a difference in many lives and maintained his friendships throughout his life.
Friends are encouraged to support Doug’s family at visitation and funeral services. Funeral services were held Friday, April 27, 2018 at 2 p.m. at the First Congregational Church in Vermontville, with Rev. Pool officiating.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Maple Valley Scholarship Fund.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Doug on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Catherine E. Pion
Catherine E. Pion, 92, of Dimondale, died April 21, 2018. She was born January 7, 1926 in Big Rapids, a daughter of George and Alice (Amedon) Stratz. She worked with her sister, Mary Stratz, at Mary’s Truck Stop and also at JMK’s Flea Market. Kaye enjoyed Bingo and traveling road trips to the casino.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Maynard, and daughter, Anne.
Surviving are her children, James (Kathy) Pion of Olivet, Linda Mason of Potterville, Debra (Jeff) Saylor of Mesick, Diane (Brad) Hart of Onondaga, Tom (Wendy) Pion of Eaton Rapids, Carol Pion of Charlotte and Daniel (Tamara) Pion of Dimondale; 15 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Francis Stratz of Livonia and Bernard Stratz of Walled Lake; one sister, Rose Kogler of Byron Center; several nieces and nephews.
Services were held Wednesday at St. Mary Catholic Church, Charlotte, with Fr. Dwight Ezop, celebrant. Interment was in Dimondale Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Sparrow Foundation/Hospice House of Mid-Michigan, P. O. Box 30480, Lansing, MI 48909-9986.
Kenneth A. Patrick
Kenneth Allen Patrick, 59, of Nashville, passed away Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at home with his family by his side. He was born March 30, 1959, in Charlotte, the son of Kenneth Ray and Carol Ann (Eaton) Patrick. Ken was one of the most giving people one could ever have the privilege of knowing. He always saw to it that others were taken care of before himself. Ken had a deep love for music. He loved playing his guitar and wrote many original songs throughout the years. He was extremely easy going and had a tremendous sense of humor.
Ken is survived by his sons, Jesse James-Ray (Heather) Patrick of Nashville, Sean Matthew (Dusty) Patrick of Lansing; grandsons, Drako and Draven Patrick; brother, Curtis Lloyd (Missy) Patrick; and sister, Earlean Jo King.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Per Ken’s wishes, there will be no services and cremation has taken place.
Those desiring may make contributions in Ken’s memory to his family.
To view Ken’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.