Obituaries
Kenneth D. Janousek, Jr.
Kenneth D. Janousek, Jr., age 87, of Olivet, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, March 17, 2024. He was born February 5, 1937, in Charlotte the son of Kenneth D. and Laverna (Pratt) Janousek. Ken went on to graduate from Olivet High School in 1955. On October 27, 1957, he married Carol Kathleen Clarke. Ken worked his entire career as a machinist at Airway Manufacturing in Olivet. He retired after 45 ½ years of faithful service. Ken had a passion for all things outdoors. He loved hunting, fishing, and taking beautiful pictures of wildlife. In his retirement he enjoyed raising white-tailed deer. Ken looked forward to family dinners every Sunday at 1 P.M. and watching Michigan Out-of-Doors every Thursday evening with a big bowl of popcorn in his lap. He also looked forward to drinking coffee with friends around the table.
He is survived by his children, Debra (Steve) Graeve of Littleton, CO, Mark (Rosie) Janousek of Olivet; son-in-law, Joe Costello of Olivet; grandchildren, Lindsay (Chad) Stewart of Marshall, Kendra (Levi) VanSyckle of Marshall, Dan (Jacque) Graeve of Lakewood, CO, Julie Graeve of Lakewood, CO, Lacy (Judah) Smith of Burlington, Alissa (Nick Johnson) Costello of Olivet, Tara Graeve of Littleton, CO, Gino (Macy) Costello of Marshall, and Gabrielle Costello of Olivet; great-grandchildren, Meredith and Griffin Stewart, Jameson Janousek, Brynna VanSyckle, Giana Johnson, Alden Graeve, Addilyn Smith and two more on the way!!; sisters-in-law, Joann Clarke, Rebecca Clarke; lifelong friend, David Hadley; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
The family would like to thank Rebecca’s In-Home Care and Candace Kelly for the exceptional care provided to Ken.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carol; daughter, Sandi Costello; brothers-in-law, Robert Clarke and Carl Clarke.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family received friends on Wednesday at the funeral home. Interment will follow the funeral service at Bosworth Cemetery in Olivet.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Ken’s memory The Olivet High School Trap Shooting Team 255 1st Street, Olivet, MI 49076.
To view Ken’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Carl R. Morris
Carl R. Morris, a man who enjoyed his family and the outdoors, passed away March 6, 2024. Carl, 93, was born on September 8, 1930 in Grand Ledge, Michigan to Raymond and Sylvia (Greenfield) Morris. He graduated from Grand Ledge High School in 1949, and married Joan Hayes on November 25, 1950, in Grand Ledge. Carl’s career entailed working for 30 years at Oldsmobile in Lansing, Michigan, and farming his whole life. He enjoyed fishing, archery, hunting, traveling with his family, reading, and building full scale boats and model boats.
Carl is survived by his loving wife, Joan; his children, Brenda Morris, Randy Morris, Tim Morris and David (Loretta) Morris; three grandchildren, Amanda Morris, Stacie (Jessie) Morris, and Andrew Morris; five great-grandchildren, Braden, Noah, Hayden, Ashton, Rylie and Austin; siblings, Jonnie (Marge) Morris, Bob (Bonnie) Morris, and Joy (Lloyd) Thomas; and his faithful companion, his dog, Buddy. He was predeceased by his parents, Raymond and Sylvia Morris; and his sister, Jeanne Morris
The funeral service was Monday, March 11, at Pray Funeral Home. The funeral service 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 Carl’s tribute, then click on Photos & videos from your computer (or Media from your smartphone).
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the National Rifle Association (NRA). Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online in Carl’s Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, MI.
Jonathon Briskie
Jonathon “Tyler” Briskie, a fun dad with a contagious smile, died unexpectedly March 15, 2024. His family and friends appreciate that he had a straightforward personality and was easy to connect with in conversation. Tyler was born to David and Tami (England) Briskie on May 11, 1983, in Marshall, Michigan.
Tyler developed a love of the woods from his father, who taught him to hunt at an early age. He had many adventures in the woods, Tyler was never afraid to get dirty, and enjoyed the serenity of nature. He developed a knack of hunting for mushrooms at an early age on a scavenger hunt with his mother, which developed into a passion he would follow throughout his life. Tyler earned a Certificate of Mycology (the study of mushrooms) from MSU in identifying many varieties of wild mushrooms. His favorite mushrooms were morels, and he would go to the end of the world to find them. His mushroom hunting grew into a small business for Tyler selling them to local restaurants and distributors.
Tyler was also a Certified Chimney Sweep and served his local community under the company name, Safety Sweep. Building things was a talent he shared with family members crafting furniture, forts and, a loft bed for his daughter, and rabbit cages for the many, many rabbits that he loved to raise. Above all, his greatest passion was his family whom he loved profoundly. He was a true man of God whom many leaned upon. His life motto: Jesus, family and fungi were what his life was all about. He was always willing to help his family, friends, and others, even the homeless around him. His strong-willed faith helped him to be content with what he had in life; his children, a walk in the woods to forage for his dinner, family, fungi, farming, and Jesus. You couldn’t sway him from his beliefs as he was well versed in scriptures from his Bible. Tyler will be truly missed as he naturally was able to take care of the details of so many things.
Jonathon Tyler Briskie is survived by the love of his life, Sarah Smith; children, Elijah Jonathon Briskie, Sofia May Briskie; his parents, David and Tami Briskie; brothers, Cody Briskie and Bobby Thomas; nephews, James Briskie, Luke Briskie, Nathan Briskie, and Jonah Briskie. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Don and Darlene Briskie, and grandmother, Loretta England.
Friends were encouraged to support Jonathon’s family at visitation and funeral services at 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 22, at Bellevue Christian Center. The family received visitors at the church from 12:00 noon Friday until the service time at 2:00 p.m. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Bellevue Christian Church. Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online in Jonathon’s Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, MI.
Darrin Martin
Darrin “Marty” Martin, age 59, of Charlotte, passed away unexpectedly at home on Saturday, March 16, 2024. He was born March 7, 1965, in Harrisville, Michigan the son of Darwin and Janet (Blanford) Martin. Marty graduated from Swartz Creek High School with the class of 1983. On August 6, 2011, he married Dawn Sherman. Marty loved cooking and working as a welder. He owned and operated Truckin’ Awesome Food Truck in Olivet. Marty cherished the opportunity of serving his community and loved to see the smiles it brought to their faces. He had a heart of gold and was always ready to help anyone in need. Marty had the gift of gab and loved visiting with others and sharing stories. When Marty was not busy with the food truck you could find him tinkering around the house or outdoors hunting, fishing, or camping. He adored his family and loved spending time together with them.
Marty is survived by his wife, Dawn; children, Kayla (Nick Childs) Martin of Grand Rapids, Kelsi (Cody Fath) Martin of Lansing, Amber (Michael Jeanette) Sherman of Vicksburg, Bri (Chad) Cook of Charlotte; 8 grandchildren and one on the way; sister, Jodi Tate; and three nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter, Athena, who Marty affectionately referred to as “Waffles”.
In keeping with Marty’s wishes cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
Those desiring may make contributions to Marty’s family.
To view Marty’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.
Carolyn June McConnell
Carolyn June McConnell, age 82, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on Friday, March 15, 2024. She was born February 21, 1942, in Belding, Michigan the daughter of Robert and Viola (Groom) McConnell. Carolyn went on to graduate from Potterville High School with the class of 1960. After high school she went on to attend Prairie Bible Institute in Three Hills, Alberta, Canada for four years. Carolyn had a heart for mission work and spent the majority of her life serving others. She was a quiet lady with an adventurous personality. Carolyn was always up to trying new things. Whether it was white water rafting, parasailing, or some other daring feet she was always up for the challenge. In her free time, she enjoyed fishing with her brothers, completing puzzles, sewing, and building bird houses and planters out of stones.
Carolyn will be dearly missed by her siblings, Robert (Sally) McConnell of Potterville, Pat Koos of Charlotte, Lou (Salliann) McConnell of Big Spring, Texas, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, sister, Charlene Kay Hatcher, and brother-in-law, Merlin Koos.
In keeping with Carolyn’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date.
Those desiring may make contributions in Carolyn’s memory to Sparrow Hospice at www.sparrow.org/give.
To view Carolyn’s obit 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.