Obituaries
Lon M. Senko
Lon Michael Senko, 69, of Charlotte, passed away Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born October 4, 1948 in Marlette, Mich., the son of Francis and Betty (Bates) Senko. He graduated from Grand Ledge High School with the class of 1967. He went on to earn a degree in engineering. Lon worked his entire career for the State of Michigan, where he worked as a bridge inspector. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War in the United States Air Force. After returning from the war he went on to serve in the United States National Guard and retired after many faithful years of service. On April 20, 2002 he married Linda Jane Andrew. Lon loved his family and cherished every opportunity he had to be together. He supported not only them, but many others in whatever dream they were pursuing. Lon was a Past Commander of the VFW Maple City Post 2406 in Charlotte, Past National President of DADS of Foreign Service Veterans, and life member of the American Legion Post 42 in Charlotte. Lon also served as Deacon at the South Lansing Church of Christ and was active as a member of the Charlotte Church of Christ. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, hunting, and traveling.
Lon is survived by his wife, Linda; children, Michelle (Chris) Senko-Patch of Swartz Creek, Eric (Brittney) Senko of Las Vegas, Nev., Christine (James) LeBrun of Sumter, S.C., Lissa (Troy Lahr) Staszuk of Potterville, Brian (Julia) Wigington of Pahrump, Nev.; 10 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brothers, Gary (Rose) Senko of Onondaga, Bob (DeeDee) Senko of Boulder City, Nev.; several nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Carolyn (Tom) Mahon of Charlotte.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 26, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the Charlotte Church of Christ, 64 Vansickle Drive in Charlotte, with Pastor John Bailey officiating. The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 25, 2018, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte. Interment will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Battle Creek.
In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions in Lon’s honor to the VFW National Home for Children, 3573 S. Waverly Rd., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827 or VFW Camp Trotter, 924 N Washington Ave., Lansing, MI 48906.
To view Lon’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Rose-Ann M. LaJoice
Rose-Ann Marie (Rapson) LaJoice, a gracious hostess, proud mother and loyal friend, 76, of Eaton Rapids, passed away on Monday, February 19, 2018. She was born in Detroit on September 25, 1941 to Chester and Gertrude (Kanzler) Rapson. Rose-Ann was raised in the Upper Peninsula. She married Patrick J. LaJoice, of St. Ignace on November 9, 1964 in Brimley, Mich.
Rose-Ann was always a phone call away — she would be there to help. After her father died, Rose-Ann being the first born of her siblings, took on many responsibilities on the family farm, which led to a very close-knit family. She worked as a phone operator for Michigan Bell Telephone Company in St. Ignace. She was also the cafeteria manager for the State of Michigan Treasury Building, Teacher’s Aide at Eaton Rapids Schools and retired from Walmart in Charlotte after 15 years of service. Rose-Ann was very charitable, and a devoted Catholic serving at St. Jude’s, and St. Mary Church, and involved in Women’s groups and Bible studies over the years.
Rose-Ann loved to travel and visit her family. One of her most cherished trips was traveling to Italy and visiting the Vatican and Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels in Assisi where St Francis of Assisi lived and where he began the Franciscan Order. Her hobbies included collecting, crocheting, and crafting. Rose-Ann loved playing cards and learning new games while chatting with friends.
Rose-Ann is survived by her husband, Patrick; sons, John K. LaJoice of Florida, Ray P. LaJoice, and Michael G. LaJoice of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Eric LaJoice, David LaJoice, Chad LaJoice and Kaylee Connor; great-grandson, Remington Connor; siblings, George (Gloria) Rapson, John (Betty) Rapson, Gary (Susan) Rapson, Mary (Robert) Squires, Darlene (David) Taylor, Leo (Connie) Rapson and Lorraine (Marty) Rapson.
She was preceded in death by parents; infant son, James LaJoice; and sister, Teresa Valerie Semasky.
Visitation was held Friday, February 23, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:15 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or St. Mary Catholic Church.
Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online in Rose-Ann’s tribute page at prayfuneral.com.
William E. Lake
William Earl Lake, 42, of Charlotte, passed away unexpectedly Monday, February 12, 2018, at his home. He was born July 19, 1975, in Charlotte, the son of David and Kathleen (Moehring) Lake. Bill graduated from Charlotte High School in 1994. On June 26, 2004 he married Jennifer Kay Hildebrant. Bill adored his two boys, David and Tyler. They were the apple of his eye. Whether it was attending their sporting events or just spending time together, he loved it all. Bill also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and watching football. He worked as an electrician/millwright for Renewal Technologies in Leslie.
Bill is survived by his wife, Jennifer; sons, David Lake, Tyler Lake; parents, David and Kathleen Lake; sister, Jessica (Greg) King; grandmother, Rhoda Moehring; mother and father-in-law, Robert and Robin Osenbaugh; brother and sisters-in-law, William (Amanda) Hildebrant, Wayne (Amanda) Osenbaugh, LaLena (Scott) Lindsey, Jacob Hildebrant, Josh Bumstead; step mother-in-law, Sara Hildebrant; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, William and Catherine Moehring.
Funeral services were held on Friday, February 16, 2018, at 1 p.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte.
Carl J. Archer
Carl Joseph “Joe” Archer, a big hearted husband, father, and animal lover, died peacefully at his home on Friday, February 9, 2018 surrounded by his loving family and dearest friends. Joe, 67, of Bellevue, was born January 9, 1951 in Charlotte, the son of Virgil O. and Katherine L. (Westrick) Archer.
Joe lived a full life. He served in the National Guard, was a 4H Rodeo leader, and loved farming. He enjoyed his horses and watching his kids, grandkids, and 4H kids ride. He loved to drive his Peterbuilt semi “Smokin’ Joe” and tinkering with it in his shop. Above all, he loved his family and friends, who will miss his great sense of humor and big heart.
Joe is survived by his wife of 47 years, Linda; mother, Katherine; three children, Lori (Tim) Briggs, Tom (Meghann) Archer and Chad (Anne) Archer; seven dearly loved grandchildren, Mikayla (Michael Starken) Densmore, Gabrielle Densmore, Noah Briggs, Nick Briggs, Gracie Little, Teaghann Little, and Cameron Trask. Survived by his siblings, Jerry (Sandy) Archer, Larry (Janet) Archer, Luann Klont, Carolyn (Paul) Haas, Chuck (Suzanne) Archer, Scott Archer, and Don Archer. Joe was welcomed home by his father, Virgil; brothers, Robert, Kenny and Bill Archer, and his beloved nephew and godson, Andy Archer.
“Those who love don’t go away. They walk besides us everyday…unseen, unheard, but always here. Still loved, still missed and very dear.”
Funeral services were held Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home, with Rev. Phil Hobson officiating. Interment took place at West Carmel Cemetery.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the family.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Joe on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Jean L. Corey
Jean Lee Corey, a beloved sister, aunt and friend, of Charlotte passed away Saturday, February 10, at The Thornapple Manor in Hastings. Jean, 76, was born June 28, 1941 in Lansing to Elisha and Louise (Musser) Corey. She will be truly missed by her siblings, Barbara Goulding, Marcia Corey, Richard Corey and Amy (William) Butler. Jean was a shining star. She had the most special love for life, people and the family. She never complained or asked for anything. Jean always had a smile and a hug for you.
She was predeceased by her parents; brother, Paul Corey; sister-in-law, Faye Lou Corey; and brother-in-law, Larry Goulding.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, February 14, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home, with Pastor Randy Royston officiating.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Thornapple Manor “Activity Department” or to The New Hope Community Church.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Jean on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.