Obituaries
Douglas Peter Sjoquist
Douglas Peter Sjoquist (born March 30, 1951, in Escanaba, Michigan) passed away at Eaton Community Palliative Care peacefully on March 5, 2024. He is survived by his dearest friend and wife, Jan, of Charlotte, MI, and his children: Jonah (Yoko) from Brighton, MI, Mei-li (Nick) Restani from San Francisco, CA, Michelle (Mike) Erickson from Grand Rapids, MI, and Stephanie (Dean) Leavitt from Charlotte, MI as well as his two brothers and best friends, Paul (Annabelle) from Mililani, HI and Bill (Cathy) from Gladstone, MI. He had several grandchildren including Kainoa, Kaleo, Novella, Alessio, Alyssa, Maleia, Julia, Ethan, Elana, Collin, one great granddaughter, Freya, and one great grandson, Eli.
He graduated from Northern Michigan University in 1974 and the University of Hawaii in 1979. Sjoquist was a professor at Bay de Noc Community College (1980- 81), Lansing Community College (1982-2015), and at Michigan State University (2008- 2020). He was a curious mind who enjoyed an active and rich lifestyle of traveling, rockhounding, swimming/snorkeling, music, art, and writing on a variety of topics. He was also a professional musician playing in various rock and country bands throughout most of his life.
It is nearly impossible to sum up Doug’s influence on all who knew him, but former student, Justin Parker Pool 1 came close:
“It has been about 25 years since I took his class, but I still remember him explaining with wonder how the old Taoists would not mourn the dead, but rather parade down the street in celebration of their life. It is with that sense of joy that I am thankful to have known him as a teacher and friend. Sjoquist-Sensei’s kindness and joy for life will live on in all of us who knew him.”
There will be no funeral service. In honoring his life, donations may be made to Doug’s cause of spreading compassion and knowledge to Eaton Community Palliative Care, 2675 S. Cochran, Charlotte, MI 48813 or Friends of Charlotte Community Library, 226 S. Bostwick Street, Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Doug’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
The family is in the care of the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
John E. Locke, Sr.
John E. Locke Sr., honest, humble, and beloved family man, died March 1, 2024, at the age of 81. A lifetime resident of Charlotte, John was born May 2, 1942, to Rowland and Doris (Wonser) Locke. In 1961 he married Judith Ludwig and they worked side-by-side on their dairy farm for 62 years. While he wasn’t always politically correct, he loved to make others smile and was a jokester, loving to pick on his friends. John was very active with 4-H, FFA, and Farm Bureau, and was the fun dad and grandpa, with the kids always wanting to be where he was and do whatever he did.
John was also one of the guys that people would go to when they needed help. He was a 4-H leader, Farm Bureau FSA committee member, volunteered at his church and at the Eaton County Senior Center, and received several awards for his active participation in so many organizations over the years. John was a humble, fair and honest man, loving the Lord and living his life in a way that showed others what being a Christian really means.
John will be greatly missed by many people who knew and loved him. He is survived by his wife or 62 years, Judith; children, John Locke Jr. (Tuttie Gulett), Jeffrey (Angie) Locke, Lisa (Greg) Wylie; son-in-law, Roger (Nanette) Harris; grandchildren Jesse (Natlie) Harris, Elizabeth (TJ) Smith, Sarah (Chris) Johnston, Kendall (Alex) Dubois, Brittany (Alex) Ambrosius, Paige (Justin) Hall, Chelsea (Joshua) Ramirez, Lindsey (Ben) Walker, Joshua Locke, Justin Locke, Brett (Haidyn) Heikes, and Sharlene (Nick) Tekrony; 17 great-grandchildren; siblings, Leone Bust and Duane (Sharon) Locke; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by daughter, Cynthia Harris; brother, Elwin Locke; and brother-in-law, Don Bust.
Friends are encouraged to support John’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Tuesday, March 5, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Wednesday, March 6, at Crossroads United Brethren Church in Charlotte. The funeral as webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on John’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton County Agricultural Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Norene Rose Fell
Norene Rose Fell, a woman of remarkable passion and a self -taught Linnaean Taxonomist, left this world on March 4, 2024, leaving behind a legacy that touched the hearts of all who knew her. Born on September 11, 1937, in Muskegon, MI, to Adolph August Pierre Domont and Norah Johnson, the last of four daughters. Norene’s life journey was a testament to her love for God, Christ, and the awe-inspiring wonders of His creations.
In her youth, Norene was an active member of the Girl Scouts and Walther League, finding solace and community in her church. She graduated from Muskegon High School, laying the foundation for a life characterized by curiosity, kindness, and an unyielding spirit. Embarking on her professional journey, Norene began as a bookbinder and librarian’s assistant. After her marriage to Forrest Alton Fell on January 9, 1967 her deep connection with animals led her to become the proud owner of Crestview Boarding Kennel in the Charlotte area. For 34 years, she welcomed over 10,000 customers, caring not only for their dogs and cats but also raising prizewinning German Shepherds alongside her beloved husband, Forrest.
In 1984, Norene graduated from Lansing Community College, transitioning to a fulfilling role as a substitute teacher. A woman of many talents, she was a gifted musician and writer, sharing her love for music by actively participating in her church choir and serving as the accompanist on piano and organ. Norene’s commitment to her faith and her community was unwavering. Her studies in Linnaean Taxonomy, the study of the genus and species of all living things, reflected her awe for God’s creation, as she saw science as a pathway to understanding the divine.
Noreen is survived by her children, Aaron (Shannon) Fell, Michael (Carla) Fell, and Sarah (Jaymie) Walters; grandchildren, Robert, Angie, Michael Jr., Jacob, Jessica, Andrew, and Alexandyr. She was predeceased by her husband, Forrest; grandson, Daniel; and her sisters, Nancy Rudick, Delphine Poellott, and Arlene Rose (her twin sister).
Family and friends were invited to celebrate Norene’s life during the visitation at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte on Thursday, March 7. The funeral service was held on Friday, March 8, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home. Norene will be laid to rest beside her husband in West Carmel Cemetery. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to First Lutheran Church of Charlotte or Siren Eaton Shelter, organizations that held special places in Norene’s heart. Memories of Norene can be shared on her tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Tom Reid
Tom Reid, age 86 of Nashville, MI passed away on March 1, 2024, at Sensations Memory Care in Charlotte.
Thomas was born in Hastings MI, February 12, 1938, a son of Florence and Clyde Reid.
Thomas was raised in the Nashville area and attended local schools graduating from W.K. Kellogg School in 1957. After completing his education Tom enlisted in the United States Army. He served faithfully for three years before being honorably discharged in 1962. He worked faithfully for over 35 years retiring in 2000 from Union Pump Company.
Tom also was a lifetime farmer raising beef cattle and buffalo.
On June 5, 1965, he married Emma Jean Jordan in Assyria MI. The couple made their home together on the family farm in Nashville.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Jean; his two children, Paula Reid, and Scott (Julie) Reid; three grandchildren; three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Robert, Rod, Roland, Jim, Richard, Bernard, Eva Phoebe and an infant sister.
The family received visitors on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at Daniels Funeral Home Nashville.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, MI. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.
Marcelyn Yvonne Kelley
Marcelyn Yvonne Kelley, 88 years old, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2024. She was born December 5, 1935, in Charlotte, Michigan, the eldest of five children born to the union of Leo and Margaret (Powers) Baker. She attended CHS, graduating in 1953. Marcelyn married the love of her life, Sherman Kelley on January 9, 1954, at the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church where she was an active member for 72 years.
There are so many words to describe Marcelyn – compassionate, selfless, empathetic, generous, devoted, kind, lovely, optimistic, sincere, thoughtful, warm-hearted, wise, peacemaker, gentle, cheerful, considerate, graceful, inspiring, with very strong moral values. She was a wonderful cook, seamstress, friend, trip/event planner, entertainer, volunteer and American patriot. Most importantly, she was mom, grandma and great-grandma and her family was absolutely everything to her as she was everything to her family. Her grandchildren would say she was truly the best grandma in the entire world. Marcelyn loved playing cards and she was always very lucky, something all her family kidded her about. She was very competitive and even the grandkids knew that grandma probably wouldn’t let them win.
Marcelyn sold World Book encyclopedias for 20 years. It was important to her that children had a great set of learning books and she put her heart and soul into selling them. She never made much money selling because she wouldn’t pressure anyone, but she loved all the people she met along the way. Marcelyn volunteered at Hayes Green Beach Hospital for ten years and the Binder Park Zoo for 14 years. Her second home was the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church, where she gave her time selflessly cooking meals, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School, and was an active member of her church circle. She also, participated in church camps, including a two-week trip to Puerto Rico. Marcelyn’s deep faith in her Lord Jesus Christ was everything to her.
Marcelyn is survived by her children, Kimberly (Randy) Howe, Kris (Jan) Kelley; grandchildren, Melissa (Sivad) Howard, Jason Whetstone, Skye Kelley, Chandler Kelley; great-grandchildren, Ashton Whetstone and Londyn Howard; sisters, Darlene Raymer and Rosemary (Dave) DeWaters; brother, Doyle (Jackie) Baker; sister-in law, Mary Jean Baker; brother-in-law, Dwight Pierce; several nieces and nephews; her special friend of over 70 years, Larry Towe and special friend. D.J. McGee. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Sherman Kelley; her brother, Daryl Baker; and brother-in-law, Robert Raymer.
Friends are encouraged to support the family by attending services or sharing memories on Marcelyn’s Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Sunday, March 3, at Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church, Charlotte. Funeral services were Monday, March 4, at 11:00 a.m. at Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church in Charlotte with Pastor Jack Conklin and family friend Jonathan White officiating. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Marcelyn’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Heartland Hospice Monroe or the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.