Obituaries
Jeffry Scott Stoecker
Jeffry Scott Stoecker, age 59 of Charlotte, Michigan, passed peacefully after a brief battle with cancer surrounded by family Friday April 5, 2024. Jeff was born May 1, 1964, to Donald and Patricia Stoecker. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1982. Jeff met the love of his life Norma June Stoecker in 1992 and began a long lasting and strong relationship in late April of the same year. The two were married June 29, 2001, and spent the years together building and nurturing a still growing family, that of which has become Jeff’s legacy. A soft-spoken man of wit, charm, and of the utmost integrity, possessing the biggest and warmest heart for all those he cared for would have done anything and everything to protect those he loved. Jeff chose to be a father where he was not obligated, ultimately adopting Norma’s two sons Michael and Levon later in their adult lives. Jeff and Norma also played a major role in the raising of their grandson Mathias. Jeff was an amazing father and loved raising the boys and teaching them to be men of integrity, kindness, and respect. He was so proud to give them his last name and provide the opportunities to continue his lineage and legacy, though not through heredity, but through the qualities he lovingly instilled in all three whom have and will continue to be the men he raised them to be.
Jeff worked at the Eaton County Governmental Complex in the Physical Plant as a master problem solver where there were few things he could not fix or issues he could not resolve. He enjoyed working with his hands and helping to keep the facilities operational and in tip top condition. Jeff retired from the county in 2019 and spent the years that followed gardening and helping with the educational development of his granddaughters Aubree, Emery, and Islie, of whom he utterly adored.
Jeff is survived by his life partner and wife of a combined total 32 years Norma Stoecker; parents, Donald and Patricia Stoecker; sister, Vicki (David) Wickens; sons, Michael (Karissa) Stoecker of Vermontville, Levon (Samantha Boucher, fiancé) Stoecker of Grand Ledge; grandsons, Mathias Stoecker and Roarke Hammond; granddaughters, Aubree Roth, Emery Stoecker, and Islie Stoecker; best furry friend “Cat” AKA Snickerdoodle; aunts, Cindy (Leonard) Maybee, Sharon (Doug) Hildreth; uncles Gerald (Denice) Stoecker, Cliff (Cathy) Carey II; cousins, Scott (Andrea) Stoecker and their daughter Elena, Debbie (Darrin) Gray, Cliff Carey III, Amy (Dave) Bowman, and Alex Hildreth; and many other friends and family members.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Theodore “Ted” and Alice Stoecker, Clifford and Esther Carey, and Agnes Carey; nephews, Curtis Harris and Cody Wickens; and cousin, Brian Hildreth.
The family would like to express a most sincere thank you to Dr. Weiss as well as the staff of the Oncology Department of 5 West at Sparrow Hospital of Lansing. Most specifically we owe a debt of gratitude and appreciation to Naomi, Jess, Jeanette, Alexa, Kelly, Desean, and Esha and Dr. Clouse whose combined kindnesses made our difficult journey as bearable and comfortable for Jeff and every one of us. He would have told you all that you were 5-star rockstars.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop celebrating. The family received friends on Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Needmore Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers or financial contributions, the family requests that donations be made to the St. Judes Children’s Hospital in Jeff’s name or a tree be planted in his memory.
To view Jeff’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Gordon Karl Davis
Gordon Karl Davis, a respected and beloved member of the Charlotte community, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2024, at the age of 88. Gordon was born on November 6, 1935, in Lansing, Michigan. Gordon loved to learn and was very creative. He is Deeply Loved and Missed by his family and close friends.
He was very proud to have completed eight years of trade school. He proudly served his country as a member of the United State Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. His service was a testament to the values he held dear throughout his life. Gordon also served his community through his career as the owner and operator of his own Auctioneer business.
Gordon’s involvement in his community was heartfelt and deeply important to him. He was a life member of the Paralyzed Veterans of America Chapter #13, the 1st Marine Division Association, the Marine Corp League of Lansing, D.A.V. Capital City Chapter #8, Charlotte American Legion Post #42, Charlotte VFW Post #2406, Eagles of Charlotte, and the Silver Star Member of the Michigan Sheriff’s Association. He also supported the VFW National Home of Eaton Rapids, the Michigan Auctioneers Association, and the National Auctioneers Association #3551.
Gordon is survived by his children, Cindy Davis-Brown, son-in-law, Bob Brown, Teresa Brace and son-in-law Ken, and Richard Davis. He was also blessed with one granddaughter, two grandsons, and one great grandson. He is also survived by one brother, Fred and sister-in-law Katy.
Gordon is preceded in death by his mother, Alberta Davis and father Carl. He is also preceded in death by three sisters, and one brother.
A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held at Oakwood Cemetery, Grand Ledge on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. Cremation has taken place. The family has entrusted arrangements to Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, Grand Ledge.
Patrick O’Howard Mahan
Patrick O’Howard Mahan, 86, of Charlotte, Michigan passed away on March 20, 2024, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing.
He was born on July 21, 1937, to Frank and Helen (Smith) Mahan in Mt. Pleasant, MI. Pat graduated from Charlotte High School, class of 1956, then very, proudly served in The United States Marine Corps from 1956 – 1958. Following his military service, he began his 30-year career with Owens Illinois Glass Plant, retiring as foreman. Some years later, following the death of wife, Kathryn, he married Martha Hamilton on August 24, 2013, at the Charlotte First Baptist Church and enjoyed a beautiful life together.
Pat attended the First Baptist Church of Charlotte for many years; enjoyed golf and played in the church golf league. He was a life member of the Masons.
Patrick is survived by his loving wife, Marti; son, Shane Mahan of CA; son, Chris Mahan of FL; daughter, Gail (Terry) Geach of AZ; Mark (Donna) Barnett of GA; step-sons, Larry (Michelle) Hamilton of Jackson, MI, Don (Jennifer) Hamilton of Marshall, MI; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Katheryn (Gene) Thorndyke-Reppuhn of Olivet, MI; sister-in-law, Janet Mahan of Bellevue, MI; as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by parents; previous wife, Kathryn Mahan; brother, Chuck Mahan, and a nephew.
Per Pat’s wishes cremation has taken place through the care of Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, Michigan, 49068. Please join Pat’s family for a committal service with military honors which will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 19, 2024, at Fort Custer National Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Road, Augusta, MI 49012, with Pastor Pete Kroll, officiating. Please arrive at Fort Custer between 10:45 – 10:55 a.m. We will gather in the staging lanes to the right after turning into the cemetery.
A Celebration of Life will take place following the committal service, at First Baptist Church, 1110 S. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813 beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions are suggested to First Baptist Church, in person, by mail, or on their website at https://www.fbcchar.org/give . Also, please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.
Matthew “Matt” Allen Siple
Matthew Siple
Matthew “Matt” Allen Siple, 32 of Vermontville, beloved family man and “Mr. Mom,” died April 1, 2024. Matt was born June 20, 1991, in Charlotte to Mark Siple and Patricia (Hewitt) Brunke. Matt was able to be a stay-at-home dad, spending lots of time with his girls, while he learned about botany and gardening. Loyal, determined, and with a fierce love for those close to him, Matt enjoyed life and enriching the lives of those around him. Music of almost any kind, and the louder the better, was something he enjoyed. Some of the other things he enjoyed over the years include hunting, playing football and floor hockey, and watching football. Matt was very proud of turning his life around, going from a troubled young person transforming into the man he was today.
Matt is survived by the love of his life and mother of his children, Jessica Bernheisel; daughters, Kennedy Evyr, and Ember; mother, Patricia Brunke; brothers, Ben Shepherd and Vincent (Sarah) Shepherd; grandmother, Lois Siple; uncles, Dan (Lisa) Siple, Mike (Michele) Siple, Marty (Linda) Hewitt, Bob (Nancy) Hewitt, Bill Hewitt, Clare (Pat) Hewitt; aunt, Janice (Chris) Crane; mother-in-law, Dana (Norm) Aspinall; brothers and sisters-in-law, Josh (Jamie) Bernheisel, Samantha (Jake) Brinkman, Amanda (Chuck) Riegler; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his dad, Mark Siple; and grandparents, Bob Siple, Beverly Yeck, and Merle Hewitt.
Friends are encouraged to support Matt’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Tuesday, April 9, 5-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Wednesday, April 10, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the family for his daughters. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte
Randi Sue Colestock
Randi Sue (Johnson) Colestock, 80 of Charlotte passed away peacefully at home on March 22, 2024. She had been ill for several months. Randi was born June 16, 1943, to Roy and Marian Johnson in Gladwin, Michigan on her dad’s 24th Birthday. She was the first girl as she followed her three big brothers and would later be joined by three sisters. The Johnsons moved to Eaton Rapids in 1960 when Randi was 17. Her first job was as a waitress at Baldy’s restaurant, and she graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1961.
Randi married Gary Horton in 1961. They had four kids: Becky, Jeff, Tim and Misty. She and Gary divorced around 1986. She then married Don Colestock in 1991 and when Don became Mayor of Eaton Rapids in 1994, she became the “First Lady of Eaton Rapids” until their divorce around 2004.
Randi worked for Owens- Illinois Glass Container plant in Charlotte for several years. She then became a Certified Nurse’s Assistant (CNA) and worked at Eaton County Medical Care Facility. Randi officially retired in 2010 but continued to work there part time in various positions such as in restorative and activities.
Randi is survived by her children, Rebecca (Tim) Swix of Remus, Jeff Horton of Charlotte, Tim Horton of Jackson, and Misty Horton of Eaton Rapids. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
Randi is also survived by one sister, Sue (Tom) Wilson of Las Vegas, NV and one Brother-in-law, Kent Moss of Bushnell, FL; several loving nieces and nephews and her dear friends Jim and Addriett Balgoyen of Charlotte.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Bob, Jim, and Tom Johnson; sisters, Cheryl Moss and Penny Johnson; and granddaughter Alisha Horton.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Randi was well known and liked in the Eaton Rapids and Charlotte communities and will be missed by all that knew her.