Obituaries
David John Naasko
David John Naasko of Eaton Rapids peacefully passed away at home on April 3, 2024, at the age of 83. David was born on November 22, 1940, in Toivola, Michigan, the son of Charles and Esther (Maki) Naasko. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Eaton Rapids and had a close relationship with his Lord and Savior. David was a family man and enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was a very skilled woodworker and dabbled in metal sculptures as well. David was very creative and had some beautiful masterpieces he created over the years.
He is survived by the love of his life, Jane Naasko of Eaton Rapids; children, Debbie Naasko, Joy (Jerry) Anzalone, Amy Naasko, David (Betsy) Naasko, Adam Naasko, Joel (Angella) Naasko; grandchildren, Michael (Heather), Joshua, Nathan, Kiira, Michaela, Cailyn, Jacob, Lily; great-grandchildren, Kora, Aada, Trista, Maija, Emily; brother, Thomas Naasko. David was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Charles Naasko; sisters, Marjoria Wickstrom, Arbutus Durocher.
Memorial services will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Eaton Rapids on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior. Visitation took place at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel Friday, April 12, 2024, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Small Blessings Childcare, 600 S. Main St., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827, in loving memory of David John Naasko. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Richard Tobias
It is with great sadness that the family of Mr. Richard (Dick) Tobias, age 79 of Nashville, MI announces his passing on March 22, 2024, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing.
Richard was born on May 23, 1944, a son of the late Keet Ivan and Marguerite Alice Tobias. Richard grew up on the family farm in Hastings, attending country school as a young boy later graduating from Hastings Highs School in 1962. After completing high school, he attended Michigan State University where he studied agriculture.
Richard was married to Ginger (Burd) Tobias and the couple had three sons, Aaron, Dan and Ben Tobias. On April 1, 1982, he later married Virginia (Potter) Tobais. Richard and Virginia made their home together in the Nashville area and have celebrated over 41 years of marriage.
After leaving MSU, Richard used his knowledge of farming to begin a career selling dairy equipment, which he did for several years. During the mid-1970’s he transitioned from agricultural sales to auto sales, working for several dealerships in the Hastings area. In 1980 Richard became a licensed insurance agent and embarked on a career in the insurance industry which spanned over 30 years before retiring in 2010.
In his younger years, Richard enjoyed spending a summer afternoon playing softball with friends. His love of sports transitioned to golf in his later years, both participating and watching the professionals on television. Family was always extremely important to Richard, and he especially enjoyed visiting family members, and gathering for the holidays and family reunions.
Richard was a dedicated and integral member of the First Baptist Church in Bellevue. He enjoyed his time spent as a Sunday school teacher and served on the board of church elders. His passion for the church’s media outreach program was his main focus in recent years.
Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Virginia; his sons, Aaron (Adrianne) Tobias, Daniel (Mandi) Tobias, Benjamin (Rebecca) Tobias; siblings, Jerry Tobias, Ron Tobias, Lois (Don) Bowers, Pauline Armstrong; six grandchildren, Izabel, Jude, Eddie, Claire, Charlie, Caleb and Elly. He is also survived by his very dear extended families – the Burketts (Debby), the Newtons (Kathy), the Parrs (David), and the Halseys (Cindy). He was preceded in death by his brother, Edger Tobias; sister, Margie Slocum; and sister-in-law, Carol Tobias.
The family received visitors Tuesday evening, April 2, 2024, at The Daniels Funeral Home-Nashville.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at The Daniels Funeral Home-Nashville, conveniently located at 9200 E M-79 Hwy, Nashville, MI. Guests were invited to remain at the Daniels Funeral Home immediately following the funeral service for a time of fellowship and luncheon.
Internment took place following the funeral luncheon at Cedar Creek Cemetery in Hastings, MI.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, MI. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.
Joseph A. Harmon
Joseph A. Harmon, age 88, of Bellevue, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 18, 2024, at Thornapple Manor in Hastings. He was born September 6, 1935, in Battle Creek the son of Elwin and Leona (Turner) Harmon. Joe graduated from Olivet High School in 1954. While in high school Joe became active in FFA and this experience led him to pursue a lifelong passion of farming. On June 5, 1955, he married Joan Sharp at the family home in Olivet. Joe was a true farmer and cherished each and every moment he spent laboring to provide for his family. He first farmed on Old 27 outside of Olivet and retired from his farm on Ainger Road. Joe had a love for tractors and equipment. He always repaired and rebuilt his own things. Joe was proud to work side by side on the family farm with first his father-in-law, Murl Sharp, friend, Stan Otto, and later his son, Tom. Together they made many special memories. Joe loved to visit with others. Strangers were never strangers for very long. He had a gentle way of making friends and took a genuine interest in others. Mike Babcock spent countless hours along with Joe solving the world’s problems in the milk house. When Joe retired from farming, he went to work as a salesman for Vigortone Feed and later Cen-Pe-Co Oil. Joe’s brother Jack said it best when he said, “I love my brother very much and he will be truly missed.”
Joe is survived by his children, Sally (Carl) Fox of PA, Carla (Bill) Kanine of Petoskey, Thomas (Julie) Harmon of Olivet, Debra (Rex) Swank of Olivet; eight grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; brother, Jack Harmon of Au Train, MI; sisters-in-law, Jane VanDriessche of Olivet, Barbara (John) Henry of TN, Joyce Sharp of Olivet, Mary (Richard) Midlam of Olivet; brother-in-law, Bill Mott of Battle Creek; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Murl and Jessie Sharp; wife of 68 years, Joan; and sister-in-law, Ruth Harmon.
Funeral services were held on Monday, March 25, 2024, at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Family received friends during a time of visitation for one hour prior to the service. Interment will take place after the funeral service at Bosworth Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Joe’s memory to the Olivet FFA, 225 1st Street, Olivet, MI 49076.
To view Joe’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Martha Louise McDiarmid
Martha Louise “Babes” McDiarmid of Charlotte, a quick-witted lady with a great sense of humor and an extensive collection of everything watermelon, died March 14, 2024, at the age of 88. Martha was born in Janesville, WI on March 26, 1935, to Clarence and Ada (Ozmen) Coulson. In February of 1964 she married Lyle McDiarmid and then raised their children in the country, gardening, raising cattle, and even making their own maple syrup. Martha was an excellent baker, not only making delicious treats for her family, but she also worked as a baker at Charlotte Bakery and later as a cook at Olivet College for over 25 years. In addition to her collection of watermelon, she also collected Christmas tree pins. Martha also loved flowers and was very proud of her gardens with her favorite flowers being the hyacinth and iris. A proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Martha cherished every moment she spent with her family.
Martha is survived by her children, Steve (Sheila) McDiarmid, Rebecca Berry, Cheri (Jerry) McDiarmid, Wendy Ratliff, Deborah (Joe) Brege, and Eric Scott (Linda) McDiarmid; 15 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bernard (Bev) McDiarmid, Doris Thorton, Joyce (Ron) Need, and Linda (David) Suntken; as well as many nieces and nephews. Martha was predeceased by son, Robert Felder; husband, Lyle McDiarmid; grandson, James VanVleck; brother, Robert Coulson; and sons-in-law, Duke Berry and Warren Clemons.
Friends are encouraged to support Martha’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Wednesday, March 20, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Thursday, March 21, 2:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. The funeral 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 Martha’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 a charity of your choice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Raymond Mann
Raymond “Jack” Mann, a man known for his love of catching fish, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Saturday, March 30, 2024. Jack, 93, of Charlotte, was born on May 14, 1930, in Charlotte, the son of Audley and Theresa (Bailey) Mann. He proudly served in the United States Army as an MP during the Korean War. Upon being discharged, Jack married Marilyn Joyce Edwards on May 5, 1951 and they enjoyed 72 years of life’s adventures together raising three children. Jack worked as a self-employed contractor building many homes in Michigan. He is a former Lions Club member of over 20 years, where he volunteered countless hours over the years. Hobbies that Jack enjoyed were fishing, hunting, cheering for MSU football, and restoring old Volkswagens into dune buggies. His biggest enjoyment in life was spending time with his family.
Jack is survived by his wife, Marilyn; children, Sandra Mann, Susan (Mickey) Collins, and Scott (Barb) Mann; grandchildren, Amanda Collins, Hali Pyles; great-grandchildren, Luke Pyles, Jack Pyles. He was predeceased by his parents and grandson, Tyler Mann; siblings, William Mann, Robert Mann, Rose Kowalk, and Ronny Mann.
Friends are encouraged to support Jack’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.