Obituaries
Patrick Michael Kundrat
Patrick Michael Kundrat, a true servant to the Lord, passed away on Sunday, July 30, 2023. Patrick, 61, was born on November 5, 1961, in Lansing, MI the son of Michael and Patricia (Goble) Kundrat. In his early years his mom remembers him for being a fun-loving troublemaker and a Boy Scout. Many will remember Patrick for his love of serving others. Patrick was respected as a Volunteer Firefighter and Medical First Responder. He currently was working as a work camper at Mackinaw Mill Creek Campground where he utilized his many gifts and talents. Patrick was also a proud member of the Oneida Gospel Church where he served as a church deacon, custodian, and devoted member. In 2004 Patrick married the love of his life, Karen Carpenter, and together they created lasting memories with their travels around the state. His hobbies included fixing things, being outdoors, fishing, collecting rocks, doing crafts, and cooking. Above all biggest pride and joy in life was his wife, son, grandchildren, and his faith.
Patrick is survived by his wife, Karen; children, Jeffrey Kundrat, Lindsey (Carl) Wilder, Amanda (Derek) Munson, and Kelsey (Josh) Miller; 11 grandchildren; mother, Patricia Kundrat; siblings, Marty (Tim) Brown, Lana (David) King, Bruce Kundrat, and Mike (Shellie) Kundrat; and four nieces. He was predeceased by his father, Michael J. Kundrat.
Friends are encouraged to support Patrick’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Friday, August 4, 2023, from 2-4:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. A Celebration of Life for Patrick will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Oneida Gospel Church with Pastor Larry Schrauger officiating. If desired, memorial contributions are suggested to the family to help with final expenses. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Phyllis Jean Rhoades
Phyllis Jean Rhoades, 76, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2023, surrounded by her family.
Phyllis was born on August 10, 1946, in Charlotte, Michigan, the daughter of Leon and Gladys (Lamoreaux) Mathias. On February 23, 1974, she married William (Bill) Rhoades, and together in their 49 years of marriage, had two sons, Dustin and Steven, who were her world, second to her grandchildren.
Throughout the years, Phyllis worked at several places in Charlotte, and retired from Meijer in 2019. She had a passion for her co-workers and customers, and was lovingly nicknamed “Mrs. Meijer” by her son, Steven.
Phyllis’s friendship (and her good-natured antics) made everyone she knew feel special and loved, and brought her so much joy. For those lucky enough to know her, the world will be a little less bright without her, “Hi Honey, how are you doing? and her hugs, and peanut butter balls.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, four sisters, five brothers, and her faithful four-legged companions, Sissy Sue, Brutus Lee, and Max.
She is survived by her husband, Bill; sons, Dustin (Jennifer) and Steven (Julie); along with her world’s greatest joys, her grandchildren, Emily, Garrett, and Eli.
A memorial visitation for family and friends will be held on her birthday, Thursday, August 10, 2023, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Those desiring may make contributions in memory of Phyllis to the Eaton County Humane Society, 129 N. Main St., Olivet, MI 49076.
To view Phyllis’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Jerry Ross Robinson
Jerry Ross Robinson passed away on July 31, 2023, at Rose Arbor Hospice. He was born on July 18, 1943, in Battle Creek, Michigan, the son of William D. Robinson and Jane L. (Sterling) Robinson. On March 2, 1974, Jerry married Marcia L. Parr in Battle Creek.
After graduating from Battle Creek Central High School, Jerry spent his career as a lab technician, scheduler and logistics manager at Michigan Carton Corporation, retiring in 2003. That career was briefly interrupted when he was drafted by the Army as a helicopter mechanic from 1965 to 1967. After retirement from Michigan Carton, he enjoyed driving a variety of cars as a porter for the Henkel Auto Group before retiring again in 2018. He also enjoyed road trips to visit his grandchildren, league bowling, card games, feeding birds, watching Detroit sports and fishing.
He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Alice Montague. He is survived by his wife, Marcia; son, Brent (Angela) Robinson of Cleveland, Ohio; two grandchildren; and sister, Mary Jo Goulet of Phoenix, AZ.
Visiting hours will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 19, 2023, and a remembrance service to follow at 12:00 p.m. at the Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Battle Creek Community Foundation. (https://bccfoundation.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=2661)
Arrangements entrusted to the Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service, 269-788-9800. www.baxterfuneral.com.
Susan Maria Vogel
Susan Maria Vogel of Eaton Rapids, passed away July 31, 2023, at the age of 75 surrounded by her loved ones after a short illness. Susan was born on April 20, 1948, in Grand Rapids, MI, the daughter of Robert and Cora (Van Prooyen) Reynolds. As an elementary teacher for over 25 years, Susan valued the education of her students and her family. She received a Master’s in Administration at CMU and inspired all her daughters to dream big and achieve their dreams. Susan enjoyed reading, knitting, and ornament making. She made all of her grandchildren’s stockings. She also loved hunting and fishing with her husband Jim. She had a hard time holding out for the big bucks, scoring many a doe. Her motto was “if it’s brown, it’s down.” Susan’s greatest love was her family. She met the love of her life Jim the summer before heading to CMU. They married in 1971 and enjoyed 52 wonderful years of marriage. Susan doted upon her four daughters, passing down her life knowledge, her passion for life, and her love for Christ.
Susan is survived by her husband of 52 years, James Vogel of Eaton Rapids; four daughters, Lisa Stadler, Dr. Michelle (Bill Scott) Vogel, Dr. Amanda (David) Pratt, Sara Vogel; seven grandchildren, Isaac (Kovey), Olivia, Luke, Colin, Noah, Liam and Alex; sister, Linda (William) Critchell. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation was held on Friday, August 4, 2023, from 5-7 p.m. and services will be held at Robbins United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids, Saturday, August 5, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Hearts and Hands Food Pantry or Donor’s Choice of a local Education Fund in loving memory of Susan Maria Vogel. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Gail Ann Bowyer
Gail Ann Bowyer, age, 91, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Eaton Rapids, MI on July 30, 2023. Born on December 2, 1931, in Eaton Rapids, MI, the daughter of Theodore and Doris (Martin) Lyons.
Gail was a graduate of Eaton Rapids High School class of 1950 and went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in bookkeeping from Western Michigan University. She served as a bookkeeper for Ackley, Peters, Haubert Insurance in Eaton Rapids for many years.
Known for her warm and outgoing nature, Gail was a true people person. During her children’s younger years, she took on the roles of both cub scout and girl scout troop leader, imparting valuable life lessons to the next generation.
Gail was an active member of the senior coffee group, where she enjoyed the friendships that were made during her regular gatherings at McDonalds. Her heart was filled with love for dogs, and over the years, she shared her home with several different chihuahuas. Beyond her love for animals, Gail found joy tending to her flower collection and had a special fondness for orchids.
She is survived by her children, Martin (Pauline) Bowyer, Sue Bowyer Arthurs; one brother, Norman (Sandy) Lyon and sister, Ardyce (Roger) Walser. Gail was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Don Bowyer.
A private committal service will be held at Oakwood Cemetery at a later date. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Ingham County Animal Shelter. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.