Obituaries
Norman David Cascaddan
Norman David Cascaddan passed away on August 3, 2023, after a brief illness at the age of 66. Norman was born on June 21, 1957, in Clare, MI. Norman was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Teasil (Dunkle) Cascaddan, along with his sister Ruby, brother Richard, and sister-in-law Gale.
He graduated from Evertt High School in Lansing, Michigan, with the class of 1976. Throughout his life, Norman enjoyed golfing and playing video games. In 1998, Norman married his best friend, Trudy Rolfe, and together they raised four children over 25 years. Norman worked in various industries including G.M, Dedos, and Dowding before retiring from Alro Steel.
Norman will be dearly missed by his wife, Trudy Jo (Rolfe-Comer-Stoken) Cascaddan; his children: Emily (Travis) Wright, Jason Comer, Josh (Jesse) Comer, and Jessica (Jason Hicks) Comer; and his grandchildren: Ryan Comer, Colin Comer, Sophie Comer, and Cassandra Comer. Norman is also survived by siblings: Ruth (Dale) Laplow, Judy (Jim) Laplow, and Jean (Craig) Thomas.
Memorial services celebrating Norman’s life are being decided at this time. Should you wish to make a donation, please choose your favorite pet rescue organization on Norman’s behalf. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Leslie Funeral Home, 109 N. Church Street/PO Box 503, Leslie, MI 49251. 517-878-6600.
Wilma “Jean” Priesman
Wilma “Jean” Priesman, an excellent baker that loved to share her delicious baked goods with others, died August 7, 2023 in Charlotte at the age of 92. Jean was born March 6, 1931 in Charlotte to Theron and Ora Mae (Burdick) Griffin. As a younger woman, she loved to garden and cook and often used the delicious fruits she would collect in her baked goods. She was well known for her apple and blueberry pies, and she loved to share them with her family and her neighbors. Jean was very particular about several things, especially her appearance and making sure her clothes always coordinated beautifully. She worked for Charlotte Public Schools as a Secretary for the Community Education Coordinator, Eldred Toutant. After retiring from the schools, she became a rural mail carrier for several years. Jean was a happy person, a fabulous cook, and a proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Jean is survived by her daughters, Terri Craft, Debbie (Phil) Fisher, and Trudy (Rod) Lea; step-children, Bill, Dan, and Rick Priesman; seven grandchildren; seven step grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; sister, Marilyn (Roger) Grove; and her caregiver, Allison Westbrook that the family loved and appreciated so very much because she always treated Jean like family. She was predeceased by her husband, Doug Schultz in 2002; second husband, Dick Priesman in 2003; son, Randy Schultz in 2007; and granddaughter, Billie Jo Day in 2022.
Friends are encouraged to support Jean’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Friday, August 18, 10:00 a.m. – 12 noon with a Memorial Service immediately following at 12 noon at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. The service 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 Jean’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 Health and Rehab Services. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
William (“Bill”) John Powell
William (“Bill”) John Powell, born January 1, 1940 was taken into the arms of his Heavenly Father on July 22, 2023. In his earthly death he is now reunited with his loving and faithful parents, Wilbur Edward Powell and Margaret Elizabeth Binder, who adopted him when he was eight years old and who preceded him in death.
Bill graduated from Jackson High School in 1958. He lived 50 years in Jackson before moving to Charlotte, MI where he lived for the past 26 years in the company of his beloved partner, Debbie LaPaugh. In his younger years Bill was very active in sports including baseball, basketball, and football. He spent 20 years as a Michigan high school and college referee. More recently he also enjoyed playing on senior leagues for golf and bowling in Charlotte.
Bill is also survived by his two daughters, Denise Powell Montebello and Jennifer Powell Ramsay, both of West Michigan; children from his first marriage to Karen Darby; grandchildren, Emily Montebello and Michael Montebello, both of England, Natalie Ramsay and Reid Ramsay, both of West Michigan; his first great-grandchild, Solomon Montebello (8 months) of England; his sister, Judy Lightheart Lester of California; stepsons Jeremiah LaPaugh of Elwell and Andy (Jennifer) LaPaugh of Olivet; and step-grandchildren Linkin, Lyla and Kamden LaPaugh of Olivet. He also leaves behind his two precious German Shepherds, Dakota and Ellie, who brought him much joy, purpose and comfort each day.
Bill will be lovingly remembered by all of his family and friends as a man of great humor and energy, always pushing himself physically to do more. After living with chronic pain for years, he is free at last to rejoice in the presence of his savior Jesus Christ without affliction and in the fullness of His glory, Hallelujah! In his final days he repeatedly sang this hymn:
Coming home, coming home, Nevermore to roam,
Open wide Thine arms of love Lord, I’m coming home.
Cremation has taken place and interment at Hillcrest Cemetery in Jackson will be decided at a later date.
Evelyn Jane Rigelman
Evelyn Jane Rigelman, age 96, of Olivet, Michigan, passed away on Wednesday, August 9, 2023. Arrangements are entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, MI 49068. The full obituary will be published later and may be viewed at https://www.kempffuneralhome.com.
Stephen Scott “Weezer” Halsey
Stephen Scott “Weezer” Halsey, age 78 of Vermontville, MI passed away August 3, 2023, at Clearstream Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Hastings, MI.
Steve was born in Charlotte, MI August 19, 1944, the son of Elmer and Rena (Scott) Halsey. He grew up in Chester Township, the youngest of five, with brothers Stanley “Bub”, David “Hap”, and Charles Halsey and sister Rebecca Halsey Saylor. He graduated from Charlotte High School. Following graduation Steve joined the Army National Guard and trained as a culinary cook for four years.
Steve worked for D.E. Wertz & Co., AE Hoover, ran an antique photo booth with his wife Jane in the 80’s, and also restored antique furniture. Eventually Steve worked for and retired from Spartan Motors, and enjoyed woodworking on the side, in which he was very talented.
Steve was a lifetime member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #3552, The American Legion Post #42, The Charlotte Moose #2565 and was a member of Inward Man Fellowship in Delton, MI.
Steve enjoyed going to bluegrass festivals where he would help run euchre tournaments. He was known for cooking the best grilled chicken; homemade deep-fried onion rings, french fries and potato chips; and some of the best fried fish to be found.
He enjoyed mushroom hunting with family and friends, camping, fishing, playing euchre and pinochle, watching Nascar and listening to bluegrass music.
Steve remained close friends with his Hyatt brothers and sisters, longtime friends Barb and the late Gary Bruce, and Jerry and Vicky Morse, all of whom were like family, and the little fur animal that won over his heart he fondly dubbed “Porter Wagtail”.
Steve is survived by his daughters, Christina Williams, Dede (Shawn) Roggow, Melissa “Mysi” Cantrell; his current wife, Gail Marie Halsey; stepchildren, Chuck Warren and Crystal Hoffman; grandchildren, Amy Strickland, Cody Williams, Jenna and Maycee Roggow, Anthony Warren, Kalin, Cameron and Blair Hulsebos; great-grandchildren, Cassie and Elizabeth Strickland; and many special nieces and nephews.
Per Steve’s wishes, cremation has taken place and his final resting place will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Nashville, MI alongside his late wife Loretta “Jane” Hyatt Halsey, with whom he shared 28 years before her passing. He was also preceded in death by his parents and siblings.
A Celebration of Life will take place at the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Charlotte, MI on Sunday, August 13 at 2:00 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made to The Family of Stephen Halsey.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home, conveniently located at 9200 East M79 Nashville, MI 49073. For further details please visit our website at danielsfuneralhome.net.