Obituaries
Kelley Lee Place
Kelley Lee Place, 54, of Bellevue, passed away on January 10, 2024, at his home in Bellevue.
He was born on November 22, 1969, to Robert and Janice (Masters) Place in Battle Creek, MI. Kelley worked as a machinist for Air-Way Manufacturing, he really enjoyed working there. On September 20, 1996 he married Mary Wiggins in Battle Creek. Kelley loved spending time with his family and liked to tease his daughters-in-law. He would add lyrics and make up lyrics to songs he would listen to. Kelley cared about his friends no matter what, he will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him.
Kelley is survived by his loving wife, Mary; children, Jake (Danek) Hannah of Bellevue, Jeremy (Sara) Place of Bellevue; sisters, Kim (Mike) Music, Karla (Greg) Canfield, Karen (Matt) Thorne, brothers, Kyle (Sandy) Place, Kent (Sherri) Place all of Bellevue; sisters-in-law, Lorri Place of Bellevue; brothers-in-law, David (Brook) Wiggins, Katie (Lynn) Burke, Jennifer (Matt) Selwa; mother-in-law, Eva (David) Dintamin; and father-in-law, David Wiggins; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Janice Lee Place and brother, Kalen Place.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date. Cremation has taken place.
Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in memory of Kelley may do so to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Shriners Hospital for children.
Arrangements are by Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 2838 Capital Avenue SW, Battle Creek 49015. For further information contact Kempf’s of Bellevue at 269-763-9511.
To view the obituary and sign the online guestbook or leave the family condolences please visit: https://www.kempffuneralhome.com.
Ken Lacy
Ken Lacy enjoyed 94 years on this earth and he is much loved by his family and friends. He passed away into the loving arms of his Savior on Saturday, January 13, 2024.
He was born September 6, 1929, the son of Curtis and Ruth Lacy and grew up in Roessleville, NY, with his sister Carolyn. He had a serious intestinal illness at age four and was a semi-invalid for three and half years but fully recovered. He helped his father build a house and develop his father’s real estate project on Lacy Lane before he headed off to Cornell University to earn a degree in agriculture. He was an Ag Agent for the New York State Agricultural Extension Service in Otsego County, NY for three years, where he met Betty, fell in love, married her, and adopted Debra. He then went to McCormick Seminary in Chicago and earned a Bachelor’s of Divinity degree in Theology. He pastored First Presbyterian Church of Brighton, IL for ten years, and was an Associate Pastor of Apostle Presbyterian Church of West Allis, WI for seven years.
In both churches he implemented dynamic programs that explained the Bible in visual and memorable ways – The Bethel Series for adults, and his own creations: an after-school program for school-aged kids he called Youth Club, and a teen program that used Young Life concepts called The Alley Door.
In 1976, he was baptized in the Holy Spirit, and then pastored several small nondenominational churches in Wisconsin and Michigan. His ministry had a focus on healing and deliverance. In retirement, he wrote about his spiritual journey in a self-published book called Walk With Me and he wrote two Bible study courses for children, Old Testament Overview and New Testament Overview, and gave them away for free.
He was community-minded: during the 60’s civil rights movement he walked with Martin Luther King, Jr. In the early 70’s he led teen groups to help do restoration projects in Milwaukee’s inner city and welcomed Vietnamese immigrants. In the late 70’s and 80’s he created a close-knit community of Christians that lived near to each other, as well as welcoming several people to live with his family for long periods of time.
His family fondly remembers him for his engaging stories and sense of humor. He took his family on epic vacations on a shoestring budget, and though they didn’t love reading every historic marker he could find nor the leaky tents used for camping, those vacations made for fond memories of rafting and body surfing rivers, riding waves on so many beaches, rail trail biking, hiking mountains, and visiting family in upstate New York. When his children were adults, he and Betty orchestrated weeklong family reunions either at the beach or in the mountains that were vital to keeping everyone in touch. Ken always believed God would supply all his needs and that worked out to be true. He was never wealthy but never was in need and he lived a rich life.
Ken was an avid jogger, then walker, all his adult life, and loved history and adventurous excursions, including hiking up Colorado mountains. His daily walk with the Lord was his greatest passion and focus.
He and his beloved late wife, Betty, raised four children, Debra Chicorelli (Bill Sellinger), Robert Lacy, Miriam (John) Woods, and Marsha (Domingo) Gallardo and he has ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Betty Lacy, and granddaughter, Heidi Ruth Woods.
Funeral services were held on Friday, January 19, 2024, at 12 p.m. at Mt. Hope Church, 202 S. Creyts Road, Lansing, MI 48917 with Pastor Joe Mead officiating. A private burial will take place at the Benton Township Cemetery.
To view Ken’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Michael Duane Harris
Michael Duane Harris, 79, of Charlotte, a loving father, grandfather, and brother, died peacefully on Monday, January 15, 2024. Michael was born May 2, 1944 in Charlotte, the son of Donald “Bucky” and Betty (Isbell) Harris. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1962 before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force and proudly serving two years during the Vietnam War. Upon his return, he went to work as a lineman for Michigan Bell Telephone Company (later ATT). Throughout his career, he worked in several capacities, including cable splicer and construction supervisor, until his retirement. Michael married the love of his life, Mary Clarice Stephens on February 21, 1970, and the two enjoyed 49 years of marriage. Michael was a proud member of the American Legion and the 40 and 8 Club. He especially loved time spent at the family cottage on Higgins Lake, where he enjoyed fishing, gardening, woodworking, and time spent with his grandchildren. His family was everything to Michael, and he devoted his entire life to working hard to support them. He and Mary were members of Peace Lutheran Church in Charlotte.
Michael is survived by his son, Michael (Lauria) Harris of Trenton, MI; daughter, Mary (Trevar Hogan) Harris of Marshall, MI; granddaughters, Alice Harris and Brooke Hogan; sister, Nancy Cherry; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary, in 2019; and his sisters, Katheryn Davidson and Donna Oliver-Johnson.
Friends are encouraged to support Michael’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation will be from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 22, 2024 at Pray Funeral Home with Laura Cooper officiating. Interment will take place in Deepdale Memorial Gardens in Lansing. 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 Michael’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 Peace Lutheran Church in Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Audrey Mae Fancher
Audrey Mae Fancher, 75 of Potterville, a woman who was known for always helping others, passed away on January 5, 2024. Audrey was born July 21, 1948 at Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia to Aubrey and Flora (Decker) Eason (Pearson). In her younger life, she loved roller skating with her cousins. Family and friends meant a lot to her. Audrey retired from General Motors where she was more than just a line worker, she was able to fix many different types of equipment, was involved in many different committees, and became a mother figure to many of her coworkers there. Perhaps her most coveted accomplishment was the completion of her Master’s Degree in Child Development to use in the caring of her son.
Not one to like being in the spotlight, but always looking for ways to help others, she spent the majority of her life protecting her son Calvin and providing options for his life. She liked to work behind the scenes doing things to support her son and extended family. She fiercely cared for others, often putting their needs above her own.
Audrey loved to travel to North Carolina and Alabama to visit family. She was also an avid NASCAR fan. Part of her travels included visiting many of the southern NASCAR tracks following the progress of her favorite driver Butch Fedewa, a local friend.
Audrey is survived by her beloved son, Calvin Showers Jr; her chosen brother and sister, Ken and Diane Pierce; and cousins, Brian Decker, Jeff Decker, Gerald Decker, Rochelle Decker Bargerhuff, and Lester Ingram. She was preceded in death by her parents, Aubrey Eason, and Flora Eason Pearson; her stepfather, Glenn Pearson; and her much loved brother, Gary Eason.
Friends are encouraged to support Audrey’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, January 11, 2024, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Funeral services following at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Ken Pierce officiating. Interment will follow in Dimondale Cemetery next to her mother. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Gideons International, Helping Hands Food Bank, St. Vincent De Paul, St. Mary Catholic Church Food Pantry, or The Greater Lansing Food Bank. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Jeffrey Lynn Bisel
Jeffrey Lynn Bisel, age 73, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2024, with his family by his side. Jeff was born on March 7, 1950, to Melvin Bisel and Donna (Barrett) Face. Jeff was a Vietnam Veteran proudly serving his country in the United States Army. He then served with the Army National Guard for 19 years. Jeff worked for General Motors, retiring in 2003 after 31 years of service. Jeff was a diehard football fan, always cheering on the Detroit Lions. He liked watching NASCAR and taking Sunday afternoon naps in his chair. From a small boy he loved riding motorcycles and his passion for riding never left him even after a motorcycle accident in 2019. He bought a new Harley and rode every spring and summer. He was a member of the American Legion Post 42 and the Legion Riders, with whom he participated in poker runs and parades. He was a life member of the VFW Post 2406 and served a few years on the honor guard honoring those that served and protected. Jeff loved spending time with his family and especially his grandchildren. He loved cheering them on during their sporting and life events. He had a passion for hunting and enjoyed his hunting trips with his friend Duane and was overjoyed when his grandsons got a deer. He was extremely proud of his grandson, Blaine, when he joined the United States Navy. He was looking forward to his grandson, Devin’s upcoming wedding and watching him grow into an adult. His granddaughter, Kasen, was his pride and joy.
Jeff is survived and will be tremendously missed by his wife of 30 years, Sheila; daughters, Tricia (Jason) Somers and Kristin VanDorpe; grandsons, Devin Somers, Blaine Somers; granddaughter, Kasen VanDorpe; mother, Donna Face; grand-dogs Meena Mae and Paisley; sisters, Stephanie Williams and Deb Bisel; and special friends, Sirrae and Duane Harder and Ron Colson.
He is preceded in death by his father, Melvin Bisel; step-dad, Oscar Face; father and mother-in-law, Ed and Frieda Andrews; and brother-in-law, Hal Andrews.
Per Jeff’s wishes, there will be no funeral and cremation has taken place. A memorial will be held at a later date.
Those desiring may make contributions in Jeff’s honor to the charity of their choosing.
To view Jeff’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home..