Obituaries
Douglas Stan DeYoung
Douglas Stan DeYoung, 75, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, of Charlotte, Michigan, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2023, surrounded by family. He was born on April 26, 1948, in Lansing, Michigan, the son of Stanley and Marvel (Shelp) DeYoung. Douglas was a graduate of Everett High School class of 1966.
Doug is survived by his beloved wife and companion of fifty-two years, Cynthia DeYoung; daughter Angela (Loren) Golden of Avondale, Arizona; sons, Brad (Young) Choi-DeYoung of Okemos and Lorenzo (Lisa) DeYoung of Houston, Texas; numerous foster children, including Nyaring Mabil of Grand Rapids; grandchildren Katie and Lily Golden, Max and Mia Choi-DeYoung, Marissa Trantham, Sydena and Lawrencia Vara-DeYoung, and Paul Mabil; sister Janice King of Lansing; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents.
Doug served his country in the Vietnam War with honor and dedication in the United States Army, while stationed in Korea. Following his military service, Doug was employed at General Motors, where he worked for 37 years before retiring. He then worked for the Grand Ledge School District as a bus driver for 11 years, where he enjoyed greeting his students with a good morning. In addition, he worked for over 40 years at MSU football games, first as a ticket taker and then as an usher.
Doug had many hobbies throughout his life including watching NASCAR with his grandson, fishing, hunting, camping, boating, and tinkering on his farm or cottage at Coldwater Lake, but nothing was as important to him as his family, whom he loved dearly. Family and friends alike will miss his fun loving, prankster side, as he was always ready to share a hug, a joke or humorous story.
In remembering Doug, we celebrate a life well-lived. His memory will forever be cherished by his loving wife, children, grandchildren, sister, and numerous friends and other family members. Doug’s life was a testament to the power of his deep faith in the Lord, and his loving, caring, compassionate personality was felt by everyone he met. His spirit will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew him.
A Celebration of Life Service with Military Honors will be held Sunday, October 15, 2023, 1:00 p.m. at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, 517 S. Clinton St, Grand Ledge, MI 48837 with visitation one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in loving memory of Douglas DeYoung to the family C/O Cynthia DeYoung. The family is being served by the Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, Grand Ledge. Online condolences may be placed at www.millsfuneral.com.
Marilyn Adele Ackerman
Marilyn Adele Ackerman, age 85, met her Heavenly Father on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at home. She was born on February 3, 1938, to Edward and Jeanne (Martin) Fredericksen in Muskegon, MI. Marilyn graduated from Muskegon Catholic Central class of 1956. She was a dedicated employee of Ingham Radiology in Lansing, starting her career in 1968. There she worked as a medical transcriber and executive secretary before retiring in 2015. On October 6, 1956, she married the love of her life, Richard Ackerman in Muskegon. Together they cherished nearly 67 years full of love and laughter. While she lived in Muskegon, she was a longtime member of St. Jean Baptiste Catholic Church and was part of the Red Hat Society when in Florida. In her earlier years, she was an avid golfer and bowler. Marilyn was talented in many crafts such as sewing and quilting. She knew her way around the kitchen and enjoyed making homecooked meals for the ones she loved. Above all, she loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She is survived by her two children, Roxe Ann (Stephen) Welch and Randall (Kathleen) Ackerman; seven grandchildren, Madolin (Ryan), Martin (Cara), Michael (Abbey), Ryan (Darcy), Lindsay (Tony), Joshua (Jodi) and Kate (Michael); five great-grandchildren, Quentin, Jack, Lily, Louisa and Vada; five sisters, Joanne Hornbeck, Christine (Ken) Sandy, Anne Harris, Jeanne (Rodney) Siegel and Deborah Winsemius; three brothers, John (Ellen) Fredericksen, Tom (Becky) Fredericksen and Martin (Joan) Fredericksen; and sister-in-law, Mary Fredericksen. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, David Fredericksen; and two brothers-in-law, Wayne Harris and Dan Winsemius. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in the Marian Chapel, 2929 McCracken St., Norton Shores, MI 49441. A visitation with the family will be held from 10-11:00 a.m. with a rosary starting at 10:30 a.m. Memorial contributions in Marilyn’s honor can be directed to the Parkinson’s Foundation or the National Kidney Foundation. Arrangements entrusted to The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.
Judy K. See
Judy K. See, 77, of Bellevue, Michigan passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, October 5, 2023.
She was born on July 22, 1946, to Kenneth and Evelyn (Sharp) Shilling in Marshall, Michigan.
On November 11, 1966, Judy married Lyle in Olivet, Michigan at Olivet Congregational Church.
Judy enjoyed her longstanding Wednesday girl’s day. She was an excellent gardener, especially with flowers. She loved listening to music, soft pop being her favorite and making people laugh with her joking around. The family always looked forward to her cookies and zucchini bread among other baked goods. She also loved attending her children and grandchildren’s school and sporting events, she may or may not have been one of the most vocal in the stands. Judy was a master at planning out the route and finding good deals at garage sales.
Judy is survived by her loving spouse, Lyle; her children, Missy See-Webb of Bellevue, Michigan, Joani See of Bellevue, Michigan, Chuck See of Bellevue, Michigan and Ken (Nicole) See of Cedar Springs, Michigan; her grandchildren, Blake Webb of Bellevue, Michigan, Zach (Megan) Webb of Bellevue, Michigan, Ella See of Cedar Springs, Michigan, Skylar See of Cedar Springs, Michigan, Tristan See of Cedar Springs, Michigan, Lyle See of St. Augustine, Florida, William See of St. Augustine, Florida and Cody See of St. Augustine, Florida; her great granddaughters, Lakelynn Webb and Emerson Webb and her sister, Susie Hoag of Raliegh, N. Carolina and her brother, William Shilling.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters, Donna Sampson and Patricia Norton.
Per Judy’s request, private services will be held at a later date.
Memorials are suggested to the Olivet Congregational Church (125 College St., Olivet, MI 49076).
Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N. Marshall, Michigan 49068. Please visit www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.
Sarah Margaret Chandler
Sarah Margaret Chandler, a remarkable woman whose life was marked by dedication, compassion, and an unyielding spirit, passed away on Friday, October 6, 2023, at the age of 81, in Salisbury, North Carolina.
Born on August 7, 1942, to Pastor Jarrett T. Chandler and Annabelle Slack Chandler in Charleston, West Virginia, Sarah’s journey through life was one defined by unwavering determination, boundless love, and a deep commitment to her family and community.
Sarah’s early years were marked by a sense of adventure as her family moved across various locations in West Virginia. At age 16, she and her family settled in North Haledon, New Jersey, where her father assumed the role of a pastor at the First Baptist Church in Paterson, New Jersey.
On September 8, 1962, Sarah married Robert Edward Planten, and together they embarked on the joys of parenthood, having four sons. Despite her busy role as a mother, Sarah was determined to pursue her dreams. In May 1973, she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education from William Paterson University in Wayne, New Jersey. This marked the beginning of her lifelong dedication to education. She opened her own nursery school, the Milton Early Learning Center, after an apprenticeship at another nursery school in West Milford, New Jersey. For 13 years, Sarah nurtured and educated young minds, instilling in them a love for learning.
In 1985, as a single mother, Sarah embarked on another journey, enrolling in a paralegal program at Montclair State College. She worked tirelessly, juggling two full-time jobs; one at New Jersey Bell Telephone the other as a waitress at Jorgensen’s Inn.
In May of 1987, Sarah was accepted into Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan, where she completed her law degree in May 1990 while working full time at a law firm. Following her studies, she clerked for an Eaton County Circuit Court Judge, proving her unwavering commitment to justice. In May of 1991, she opened her law practice in Charlotte, Michigan, which she passionately pursued until her retirement in 2017.
Sarah’s commitment to her community extended far beyond her legal career. She was a founding member of SIREN, Inc., now known as SIREN/Eaton Shelter, Inc., providing a safe haven for victims of domestic violence and homelessness. She served as the president of the Charlotte Kiwanis Club, Lansing Torch Club, and Altrusa Club of Greater Lansing, leaving a lasting impact on each organization.
Sarah’s dedication was recognized with the Lansing State Journal’s People’s Choice Award for Charlotte Attorney in 2010 and 2011, as well as the Community Cornerstone Award from Mayor Brown of Charlotte.
Her faith and love for music led her to Central United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir during a European tour, sharing her voice in churches across Austria, East Germany, and Czechoslovakia. She was actively involved in numerous church committees and served as a Sunday School teacher.
Upon her retirement, Sarah relocated to Salisbury, North Carolina, where she continued to serve her community as a member of First United Methodist Church and the Salisbury Kiwanis Club.
Sarah is survived by her loving sons Ronald, Donald, and Duane, her cherished grandson Jonathan, her sister Anna Chandler Wilkins, and her brother, Dr. Jarrett T. Chandler, Jr. Her legacy of love, dedication, and service will live on in the hearts of all those whose lives she touched.
A memorial service celebrating Sarah’s life will be held at First United Methodist Church in Salisbury, North Carolina.
The Chandler family has entrusted Lyerly Funeral Home with the arrangements. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.lyerlyfuneralhome.com.
Sarah Margaret Chandler’s life was a testament to the power of resilience, love, and the impact one person can have on the world. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Donald Edward Wyckoff
Donald Edward Wyckoff embarked on his first day in the embrace of his Lord and Savior on Sunday, October 8, 2023. Born on July 8, 1945, in Eaton Rapids, MI, he was the son of Harold and Norma (Clark) Wyckoff. He was raised in Eaton Rapids where he graduated in the class of 1963. Don’s journey led him to Ferris State University to study graphic design before he answered the call to serve in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, where he was stationed at Ft. McClellan in Alabama.
In his professional life, Don made significant contributions to the field of Marketing, notably as the Art Director for the State of Michigan, where his talent and dedication earned him numerous awards and accolades. He also dedicated six years to promoting golf in Michigan, marketing, and championing golf courses across the state. After retiring, he served as the Director of the Eaton Rapids Chamber of Commerce, introducing the Ryder Cup Challenge and tirelessly working to bring new businesses to the community. His efforts led to the establishment of a coffee shop, children’s theatre, the GAR Museum, the Eaton Rapids Christian School, and the first Eaton Rapids City Market.
Don was a devoted follower of Jesus and served Him for many years at the First Baptist Church. He initiated the Christmas Eve service and directed it for several years. Don’s passion for music shone through his participation in the FBC praise band, and as a member of the Sojourner Quartet. He was honored with the Ted Oliver Award for his unwavering commitment and service to the Eaton Rapids Community.
Don is survived by his wife, Carolyn (Marietta) Wyckoff; his children, Angela (Dan) Kidder, and Matthew Wyckoff. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Madelyn Kidder, Carson (Maddy) Kidder; one sister, Pat (Stan) Sims; nieces and nephews; longtime friend and kidney donor, Dean(Carleen) Peters; and his church family at First Baptist Church of Eaton Rapids.
The family received friends at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids on Thursday, October 12, 2023. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday at the First Baptist Church in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the church or to the Don Wyckoff memorial fund in care of Carolyn Wyckoff. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com