Obituaries
Darla Kay Brzezinski
Darla Kay Brzezinski, of Charlotte, passed away unexpectedly on October 4, 2024, at her beloved Lake Leelanau where she spent so many happy days. She was 66. Darla was born in Germfask, Michigan and grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and graduated from Newberry High School. After high school she began a dedicated career with the State of Michigan, first with the Liquor Control Commission and later with the Office of Retirement Benefits, before retiring in 2010.
Outgoing and friendly, Darla was the kind of person who could make anyone feel at ease. She was a “comfort person” — always thinking of others and ready to lend a hand. But those who knew Darla well also knew she had strong convictions and a straightforward way of expressing them. With Darla, there was no gray area — you always knew where she stood, and she wasn’t shy about speaking her mind.
In her younger years, Darla was quite the pool shark, earning both trophies and respect with her sharp eye and steady hand. It was in the late seventies, standing near a jukebox, that she met Dale, the love of her life. They were married in 1982 and went on to raise two sons, Jason and Michael, together. The family shared many camping trips to the family camp overlooking Lake Leelanau, where Darla’s love for the water blossomed. She adored life at the lake, spending long afternoons on the pontoon, flip-flops on her feet, watching the swans glide over the water.
After retirement, Darla and Dale traveled together, checking items off their bucket list. One of her most cherished memories was swimming with dolphins, an experience she described as pure joy, captivated by their grace and playful spirits. In more recent years, after grandchildren came along, Darla’s world revolved around them. She loved nothing more than spending time with her family, especially the little ones, watching them grow and creating memories to last a lifetime.
Darla also had a passion for Bingo, and in recent years, she and her dear friend Desi would travel to new destinations just to enjoy a good game. Her friendly competitive spirit and laughter made her a joy to be around.
Darla will always be remembered for her kindness, her fierce love as a mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and the countless lives she touched with her warmth and generosity. She leaves behind her loving husband Dale, her son Jason (and wife Natasha) and daughter-in-law Jessica, her grandchildren, Makala Coolidge, Jason Riley Brzezinski, Calie Brzezinski, Danny Paul Brzezinski, Zackery McKinley and Zoe McKinley; great-grandchildren, Hadley Coolidge and Adalynn Cordray; brother John Zitnik, sisters Lisa Johnson and Tera Fields and many cherished friends. Darla was preceded in death by her youngest son Michael in 2012.
Friends were encouraged to support Darla’s family at visitation Tuesday October 8, 2024, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. Guests were encouraged to stay for the Rosary at 7:30 p.m. which was followed by an evening Remembrance and Affirmation service where some of the family’s best stories of Darla were shared. Friends and family were also invited to join the Brzezinski family the next day for the Funeral Mass celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday October 9, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop Celebrating. For those unfamiliar with the Catholic Mass or Rosary, guides will be provided to help you follow along and understand the significance of each part.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Mary Catholic School.
Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online in Darla’s Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com.
While Darla may no longer be with us, we’re sure she’s found the ultimate Bingo Hall up above — and knowing her, she’s already won the jackpot…BINGO!
Cheryl Ann Wahlquist
Cheryl Ann Wahlquist of Eaton Rapids, a cherished educator, devoted family matriarch, and spirited soul, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2024, at the age of 79. Sherie was born on December 6, 1944, in Chicago, IL, the daughter of the late Edward and Violet (Christensen) Hughes.
Sherie’s bright spirit and generous nature touched the lives of all who knew her. A proud lifelong educator, Sherie dedicated 38 years to the Eaton Rapids Public Schools, where her commitment to her students was recognized with a letter of special tribute in teaching from State Representative Angela Witwer. She started as an Ed Tech and eventually landed her dream position as the Librarian.
Beyond her professional contributions, Sherie nurtured a deep connection to the great outdoors. Her youthful aspiration to become a park ranger led her to a transformative experience working on a Colorado dude ranch. Her love for animals shone through her 50 years of raising horses and sheep in addition to countless chickens, dogs and cats.
Sherie’s zest for life was evident in her many hobbies. She enjoyed singing, playing volleyball, was a skilled gardener, a fan of Star Wars, and she also expressed her playful spirit through her favorite song, “The Macarena”. Sherie of course loved books and reading. One of her favorite genres was adult literature.
Sherie was a member of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Lansing since 1971 and was a lay reader, chalice bearer, vestry member, and choir member during her time there. The church was a huge part of her life, and she considered most members to be part of her family.
As a spiritual director for two decades, Sherie offered guidance without expecting anything in return, a testament to her generosity and desire to uplift those around her. Her legacy of kindness lives on through her beloved daughter, Jennifer Wahlquist Coolidge, and grandchildren, Matthew, Thomas, Jonathan, and Sean Coolidge, who will continue to honor her memory by embodying her kind and generous spirit. Sherie was preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Bob” Wahlquist; parents, Edward and Violet Hughes; sister, Susan Hughes.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to one of the follow charities in loving memory of Cheryl Ann Wahlquist, Natural Resources Defense Council, Saint Michael’s Episcopal Church Lansing Outreach Fund, Episcopal Relief & Development, Capital Area Humane Society and/or Elara Caring Hospice Care. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Penny Marie Crim
Penny Marie Crim of Bellevue, passed away on October 5, 2024, at the age of 59. Penny was born in Battle Creek, Michigan on December 1, 1964, the daughter of Rex and Ivas (Manning) Endsley. Penny was a graduate of Tahquamenon Area Schools with the class of 1984. On December 13, 1986, she married the love of her life, Paul Edward Crim at the Olivet Congregational Church. Penny enjoyed reading books, putting puzzles together, being outside, baking and listening to music, especially George Strait.
She is survived by her husband, Paul Crim; sister, Iris Hebensreit of Olivet; brothers, Eric (Janice) Endsley of Newberry, Max Endsley of Bellevue; good friend Leah Hoig of Kalamazoo as well as many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Penny was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Sue Rintamaki; brother, Jack Endsley; godchild, Andrea Hoig.
A memorial service will take place on October 19, 2024, from 1-4 at 9325 Reynolds Rd., Bellevue, MI 49201. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Bellevue First Responders in loving memory of Penny Marie Crim. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Larry Dennis Clark
Larry Dennis Clark who had a kind heart and a hard worker, died October 4, 2024. Larry, 78, of Eaton Rapids, Michigan was born November 14, 1945, in Brazil, Indiana to Everett and Wilma (Bullerdick) Clark. After graduation from Charlotte High School, Larry worked for General Motors for forty-two years. Larry loved to garden where he grew huge heirloom tomatoes and peppers which he gave away. Larry loved spending time with his grandchildren and mowing his yard.
Larry is survived by his son, Jeff (Gretchen) Clark; daughter, Sheri Clark; grandchildren, Brittany (Jeremy) Willadson, Jasmine (James) Clark, John Parsons, Codie (Dakata) Zakora and Taylor Stults; great-grandchildren, Makayla, Madalynn, Abigail, Jaylinn, Ronan, Everlyn, Colson; step-children, Cheryl (Tim) Miller, Michael Wright, and Joel Wright; grandchildren, TJ (Amy) Davis, Uriah Cole Cervantes, Cody (Mary) Cervantes, and Michelle Powers; great-grandchildren, Tyler James Davids, Rose Antonina Davids, Autumn Taressa Cervantes, Wyatt Cole Cervantes, Olivia Grace Hancock, Waylan Timothy Cervantes, Alaina Maize Cervantes, Emberly Blue Cervantes, Arwyn Rosemary Cervantes, Bodee Tiger Cervantes; great-great-grandchild, Estelle Victoria Wilson and sister, Judy Moncrief. He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Betty Priest.
Friends are encouraged to support Larry’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, October 10, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. Funeral services were Friday, October 11, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Elder Jeff Teachout officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial donations to The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses of Charlotte, MI. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Philip Henry Byington
Philip Henry Byington, Age 98, of Vermontville, passed away October 1, 2024, in his home.
Philip was born December 1, 1925, in Herculaneum, MO to Oliver and Flora (Blair) Byington.
He moved to Michigan in 1943 where he soon met the love of his life, Peggy Buck. In 1946 he joined the Army Air Corp, getting stationed at Elmendorf Air Base in Anchorage, Alaska. Peggy joined him there and they were joined in holy matrimony on September 30, 1947. They celebrated 70 years together before she passed December 20, 2017.
Philip was preceded in death by his wife Peggy Mardelle (Buck) Byington, his parents, eight siblings, grandsons Alex and Derek, and great grandchildren LJ, Lilley, and Jonathan.
He is survived by his children Sandra (Dennis) Mick, Gwen Jo (Mark) Anderson, Jeff (Barb) Byington, Jennifer (Jurrell) Hibdon, Cliff (Karen) Byington, and Penny Byington (Allen Hapeman), his sister Alice (Barry) Carty, three sister in laws and brother in law Jon (Connie) Buck, as well as 17 grandchildren, 44 great grandchildren, and seven great great grandchildren.
Philip will be interred privately at Fort Custer National Cemetery alongside his wife Peggy.
There will be a Celebration of Life service for Philip at Vermontville Bible Church, located at 250 N. Main St., Vermontville, MI, on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with a luncheon to follow. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Daniels Funeral Home – Nashville, conveniently located at 9200 E. M79 Hwy., Nashville, MI. For more information, please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.