Obituaries
Tyler Kronberg
In loving memory of Tyler Kronberg, who passed away on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at the age of 37, due to an unexpected complication following surgery.
Born on April 13, 1986, in Lansing, Michigan, Tyler was a social soul, always eager to initiate conversations with both familiar faces and strangers alike. His joyous spirit thrived when connecting with family and friends, either through heartfelt phone calls or by spending quality time together. Tyler found immense happiness in his passions for hunting, fishing, and cheering for Michigan State and Detroit sports.
In 2020, Tyler married the love of his life, Brandy, and together they welcomed their precious daughter, Kailynn, in 2017. Recently, Tyler was pleasantly surprised to learn that he had another daughter, Summer, who is 16 years old. This revelation brought him another child to share his love with.
Tyler was an amazing, hands-on father, deeply committed to nurturing and fostering a loving environment for Kailynn. He reveled in every moment spent with Kailynn, actively engaging in her life, from bedtime stories to shared hobbies, there wasn’t a moment when he didn’t want her by his side. His dedication to fatherhood was evident in the laughter that he shared with Kailynn. Tyler’s legacy as an extraordinary father will forever be etched in the hearts of those he leaves behind.
Tyler is survived by his beloved wife Brandy and cherished daughters, Kailynn Kronberg and Summer McNamara. He is also remembered by his father, Steven Kronberg (Julie), mother, Kimberly Dills (Ned), and honorary parents, Mark and Lisa Apple. Additionally, he leaves behind his siblings: Nicholas Kronberg (Stephanie), Amber Kellogg (Andrew), Jesse Payne (Jessica), and Dustin Grow (Tori). Tyler’s memory is further carried on by his nieces and nephews: Collin, Aryana, Maycie, Drake, Vairity, Justice, Scarlett, and Levi.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, William and Sally Epps, William and Ruby Kronberg, and his mother-in-law, Debbie Apple.
In this time of sorrow, may the memories of Tyler’s vibrant personality, his unwavering commitment to fatherhood, and the love he shared with anyone in his presence provide solace to all those who mourn his loss. The family hosted a ‘Celebration of life’ for Tyler at Quail Ridge Park on Saturday, November 11.
A memorial service will be held on December 3, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Eaton Rapids Conservation Club located at 4483 Freeman Road, Eaton Rapids.You are encouraged to attend and share your Tyler stories. In the Tyler Kronberg, spirit, the more the merrier.
Memorial donations may be made payable to Brandy Apple to benefit Tyler’s daughter, Kailynn.
James Lawson Sweezey
James Lawson Sweezey, a resident of both Eaton Rapids and Houghton Lake, MI, passed away on Friday, November 17, 2023, at the age of 85. Born on September 12, 1938, in Pulaski Township, MI. He proudly graduated from Parma High School, where his athletic prowess, particularly in football, shone brightly.
On October 18, 1958, Jim married the love of his life, Barbara (Adams) Sweezey. Together, they raised two beautiful daughters. Jim began his professional journey at the Yardman Factory in Jackson, later moving on to Johnson Iron Works in Charlotte, and ultimately retiring from Spartan Motors in 1991. In retirement, he immersed himself in farming and the management of his rental properties and real estate.
Renowned for his honesty and strong work ethic, Jim conducted business with a handshake and a smile, adhering to old-fashioned principles. A natural storyteller and a sociable individual, he never met a stranger. He absolutely loved his family and cherished his wife, children, and grandchildren and was a role model for how to be a father and how to treat a woman.
He was active in his church community, first at All Saints Lutheran in Mason and later at Robbins United Methodist in Eaton Rapids. Jim loved to hunt and was a true outdoorsman. He loved a good deal and was always up for a treasure hunt at a local pawn shop. Jim’s organized nature found expression in documenting his life and family through categorized pictures and scrapbooking.
Jim is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Barbara; his beloved daughters, Deb Sweezey Hunt, and Suzanne Sweezey. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Alexandra “Ali” Hunt, Russell James “R.J.” Hunt, one brother, William (Sharon) Sweezey, numerous nieces, and nephews, and good friend, Michael Rosenberger. He is preceded in death by his parents, Hiram and Arnania (Koller) Sweezey; sister, Kathleen Holmes, and brother, Hiram Sweezey.
For those wishing to honor Jim, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Junior Darrell Whipple
Junior Darrell Whipple (Whip), a resident of Charlotte, MI, departed this life on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at the age of 91. Born on January 1, 1932, in Marengo, MI, he was the son of Bernard and Minerva (Weers) Whipple. His early years were shaped on the family farm in Marengo and as an adult he established his home in Eaton Rapids, MI where he raised his own family.
Proudly serving his country, Junior was a dedicated member of the United States Navy, stationed aboard the USS Newport News during his service in Italy. His professional journey led him to become a skilled electrician and welder, contributing his talents to companies such as Allied Products, Industrial Welding, and Campbell Brothers, where he eventually retired. Junior took great pride in his work and the impact he made in his trade.
Away from his professional pursuits, Junior found solace in the outdoors, reveling in activities like bow hunting and fishing. Enjoying many family camping trips to Roscommon and Swains Lake which became cherished traditions. In his younger years, Junior found excitement in racing midget cars, participating in events throughout Michigan and Indiana. He was a big NASCAR fan and enjoyed attending races at the local tracks in Mason and Springport. Junior was loved by everyone he met. He loved telling stories of hunting and fishing and about his beloved dogs, Smokey, Bandit, and Boomer. He will be greatly missed.
Junior is survived by his loving daughters, Kathy (Ronald) Geiger, Robbie Kipp, and Karen (Brian) Janetzke. He leaves behind a legacy through his grandchildren, Jason (Staci) Whipple, Michael Whipple, Amy Jo (Patrick) Ainsley, Jessica Geiger, Steven Negus, Cody Kipp, Jackson Dudley, and Chris Dudley. Additionally, he is remembered by his great-grandchildren, McKenzee, Mady, Ryan, Matthew, Austin, and Emma, Aiden, and Michelle. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Richard Whipple; and his siblings, Marion Whipple, Richard Whipple, Roy Whipple, and Edna Smalek.
A celebration of Life will be held in memory of Junior at Swains Lake Campground in the summer of 2024. For those who wish to honor his memory, memorial contributions can be made to their favorite animal shelter. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Eaton County Long Term Care Facility for taking such good care of Junior (Whip) in the years he lived there. A special thank you to Laura, Mary Lou and the palliative nurse, Chelsea. Thank you so much for caring for our father, we appreciate you all. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHome.com.
Leone Hartenburg- Montie
Leone (Gruesbeck) Hartenburg-Montie of Eaton Rapids passed away November 16, 2023, at the age of 95. Leone was born on February 29, 1928, on a farm in the Eaton Rapids area, the daughter of Harlo and Anne Gruesbeck. She graduated the class of 1945 at Eaton Rapids Schools and went on to Western Michigan University and graduated with a teaching degree. In 1948, Leone married and also started teaching in the one room school. In 1954, she gave birth to a son, Ross, two years later she had her second son, Harley. After about six years of teaching, she began working for Eaton County as a Circuit Court Clerk, where she retired after 17 years. In later years, Leone began substitute teaching for schools in the Eaton Rapids area. She raised her children on the farm and was a hard-working farmer’s wife. She enjoyed vacationing in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in the beautiful scenery. Leone also enjoyed cooking holiday meals for her family and decorating her home with many snowmen. She lost her mate, Wayland, in 1990, and in the year 2002 she married Myron Montie of Charlotte. Leone was privileged to have four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
Leone is survived by her sons, Ross (Chris) Hartenburg of Eaton Rapids, Harley (Pam) Hartenburg of Eaton Rapids; four grandchildren, Dustyn (Brittany) Hartenburg, Danielle (Brett) Miller, Joshua (Crystal Dexter) Hartenburg, Jacob (Kasarah Miller) Hartenburg; seven great grandchildren, Jazzlynn, Scarlett, Juliette, Ava Grace, Wayland, Olivia and Jack. She is preceded in death by her husband, Myron Montie; Brother, Leo Gruesbeck and her first husband, Wayland Hartenburg.
Funeral services were held at Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. with visitation one hour prior from 1-2 p.m. For those desiring, donations may be made to the VFW National Home, 3573 S. Waverly Rd. Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. To leave condolences for the family please visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Stanley Krawczyk
Stanley Krawczyk passed away at his home in Eaton Rapids, Michigan on November 15, 2023, at the age of 93.
Stanley was born on October 14, 1930, to Adam and Mary Krawczyk in Charlotte, Michigan. He worked on the family farm and went to a county school, having to drop out of school in ninth grade to help take care of the farm. He met his future wife, Elaine Zimmerman when he was 15. They got married February 1, 1950, at Elaine’s home.
Stanley joined the Navy on October 27, 1947, at the age of 17. He had a long career in the Navy retiring after 22 years. In those 22 years he saw combat in Korea aboard the USS Hyman fighting the North Koreans and the Chinese. The ship was hit, but thankfully did not get a lot of damage. He did lose one of his friends while on the ship in Korea. Many years later he was part of a group of veterans from the Hyman who raised money to put up a memorial monument in New Castle, Indiana for the men lost over the years. In 1948 he also saw combat in one of the many wars between Israel and Palestine.
In 1952 he was an instructor at the Machinist Mate Class A School in Great Lakes, Illinois teaching steam engineering. There were lots of moves during his career including Great Lakes, Illinois; Newport, Rhode Island; Groton, Connecticut for submarine and nuclear power school. He was assigned to the USS Jefferson which was under construction at that time. The boat did many tours to Holy Loc, Scotland, doing testing when they were out to sea. Stanley was also in Norfolk, Virginia; Long Beach, California; and two years in the Nea Makri, Greece which the family loved. During his career he served on the USS Hyman, which was a destroyer; the USS Forestal, which was an aircraft carrier; and two nuclear powered submarines, the USS Skate and the USS Thomas Jefferson.
On the personal front, after he and Elaine got married, they had three children – two daughters and a son. The family enjoyed the traveling, especially the two years spent in Greece where they had all kinds of new experiences – including camping on a trip to northern Greece to see Mount Olympus, swimming in Marathon Bay and taking a cruise to visit many of the Greek islands. Stanley and Elaine took a cruise from Greece back to the United States after he was transferred. There were many trips between wherever Stanley was stationed to visit Eaton Rapids to see family and friends and spend time in the town that he considered home.
Stanley retired from the Navy in 1970 and the family moved back to Eaton Rapids where Stanley built a home on Kemler Road. He went to work for the Michigan DNR for ten years, and then retired from the DNR. He also worked for BASF for several years in Michigan. After retiring from the DNR, he and Elaine moved to Oakland, California where Stanley worked for the Military Sealift Command. After Elaine passed away from cancer in 1988 Stanley remained in California where he then worked for the Federal Aviation Agency working on long distance communication between controllers and airplanes. In 2002 Stanley did an interview for the Veterans History program that is in the Library of Congress, talking about his career. For anyone that would like to hear it, just go to the Library of Congress and type in his name or go to this link: https://www.loc.gov/item/afc2001001.41528/? .
In 1993 Stanley retired for the last time. He built another house on Kemler Road (next to the first one he built) where he lived until his passing. He met Barbara Woodley in 1999 and they got married in 2000. He gained four stepchildren and four grandchildren whom he loved very much. He and Barbara lived happily until she passed away in February 2013.
Stanley had many things that he enjoyed doing. He loved gardening and did lots of canning with his garden vegetables. He enjoyed doing anything outside. He obviously loved building – he remodeled almost every place his family lived in, including a mobile home! He collected coins for most of his life and would spend time looking and doing research on any coins he got from anyone. He also enjoyed winemaking using the grapes he grew on his property. When he was younger, he hunted with his brothers. And for many years he and some of his brothers and friends went to Canada every year to fish. His last fishing trip to Canada was in 2017. His grandson Robert and great-grandson Ethan were lucky enough to go on that trip with Stanley. It’s a memory that they both cherish. He was a long-time member of the Calvary Lutheran Church in Eaton Rapids – even helped build the new church on Plains Road after the stone church became too small for the church’s needs.
The family would like to thank Holt Senior Care and Rehab, McLaren Hospice and Landmark Home Care for taking such good care of dad at the end of his life. They also would like to thank the wonderful staff at Eaton Rapids Medical Center for all the years of care that they gave to Stanley.
Stanley was predeceased by his wife Elaine (Zimmerman); his wife Barbara Woodley; daughter Kathleen Hendrickson; son Stanley L. Krawczyk; niece Lorelyn (Zimmerman) Adams; granddaughter Stacy Hildner; grandson Sean Vankranenburg; stepdaughter Karen Thompson; parents Adam and Mary Krawczyk; and eight brothers and sisters.
He is survived by his daughter Diane (Craig) Galloway; stepchildren Linda Brockway, Diane Woodley and Kevin Woodley. Grandchildren Deanna (John) Cornell; Robert (Amanda) Young; Aisha (Eric) Ray; Luke Krawczyk; Derek (Kayla) Krawczyk; and Kyle Krawczyk. Step grandchildren Tana (Beau) Vanderwater; Kayla (Toma) Thompson; Cameron Thompson and Ian Thompson. Great-grandchildren Ethan, Aoife and Conrad Young; Erica and Darian Ray; Hannah and Halie Krawczyk; Derrick and Wren Krawczyk; Lucien Krawczyk; and Ariella Vankranenburg. He is also survived by his sister Mary (Rhon) Pierce and his brother Adam Krawczyk, and many other family members.
Stanley was loved and respected by everyone that met him. He was a hero to many and there will be a huge hole in the hearts of everyone that loved him.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to the Mid-Michigan Honor Flight program which Stanley was able to go on. Here is the link: https://www.midmichiganhonorflight.org/donate.