Obituaries
Joan Helen McDowell
Joan Helen McDowell, a loving wife, mother and grandmother of keen intellect and a dry sense of humor, died peacefully at home on Saturday, November 18, 2023. Joan was born in Detroit, MI on December 13, 1941, the daughter of Robert and Isabelle (Tewksbury) Pfaff. She grew up in Nashville, MI, where she graduated from High School in 1960. Joan attended Michigan State University, graduating in 1964 with a bachelor in English.
Joan married the love of her life, Howard Clarence McDowell on January 17, 1986, and the two happily combined their families. Joan owned her own pet store in Lansing and was also a substitute teacher at Waverly High School. After Howard retired from the State of Michigan in 1995, they spent time exploring Alaska before moving to Florida. Along the way, they did a stint volunteering at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.
Upon their return to Michigan, they sold their home in Lansing and moved to Nashville. They eventually settled in Charlotte in 2006, at which time they enjoyed driving motorhomes from the factory to dealerships for delivery, and vacationing on the way home. Joan was an avid reader and collector of books, and a skilled Poker player, especially Texas Hold ‘Em. She had a talent for quilting, and in recent years volunteer for the Linus Project, making quilts for hospitalized children. Above all, Joan loved her family.
Joan is survived by her husband, Howard McDowell; sons, Eric (Paula) Prinkalns and Alan Prinkalns; step-son, Jeffery McDowell; step-daughter, Patricia (Steve) Johnson; grandchildren, Doug, David, and Kyle Prinkalns; step-grandchildren, Steven McDowell, David (Veronica) Packer, Christopher (Rachel) Johnson, Nicholas Johnson, and Chelsea McDowell; step-great-grandchildren, Whitney McDowell, Annabelle Packer, Roland Packer, Victoria Packer, Vanessa Perez and Nathan Perez, Penelope Johnson, Camille Johnson, Ellie Johnson, and Avah Johnson; brother, David (Judy) Pfaff; and several extended family. She was predeceased by her parents; stepdaughter, Deborah Scarnati; step-son, John McDowell; and step-granddaughter, Tandy McDowell.
Friends are encouraged to support Joan’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 26, 2023 at Pray Funeral Home. Visitation will take place from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., prior to the service. Memorial donations may be made in Joan’s memory to a local library of choice or the Eaton Area Senior Center. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
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.