Obituaries
John A. Halsey
John A. Halsey, 89, of Yorkville, Illinois, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2023. He was born in Olivet, Michigan in 1934 to Victor and Dorothy (Southworth) Halsey.
John attended Olivet High School before studying Agriculture at Michigan University, Judson University for Divinity and Wayne State for master’s in social work.
John was preceded in death by Victor and Dorothy Halsey (parents) and Thain Scheid (grandson).
John is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Barbara Schroeder-Halsey; his brother, Ron Halsey; his sister, Nancy Crane; his children, Nicki Maillet (Gary), Mark Halsey (Nancy Jones), Phil Elam (Joe Ruffle) and Cynthia Geoghegan (Paul); and his stepson, David Schroeder (Jennifer). He is also survived by his nine grandchildren: Lars Scheid (Amity), Brittany Scheid, Kirsten Elam (Zack Newton), Kaela Bartlett (Josiah), Kara Prachar, Riley Geoghegan, James Schroeder (Alyssa Caliendo), Clara Schroeder, Mike Smith (Laura); 13 great-grandchildren: Nicholas Mower, Eli Mower, Josiah Mower (Bailey), Tahlia Dishmon (Mike), Jayson Scheid, Kasandra Scheid, Dracen Scheid, Audrey Sowa, McKenna Newton, Ada Bartlett, Isla Bartlett, Amos Bartlett and Alan Smith, as well as two great great-grandchildren, Avalynn Mower and Elliot Mower.
He loved God, his family, and his birds. He lived a long and full life. Enjoyed tinkering with everything and couldn’t find anything he couldn’t fix.
For further information please call The Healy Chapel, Aurora, IL at 630-897-9291 or visit healychapel.com to leave an online condolence.
James Willis Drown
James Willis Drown, 88, of Potterville, MI passed away peacefully at home on October 29, 2023. He was born on June 27, 1936, son of Herba and Nellie (Smith) Drown. Jim graduated from Engadine High School and then went on to proudly serve his country for the United States Army Airborne Division. He retired from L.E. Myers Co. as a Heavy Equipment Operator after 25 years. Jim also volunteered at Hayes Green Beach for 29 years. He loved sports, especially baseball, following and watching high school sporting events.
James is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Carolyn Drown; son, Jeffrey Drown; granddaughter, Natalie Drown; sisters-in-law, Sharon (Richard) Catey, Kristine Hernden, Constance Teddy, and Barbara (Roger) Wickerham, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert (Eleanor) Drown; and sister, Doris (Robert) Laban.
A Funeral Service with Military Honors was held Thursday, November 2, 2023, at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Grand Ledge, 517 S Clinton St, Grand Ledge, MI 48837. Visitation took place Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at the Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, Grand Ledge. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in loving memory of James Drown to the Immanuel Lutheran Church. The family has entrusted their care to Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, Grand Ledge. For online condolences please visit www.millsfuneral.com.
Bruce James Maltby
Bruce James Maltby, a man whose biggest enjoyment in his life was his family, died peacefully on October 28, 2023, at his home after a short illness. Bruce, 80, of Charlotte, MI., was born March 15, 1943, in Lansing, the son of Grover James and Beverly June (Woodman) Maltby. At a young age, Bruce enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, serving four years. He remained a proud Marine throughout his lifetime. Upon his honorable discharge, he worked briefly in California before returning home to the promise of a career at General Motors in Lansing. During his childhood, he competed as an amateur boxer, a passion he passed on to his son. The two enjoyed watching fights together. Sporting events were an interest he also shared with his grandchildren, attending their many games and meets throughout the years. Bruce was also a big fan of University of Michigan football as well as NASCAR. He loved following local races, especially cheering on his family members who competed. Above all, Bruce loved his family.
Bruce is survived by his daughter, Candace Rosebrugh; son, James (Kelly) Maltby; grandchildren, Kylie (fiancé Jonny Fullerton) Rosebrugh, Chase (Liv Hodgins) Rosebrugh, and Paige Maltby; great-grandchildren, Bryson, Haven, and Oaklyn; seven siblings; and several nieces, nephews and extended family. He was predeceased by his parents, a half-sister, and his former in-laws.
Friends are encouraged to support Bruce’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was on Thursday, November 2, 2023, at Pray Funeral Home. Funeral Services was held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 3, 2023, at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Chuck Jenson officiating. Interment will take place in Bosworth Cemetery, Olivet. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Myrna Jean DeDolph
Myrna Jean DeDolph, a woman that will be remembered for her beautiful smile and her recognizable laugh, died on Friday, October 27, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Myrna, 78, of Charlotte was born on December 26, 1944, in Dansville, MI the daughter of Donald and Edith (Nelson) Maynard. She was one of 15 children. At the age of 28 she married Richter “Rick” DeDolph and together they started their legacy. After having children Myrna worked as a Homemaker for the family. Once the children got older, she began working for Sparrow Hospital as a Shuttle Driver. Most recently she and Rick were owners of the Eaton Theatre in Charlotte, working alongside each other for 27 years. Myrna was a proud and devoted member of the Charlotte Moose #2565. She enjoyed her sports; Myrna participated in several different leagues from golf, bowling, and softball. She was an avid fan of MSU, Tigers, Lions, and the Red Wings. Many would say that Myrna was a fierce competitor, who also enjoyed a game of cards. Above all her biggest passion in life was spending time with her family and friends.
Myrna is survived by her husband, Rick; children, Mike (Mary) Long, Sue (John) McNeel, and Dale (Brenna) DeDolph; grandchildren, Zack and Ben Long, Max and Fred McNeel, Hannah and Delilah DeDolph; nine siblings; and numerous extended family members. She was predeceased by her parents; and five siblings.
Friends are encouraged to support Myrna’s family sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Monday, October 30, 2023, at Pray Funeral Home. A Funeral was held on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Dutch Docktor officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Moose Heart. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Kevin Wayne Heisler
Kevin Wayne Heisler, 52, of Bellevue, Michigan passed away on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on June 22, 1971, to Larry and Sherry (Whitney) Smith in Battle Creek, Michigan.
Kevin was a graduate of Bellevue High School. He was a longtime meat cutter and deer processor in the Bellevue area. Kevin’s favorite place to be, was outdoors, especially hunting and he also enjoyed watching television.
Kevin is survived by his parents, Larry (Eleanor) Heisler of Nashville, Michigan and Sherry Smith of Bellevue, Michigan; his daughter, Mackenzie Heisler of Grand Ledge, Michigan; his brothers, Daniel Smith of Bellevue, Michigan and Jordan Smith of Battle Creek, Michigan; his sister, Lori (Jake) Herr of Nashville, Michigan and his stepsister, Barb (Dave) Hyatt of E. Leroy, Michigan, He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his stepsister, Terri Conroy and grandparents Kenneth and Marian Heisler.
Cremation has taken place, and a graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, November 9, 2023 at Hillside Cemetery in Kalamo, Michigan.
Memorials are suggested to the family.
Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 205 N. Elizabeth St. Bellevue, Michigan 49021. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.