Obituaries
Richard Suntken
Richard Suntken went to be with his savior Jesus Christ on May 12, 2023. His suffering in this life is over and his joyous reunion with his loved ones and friends has begun in Heaven. Richard was born in Lansing, MI on July 31, 1951, to Paul and Edna Suntken.
Richard was preceded in death by his father, Paul Suntken; mother, Edna Suntken; and brother, Jamie Suntken. Surviving to cherish his memory are his children, Richard J. Suntken and Trudy (Ryan) Conlin. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Chase (Haley) Suntken, Shyanne (Dalton) Farley, Serenity Suntken and Harper Suntken. Also surviving him are his sister, Lucille (Steve) Graham and brother, Daniel (Teresa) Suntken and their children.
Richard requested that a service not be held. You can pay your respects in the coming months at the Mulliken Cemetery next to his parents. Thank you to all who loved and showed kindness to Richard.
John Joseph Haley
John Joseph Haley of Charlotte, a quiet hardworking man with the best smile, passed away on May 27, 2023, at the age of 83. John was born May 21, 1940, to his John Sr. and Bernice (Woodman) Haley. On August 6, 1960, he married Patricia Steward and together they raised a wonderful family.
John worked three jobs at one time to provide for his family during the early years of raising his family. He worked nights at AE Hoover Ball and Bearing, drove a school bus during the day, and at Fulton Lumber on Saturdays. After a short time working for Schulert Plumbing and Heating he returned full time at Fulton Lumber working at the sales counter helping builders and homeowners find the supplies they needed for their building projects. Coworkers would love it when John would take his wife’s baked goods to work with him. Sometimes his coworkers would even send home requests for some of Patricia’s special cookies.
John was a Jack of all trades. He could fix or build things himself. His hobbies and interests were varied; he built furniture for the home, and often helped on large building projects ranging from decks to entire houses. He was also handy under the hood of a car, fixing the plumbing or taking care of the electrical works around the home. He even was a great talent at crocheting, making afghans, hats and other articles for family and friends. John also had a love of music which he demonstrated by playing the bass guitar in a campground group where he and Patricia spent many summer days. He was a hardworking man of few words and willing to help a friend in need. He was kind and committed to all.
Above all, John was very proud of his family. John is survived by his wife, Patricia; his children, Nadine (Fred) Klaiss, Pam (Rick) Taylor, Jeffery (Kristi Doba) Haley and Paul (Tammy) Haley; brother, Michael Haley; 15 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held for John are Friday, June 2, 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Tom Surdenik officiating. Interment followed in Maple Hill Cemetery. Friends may also share memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on John’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Elara Caring Hospice, or Lemmen-Holton Cancer Center, Grand Rapids. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Denzel Wayne Mann
Denzel Wayne Mann of Vermontville was born on March 7, 1932 in Branch County to Leslie and Marie (George) Mann, and passed away May 26, 2023 at the age of 91. Denzel was a remarkable man known for his ambition, hard work, and passion for various hobbies. His gentle nature and willingness to join in conversations endeared him to many.
Denzel’s journey began as a lineman for his uncle’s local telephone company, after several other odd jobs. Denzel found employment as a final repairman at Fisher Body in Lansing, where he dedicated his skills until his retirement. Denzel possessed a quiet demeanor but was always ready to engage in conversations and connect with others.
In his leisure time, Denzel enjoyed reloading shells for his hunting trips, collecting clocks, and pursuing his love for photography. He even had his own darkroom at home, where he developed captivating photographs. His talent as a fabricator was highly sought after, and he often utilized his welding skills at the former Capital City Race Track, where he would weld competitors’ race cars and sometimes construct entire chassis. Denzel’s ability to analyze and solve problems, especially related to cars and other mechanical projects, was truly remarkable.
Denzel is survived by his children, Joyce (Joseph) Verbis, Leslie (Graciela) Mann, John (Mary) Hemstreet, Sharlene (Terry) Thuma, and Harry (Carol) Kelley. He also leaves behind his long-time companion, Pat Yost, along with 19 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. Denzel was predeceased by his first wife, Barbara (Barnard); second wife, Alice (Haynes); girlfriend, Pat O’Dell; stepson, James Hemstreet; and brother, Lavaun Mann.
Visitation to pay tribute to Denzel’s life will be at Pray Funeral Home on Monday, June 5 from 5 to 8:00 p.m.. The funeral service to celebrate his life will be Tuesday, June 6, 2:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Randy Royston officiating. Following the service, interment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Vermontville. Friends and family are invited to share memories of Denzel on his tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Glenford R. Palmateer
Glenford R. “Bud” Palmateer, 80 years old, of Charlotte, Michigan passed away peacefully in his home on May 28, 2023, surrounded by his loving wife and children.
Bud was born on January 14, 1943 to Glenford and Phyllis (Kalbfleisch) Palmateer and was raised on the family farm in Yale, Michigan with his seven siblings. He graduated from Yale High School in 1961 and attended Eastern Michigan University. He taught at Avoca Elementary for several years before starting a masonry business. Quite often he enjoyed reminiscing about building projects that he had been a part of. He was also very active at Trinity Missionary Church in Yale, fulfilling various roles.
In 1985, his career shifted to insurance. This change moved the family to Clare, Michigan where they lived for nearly 20 years. During that time, he donated many hours to the development of the Brookwood Athletic Complex and faithfully contributed to projects at Brown Corners Church. Bud and Marion returned to Yale in 2014, where he served again on the board at Trinity Church.
Bud experienced health challenges later in life but his will to live remained strong. Watching grandchildren compete and perform, connecting with family and friends, and socializing about antique cars and tractors were his favorite things. Despite chronic pain, he remained a farming buddy, tireless helper, and devoted friend to many. He had a servant’s heart patterned after his Savior, Jesus Christ.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Glen and Phyllis Palmateer, his sister Sharon (Palmateer) Gonzalez, his brother Chuck Palmateer, his father and mother-in-law James and Bettie (Sawdon) McAlpine, his sisters-in-law, Jane McAlpine and Mary Ann McAlpine, numerous extended family members, and most recently his Uncle Clarence Palmateer.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marion (McAlpine) Palmateer, his son Bill (Karen) Palmateer of Atlanta, Georgia, his daughter Mary (Palmateer) Standerfer of Elk Rapids, Michigan, and daughter Liz (Brock) Peters of Olivet, Michigan. Bud’s grandchildren are Adam and Luke Palmateer, Sydney and Sophie Standerfer, and Abbey, Taylor, Emily and Kendall Peters. His surviving siblings are Harold (Linda) Palmateer, Don (Rose) Palmateer, Jim (Pam) Palmateer, Tim (Traci) Palmateer, Tom Palmateer, sister-in-law Brenda Palmateer, brother-in-law Dave McAlpine, along with many beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A memorial service to celebrate Bud’s life will take place on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Missionary Church in Yale, Michigan, with Pastor Tom Knight officiating. Contributions can be made to any of the churches Bud loved and served: Trinity Missionary Church of Yale, Brown Corners Church of Clare, or City on a Hill Community Church of Olivet.
Vivian Louise Cortright
Vivian Louise (McMurtrie) Cortright, 89, of Olivet, Michigan died in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her loving family on May 24, 2023. She was born in Spring Arbor, Michigan to Vance and Ruth McMurtrie on May 22, 1934. Vivian graduated from Parma High School in 1952. On Vivian’s 21st birthday she married the love of her life Neil T. Cortright, and the two just celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary. After having lived briefly in Georgia, Vivian and Neil returned to Michigan, where they lived happily on their family farm in Lee Township for the past 64 years. Vivian was a hard-working farmwife who took great joy in caring for her family. She was known for her canning abilities and could often be found hard at work in her kitchen, mason jars lined up and ready to be canned. Vivian was an active leader in 4-H, where she acted as a mentor and role model to many. In her free time Vivian enjoyed crocheting, she lovingly crocheted blankets for every member of her family, blankets that will be treasured for years to come. Vivian loved to travel, she traveled all over the United States with her husband and friends, taking in all the sights and experiences she could. She was a strong and loving woman who will be missed greatly by her family.
Vivian was preceded in death by her parents, Vance I. and Ruth (Thorpe) McMurtrie; siblings, Mary, Donald, and Thomas. Those left to cherish Vivian’s memory include her husband, Neil T. Cortright; children, Ronald (Brenda) Cortright, Teresa (Jerry) Schneider, Rebecca Cortright-Brown, Pamela (Eric) Sawatzki; eight grandchildren, several step-grandchildren, brother, Duane McMurtrie, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral service honoring Vivian’s life was held Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at Vickers Springport Funeral Home with Linda Carmoney officiating. Vivian was laid to rest at Lee Center Cemetery following the service. Honored to serve as pallbearers are Neil Vitale, Julie Cortright, Jason Cortright, Trent Robertson, Faith Cortright, and Vincent Cortright. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to Careline Hospice, 103 S. Jackson St. Ste 200, Jackson, Michigan 49201. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Springport Funeral Home, 129 Pearl St./P.O. Box 235 Springport, Michigan 49284. 517-857-4848.