Obituaries
Robert William Fischer
Robert William “Bob” Fischer, 81, of Naples, Florida, passed away on August 19 at the Avow Hospice House in Naples surrounded by his family.
Bob was born on May 16, 1942 in Charlotte, Michigan, the oldest child of William and Evelyn Fischer. He was raised on an active farm that is still owned by his family. He attended K-8th grade in a one-room schoolhouse in Charlotte and then attended Charlotte High School where he was named prom king and Mayor in his Senior Year. Bob graduated with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Albion College in 1964 and was a proud member of Sigma Chi. He received his masters degree in Hospital Administration from the University of Michigan in 1966. He remained an avid supporter of University of Michigan athletics. He didn’t wear one article of clothing that did not have a blue M on the pocket and his cell phone ring tone was set to “The Victors.”
Bob served in the Navy for three years as an officer in the Key West Naval Hospital. He began his career in hospital administration at Mercy Medical Center in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. His ability to transform hospitals to stability and profitability took him and his family throughout the United States, settling in nine states and the island of Antigua. Bob’s longest and most fulfilling position was as President and CEO of Northwest Hospital in Randallstown, Maryland. Upon retirement, Bob settled in Fort Myers, Florida to be closer to his parents. He most recently resided in Naples with his wife Marianne.
Bob was married to Marianne Stevens in 1965. They were divorced after 31 years of marriage and found each other again after 17 years of separation. They were remarried in 2017 and had a beautiful and unique love story to share with everyone that they met. Bob is survived by his wife, Marianne St. Johns and his three children, all of whom claim to be his favorite, Shelly Murray (Michael), Robert Fischer (Christie), and Ryan Fischer (Angela); his grandchildren Brenna Gneo (Vinny), Brady Murray, Jackson Fischer, and Reese Fischer. He is also survived by his sister Sherry Myers (Fred); niece Samantha Myers and nephew Paul Myers (Melissa). Bob was extremely proud of his children’s accomplishments, their families, and the close bond that they share.
Bob has a rich history of travel and a large circle of friends. In his later years, he enjoyed dining and playing cards with friends and neighbors. He was funny, yet competitive and loved nothing more than winning back the trophy at weekly card games. Through COVID and beyond, Bob looked forward to his monthly Zoom calls with his high school friends from Charlotte. He enjoyed participating in events as a member of the Northside Naples Kiwanis Club. He utilized and appreciated the services of the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida. Throughout his decline with Parkinson’s Disease, Bob’s goldendoodle, “Sir William” remained by his side.
Bob will be remembered as a kind, giving, and loving husband and father. He instilled the values of independence, motivation, and generosity in his children. He was a thoughtful and generous “Pop-Pop” and “Pop twice” to his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Northside Naples Kiwanis Club, that supports children in need in Collier County (PO Box 110333, Naples, FL 34108). Separate memorial services will be planned for the near future both in Naples, and with the spreading of ashes at the family farm in Charlotte.
Emmett Gooch
Emmett “Joe” Gooch, a proud father and even more proud grandfather, passed away on August 25, 2023, at the age of 75, surrounded by his family at his home in Vermontville, Michigan. He attended Midland High School and was drafted to serve in the Vietnam War after graduation. After returning from the war, he worked for General Motors before starting his career as a Deputy for the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office. He retired after 25 years as a Deputy and went on to serve as a District Court Bailiff for several years.
Joe’s pride and joy in life was his family, and he spent the last several years teaching his grandsons Will and Levi to hunt, fish, play baseball, and enjoy the property they all shared. He also enjoyed camping with them at the Mackinaw Mill Creek Campground on Lake Huron or the Jellystone Campground in Angola, Indiana.
Joe is survived by his wife of over 39 years, Teresa; children, Allie (Jon) Whitford, and Kim (Bill) Fillmore; grandchildren, William and Levi Whitford, Sean Carter, and Joel Engel.
At Joe’s request, there will be no memorial service. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, donations may be made in Joe’s name to the Back-to-School Event at the Eaton Clothing and Furniture Center or Compassus Lansing Michigan Hospice Care.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Daniels Funeral Home-Nashville, conveniently located at 9200 East M79 Highway in Nashville, MI. For further details please visit our website at danielsfuneralhome.net.
Cindy Lee Herlein
Cindy Lee Herlein, a strong-willed wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and Christian, died surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, August 24, 2023, after a courageous battle with a rare form of cancer. Cindy, 60, of Olivet was born on June 7, 1963, in Hastings, the daughter of Roland “Bud” and Joan (Hummell) Bair. She graduated college from the Grand Rapids School of Bible and Music, and later graduated from Argubright Business College earning a Business Degree. On September 30, 1989, Cindy married the love of her life, Phil Herlein, and together they spent the next 34 years creating lasting memories. Cindy worked for Northwestern Michigan College for 10 years until she and Phil moved to Olivet. She then began working for the Olivet Public Schools where she has worked for the last 16 years. Cindy was all about education and being able to work with children. Her devotion to the Lord was very important to Cindy, she attended the First Baptist Church in Charlotte and the Leslie First Baptist Church.
Cindy loved making trips to Shipshewana and to different garage sales around the country. She was a very frugal person and always looked for the best deal. Cindy was a Master Couponer and would spend her Sunday clipping out coupons from the newspaper. Other hobbies that she enjoyed were feeding the birds, reading, baking, cooking, tending to her vegetable and flower gardens, and most importantly helping people in need. Above all Cindy loved being with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Cindy is survived by her husband, Phil; children, Kurtis (Felicia) Herlein, Alex (Rachel) Herlein, Tyler Canterbury; grandchildren, Eloise, Dawson, and Theo; mother, Joan Bair; siblings, Jody (Dan) Bivens, Earl (Jenny) Bair, Renee (Glen) Creek; dear friends, Deb Schwab, and Jeanna Ruthruff. She was predeceased by her father, Bud Bair.
Friends are encouraged to support Cindy’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Youth Haven Camp in Rives Junction. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Robert Floyd Raymer
Robert Floyd Raymer, age 84, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Friday, August 25, 2023. He was born February 10, 1939, in Eaton Rapids the son of George and Miriam (Warner) Raymer. On May 10, 1959, Bob married Darlene Baker at the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church. Bob was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved his family with a deep devotion and always saw to it that they were well cared for. After high school, Bob was drafted into the US Army where he faithfully served his country. Bob began working as a meat cutter when he was a teenager and upon his return from the Army, he made it his life-long career. This was not just a job to Bob but it was a passion. He was a perfectionist and every job that he did was done right.
He worked cutting meat at Carter’s IGA for many years and in later years he began cutting deer with George DeVres for many local customers. Bob enjoyed working on his pristine lawn and gardens. His vehicles were always kept in tip top shape and no dirt could be found inside or out.
Bob is survived by his wife of 64 years, Darlene; sons, Russ (Julie) Raymer of Eaton Rapids, Rick Raymer of Charlotte; grandchildren, Zach Raymer, Shelby (Jake) Skelton; great-grandchildren, Ryleigh, Rhys, Rozlynn, Sawyer, Jonah; sister-in-law, Joyce Raymer; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Joan (Ralph) Shaw, and brother, George Raymer.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Duane Royston and Tom Surdenik officiating. The family received friends at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Bob’s memory to Charlotte Fire Department Christmas Kiddies, 111 E. Lawrence Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813 or New Faith Church of the Nazarene 302 E. Lovett St., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Bob’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Shawn Lee Lake
Shawn Lee Lake, a big teddy bear, died on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, after a short battle with cancer. Shawn, 52, of Charlotte, was born on June 2, 1971, in Lansing, the son of Benjamin and Helen (Lawson) Lake. He graduated from Charlotte High School the class of 1989. The love of his life was his daughter, Alexis, and granddaughter, Evelyn-Rae. Shawn had a passion for music, whether it was playing his bass or writing songs, he enjoyed letting loose in the beat of a song. Other hobbies that he found enjoyment in were writing poems, riding his bike, and tinkering on his Cadillac.
Shawn is survived by his children, Destiny Holcomb, Michael Cooper, and Alexis Lake; five grandchildren; parents, Benjamin, and Helen Lake; girlfriend, Angie Yerke; and brother, Chad (Sylvie) Lake. He was predeceased by both his maternal and paternal grandparents.
Friends are encouraged to support Shawn’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Shawn’s family is planning a Celebration of Life for a later date. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.