Richard L. Chatfield
Richard L. Chatfield, age 60 of Tipton, passed away suddenly on June 3, 2004 at his niece's home. He was born on October 5, 1943 the son of Orval and Viola (Swartz) Chatfield.
Richard was a graduate of Onsted High School and served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He worked for Tecumseh Products and was also a very well known farmer in Tipton. Dick enjoyed hunting and fishing, and was known for growing beautiful flowers, especially dahlias. He was a very caring gentleman and will sadly be missed by his family and all who knew him.
Surviving Richard are his nieces and nephews, Marsha and Eric Davis of Onsted, Matt and Heather Chatfield of Hudsonville, Mich., Mike and Stephanie Chatfield of Hudsonville, great nieces and nephews, Austin and Riley Davis, Greyson Chatfield, sister-in-law Linda Chatfield of Tipton, and many, many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Ruth Ann, and brother, Marion.
Funeral services were held on Monday, June 7, at Braun Everiss Wagley Funeral Home with Rev. Fritz Kruse officiating. Burial was at Oakwood Cemetery.
David J. Cobb
David J. Cobb, age 71, of Jerome, passed away on Monday, May 31, 2004. David was born on July 24, 1932 in Addison, Mich. to Lynnford and Clara (Seamens) Cobb. He married Rebecca J. Daugherty on Jan. 1, 1950 and she preceded him in death on Jan. 16, 1998. Dave lived in the Addison and Jerome area all of his life. He was employed at Tecumseh Products, and then he worked for his son Gary at Hillsdale County Meats. He was a Boy Scout Leader for many years.
Surviving are two sons, Gary (Diane) Cobb of Waldron and Mike (Marti) Cobb of Litchfield; five daughters, Susan Howard of Hillsdale, and Teresa (David) Gould of Jerome, Linda (Mike) Schatz of Napoleon, Janice (Randy) Baughey of Fayette, Ohio, Joyce (Harley) Karmol of Lake Somerset; 22 grandchildren 11 great grandchildren; three sisters, Adra Smith (Daniel Whetstone) of Addison, Iva O'Connell of California and Margaret LaCoe of Clarks Summit, Pa.; three brothers, John (Connie) Cobb of Somerset, Steve (Jan) Cobb of Hillsdale, Rex (Mary) Cobb of Texas; Dave's fiance, Billie Watts of Jerome and her sons Frederick Watts of Amasa, Mich. and Randall (Susan) Watts of Green Bay, Wis. He is preceded in death by his wife, Rebecca.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, June 3, at the Brown-Van Hemert Funeral Home in Addison with Pastor Mike Murry officiating. Burial will be made in Aldrich West Cemetery, Somerset Township, Hillsdale County. The visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday. Memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice of Lenawee.
Mary Lu King
Mary Lu King, age 64, of Onsted, died the morning of Monday, May 31, 2004 at her home in Onsted. She was born May 19, 1940, in Cadillac, Mich., to Carroll and Lucille (Robinson) Lindstrom. On Oct. 17, 1964, she married John A. King in Cadillac. He preceded her in death on Dec. 24, 2002. She had been employed by Bixby Medical Center for 24 years, retiring in 1999. She was also employed by The Dominican Life Center. Mary Lu was a member of St. Joseph Shrine, the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary in Onsted and the Red Hats Society.
Mary Lu is survived by two daughters, Elizabeth Harton and her husband, Daniel, of Maple Rapids and Julie Adrian and her husband, Allyn of Onsted; three sisters, Ricki Fox of Royal Oak, Sue Loomis and her husband, Brian of Clearwater, Fla. and Joanne Lindstrom and Steve Slaaen of Cadillac; and five grandchildren, Jesse, Sam, Alex, and William. Matthew John is expected in September. In addition to her husband, John, she was preceded in death by her parents.
The Funeral Liturgy will be offered Thursday, June 3, at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph's Shrine with Fr. Carl Simon as celebrant. Burial will be in St. Joseph Shrine Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home where there will be a Vigil Prayer Service held at 7:30 p.m. There will also be a vistation hour on Thursday at St. Joseph Shrine at 10 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Shrine or to Hospice of Lenawee. Envelopes are available at Anderson Funeral Home.
Paul D. Brown
Paul D. Brown, age 48, of Mirror Lake in Liberty Township passed away on Sunday, May 30, 2004 at his home.
He was born Dec. 11, 1955 in Toledo, Ohio to Harold C. "Pete" and Charlene A. (Dresch) Brown. He married Charlene L. Malette on March 10, 1990 in Addison and she survives. Paul lived most of his life in the Addison area and the past 12 years at Mirror Lake.
A graduate of Addison High School in 1975, he was employed at MACI Company in Parma. Paul was a member of the Addison Masonic Lodge #157, F&AM, and a member of the Sons of American Legion Lodge #354 Croton, Mich.
Surviving besides his wife Charlene are one son, Michael P. Brown of Adrian; two step-daughters, Renae L. Shircliff of Manitou Beach and Michelle Gose of Pleasant Lake, Mich.; three step-grandsons; his parents, Harold C. "Pete" and Charlene Brown of Manitou Beach; three brothers, Phillip R. (Cheryl) Brown of Garland, Texas, Perry C. (Denine) Brown of Manitou Beach and Clinton R. (Michele) Brown of Chicago, Ill;, two sisters, Shawn M. (Dean) Acker of Addison and Sarah A. (Cord) Farris of Overland Park, Kansas; several nieces and nephews and one great-nephew.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 2, at the Brown-Van Hemert Funeral Home in Addison, with Pastor Keith W. Porter officiating. Burial will be made in Hillside Cemetery in Addison.
Helen Kestel
Helen Kestel, age 87, of Brooklyn, passed away on Tuesday, May 18, 2004 at her home. She was born Sept. 14, 1916 in Detroit, the daughter of Joseph and Astasia (Gawronski) Kempinski. She married William Kestel on July 2, 1938, in Detroit and he preceded her in death in 1995. Helen was also preceded in death by her five sisters and one brother.
She is survived by two loving sons, Keith Kestel of Brooklyn and Dale Kestel of Littleton, Col.; four grandchildren, Angela, Shiloh, Jordan and Micah Kestel; and one sister.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions may be given to the donor's choice.
James Gideon Wilson
Jim Wilson died on May 20, 2004 at Naples Community Hospital at the age of 69. He and his wife Grace were members of the Hunter's Ridge Golf Community in Bonita Springs, Florida. Jim and Grace Moore were married in Tecumseh, Michigan in 1958 and lived in Constantine, Michigan from 1960-1962; Brooklyn, Michigan from 1962-1999; resided in Bonita Springs, Florida from 1999-2004.
Jim Wilson attended Tecumseh High School as a basketball standout and graduated from Albion College in Michigan with a teaching degree. Mr. Wilson was in the 3rd Armor Division from 1958-1960 and was stationed at Kirchgoen, Germany. He taught Latin, History and Physical Education at Brooklyn High and Columbia Central High School in Brooklyn, Michigan from 1962-1988. He was a successful coach and athletic director for 28 years with a state championship in golf in 1969. Jim was an avid golfer, fisherman, reader and enjoyed yearly trips to Las Vegas.
Mr. Wilson is survived by his wife of 46 years and four children; Jamie from Alanson, Michigan, Jim from Lake City, Florida, Andrea from Port Huron, Michigan, and Rodney from Clarkston, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Tracy. He also has three grandchildren; Coley, Jana and Diamond.
There will be a memorial service at his grave site at Brookside Cemetery in Tecumseh, Michigan on June 25th at 10 a.m. A reception for friends and family will be held in Brooklyn at the Hill's Heart "O the Lakes golf course at 12:00 noon on June 25th. A memorial round of golf is planned. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be sent to Columbia Central High School, 1175 Hewitt Road, Brooklyn, Michigan, 49230 for the "Jim Wilson Memorial Youth Basketball Scholarship", which will be used to send young men to summer basketball programs.
Richard William "Bill" Plate, Sr.
Richard William "Bill" Plate, Sr., age 78, of Wamplers Lake passed away Saturday, May 22, 2004, at his home. He was born November 6, 1925 in Morenci, Mich. the son of Jack and Hazel (McCarty) Plate. He married Norma Neer on July 17, 1948 in Angola, Ind. and she survives.
Bill worked as a Tool & Die Maker from 1949 to 2003 and was self-employed since 1960. Besides his wife, Bill is also survived by two sons, Richard W. (Peggy) Plate, Jr. of Bellevue, Ohio and Steven L. (Denise) Plate of Brooklyn; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; twin brother, Robert (Molly) Plate of Wamplers Lake, brothers, Ross Plate and Stanley (Jill) Plate all of Adrian; and sister, Ruby (Gary) Childers, also of Adrian.
Bill was preceded in death by one brother, Ralph Plate. Cremation has taken place and private services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be given to the First Baptist Church in Brooklyn or to Hillsdale Hospice.
Betty Ehnis
Betty Ehnis, age 78, of Charleston, South Carolina passed away Thursday, May 20. She was born March 21, 1926 in Brooklyn the daughter of Hugh Sr. and Alice (Ambler) Howland. She married Leo Ehnis on October 12, 1946 in Brooklyn and he survives. She is also survived by her son, David E. Ehnis of Eygelshoven, The Netherlands; daughter, Carol Gillett of Angleton, Texas; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and three brothers, Hugh Howland, Jr. of Brooklyn, Fred E. Howland of Toledo, Ohio and Charles Howland of Manitou Beach; and two aunts, Gertrude Chapell, of Beverly Hills, Mich., and Mary Ann Howland of Mesa, Ariz.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Delbert Howland. A celebration of Betty's life will take place on Thursday, May 27, beginning at 11 a.m. at the Borek Jennings Funeral Home, Braun Chapel in Brooklyn where she will lie in state at 10 a.m. until the time of service.
Memorial contributions may be given to Baptist Mid Missions in honor of their best friend Howard Street; Pinecrest Baptist Church, 1285 Ashley Hall Road, Charleston, South Carolina 29407. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home where the family will receive friends on Wednesday from 6-8 p.m.
Ruth M. "Peggy" Kies
Ruth M. "Peggy" Kies, age 79, of Brooklyn, passed away Wednesday, May 19, 2004. She was born May 18, 1925, in Jonesville, the daughter of Glenn and Elsie Stone. She married Keith Kies on Aug. 28, 1943 in Jackson and he survives.
Peggy is also survived by her daughter, Carol Mann of Manitou Beach; granddaughter, Tammy (Randall) Ross of Wyandotte; great-granddaughter, Maya Ross also of Wyandotte; brother, Arthur Stone; and sister, Mildred Moore. She was preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters.
She was a member of the Moscow Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. Memorial contributions may be given to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Jackson County Medical Care Facility or friends may purchase a book to donate to a local library in Peggy's memory. Envelopes for donations will be available at Borek Jennings Funeral Home, Braun Chapel in Brooklyn. Cremation took place on Saturday and a private service will take place at a later date.
Gordon Jess Glair
Gordon Jess Glair, 71 years of age from Cement City, passed away Thursday, May 13, 2004 peacefully at his home surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Janet, children: Michael Eugene (Julie) Glair of Munith, Catherine Friday of Kalamazoo, Mich. and Sue (Curt) Cunningham of Napoleon and Michael S. (Annette) Friday of Brooklyn, grandchildren: Jessica, Jacob and Nickolas Glair all of Jackson and Hannah Glair of Munith, Kayla, Chelle, and Kristin Cunningham of Napoleon and Chelsea Roberts and Madison Friday of Brooklyn, sister: Charlene (George ) Formanek of Phoenix, Ariz. and several nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents Harry William and Alice Lenore Glair of Spring Arbor. Gordon was a graduate of Greenville College in Ill. and continued graduate and then doctoral work at the University of Michigan. He taught high school in Yale, Mich. for 7 years and at Jackson Community College for 7 years. He was Director of Admissions at JCC for 23 years until his retirement in 1993, after which he returned to teaching part-time for the college. Gordon was a member of the Michigan Science Teachers Association, The Michigan Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Offices, The Gideon's of Jackson North Camp and Heart of the Lakes United Brethren Church. Gordon served on the boards for various community organizations including the Jackson County Red Cross, South Central Youth for Christ, Lions Club of Jackson, and Florence Crittendon.
A celebration of Gordon's life took place on Monday, May 17, at Heart of the Lakes United Brethren Church with Rev. Kevin Cherry officiating. Burial followed at the Jefferson Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be given to the church or the American Cancer Society. Envelopes will be available at the Borek Jennings Funeral Home, Braun Chapel in Brooklyn. Gordon loved his God, his family, and teaching. He enjoyed spending his time with his grandchildren and his constant companion, Murphy. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.
Laura Ronders Gudakunst
Laura Ronders Gudakunst, age 46, died on May 15, 2004. Laura married Ervin Gudakunst, July 1, 2001, he survives. Also surviving are her children, Jason (Kristine), Tom, Renea Ronders all of Brooklyn; her step-children, Ervin (Erin) of Jackson, Tony of Addison, James (Katie) Gudakunst of Pellston; her best friend and sister, Cathy Ronders; her close friend and brother, Dennis Ronders; Jan and Joe Ronders, affectionately Mom and Dad; the father of her children Gary (Alison) Ronders; close friends Tina Isbell and Dan Ronders; 11 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Laura loved her family, especially playing with her grandkids. She will be deeply missed by her family and many friends.
A celebration of Laura's life will be held at the Brooklyn Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, May 19, with Rev. Robert Malsack officiating. Memorial contributions may be given to the family for future designation. Envelopes will be available at the Borek Jennings Funeral Home, Braun Chapel in Brooklyn.
