Kent Albert Ward
March 7, 1933 - December 22, 2001
Kent Albert Ward, age 68, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan passed away at The Laurels of Mt. Pleasant on Saturday, December 22, 2001. Kent was born on March 7, 1933 in Indiana, the son of Lee and Louise (Kruse) Ward. He resided most of his life in the Mt. Pleasant area. Kent owned and operated the Ward and Broadway Theaters in Mt. Pleasant. Kent is survived by his daughter, Deb Barnard of Mt. Pleasant; step-children, Daneen Lippard of Mt. Pleasant, Michael Lippard of Florida, and Richard Lippard of Whitmore Lake, MI; grandchildren, Christopher Barnard of California, Breanna McClain-Lippard, Brenden McClain-Lippard both of Mt. Pleasant, Rachel Lippard and Shannen Lippard; and one great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents and a step grandson. Funeral services were held on Friday, December 28, 2001 at 11:00 a.m. at Helms Funeral Home with Rev. Tom Jones officiating. Interment was in Riverside Cemetery.

Tony James Musil
October 17, 1957 - December 14, 2001
Tony James Musil, age 44, of Clare, Michigan passed away near Clare on Friday, December 14, 2001. Tony was born on October 17, 1957 in Flint, Michigan, the son of Jerry and Shirley (Acker) Musil. Tony was a repairman for Ackerman Plumbing and Heating for the past 8 years. Tony is survived by his son, James; parents, Jerry and Shirley Musil; and 3 sisters, Connie Bartshe, Debra Robinson and Victoria Monroe. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, December 18, 2001 at 2:00 p.m. at the Helms Funeral Home with Rev. Thomas Jones officiating. Interment was in Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Mt. Pleasant. Memorial contributions were suggested to an education fund for Tony’s son, James.

Tomas Major Solosky
April 13, 1934 - December 14, 2001
Tomas Major Solosky, age 67, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan passed away at Central Michigan Community Hospital on Friday, December 14, 2001. Tomas was born on April 13, 1934 in Midland, Michigan, the son of Leo L. and Hazel L. (Major) Solosky. He lived in the area since 1979. Tomas was a self employed musician. Tomas is survived by his twin brother, Douglas of Midland, and brothers, Richard of Auburn and, Ethan of Gladwin. Tomas was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Weslie Leo 'Bill' Solosky. Funeral services were held on Thursday, December 20, 2001 at 1:00 p.m. at the Helms Funeral Home with Rev. Thomas Jones officiating. Interment was in Riverside Cemetery in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

Rev. James Emory Cook
May 22, 1930 - December 12, 2001
Rev. James Emory Cook, age 71, of Lake Isabella, Michigan, died on Wednesday, December 12, 2001 in Detroit, Michigan. Rev. Cook was born on May 22, 1930 in Benton Harbor, Michigan, the son of Emory N. and Rosa Hosbein Cook. He married Anne Gurr on June 28, 1958 in Benton Harbor. They have resided at Lake Isabella for the past six years. The Rev. Cook was a pastor for the United Methodist Church. He served 11 churches in the Western Michigan Conference: Burnips-Monterey Center UMC from 1982-85: Dowling-Banfield UMC from 1985-86; Fenwick-Vickeryville-Palo UMC from 1986-91; Trinity-Countryside UMC from 1991-95; and Barryton-Chippewa Lake UMC from 2000-01. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict from 1950-54. He was a member of the Western Michigan Conference, a former Sunrise Rotarian, a member of the Isabella County Soup Kitchen Board starting when the Kitchen moved to the Trinity UMC, and the Wesley Foundation Board. He is survived by his wife, Anne of Lake Isabella, children, James Cook of Traverse City, MI, Cynthia (Rick) McClure of Eaton Rapids, MI, and Marsha Cook of Milwaukie, OR; four grandchildren, Robert Grimes, Branden, Michael, and Christina McClure; four brothers, Charles (Nancy) Cook of Stevensville, MI, Don (Debbie) Cook and Ray Cook of Benton Harbor, MI, and Tom (Joann) Cook of Holiday, FL; and a sister, Donna Thomas of Benton Harbor, MI. He was preceded in death by one brother, Timothy, and a sister, Thelma. Funeral services were held on Monday, December 17, 2001 at 11 a.m. from the Weidman United Methodist Church with Rev. Craig Adams, Rev. Joseph Huston, and Rev. Ronald A. Houk officiating. Interment took place in Riverside Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant. Memorial contributions were made to the Isabella County Soup Kitchen or to the Pardee Cancer Fund. Arrangements were by the Helms Funeral Home, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

Richard Rowley
April 1, 1923 - December 11, 2001

Donald E. 'Bill' Courtney
July 25, 1922 - December 9, 2001
Donald E. (Bill) Courtney, 79, of Mt. Pleasant died Sunday, December 9, 2001 at the Ingham Medical Center in Lansing. Bill was born on July 25, 1922 in Marietta, Ohio to Homer and Area (Miller) Courtney. He married Jeanne Huber in Mt. Pleasant on December 29, 1951. A resident of the area for the last 73 years, he served in the U. S. Army during active combat in WWII from 1942 to 1945. He retired from Central Michigan University in 1985. His favorite pastimes were fishing and hunting. Donald is survived by his wife, Jeanne; four children, Julie Courtney of Mt. Pleasant, Janice Landon of Dayton, Ohio, Jodi Courtney of Mt. Pleasant, and Linda Fate of Remus; and one sister, Glenda McNeal of Arizona. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Orah; and four sisters, Gertrude Pugh, Pauline Mumy, Ruth Cisler, and Marie Grubb. A military service was held at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, December 12, 2001 at the Helms Funeral Home with Rev. Samuel Reith of the Zion Lutheran Church officiating. Interment was in Memorial Gardens, Mt. Pleasant, with Military Honors conducted by the V. F. W. Post #3033.

Jack Adams
June 22, 1912 - December 7, 2001
Jack Adams, age 89, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan passed away at his home on Friday, December 7, 2001. Jack was born on June 22, 1912 in Cadillac, Michigan, the son of Frank and Alice (McGoveren) Adams. He married Edith McLaughlin. He lived in the area for the past seven years. Jack was a custodian for the Owosso Public Schools and retired in 1977. He was a member of the Eagles in Alma, Michigan and was a certified coach with the Michigan High School Athletic Association. Jack is survived by his wife, Edith of Mt. Pleasant; two sons, Dennis and Barbara Adams of Mt. Pleasant and Dean Adams of Lansing; four grandchildren, Joshua, Jason, and Jesse Adams, and Denyse and Gordon Ferguson; two great grandchildren, Victoria and McKenzie Ferguson. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 22, 2001 at 11:00 a.m. at the Helms Funeral Home with Mr. Harry Plouff officiating. Cremation took place at the Sunset Valley Crematory in Bay City, Michigan. Memorial contributions were suggested to the Mid-Michigan Hospice.

Emma Gladys Downing
February 14, 1918 - December 7, 2001
Emma G. Downing, age 83, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, died Friday, December 7, 2001 at the Laurels of Mt. Pleasant. Emma was born on February 14, 1918 in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of John and Johanna (Lasko) Kasper. She married Othel E. Downing on December 10, 1936 in Indiana. Emma lived in the area for 45 years. Emma and Othel owned and operated Hillside Cabins in Mt. Pleasant. She was a member of the First Church of Christ. Emma is survived by several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; four brothers; and four sisters. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, December 11, 2001 at 2:00 P.M. at the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant, with Mr. Ivan C. Odor officiating. Interment was in Riverside Cemetery in Mt. Pleasant. Memorial contributions were suggested to the First Church of Christ, or to East Michigan Wings of Mercy.

Robert & Mary Moore
June 11, 1933 and November 5, 1932 - December 1, 2001

Gladys Maude Thren
September 12, 1904 - January 11, 2002

Edna M. Smalley
December 1, 1909 - January 28, 2002

Remus Johnson, Jr.
March 23, 1937 - February 11, 2002
Remus Johnson, Jr., age 64, of Shepherd died Monday, February 11, 2002 at his home. Remus was born March 23, 1937 in Sanford, Michigan, the son of Remus and Elizabeth (Bradd) Johnson. He was a lifetime resident of the area and was a self employed painter. Remus is survived by his children, Brenda, Jhock, and Shelly; six grandchildren; and sisters, Marion Barto of Saginaw, Betty (Steve) Brion of Adrian, Beatrice Lender of Baldwin, Phyllis Knapp of Midland, Ida (Robert) Drake of Sanford, and Eva (Cordy) Wolfe of Mt. Pleasant. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, James in November of 2001. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, February 13, 2002 at 11:00 a.m. at Helms Funeral Home with Rev. Jerry Sill officiating. Interment was in Kelly Cemetery, Greendale Township, Midland County, Michigan. Memorial contributions were suggested to the family.

Amanda Hattie Barrett Jones
March 1, 1917 - February 10, 2002
Amanda Hattie Barrett Jones, age 84, of Mt. Pleasant, MI, died at Central Michigan Community Hospital on Sunday, February 10, 2002. Amanda was born on March 1, 1917 in Flint, Michigan, the daughter of Clarence B. and Myrtle May (Ring) Barrett. She married Ray Jones in 1944 in Mt. Pleasant. Amanda was a resident of the area since 1978 having lived in Florida for a few years and Blanchard for many years. She was a machine operator for Ferro Manufacturing for 10 years and worked at a dry cleaners. Amanda was a member of the M-46 Tabernacle Church and enjoyed the Bible, crafts, and reading. Amanda is survived by a niece 'daughter', Kathy Davis of Mt. Pleasant; grandchildren: Eric Davis and Aimee Davis Armstrong of Maumee, OH, and Rachelle Davis of Austin, TX; great grandson, Zachary Davis Armstrong; nephews: Phillip (Kathy) and Nicholas Barrett of Austin, TX, Kenneth Barrett of Mt. Pleasant and Jerry Barrett of Austin, TX; and great nieces and nephews: Kenny Barrett Jr., Catherine Barrett Smith, Beth Barrett Worlton, Jeff Barrett, and Jeremy Barrett; and by a sister-in-law, Monica Barrett of Mt. Pleasant, and her children: Chris Barrett, Frank Barrett, Laurie Barrett Wilkins, and Robin Barrett Schafer. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ray, in 1980; a son in 1937; sisters: Myrtle Barrett, Rosaland Silvis, and Adeline (Louie) Wood; and brothers: Omie (Zelma) Herrington, Clarence Barrett and Nelson Barrett. Funeral services were held on Thursday, February 14, 2002, at 1:00 p.m. at Helms Funeral Home with Rev. Dan Skirvin officiating. Interment was in Riverside Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant. Memorial contributions were suggested to the M-46 Tabernacle Church Food Pantry.

Marie B. Kenney
April 5, 1916 - February 7, 2002
Marie B. Kenney, age 85, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, passed away on Thursday, February 7, 2002 at the Laurels of Mt. Pleasant. Marie was born on April 5, 1916, in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, the daughter of Charles and Mary Elizabeth Flannery Moore. She married John R. Kenney in July of 1938. Marie was a lifetime resident of the area and was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and the Sacred Heart Altar Society. Marie is survived by three children: Betty Westbrook of Mt. Pleasant, Jamie (Bob) Lange of St. Louis, and Jim (Sandy) Kenney of Lake Isabella; nine grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; a brother, John Moore of Mt. Pleasant; and a sister, Betty Richmond of Mt. Pleasant.. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John on November 6, 1991; a sister, Charlotte; and an infant daughter, Sue Ann. Celebration of the Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, February 9, 2002 at 2:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Mt. Pleasant with Rev. John Cotter officiating. A Rosary was recited on Friday at 7:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant. Memorial contributions were suggested to Sacred Heart Church, or to Hospice of Central Michigan.

Oliver 'Ollie' Stanley Hudnutt
March 26, 1931 - February 5, 2002

Carl Edward Van Faussien
November 2, 1926 - February 4, 2002
Carl E. Van Faussien, age 75, of Lake Isabella, Michigan passed away Monday, February 4, 2002 at the South Baldwin Regional Medical Center in Foley, Alabama. Carl was born on November 2, 1926 in Huntington, West Virginia, the son of Homer Ewing and Kathryn (Chalmers) Van Faussien. He married Norma Jean Durnan in 1952 in Flint. She preceded him in death in 1990. In 1991, he married Margaret Neill in Mt. Pleasant Carl had been a resident of the area since 1971. He served in the United States Navy during World War II, and was a banker and real estate appraiser. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, the Gratiot Isabella Board of Realtors, and the Home Builders Association. He was a graduate of Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia. He is survived by his wife, Margaret; four children: Mark (Tricia) Van Faussien of Beverly Hills, Michigan, Pamela (David) Adkins of Huntington, West Virginia, Karen (Mike) McComas of Barboursville, West Virginia, and Marcia (David) McComas of Kennesaw, Georgia; eleven grandchildren; and two sisters, Alma Dillon of Proctorville, OH, and Madeline (Hyrum) Ferris of Lexington, NC He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Norma Jean, Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 9, 2002 at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church with Rev. J. Todd Bruning and Rev. Dean Willard officiating. Interment was in Two Rivers Cemetery, Isabella County, Michigan. Memorial contributions were suggested to the University of Michigan Medical School.

Daniel Peter Breidenstein
July 29, 1952 - July 7, 2002
Daniel Peter Breidenstein, age 49 of Shepherd, Michigan died on Sunday, July 7, 2002 at Alpena General Hospital in Alpena, Michigan. Daniel was born on July 29, 1952 in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan to John and Sally (Opacki) Breidenstein. He married Lois Williams on February 28, 1975. Dan was self employed and owned and operated the Bird Bar & Grill and Steiner’s Pizza Planet. He was involved with the Downtown Business Association, Summerfest, Downtown Coordinating Committee, the Isabella County Fireworks Committee and with many other charity fundraisers. He is survived by his wife, Lois; children, Allison, Melissa, Stacy, Rachel, and Benjamin; mother, Sally Breidenstein; granddaughter, Ashlynd; brother, David Breidenstein; half brother, John Breidenstein; sisters, Mary Kay Jaffe and Barbara Elmore; and half sister, Grace Ann. He was preceded in death by his father, John Breidenstein. A memorial service was held on Friday, July 12, 2002 at 2 p.m. at the Plachta Auditorium on the campus of Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant with Rev. Donald Spachman officiating. Memorial contributions were suggested to the Daniel P. Breidenstein Memorial Fund in care of Firstbank of Mt. Pleasant.

Norma Byrn Phelps
April 5, 1930 - July 10, 2002
Norma Byrn Phelps, age 72, of Mt. Pleasant died Wednesday, July 10, 2002 at Central Michigan Community Hospital. Norma was born on April 5, 1930 in Farwell, Michigan to Roy and Leora (Blakley) Coffell. Norma lived all of her in the Mt. Pleasant area. She is survived by Raymond J. Phelps; children, Donald (Denise) Phelps and Michael (Kay) Phelps of Mt. Pleasant; 11 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; brothers, Bonnie (Laura) Coffell of Muskegon, Owen (Tootie) Coffell of Muskegon, and Bernie (Judy) Coffell of Weidman; sisters, Ida Spooner of Alma, Lilas Thornton of Lansing, Lola (Rick) Ricker of Florida, and Audrey Gaskill of Farwell; and special friend, Florence Benaske. She was preceded in death by both parents; brothers and sisters, Linus, Gaylord, Gerald, Carl, Elsie, Louise and Fern; children, Pam, Rick, Gina and Micky Phelps. Funeral services were held on Saturday, July 13, 2002 at 2 p.m. at Helms Funeral Home, Mt. Pleasant with Rev. Gordon Rydman officiating. Visitation was on Friday, July 12 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

Charles Jacob Wichmann
March 11, 1939 - July 11, 2002
Charles Jacob Wichmann, age 63, of Lake Isabella, passed away Thursday, July 11, 2002 at Edward W. Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Michigan. Mr. Wichmann was born on March 11, 1939 in Detroit the son of Charles and Anna (Sautter) Wichmann. On October 1, 1969 he married Geraldine Welke in Detroit. He lived at Lake Isabella for 12 years, having moved there from St. Johns. Charles served in the United States Air Force. He was a manager for Instantwhip Foods from 1970 to 1987. He collected sports cards, milk bottles, milk caps and enjoyed fishing and old vehicles. Charles is survived by his wife, Geraldine of Lake Isabella; children, Diane (Duane) Pendell of Remus and John (Lisa) Wichmann of Eastpoint, MI; grandchildren, Amanda and LaNette Sloan, Michael, Holly, Jessica and John II Wichmann; sisters, Mary Ann Wichmann of Harper Woods and Fran (John) Grier of Geneseo, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services were held on Monday, July 15, 20002 at 11 a.m. at the Helms Funeral Home, Mt. Pleasant, with Rev. Thomas Jones officiating.

Robert William Boughner
January 5, 1926 - July 18, 2002
Robert William Boughner, age 76, of Stanton, Michigan, died on Thursday, July 18, 2002 at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Robert was born on January 5, 1926 in Ferndale, Michigan the son of William and Anna (LaCroix) Boughner. He had lived in the Stanton and surrounding area for 4 years and previously lived in the Remus and Edmore area. Robert served in the United States Army during WWII and the Korean Conflict and was a lifetime member of the Sheridan VFW Post 5065. He was a farmer and member of the Colonial Village Baptist Church in Lansing. He is survived by his children, Cheryl Smith of Mt. Pleasant, Nancy Griffin of Muskegon, Tina Darling of Ben Lomond, CA, and Denise Betham of Stanton; 15 grandchildren; 13 1/2 great grandchildren; a brother, James Boughner of Port Huron; and two sisters, Lucille Shipman of Bellvue and Loretta Damoth of Rochester. Robert was preceded in death by his parents; 2 daughters, Linda and Kathleen; and 2 brothers, Leonard and Thomas. Funeral services were held on Monday, July 22, 2002 at 2:00 p.m. from the Helms Funeral Home, Mt. Pleasant, with Rev. Owen White-Pigeon of the Chippewa Indian United Methodist Church officiating. Interment was in Broomfield Township Cemetery in Isabella County, MI.

Ernest O. Aho
January 11, 1915 - July 20, 2002
Ernest O. Aho, age 87, of Grand Rapids and formerly of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, passed away on Saturday, July 20, 2002 at DeVoss Assisted Living in Grand Rapids, Michigan. A memorial service was held on Tuesday, July 23, 2002 at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, Mt. Pleasant, with Rev. John Boley officiating. Interment was in Memorial Garden at the First United Methodist Church. Ernest was born on January 11, 1915 in Hancock, Michigan, the son of Swan and Ina Linja Aho. He married Pauline Ledebuhr on September 28, 1940 in Capac, Michigan. He lived in Mt. Pleasant from 1946 until November of 1999 when he moved to Grand Rapids. Ernie was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Mt. Pleasant and retired from Dow Chemical in 1978. Ernie is survived by five children, Janet (James) Moore of Grand Rapids, Ronald Aho of Unionville, Linda Shirely of St. Louis, MI, Douglas (Dawn) Aho of Midland, and Alice (Dean) Baij of Columbis, MD; 13 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; two brothers, Willard (Lempi) Aho of Hancock and Jack Holzhauer of Hancock; and a sister, Joyce (Earl) Saarela of Brighton. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Pauline in 1999; son, Richard in 1995; a grandchild, Damon Aho in 1979; and three brothers, Martin, Edwin and Arvo. The family was served by the Helms Funeral Home, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

Anthony A. (Bud) Brant
February 7, 1921 - July 23, 2002
Anthony A. (Bud) Brant, 81 of Mt. Pleasant died July 23, 2002 at the home of his daughter in Sanford as a result of complications from an automobile accident in March. The son of the late Anthony (Tony) and Christina (Krebs) Brant was born February 7, 1921 in Avon, Ohio. Bud married the former Pauline McDermott on April 28, 1941 in Fostoria, Ohio. He is survived by his son, David (Kathy) Brant of Mt. Pleasant, his daughter, Paulette Bird of Sanford; grandchildren, Eugene Brant, Robert (Lisa) Brant, Deanna (Robert) Marshall, Ryan (Danielle) Brant, Sarah (Troy) Henrie, Christine Brant, Janine Bird, Jannette (Keith) Christnagel; great grandchildren, Justin & Robert Cherry, Bryan Evans, Kyle & Caleb Marshall, Bailey & Blake Brant, Madalynn & Gracie Henrie, Hannah Brant, John Bird, Kathleen & Claire Christnagel; sister, Evelyn Stuber. Bud’s family moved from Avon, Ohio to Fostoria when he was seven years old. He attended St. Wendelin Catholic Church and was educated at St. Wendelin Schools. He also attended St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Winn, MI. At 16, he rode the rails thru Michigan and later returned to the Coleman area with his wife where he lived for 20 years. In 1962, he moved west of Mt. Pleasant and built a home on Vandecar Road where he lived the rest of his life. Bud was a self-employed carpenter following the family tradition of his father and grandfather. From the time Bud bought his first gun at 12 years old (a 45/70 trapdoor for $5) he was fascinated with guns the rest of his life. He had his own gun shop at his home where he bought, sold and traded thousands of guns. He was a member of the National Rifle Association since 1942. He was an avid outdoorsman all his life and enjoyed hunting and shooting with his family and friends. In addition to his parents and wife, Bud was predeceased by his sister Ernestine Butler. A Celebration of Bud’s life will be shared on Friday, July 26, 2002 from his church, St. Leo’s in Winn. Bud’s family will received friends at the Helms Funeral Home, 330 S. University Ave., Mt. Pleasant on Thursday, July 25, 2002 from 1-5 and 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Rifle Association.

Phyllis Marie Krackow
June 29, 1903 - July 29, 2002
Phyllis Marie Krackow, age 99, died Monday, July 29, 2002, at her Maplewood Assisted Living residence of fourteen years in Mt. Pleasant. She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl A. Krackow; her daughter, Earleen K. Vannorsdall; a sister, Eleanor W. Lierman; and a brother, Fred A. Wescott. Phyllis is survived by her son in law, Charles Vannorsdall and his wife, Suzanne Kane Vannorsdall; a grandson, Scott Vannorsdall and his wife, Sue of Appleton, Wisconsin; and a great granddaughter, Kimberly Vannorsdall. Phyllis was born in Almont, Michigan on June 29, 1903. She married Earl Krackow in Almont, Michigan in 1926 and has enjoyed her many friends and relations while living in Almont, Toledo, Beaverton, and Mt. Pleasant. Phyllis was a lovely gracious lady who enjoyed music, books, and cards. She loved Maplewood, where the staff was a part of her family. Family graveside services were held at the Hough Cemetery in Almont, Michigan on Saturday, August 3, 2002. A memorial service was held at 2:00 p.m., August 17, 2002 at Maplewood located at 1945 Churchill, Mt. Pleasant with Deacon John Wilberding officiating.