Thomas A. Johnson
November 3, 1910 - August 3, 2002
Thomas 'Del' A. Johnson, age 91, of Rodney died Saturday, August 3, 2002, at his home. He was born in Freemont Township, Isabella County, to Clayton and Isal Johnson. He graduated from Beal City High School. Tom married Elizabeth 'Betty' Benn of Weidman on August 20, 1938. They lived in Pontiac for 30 years where he worked for General Motors. After retiring in 1970, they moved to a home he built on Horsehead Lake near Rodney. Tom enjoyed traveling, fishing and playing cards. He and Betty lived in Florida during the winter months. Tom is survived by his wife, Betty of Rodney; three children, Wilbur 'Benn' (Carol) Johnson of Weidman, Jeanne (Bill) Rohloff of Rodney, and Duane (Mary Macumber) Johnson of Naples, FL; seven grandchildren; and eighteen great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Leila Klumpp; and brothers, Clifford, Russell, and Marion. Funeral services were held on Monday, Aug. 5, 2002 at 11:00 AM at the New Hope United Methodist Church on 9 mile Road in Mecosta with Rev. Craig Adams officiating. Interment was in Forest Hill Cemetery in Sherman Township, Isabella County, Michigan. The family requested in lieu of flowers that donations be made to Hospice of Michigan in Big Rapids, Michigan or the New Hope United Methodist Church in memory of Thomas A. Johnson.

Daniel G. Coyne
August 30, 1925 - August 5, 2002
Daniel G. Coyne, age 76, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan died Monday, August 5, 2002, at Central Michigan Community Hospital, Mt. Pleasant. Daniel was born on August 30, 1925 in Rosebush, Michigan, to Lorne and Elsie Mae (Fenner) Coyne. He married Melva Kathleen Krogman on November 18, 1950 in Iva, Michigan. He was a lifetime resident of the area. Dan worked for Standard Oil Company as an agent for 22 years and served in the United States Navy and the Naval Reserves for 27 years. He was an Eagle Scout, a member of the American Legion and Alpha Phi Omega. Dan was a graduate of Central Michigan University. He was also a 4-H leader and enjoyed motorcycles, model airplanes and walking. He is survived by his wife, Melva of Mt. Pleasant; children, David D. (Linda) Coyne of Mt. Pleasant, Dana L. Coyne of Grosse Pointe Park, and Mark K. Coyne of Mt. Pleasant; and grandchildren, Daniel, Michael and Kelsey Coyne. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services were held on Friday, August 30, 2002 at 2:00 PM at Helms Funeral Home with Pastor Samuel Reith officiating. Interment was in Riverside Cemetery in Mt. Pleasant on Wednesday, August 7, 2002. Memorial contributions were suggested to the Zion Lutheran Church Building Fund, the Mt. Pleasant Model Airplane Club c/o Norm Eifler, or to the American Diabetes Association.

Mark George Hreno
January 7, 1956 - August 7, 2002
Mark George Hreno, age 46, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, died Wednesday, August 7, 2002 at his home. Cremation has taken place at Sunset Valley Crematory in Bay City, Michigan. Memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice of Central Michigan or to the Pardee Cancer Fund. Mark was born on January 7, 1956 in Libertyville, Illinois to John and Elizabeth (Anstett) Hreno. He lived in the area for the last year and a half. Mark was a factory worker and had served in the United States Army during Vietnam. He loved to fish and tied his own flies. He enjoyed Bingo. Mark had a very cheerful attitude and was a good-hearted and sensitive person who enjoyed his family. Mark is survived by his parents, John and Elizabeth Hreno of Lake Havasu, AZ; brother, Robert Hreno of Gurnee, IL; and sisters, Pam (Steve) Collins of Mt. Pleasant, MI and Marlene (John) Bjorkquist of Lake Villa, IL.

Berniece L. Champlin
May 25, 1930 - August 11, 2002
Berniece L. Champlin, age 72, of Mt. Pleasant died Sunday, August 11, 2002, at her home. Berniece was born, the daughter of Filles and Thelma (Thompson) Losey, on May 25, 1930 in Weidman. She married William 'Bill' Champlin on January 20, 1947 in Remus. She was a lifetime resident of the area. Berniece was a waitress for many years at the Country Kitchen and Andy’s. She enjoyed playing Yahtzee and cards with her family, and especially enjoyed being with her children, grand children, and great grandchildren. She attended the Remus Assembly of God Church. Berniece is survived by her husband, Bill; children, Bill and Linda Champlin of Winn, Ruth and Ray Houlihan of Big Rapids, Joann and David Butler of Charlotte, Bob and Ruth Champlin of Blanchard, Albert and Jackie Champlin of Remus, Terry and Terry Campbell of St. Louis, Charles and Patti Champlin of Remus, Rex and Brenda Champlin of Mt. Pleasant, and David Champlin and friend, Kelly Forbes of Lake Isabella; 39 grandchildren; and 34+ great grandchildren; sisters, Bonnie Mrazek of Shepherd, and Carol Mead and Ken Beattle of Shepherd; brothers, Bernard Losey of Morley and Raymond and Gerry Losey of St. Louis; numerous nieces and nephews; and a special friend Barb Riggle. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Rosella Mullins; sister in law, Crystal Losey; and brothers in law, Johnny Mrazek and Ronald Mead. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2002 at 11:00 AM at the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant with Pastor Norm Hall of the Remus Assembly of God officiating. Cremation followed with interment in Memorial Gardens, Mt. Pleasant, at a later date.

Minta Gelander
August 7, 1907 - August 13, 2002
Minta Gelander, age 95, of Mt. Pleasant died Tuesday, August 13, 2002, at Central Michigan Community Hospital. Minta was born in Paintsville, Kentucky, to McCoy and Amanda (Estep) Cantrell. Minta married Harry Gelander on June 25, 1931 in Salyerville, Kentucky. She worked at Post Pharmacy and the Dime Store. Minta also loved to garden and read. She attended the Westside Gospel Tabernacle and the Central Baptist Church. Minta is survived by her son, Harry Duane (Mary) Gelander of Flushing, MI; 5 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; sister, Mae Bond of Mt. Pleasant; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband; sisters, Mala Marsh and Stella Bevins; brother, Ellis Cantrell and both parents. Funeral services were held on Friday, August 16, 2002 at 11:00 AM at Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant with Pastor Gordon Rydman officiating. Interment was in Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Mt. Pleasant.

Cecil Milan Kile
January 29, 1922 - August 14, 2002
Cecil Milan Kile, age 80, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, died Wednesday, August 14, 2002, at Central Michigan Community Hospital, Mt. Pleasant. Cecil was born in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, to Otis and Addie (Campbell) Kile on January 29, 1922. Cecil married Jean Kimball in April 1947 in Remus, MI. Cecil was a self employed farmer and milk truck driver for 10 years, and worked for Bader Milling driving a semi for 9 years, and also was an auto line assembler for Fisher Body BOC in Lansing for 20 years. He enjoyed people, farming, working at Fisher Body, and was a square dancer who enjoyed dancing. Cecil is survived by his children, Carol (Ron) Bissell of Winn, Sandy (Jim) Wentworth of Mt. Pleasant, John (Jan) Kile of Shepherd, Larry (Kim) Kile of Mt. Pleasant, Connie (Mel) Allen, Gary Kile, Duane (Peggy) Kile, Lori (Donnie) McArthur, Allen (Sharon) Kile and Randy Kile all of Dade City, Florida; 17 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; and a sister, Dorothy Bellinger of Middleton, MI. He was preceded in death by both parents; a brother, Dale Kile; and a second wife, Doris Lauer who preceded him in death in January 1999. Funeral services were held on Saturday, August 17, 2002 at 11:00 AM at Helms Funeral Home with Rev. Thomas Jones officiating. Interment was in Riverside Cemetery in Mt. Pleasant. Memorial contributions were suggested to Parkinson’s Foundation or to the Isabella County Medical Care Facility.

Betty Mae Krauss
February 25, 1925 - August 16, 2002
Betty Krauss, age 77, of Mt. Pleasant passed away Friday, August 16, 2002 at Tendercare. She resided in Mt. Pleasant her entire life. Before retirement, Betty worked at the Isabella County Medical Care Facility and as a ward clerk at the Mt. Pleasant Hospital. She was a member of the Ladies Moose and the Ladies Hospital Auxiliary. She loved bowling, gardening, dancing, and visiting with friends. Betty’s proudest achievement was being a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She enriched the lives of several. She will be missed, especially by her son, Dick and his wife Pat of rural Mt. Pleasant; granddaughters, Mari (Tom) Gunderson of Fishers, IN, Anissa Krauss (fiancé Eric Lukowski) of Pendleton, NY and; great grandchildren, Allissa Anne and Reid Vernon Gunderson. Betty was predeceased by her husband Richard and her brother, L.D. Griffin. Following cremation, Helms Funeral home will conduct private graveside services at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Isabella County Humane Society or to Tendercare of Mt. Pleasant. Envelopes are available at the Helms Funeral Home, Mt. Pleasant.

Mary Patricia Wichar
February 26, 1917 - August 14, 2002
Mary Patricia Wichar, age 85, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, died Wednesday, August 14, 2002 at Tendercare Nursing Home in Mt. Pleasant. Mary was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, to Fred and Anna (Janyk) Sokoluk. She married Eugene Wichar on May 9, 1936 in Detroit, Michigan. Mary worked in the Trust Department at the National Bank of Detroit. She is survived by her husband, Eugene Wichar of Mt. Pleasant, MI; children, Denis Wichar of Vancouver, WA, and Donna (Gary) Fuller of Mt. Pleasant, MI; six grandchildren, Alan Wichar, Eric (Recina) Wichar, Kenneth Marten, Gregory (Deborah) Marten, Jennifer (Brent) Bevan, and Jason Fuller; twelve great grandchildren; a sister, Olga 'Olly' Harper of Warren, MI; and a sister in law, Stella Prybyla of Clinton Township, MI. Mary was preceded in death by her parents and a son, Gary. Funeral services were held on Monday, August 19, 2002 at 11:00 A.M. at the St. John’s Episcopal Church, Mt. Pleasant, with Rev. Patricia Green and Rev. Nancy Casey Fulton, officiating. Interment was in Evergreen Cemetery in Detroit, MI on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 at 1:00 P.M. Memorial contributions were suggested to the Goodrow Fund or the St. John’s Episcopal Church.

Maxine Elliott
November 29, 1910 - August 22, 2002
Maxine Elliott, 91 of Mt. Pleasant, died Thursday, August 22, 2002 at the Isabella County Medical Care Facility. Maxine was born November 29, 1910 in Saginaw to Walto A. and Georgia McIntyre. She married Kenneth Elliott on March 10, 1934 in Owosso. He preceded her in death on February 19, 1979. She has been a resident of this area since 1945. Maxine was the owner and operator of Elliott’s Greenhouse. She was the last charter member of the Mt. Pleasant Zonta Club, which chartered on October 1, 1952. Maxine is survived by her son and his wife, Paul and Linda Elliott of Mt. Pleasant; two granddaughters, Amy Foor-Noland of Livonia and Kristen Ritsema of Grand Rapids; and two great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and three sisters. Funeral services were held on Saturday, August 24, 2002 at the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant with Rev. Tom Jones officiating. Burial was in the Oakhill Cemetery in Owosso, Michigan. Memorial contributions were suggested to the Isabella County Medical Care Facility.

John William Hart, Sr.
April 3, 1937 - September 10, 2002
John W. Hart, Sr., age 65, of Rosebush died Tuesday, September 10, 2002, at Central Michigan Community Hospital. John was born April 3, 1937 in Beal City to Paul and Nancy Francis Simon. He married Joyce Collins in Grand Rapids where he lived for 24 years and the balance of his life he resided in the Rosebush area. John was a cement finisher. He was a member of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and served as the Sub Chief and Treasurer on the Tribal Council for many years. He served in the United States Navy from 1954 to 1957. John is survived by his wife, Joyce Hart of Rosebush; six children, Debra (Vicente) Vidana of Chicago, Kathleen Hart of Mt. Pleasant, Angela Wemigwans and George Sprague of Mt. Pleasant, Paula Alexander of Grand Rapids, John Hart, Jr. of Mt. Pleasant, and Paul Hart of Mt. Pleasant; seventeen grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; two sisters, Louella Martinez of Warsaw, IN and Delilah Brown of Randalman, NC; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two grandsons, Alexander Towns and Nick Bush. Funeral services were held on Friday, September 13, 2002 at 2:00 AM at the Chippewa Indian Tribal Gymnasium in Mt. Pleasant with Rev. Joe Sprague officiating. Interment was in Woodland Cemetery in Rosebush.

Kerry Randall Barnes
July 11, 1957 - September 14, 2002
Kerry 'Randy' Barnes, age 45, of Waterford, Michigan died Saturday, September 14, 2002, at Lake Isabella, Michigan. Randy was born on July 11, 1957 in Pontiac, Michigan, the son of Gerald and Della (Galloway) Barnes. He was a self-employed plumber for many years. Randy is survived by his parents, Gerald and Della Barnes of Waterford; two brothers, Gerald and Lorie Barnes of Waterford and Ronald and Kim Barnes of Lake Isabella; two sisters, Patricia Mavrogiorgis of Holly, Michigan and Kimberly Barnes of Pontiac, MI. He was preceded in death by his grandparents. Memorial services were held on Saturday, September 21, 2002 at 3:00 PM at the home of his brother and sister in law, Ronald and Kim Barnes, 983 Pueblo Pass, Lake Isabella, Michigan with Rev. Stephen Shugert of the First Presbyterian Church of Mt. Pleasant officiating. Cremation took place at the Sunset Valley Crematory in Bay City, Michigan Memorial contributions were suggested to Hospice of Central Michigan in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

Merritt L. McBride
March 13, 1918 - September 14, 2002
Merritt L. McBride, age 84, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away on Saturday, September 14, 2002 at home with his family near to comfort him. Funeral services were held at the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant on Tuesday, September 17, 2002 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation was on Monday, September 16, 2002 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Burial took place in Riverside Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant. Merritt was born on March 13, 1918 in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, to Johnnie Jack and Minnie (Frasher) McBride and lived in the area his entire life. He married Vivian (Leiter) McBride on July 9, 1945. Together they enjoyed their 57 years of marriage and special love from their two sons, daughter-in-law and grandchildren. Merritt served three years in the Army during World War II and although he worked as a carpenter for some time, his interest was always with automobiles. He was a Michigan Automobile Dealer for over 40 years, owning Hilltop Collision and later Discount Auto Sales until his retirement in 1986. Merritt liked to hunt and fish and was a long time member of the local Moose Lodge. He especially cherished the time spent with his family. Merritt is survived by his wife Vivian his son, Jack McBride and wife Barbara; granddaughters, Stacey (Steve) Shaner, Kari McBride and grandson, Bryan McBride. He was preceded in death by a son, Roger, in 1973; his parents; two brothers, Emmett and Hugh; and two sisters, Clara and Nettie.

Georgiana Helen Sanders
January 11, 1929 - September 15, 2002
Georgiana Helen Sanders, age 73, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, passed away on Sunday, September 15, 2002 at her home. Born on January 11, 1929 in Mt. Pleasant, she was the daughter of Peter and Alice (Fronsway) Bennett. Georgiana was a lifetime resident of Mt. Pleasant, and was a homemaker. She was a member of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, and a member of the Chippewa Indian United Methodist Church. Georgiana married William Sanders in April, 1948. To this union 7 children were born. She was survived by a daughter, Elsie Pelcher of Mt. Pleasant, MI, a son, William Sanders, Jr. of Eaton Rapids, MI; and a daughter, Madonna Sanders of Detroit, MI. 25 grandchildren, and many great grandchildren. Private family funeral services were held on Thursday, September 19, 2002 from the Helms Funeral Home with Rev. Alvin Chamberlain officiating. Interment was in Woodland Cemetery, Rosebush, Michigan.

Roy H. Barratt, Jr.
October 26, 1920 - September 16, 2002
Roy H. Barratt, Jr., 81, of Mt. Pleasant, died Monday, September 16, 2002 at Tendercare of Mt. Pleasant. Private family services will be held at a later date. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery, Sheridan, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to the Michigan Heart Association. Envelopes are available at the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant. Roy was born October 26, 1920 in Evergreen, Michigan, the son of Roy H. and Eva (Swiger) Barratt, Sr. He spent most of his life in the central Michigan area. Roy was a self-employed truck driver for many years, and then drove for Liquid Transport for 9 years. He is survived by his children, Thomas Gregory Barratt of Buttes Bluff, Oregon, Marilyn and Mike Schnepp of Carson City, Michael and Linda Baratt of Nunica, Michigan, Patricia and Craig Showalter of Mt. Pleasant, Leann and Greg Smith of Carson City, and Phillip and Maria Baratt of Florence, Alabama; 13 grandchidren; 17 great grandchildren; and a sister, Beverly Kincaid of Florida. He was preceded in death by both parents; two wives; a son, Timothy Scott in 1955; and a brother, Robert.

David Earl Lavern Kinney
August 26, 2002 - September 21, 2002
David Earl Lavern Kinney, age 26 days, infant son of Janet Jackson and Carl Kinney, died on Saturday, September 21, 2002 at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI. David was born on Monday, August 26, 2002 at Covenant Hospital in Saginaw, MI. Survivors include his parents, Janet Jackson and Carl Kinney of Weidman; a half brother Justin DeWulf; grandparents, Beverly and Gordon Jackson, Sr., and Rose and Gary Mast; great grandmother, Carolyn Brown; aunts, Bonnie, Elizabeth, and Carolyn Jackson, and Jamie Mast; uncles, Arthur, Terry, and Harry Jackson, William Loonsfoot, Sr., Dan Thrush, and Briten Bailey; cousins, Jeff Jackson and Katherine Jackson; along with many other aunts, uncles, and cousins. Funeral services were held on Thursday, September 26, 2002 at 2:00 p.m. from the Chippewa Indian United Methodist Church with the Rev. Owen White-Pigeon officiating. Interment followed in Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant. The family met with friends at the Helms Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 25 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Memorial contributions in David’s memory were suggested to the family. Envelopes are available at the Helms Funeral Home.

Alta E. Tillotson
May 31, 1918 - October 1, 2002
Alta E. Tillotson, age 84, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, passed away on Tuesday, October 1, 2002 at the Isabella County Medical Care Facility in Mt. Pleasant. Alta was born on May 31, 1918 in Gilmore Township, Isabella County, the daughter of Andrew Edgar and Gertrude Louise (Graham) Freeman. On January 19, 1935, she married Oscar A. Tillotson in Mt. Pleasant. As an avid golfer, she played for many years on the gold leagues at Riverwood Golf Course. She enjoyed her family and enjoyed watching her children play high school sports. Survivors include her children, Andrea and Robert (Kim) Swan of Caro, Michigan, Graham and Cathy Tillotson of Mt. Pleasant, and Kim and Marcia Tillotson of Mt. Pleasant. 5 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. Alta was preceded in death by her husband Oscar on March 18, 1990, a brother, Clarence Freeman, and both parents. Funeral services were held on Friday, October 4, 2002 at 11 a.m. from the Helms Funeral Home with Dr. Stephen Shugert officiating. Interment followed in Riverside Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant. Memorial contributions were made to the Isabella County Medical Care Facility or the Alzheimer's Association.

William Edward Hill
July 20, 1941 - October 1, 2002
William Edward Hill, age 61, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, passed away on Tuesday, October 1, 2002 in Grayling, Michigan. Bill was born on July 20, 1941 in Flint, Michigan, the son of Harold and Zelpha (Axtell) Hill. On August 27, 1966 in the Chapel of the Philadelphia Naval Hospital, Bill married Margo Wold. A resident of the area for most of his life, he was employed as a medical technologist for Central Michigan Community Hospital for 18 years, and for Gratiot Community Hospital for the past 16 years. Bill was an avid golfer and bowler, and enjoyed fishing. Survivors include his wife, Margo; a son, John, serving in the U.S. Army stationed in Fort Drum, New York. A special adopted grandson, Ryan Mogg. 3 sisters: Annie Mogg of Shepherd, Judy and Jim Stienman of Westland, MI, and Kathy and Tim Leiter of Mt. Pleasant. Bill’s mother-in-law, Marian Wold of Clearwater, Florida, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by both parents; a nephew Tony DeLorenzo; and a brother-in-law, Ron Mogg. Memorial services were held on Friday, October 4, 2002 at 3 p.m. from the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant with Rev. Michael Leiter officiating. Cremation took place at Sunset Valley Crematory with interment of the cremated remains in Salt River Cemetery. Memorial contributions were suggested to Hospice of Central Michigan or to the wishes of the family.

Ernest Lawrence Fletcher, II
January 15, 1988 - October 2, 2002
Ernest 'Larry' Fletcher, age 14, of Mt. Pleasant died Wednesday, October 2, 2002, in Flint, Michigan. Larry was born on January 15, 1988 in Alma, Michigan to Ernest and Paula Hiveley-Fletcher. He was a lifetime resident of Mt. Pleasant. Larry was a Freshman at Mt. Pleasant High School. He was a member of the MPHS Jr. Varsity Soccer Team, a member of the Skate Park Committee, and attended West Midland Family Center TNT. Larry is survived by his parents, Ernest and Paula Hiveley-Fletcher; a brother, Curtis Hornbeak in the United States Air Force, stationed at Lakeland Air Force Base; two sisters:Elizabeth Fletcher of Greenville, and Melissa Fletcher of Mt. Pleasant. Paternal grandfather, Charles Fletcher of Prague, OK; maternal grandmother, Diana Hagerl of Mt. Pleasant; maternal grandfather, John Hiveley of Fowlerville, MI; his maternal great grandparents, Edward and Marion Wudyka of Clare; a niece Madison Paige Brown of Greenville; and a cousin, Alissa Mae Jenkins of Clare. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother. Funeral services were held on Sunday, October 6, 2002 at 2 p.m. from the Helms Funeral Home with Rev. Ron Ives of the Potter’s House officiating. Memorial contributions were suggested to the Mt. Pleasant Skate Park, the Optimist Club, the MPHS Athletics Fund, or to the West Midland Family Center.

Eva Preston Ridall
September 6, 1908 - October 2, 2002
Eva Preston Ridall went home to be with the Lord, October 2, 2002, with four generations of her family all around her. Eva was born September 6, 1908, in Wigan, Lancashire, England, to Joseph and Phoebe (Bennett) Preston. She was always most proud of her English heritage. Eva arrived in this country on November 11, 1919. She married John Charles Ridall on September 14, 1929. They resided in Dearborn for 38 years, and in Mt. Pleasant for the past 29 years. Eva’s whole life was a labor of love, as she honored the Lord in her service to the church and to her family. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light of her life, as were those she “adopted' as family. She left them all a great legacy of generosity and servant hood. Eva is survived by her daughters, Barbara (John) Tousley of Mt. Pleasant and Cora (Larry) VanSlambrook of Sandusky; six grandchildren, Leslie Tousley, Janice (Richard) Driessnack, John (Sandra) Tousley, David (Dawn) VanSlambrook, Daniel (Christine) VanSlambrook, and Amy VanSlambrook; eleven great grandchildren, Julie, Richard, and Christy Driessnack, Katie Chynoweth, Megan Tousley, Katarina, Caleigh, Kiersten, Katelyn, Lauren, and McKenzie VanSlambrook; and one great granddaughter in the Lord, Maria Wooten. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Charles Ridall and a son, David Preston Ridall. The funeral service was held on Saturday, October 5, 2002 at 11:00 AM at the Mt. Pleasant Community Church with Rev. Larry VanSlambrook, Rev. Scott McKee, and Rev. Malcolm Brown officiating. Interment was in Evergreen Cemetery in Detroit on Monday October 7, 2002 at 1:00 P.M. Memorial contributions were suggested to the Mt. Pleasant Community Church.

Herbert C. MacClaren
October 24, 1925 - October 6, 2002
Herbert C. MacClaren, age 76, of Roscommon died Sunday, October 6, 2002, at Mercy Hospital in Grayling. Herbert was born October 24, 1925 in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Herbert and Maude Holgate MacClaren. He married Constance R. Laubert on March 13, 1951 in Detroit. Herbert was a produce broker for Seald Sweet Sales in Tampa, Florida from 1951 to 1972 when he started his own business, H. C. MacClaren, Inc. from 1972 to 1990 when he retired. Herbert had been coming to Higgins Lake for 75 years. Herbert and Corky purchased a cottage from his mother in 1956 and moved there after retirement in 1990 from Farmington Hills. He was a member of the Mid Forest Hunt Club and enjoyed hunting and fishing. Herbert is survived by his wife, Constance “Corky' MacClaren of Roscommon; three children, Michael and Jane MacClaren of Davison, Kim and Randy Mellis of Kalamazoo, and Gregory and Rhonda MacClaren of Livonia; six grandchildren, James, Shanna, Lindsey, and Brandon MacClaren and Michelle and Chad Mellis; and three sisters, Jean Hovarter, Betty Rau, and Trudy Gilmour. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Robert; and a sister, Reba Baden. A memorial service will be held in June of 2003 with interment of the cremated remains in Gerrish Township Cemetery in Roscommon County. Memorial contributions were suggested to the Higgins Lake Foundation, P. O. Box 40, Higgins Lake, MI 48627.

Beverly Arlene Seeley
April 24, 1935 - October 7, 2002
Beverly A. Seeley, 67, of Shepherd, died Monday, October 7, 2002 at the Central Michigan Community Hospital. Beverly was born April 24, 1935 in Mt. Pleasant, the daughter of Charles and Mary Margaret (McBride) Clare. She married Henry Seeley on May 14, 1955 in Mt. Pleasant. Beverly was a lifetime resident of the area and was a homemaker who loved her family. Beverly is survived by her husband, Henry of Shepherd; a son, Henry Charles and Cindy Seeley of Midland; a daughter, Marjorie Seeley of Mt. Pleasant; a step-son, Roy (Patricia) Seeley of Shepherd; four grandchildren; two great grandchildren; a sister, Maren Clare of Remus; four sisters-in-law, Ethel Clare of Barryton, Marion Clare of Mt. Pleasant, Viola Robinson of Shepherd, and Margaret Seeley of Mt. Pleasant; a nephew, Joe Clare of Mt. Pleasant; and several other nieces and nephews; Beverly was preceded in death by her parents and four brothers. Funeral services were held on Thursday, October 10, 2002 at 11:00 A.M. at the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant with Pastor Fred Becknell officiating. Interment was in the Kelly Cemetery in Midland County, Michigan. Memorial contributions were suggested to the family.

Jacqueline Poland
August 23, 1930 - October 14, 2002
Jacqueline Poland, age 72, of Mt. Pleasant, died Monday, October 14, 2002 in Mt. Pleasant. Jacqueline was born on August 23, 1930 in Mt. Pleasant, the daughter of Henry and Agnes French. She was married to Orland A. Poland who preceded her in death on May 11, 1996. She was a lifetime resident of the area. Jacqueline was employed in patient care at the State Home. She was a homemaker. Jacqueline is survived by two sons: Michael and Molly York of Mt. Pleasant, and Thomas and Jane York of Richmond, VA; five grandchildren. Two sisters: Joyce Fish of Mt. Pleasant, and Billie Hubbell of New Orleans. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one brother, and three sisters. Funeral services were held on Thursday, October 17, at the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant with Rev. Tom Jones officiating. Interment will be held at a later date at the Riverside Cemetery in Mt. Pleasant. Memorial contributions were suggested to Hospice of Central Michigan.

Wanda McKerren
March 6, 1916 - October 15, 2002
Wanda McKerren, age 85, of Midland died Tuesday, October 15, 2002, at Tendercare of Clare. Wanda was born March 6, 1916 in Detroit to Walter and Valentina Chrusciel. She married Thomas McKerren on September 12, 1942 in Ohio. Wanda was employed by the Signal Bureau of West Dearborn as a dispatcher retiring in 1972. She also worked for Michigan Bell in Detroit, for St. Joseph Retreat in East Dearborn, and at Oakwood Hospital. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Mt. Pleasant and St. Phillips Church in Coleman. Wanda enjoyed knitting, crocheting, quilting afghans, and traveling through out the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Wanda is survived by her husband of 60 years, Tom; a son, Edward R. Waldanski of Trenton; four grandsons; eleven great grandchildren; a sister, Eleanor and Ted Kordus of Orlando, Florida; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Walter; and a sister, Bertie Renkewicz. Celebration of the Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday, October 18, 2002 at 10:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Mt. Pleasant with Fr. Robert Byrne as the celebrant. Interment was in Memorial Gardens in Mt. Pleasant. Memorial contributions were suggested to Sacred Heart Academy.

Donald W. Hazekamp
June 19, 1929 - October 18, 2002
Donald Wayne Hazekamp, age 73, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, passed away on Friday, October 18, 2002 at his home with his wife Lucille, and daughters, Jana, and Audrey with him. Don was born on June 19, 1929 in Muskegon Heights, Michigan, the son of Henry and Marie (Christianson) Hazekamp. On July 30, 1961, he married Lucille Warren Haynes at the First United Methodist Church in Mt. Pleasant. Don was a Professor of Mathematics at Central Michigan University since 1961, retiring several years ago. He received his undergraduate degree from Hope College, a Masters Degree from the University of Michigan, and a Doctoral Degree from Indiana University. Don was a veteran of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, serving in Bordeaux, France. Don taught at McBain High School before coming to Central Michigan University in 1961. He was a Past President of The Michigan Council Teachers of Mathematics. He was a member of the Mt. Pleasant Kiwanis Club, serving as President and as Lt. Governor for Division 19. He was a master cook and board member of the Mt. Pleasant Soup Kitchen, choir director for the First United Methodist Church, and was a lover of family, music, travel, and an avid fan of CMU athletics. A celebration of music and Don’s life was held on Tuesday, October 22, 2002 at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. John Boley officiating. Memorial contributions were suggested to Hospice of Central Michigan, the First United Methodist Organ Fund, or the Mt. Pleasant Kiwanis Club Foundation.

Betty J. Perry
October 3, 1923 - October 24, 2002
Betty Jean (Spidel) Perry went home to be with the Lord on October 24, 2002. She was 79 years old. Betty was born October 3, 1923 in North Star, Gratiot County, Michigan. Betty became a Midland resident after WWII, moving here with her husband and children. She was a housewife, while raising her family, with outstanding cooking skills. Her homemade cinnamon rolls were always in demand. Her other talents included sewing, crocheting, quilting, houseplants, and gardening. She and her husband, Richard, traveled extensively in the lower 48 states. They were involved in square dancing, snowmobiling, and salmon fishing on Lake Michigan until he died in 1992. She enjoyed meeting new people and established many life long friendships over the years. After 1992, Betty established a summer residence in Kibby Creek Travel Park, Ludington, Michigan, where she continued to fish with friends until the summer of 2002. She received a Master Angler’s Award for 2001 for catching a 33 lb. salmon. In the winter, she made quilts for extended family members. She also made many trips to visit them. Surviving are her daughters, Gloria Costley of Midland, Carol (Phil) Ivan of Midland, and Betty (Steve) Call of Soda Springs, Idaho; her sons, Jerold (Tina) Perry of Green Bay, WI, and Richard (Jeanne) Perry of Troy; 16 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; sisters, Veryl Carroll of Battle Creek and Ruby Ball of Nashville, MI; and brothers, Frank (Zelpha) Spidel of Alabama, and Neil (Gloria) Spidel of Hastings. Betty’s death will leave an empty space in the lives of her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard E. Perry; parents, Vico and Azalia Spidel, a sister, Ruth Barke, a brother, Clarence Spidel; and three grandchildren, Jody Edson Perry, Jeffrey Scott Perry, and Jerry Alan Perry. Memorial contributions were suggested to the American Cancer Society and Mid Michigan Hospice. They provided outstanding and loving care for Betty during her illness and final days.

Bernard A. Esch
May 28, 1921 - October 8, 2002
Bernard A. Esch, age 81, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, died on Tuesday, October 8, 2002 at his home. Bernie was born on May 28, 1921 in Isabella County, the son of Peter and Barbara (Pung) Esch. On November 19, 1948 in Isabella County, he married Geraldine R. Wilson. He was a lifetime resident of the area. Bernie was a clerk for Scott Ace Hardware and Oren’s Department store for many years and retired after 10 years of service for Isabella Bank and Trust as a maintenance man. He was a man who could fix anything. He enjoyed hunting, woodworking, gardening, and long country drives. Survivors include his children: Jennie Cooper of St. Louis, MI; Barbara and Richard Vozar of Vestaburg; Alicia and David Folsom of Ithaca; Donna and Jarvis Kapplinger of Farwell; and Steven and Connie Esch of Mt. Pleasant; thirteen grandchildren, and fourteen great grandchildren; two sisters, Dorothy and Doyle Esch of Mecosta; and Annie and Earl Borseth of Big Rapids. Bernie was preceded in death by his wife, Geraldine on May 22, 1998; three sisters, Mary, Viola, and Ida; and three brothers, Paul, Frank, and Lewis. Funeral services were held on Saturday, October 12, 2002 at 1:00 p.m. from the Helms Funeral Home with Rev. Scott McKee of the Mt. Pleasant Community Church, officiating. Interment was in Riverside Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant. Memorial contributions were suggested to the Commission on Aging for the Meals on Wheels program. In memory of our loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, we will miss you dearly. With all our love. Your Family.

Bertrand E. 'Pete' Beauchamp
April 28, 1915 - October 15, 2002
Bertrand 'Pete' Beauchamp, age 87 of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, died Tuesday, October 15, 2002 at the Isabella County Medical Care Facility in Mt. Pleasant. Pete was born on April 28, 1915 in Escanaba, the son of Ernest and Corrine (Bertrand) Beauchamp. On February 9, 1939, in Escanaba, Pete married Lucille VanHorn. Lucille preceded him in death in July of 1993. Pete was a sales representative for Metropolitan Life in Marquette. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, was a former member of Kiwanis in Florida, and loved playing bridge. He was a resident of the area for the past 12 1/2 years. Pete is survived by his two daughters, Lynne D. and Edwin Peterson of Athens, Ohio, and Bonnie and Michael Metro of Mt. Pleasant; three grandchildren, Michelle Metro, Patricia DeBruin, and Pamela Buitendorp; and three sisters, Elsie VanHorn of Gladstone, Elaine St. Martin of Escanaba, and Mary Winter of Mankato, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one sister and one brother. Memorial services were held on Sunday, October 20, 2002, at 2:00 p.m. at the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant, with Deacon Larry Fussman of Sacred Heart Catholic Church officiating. Cremation has taken place with interment of the cremated remains in Memorial Gardens in Mt. Pleasant. Friends considering a memorial in memory of Pete, may wish to consider the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC, or the Isabella County Medical Care Facility.

Darryl F. Johnson
October 29, 1933 - November 4, 2002
Darryl F. Johnson, 69, of Englewood, Florida, formerly of Mt. Pleasant, died Monday, November 4, 2002 at the Lee County Hospital in Fort Myers, Florida. Darryl was born October 29, 1933 in Mt. Pleasant, the son of William and Florence Bidlack Johnson. On August 15, 1959, he married Jeanette Lentner in Saginaw. He was a resident of the area until 1999, when he and Jeanette moved to Florida. Darryl enjoyed hunting and fishing, but most of all, he enjoyed flying and restoring planes at their farm/airstrip. He had his private, commercial and instructor’s licenses and taught many people in the area to fly. He was an active member of the Civil Air Patrol, and often assisted the Sheriff’s Department in aerial searches. Darryl was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association for more than 20 years, and often attended the EAA International Convention in Oshkosh, WI. He could be found on many a Sunday morning flying formation with local pilots, John Benzinger, and Frank Varga. In later years, he enjoyed touring the nation as a crewmember with the Collings Foundation B-24 and B-17 bombers. As a veteran of the USAF, Darryl served from 1951-1955 in Korea and Okinawa. He was a member of the Isabella North East Firefighters for more than 30 years. Darryl was retired from the Mt. Pleasant Post Office as a letter carrier with 34 years of service. He enjoyed traveling, warm weather, and living in Florida. Survivors include his wife, Jeanette; a daughter, Renee and David Weston of Rockford, Michigan; a son, Scott and Heather Johnson of Ypsilanti, Michigan; two grandchildren, Matthew and Kelly Weston; and a sister, Constance 'Elsie' Wert of Alma, Michigan. Friends desiring to make a memorial contribution may wish to consider the American Diabetes Association or a charity of the donor’s choice.