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Michael Eugene Appelman

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Funeral Services:

Michael Eugene Appelman, 88, passed away peacefully at home in Nashville, MI, on Tuesday, December 20, 2022. He was born to Ernest and Audrey (Hummel) Appelman on September 11, 1934, and was a founding father of the Main Street Gang in Nashville. Mike graduated from Nashville High School, Class of ‘53, and served in the U.S. Army from 1957 – 1959. He married Yvonne Sauders in 1958, and she preceded him in death in 1970. Mike married Jean Hickey in 1983. Mike had fond memories working at Makers IGA, EW Bliss, and Carl’s Supermarket. He served as a volunteer fireman in Nashville for 31 years and had many great stories to share from that experience. Mike enjoyed doing carpenter work, wood working, garage sales, classic cars, country music, cooking out with family and friends, watching TV, and wintering in Jamaica and Florida. Mike is survived by his wife Jean. He is also survived by his children: Carol (Dale) Simon, Jamie (Mark) Hess, Sue (Dave) Fassett-Musser, Debbie (Jerry) Kemp, and Don (Karen) Hickey; 15 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; sisters-in-law Betty Appelman and Geri (Dick) Huckendubler; many nieces and nephews, including Bonnie (David) Otto, and Melinda Appelman. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Yvonne; son, Patrick; brother, Ernest; sister and brother-in-law, Vivian and Farrell Babcock; and sister-in-law, Barbara Lamie. According to his wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held in the spring. The family would like to acknowledge and thank his Caregiver Maryann Mead, Special Niece Melinda Appelman, faithful members of Castleton Maple Grove and Nashville EMS and Nashville Fire Department, and Spectrum Health Hospice & Palliative Care. Memorial donations may be made to the Castleton Maple Grove and Nashville EMS or the Nashville Fire Department.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Daniels Funeral Home – Nashville, conveniently located at 9200 East M-79 Highway, Nashville MI. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.

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Emily Frances Hills Byrens

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Emily Frances Hills Byrens passed away on Christmas Day, surrounded by family. She was born December 14, 1932, in Battle Creek, Michigan. She was the daughter of Helen Hope (Sackett) Hills and Dr. Carlon Russel Hills.
She grew up in Battle Creek and was very involved in music and the arts. She graduated from Michigan State College in 1953 and Union Theological Seminary in New York City two years later with a Master of Sacred Music degree.
While at Union, she met her future husband, Danford M. Byrens, who survives her after a marriage of sixty-seven years. Their shared love of music brought joy to their lives and the lives of those around them.
Emily and Dan had seven children who survive her: Margaret and Kent Kuiper of Bellevue, Dave and Kim Byrens of Marshall, Dan and Kim Byrens of Duck Lake, Robert Byrens and Jerome Nickels of Grand Rapids, Steve and Sonia Byrens of Marshall, Sue and Mike Wilson of Marshall, and Tracy and Rick Mulligan of Richmond, Virginia. They were blessed with thirty-two grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.
Throughout the years, they brought their musical talents to churches around the state and the country, including: First Congregational Church of Battle Creek, St. Thomas Episcopal Church of Battle Creek, Trinity Episcopal Church of Marshall, and Olivet Congregational Church. In addition, they joined the music faculty at Olivet College where they served for many years.
Emily returned to school in the 1960’s and earned a registered nursing degree from Kellogg Community College. Soon she was juggling three jobs to support her family while Dan worked two himself. However, she always found time to attend her children’s many sporting events and performances.
After retiring from Olivet College, they accepted teaching positions in the music department at Silliman University in the Philippines where they made many lifelong friends.
After spending several years and serving a variety of musical positions in a Tennessee retirement community, Emily and Dan returned to the Olivet/Marshall area where they were surrounded by family and friends, including her nephew, Mike Love, and his wife Karla.
Emily was a truly amazing woman: wife, mother, teacher and friend who will be missed by all.
The family will hold a celebration of her life in the spring. If you feel moved to celebrate her memory, please make a contribution to Olivet College in her name in lieu of flowers.
Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy. 27 N., Marshall, Michigan 49068. Please visit www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.

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Richard A. Holz

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Richard A. Holz, age 77 of Charlotte, passed away on Monday, December 26, 2022, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. He was born August 16, 1945, in Mount Clemens, Michigan the son of Frederick and Virginia (Wilkinson) Holz. On May 14, 1967, he married Mary Alice Allen in Muskegon. Richard had a passion for landscaping. He made sure that all of the lawns he worked on were impeccably groomed and sculpted. He also worked as a truck driver and enjoyed it as well. In his spare time he liked to canoe, camp, and spend time with those he loved most.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary; daughter, Christina Kay (James Yeomans) Holz of Olivet; son, Richard David Holz of Sunfield and special friend Autumn Osterman of Tennessee; five grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; sisters, Diane (Gary) Schwab of Hendersonville, NC and Deborah (Dennis) Pumford of Macdoel, CA.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents; mother and father-in-law, Eugene and Irene (Wimberley) Allen; brothers-in-law, Larry Allen and Mike Carpenter.
Funeral services were held on Friday, December 30, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the Lansing Seventh Day Adventist Church, 5400 W. St. Joe Hwy., Lansing, MI 48917 with visitation being held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. just prior to the service. A graveside service followed at 1:30 p.m. at the Gresham Cemetery located in Chester Township, Eaton County, Michigan.
Those desiring may make contributions in Richard’s memory to the Greater Lansing Seventh Day Adventist School, 5330 W. St. Joe Hwy., Lansing, MI 48917.
To view Richard’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.

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Anita Russell

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Anita Jayne Russell, age 85, of Olivet, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 20, 2022. She was born August 20, 1937, in Marshall, the daughter of Jake and Effie (Guyton) Shreve. On September 30, 1955, she married Joseph Lee Russell. Anita was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. In her younger years when money was scarce, she would often take her children for a picnic at a local roadside park. Anita also enjoyed sewing. She made doll clothes, clothing for her children, and patched many pair of jeans until it was patches upon patches. Anita and Joe enjoyed attending grange parties and square-dancing together. She canned and preserved foods for her family of seven up into her 70’s and prepared bountiful meals every Christmas, Thanksgiving, and for many family reunions. Anita enjoyed reading the FoxFire series of books throughout the years and her extended family was known for their wild game dishes. She had a sense of humor and will be remembered for her feisty personality.
Anita is survived by her children: Jan (Matthew Taylor) Russell of Olivet, Joe (Angela) Russell II of Olivet, John Russell of Olivet, and Joni (Will) White of Charlotte; grandchildren: Daniel (Angela Porter) Corralez, Justin Corralez, Joshua (Kelly) Russell, Jordan (Casey) Russell, Zach (Ashley) Russell; seven great-grandchildren: Audrey, Amelia, and Jay Lee Russell, Kaius Russell and Keion Adams, Oliver and Calvin Russell.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 63 years, Joseph; daughter, Judy Langridge; four sisters; and three brothers.
In keeping with Anita’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a graveside service at Bosworth Cemetery will be held at a later date.
Those desiring may make contributions in Anita’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.
To view Anita’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.

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George Theunick

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George Aloysius Theunick, known as “Fisherman George” by his family and friends, passed from this life on Saturday, December 24, 2022. George was born in Cheboygan, Michigan on January 27, 1953, and started his career as a mason for Marco Masonry when he moved to the Lansing area. He had a hand in building many of the landmark buildings in the Lansing area and would proudly point out “his work” and tell a bit of history about each one as he drove around the area with family.
George married Deborah Brown on November 11, 1978, in Marion, Michigan. George and Deb considered their home near Duck Lake to be a little bit of heaven, with woods and the lake close by. His favorite place to be was by the water, which included a beach, wading a river, and walking a bank. His favorite pastime was fishing, casting a line, reeling it in, all the while creating an abundance of fish stories. He and Deb would spend days fishing and sometimes Deb could keep up as they waded a stream or fished the shore of Platte River Bay.
George and Deb loved going on adventures, canoeing and camping resulting in many “adventure” stories. George’s last big adventure was crossing into Wisconsin on the S.S. Badger. Although fishing was George’s passion, he just loved the outdoors. He enjoyed tending the garden and being out in the woods hunting and trapping, too.
George had an artistic bent, as well, demonstrated in his love of drawing and painting. Recently he brought his own kiln home and made fused glass creations. These included pictures, jewelry, and one of his favorites, a large platter decorated with, what else, a fish!
George loved his family and friends: euchre with his buddies on Fridays and then with his Duck Lake Party Store gang every morning. His granddaughters, Adalyn, Clara, and Lily captivated his heart though, he adored them.
George is survived by his wife, Deborah; his daughter, Elizabeth (Daniel) Fulgham; granddaughters, Lily, Adalyn, and Clara; sister, Irene (Ken) Oliphant; and niece, Jessica. He was predeceased by his father, James Theunick; grandma, Irene Frechen; and aunt and uncle, Betty and Dave Crowner.
Friends are encouraged to support George’s family at visitation and funeral services. Funeral services were Friday, December 30 at 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Greg Rinehart officiating.
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 George’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 the Parkinson’s Foundation. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Shelley Lueck

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Funeral Services:

Shelley Lueck, age 55, of Lansing, passed away at her home on Saturday, December 24, 2022.
Shelley loved to ride horses and barrel raced when she was younger.  She enjoyed listening to music, going to church, and spending time with her family.
Surviving Shelley is her mother and stepfather, Jeanne and Dave Kalczynski; daughter, Chelsey Piercefield; grandson, Clayton Conrad; sister, Kimm (Mike) Friar; brothers, Cory Kalczynski and Jason (Melissa) Kalczynski; many aunts and uncles; and several nieces and nephews.
Shelley was preceded in death by her father, Bill Lueck and her grandparents, George and Blanche Slee and Keith and Doris Hunter.
A celebration of Shelley’s life is being planned for a later date.
For those wanting to make a memorial donation in Shelley’s memory the family suggests you direct them to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
To leave an online condolence or share a favorite memory of Shelley, please go to www.SimpsonFamilyFuneralHomes.com.

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Dora Jean Cupp

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Dora Jean Cupp of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on Thursday, December 22, 2022, at the age of 84. Jean was born on May 17, 1938, in Wyandotte, MI the daughter of Robert and Hazel (Edwards) Meyer. She was raised in Wyandotte where she graduated from high school class of 1956. Jean met her future husband Edmund at a church camp, and they were married in 1958. Together they had three sons and raised them on the family farm in Eaton Rapids where she spent her time looking over the children and taking care of the home. Jean was very active in her church choir and participated in the traveling choir group, first with the First Baptist Church of Eaton Rapids and later the First Baptist Church of Charlotte. Jean also enjoyed reading and family camping trips to Grayling, MI.
Jean is preceded in death by her parents and husband, Edmund Cupp in 2021.
Surviving are her children, Kevin Cupp, Keith (Paula) Cupp, Don (LeAnn) Cupp; grandchildren, Carissa (Kyle) Reece, Justin Cupp, Ross Cupp, Kevin (Cassie) Cupp II, Caitlin (Christopher) Lea, Theodore (Sarah) Doukakos, Anthony (Jody) Doukakos; great grandchildren, Halle Mitchell, Quin Reece, Tucker Cupp, Haelyn Cupp, Ariya Taylor, Logan Lea; brothers, Dan (Bev) Meyer, Dave (Ann) Meyer; sisters, Joan (Clyde) Harris, Carol Meyer and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. Burial was held at Brickyard Cemetery and the family will hold a luncheon immediately following at the funeral home. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Capitol Area Humane Society or the Eaton County Animal Shelter in memory of Jean. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Island City Assisted Living for their excellent care over the past several months. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

 

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Margaret Ann Creighton

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Margaret Ann Creighton of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at her home the evening of December 25, 2022, at the age of 81. Margaret was born in Eaton Rapids, October 3, 1941, the daughter of Albert and Mary (Vandemortel) Verhelle. She was a 1959 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School. After graduation she took a job at the State of Michigan in different capacities. When she started her family, she found it important to leave her career to raise her boys. Maggie had a passion for her flower gardens, being outdoors doing yard work and landscaping her lawn. She had a knack for interior decorating, loved to travel to Shipshewana, crochet, and go to all the local garage sales. Maggie will forever be remembered for her rambunctious and lovable spirit. Her unique and natural approach to interacting with people always left them having a brighter day.
Maggie is survived by her husband, Roger Creighton; children, Nick (Laura) Custance of Charlotte, Thad Lewis of Onondaga, Scott Creighton of FL. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Robert and Richard Verhelle.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Friday, December 30, 2022, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Interment followed in Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation was Friday one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association. To leave condolences for the family please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.

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Phyllis Marie Scott Burnett

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Phyllis Marie (Johnson) Scott Burnett of Lansing, passed away December 26, 2022, at the age of 70. Phyllis was born in Springfield, OH, October 12, 1952, the daughter of Estill and Lora (Thacker) Johnson. She was a lifetime member of VFW Post 6132, member of the American Legion, Ladies Auxiliary and the 40 et 8 Voiture 946. Phyllis had many hobbies that included, knitting, dancing, karaoke, lotto, bingo, NASCAR, playing Monopoly, UNO and Right-Left-Center. She was the queen of shopping and loved to party but the most important thing to her was spending time with her family.
Phyllis is survived by her soulmate, Richard Connick of Lansing; children, JoAnna (Dennis) Rouse, Frederick Scott Jr., Sarah (Enrique) Benavides, all of Pt. Huron; grandchildren, Shadilea (Gabriel), Eric, Juan, Andrew (Amanda), Austin, Justice, Drix and Miguel; nine great grandchildren; sisters, Ellen (Phil) Beam, Judy (Clinton) Slone; brother, Zak (Diana) Johnson. She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Loretta (Ken) Miller, Lora Slone, Jack Johnson, Estill Johnson Jr., JoAnna Johnson and Cleovis Johnson.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Thursday, December 29, 2022, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Interment followed in Munger Cemetery. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the VFW Post 6132, 3104 W. St. Joseph Hwy, Lansing, MI 48917. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.

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Loretta DeWalt

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Loretta Jean DeWalt, “Jean” to her many friends, died December 15, 2022. Jean, 87, of Charlotte, was born on April 9, 1935, in Marion, Indiana to Charles H. and Vera I. (Rhoades) Ballard. Jean loved to laugh and did so often. She had a warm and friendly smile; was generous and caring; accepting of anyone; and had a fun sense of humor. She filled her days to the brim with friends, reading, sewing, word searches, cooking, and time with family. One of her favorite places to travel to was to her daughter’s home in North Carolina. She was a wonderful hostess and opened her home up often. Her deck with the wonderful views of nature allowed her to watch her hummingbirds and to care for and enjoy her flowers. In addition to being a wonderful mom and grandma, she was employed with Eaton County Courthouse Circuit Court for 25 years. Prior to that, she was the secretary at Lawrence Avenue Methodist Church where she also enjoyed singing in the choir. Jean volunteered often for various groups. She enjoyed the Job’s Daughters with both of her daughters and granddaughters; Charlotte HS Band, Jaycee’s Auxillary; LAUMC-Sunday School and Vacation Bible School; and for our elections as a poll-worker. Her cherished daughters brought her more family to love and she was a centerpiece in each of their lives.
Jean is survived by her daughter, Ronda (Brian) Decker; grandchildren, Michael (Brandi) Pruden, Alexis (Patrick) Cooper, Tiffany (Brian) Matson, Andy (Holly) Pruden, Sydney (Jennifer) Larrimore-Decker, Shelby (Maria) Winkler-Decker; 12 great-grandchildren; 2 siblings, Barbara Buxton, Patricia Ballard; and son-in-law, Timothy Pruden. She was predeceased by her husband, Ivan DeWalt; daughter, Kathy Pruden; her parents; and her brother-in-law, John Buxton.
Friends are encouraged to support Jean’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were held Monday, December 19 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Rev. Karen Wheat officiating. 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 Jean’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 Charlotte Christmas Kiddies, The American Heart Association, or Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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