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Karl E. Pope

Laura Kay Rodman

Lillian F. McKinney

Raymond Rademacher

Harry Ralph Winans

Rosalyn O. Spitzley

Gregory E. Thelen

Mayme Lenore Stuart

Mary Lou Courtland

Margaret L. Bishop

Donald Trierweiler

Gerald “Jerry” Jolly Sr.

Joseph Frank Sovis

Gene Lester Wreggelsworth

Joan C. Thelen

Nathan Elias Beam

Alan J. “Tank” Smith

Alan J. “Tank” Smith, age 72, passed away into eternal life on April 3, 2007. Tank was born in St. Johns, Michigan on August 10, 1934 to Clare and Jennie Smith. He married Gertrude “Gert” Fernholz on August 20, 1955 in Fowler, they were together for 48 years before she passed away on May 18, 2004.

They have four children, Scott (Ramona) Smith of Elsie, Eric (Sharon) Smith of Saginaw, Stephanie (Ron) Kingsbury of St. Johns, and Kevin (Chrissi) Smith of St. Johns. He was also blessed with nine grandchildren, Justin (Jessi) Smith, Katie (Nick) McKee, Devin Scheick, Connor Kingsbury, Ellyse Smith, Kayleigh Smith, Karrigan Smith, Kendall Smith, and Cameron Smith and two great grandchildren, Maddison and Aubrey McKee. They all survive him and will miss him dearly. He is also survived by two brothers, Dick (Janet) Smith and Lynn (Sharon) Smith, brothers and sisters-in-law, Fred (Louise) Fernholz, Marge Archer, Mary Schmitt, Susie (Dave) Schroeder, Luke (Maggie) Fernholz, Bobbie (Stanley) Simon, Alan Weber and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, Pat Weber, Donna Flanner and Linda Smith, brother-in-law, Claude Fernholz and sister-in-law, Winnie McKean.

He was a life-long member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the St. Johns Knights of Columbus, receiving his lifetime award for 50 years of being a Knight. He often volunteered at the Lenten Fish Fries. Tank was an outstanding athlete, friend and co-worker. On the athletic field he was one who would never back down from a challenge. He was a tackle on the ’49, ’50, ’51 St. Johns Redwing Football teams that were recently inducted into the Greater Lansing Sports Hall of Fame. He told his sons and grandsons that night, “this award means a lot to me”. He was one of a handful of players to be on all three teams. He also lettered in three sports all four years of high school. He pitched on the Class C State Champion team in men’s Fast Pitch Softball for Miller’s Tavern in 1962. He coached Little League and men’s slow pitch teams for years in St. Johns. He also attended as many of his grandkid’s sporting events as he was able and was supportive of them, win or lose. He was their biggest fan. He was a Notre Dame fan. He had a smile or a hearty laugh for everyone. He had an awesome sense of humor and was very quick witted, always willing to tell a joke he had heard. He loved to share his homemade horseradish, cookies, and baked goods. He looked forward to coffee at Bruno’s with his buddies. Tank was a people person. He worked as a manager in the grocery business, first for Barley Stores, Eberhard’s and then for Beck’s Farm Market. In more recent years he volunteered at the St. Vincent DePaul store in St. Johns. He made work fun and enjoyable for those who worked for him.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 A.M. Monday, April 9, 2007 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, burial at Mt. Rest Cemetery with Rev. Fr. Eoin Murphy and Rev. Msgr. Robert Lunsford con-celebrating. The family will receive friends 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. Friday and Saturday, 6-8 P.M. Sunday at the Osgood Funeral Home with a rosary at 7 P.M. Saturday and a vigil service 7 P.M. Sunday. Donations can be made to St. Vincent DePaul, St. Joseph School Trust or Ronald McDonald House of Mid-Michigan.

Florence M. Becker

Florence M. Becker died April 2, 2007 at the age of 90. Born May 26, 1916, she was the daughter of Louis and Mary (Wieber) Thelen and was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Ladies Altar Society. She married Aloysius "Al" Becker August 23, 1939 and he preceded her in death on March 24, 2000.

Surviving are two daughters, Jane (John) Sira of St. Johns and Mary (Dane) Flegel of Dutton, three sons, Daniel (JoAnn) Becker of Virginia, Dennis (Carole) Becker of Glen Arbor and Duane (Marilyn) Becker of St. Johns, 12 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. Florence is also survived by two sisters, Leona Kloeckner of Fowler and Lucille Fox of St. Johns, one brother, Claude (Bonnie) Thelen of Lansing, step-sister, Maybelle Thelen of Westphalia, brother-in-law, Roy Harr of Fowler, and sisters-in-law, Eileen Thelen of Fowler and Genevieve Thelen of Fowler. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by sister, Arlene Harr, brothers, Marvin Thelen, Clement Thelen and Jerome Thelen.

Funeral Service will be held 2:30 P.M. Thursday, April 5, 2007 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, burial at Mt. Rest Cemetery with Rev. Fr. Eoin Murphy officiating. The family will receive friends 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. Wednesday at the Osgood Funeral Home. A rosary will be prayed 3 P.M. Wednesday and a vigil service 7 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Educational Fund or Clinton Memorial Hospital.

Mary Lou Courtland

Mary Lou Courtland of St. Johns passed away Monday, April 2, 2007, from a short battle with cancer. She was born November 21, 1928, in Olive Township, residing in Clinton County all of her life. She was preceded in death by her husband, Art, in April 2001.

She is survived by her children, Lois of New Mexico and Tom of Virginia; her friends at the DeWitt Township Archives; her neighbors, the Reeds; and special friend, Shirley Gorman. The family would like to thank all of you for your help in the recent months; we cannot Thank You enough. Mom will be greatly missed by her family and friends, but she is now at rest.

Per her wishes there will be no services. The family is being served by the Gorsline-Runciman Funeral Homes, Lansing.

Karl E. Pope

Karl E. Pope, 94 died Tuesday, April 3, 2007 at Hazel Findlay Country Manor. Karl was born Jan. 1, 1913 in St. Johns, the son of Dow and Cassey (Jury) Pope. He was a 1930 graduate of Rodney B. Wilson High School, received his teachers certificate from Western Michigan University and then his Masters degree from The University of Michigan. Karl had taught school in the Detroit area for 43 years. On Dec. 7, 1952 he married Florence Fairweather in Roseville, MI. Karl enjoyed golfing and going to Florida in the winter, gardening and working in his yard.

He is survived by wife Florence; daughters, Kathrine and John Mostiller of Harrison and Patricia Szpunar of Roseville; Sons Stanley and Susan Pope of Coleman, MI and Larry Pope or Romeo, MI; 10 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren and one brother, Raymond Pope of St. Johns

Memorial services will be held at First United Methodist Church in St. Johns on Saturday, April 7, 2007 at11:00 A.M. with Rev. Marjorie Schleicher officiating. Memorials may be given to the First United Methodist Church. Arrangements by Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns, 989-224-4422

Margaret L. Bishop

Margaret L. Bishop died April 1, 2007, at the age of 78. Born in Ashley, Michigan on April 2, 1928, the daughter of John and Marie (Nass) Whitford. She retired from Chrysler and was a member of V.F.W. Post #1735 in Perrinton. Margaret married Loyal Bishop in St. Johns on October 11, 1946 and he preceded her in death on April 4, 1988.

Surviving are her sons, Terry (Colleen) Bishop of Maple Rapids and Randall (Tammy Millman) Bishop of Ashley, daughter, Rosemary (Roger) Teems of Maple Rapids, 18 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren, brothers, Russell (Ruth) Whitford of Florida, Marvin (Joan) Whitford of St. Johns, Ronald (Nancy) Whitford of Adrian, Merle (Alice) Whitford of Elk Hart, Indiana and Ivan (Janice) Whitford of St. Johns, sisters, Shirley (Gerald) Canze of Owosso and Brenda (Wayne) Stewart of St. Johns, many nieces & nephews. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two sons, Rick and Daniel Bishop, granddaughter, Margaret Marie Sanford, two sisters, Lois Zimmerman and Ruth Bailey and two brothers, Earl Whitford and John Whitford, Jr.

Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, April 4, 2007 at the Abbott Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Homes, Maple Rapids, burial at North Star Cemetery with Pastor Steve Lang officiating. The family will receive friends 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home. Sympathy may be expressed in the form of memorials to the Andrew Nelson Scholarship Fund.

Laura Kay Rodman

Laura Kay Rodman age 51 of St. Johns, Michigan died on Saturday, March 31, 2007 at Grand Oaks Nursing Home in Baldwin, Michigan. Funeral services will be held at Heritage Baptist Church in Dewitt, Michigan on Tuesday, April 3, 2007 at 11:00 A.M. Visitation will be Monday from 5-8 P.M. and burial will take place at Rowley Cemetery in Williamston, Michigan. Pastor Shawn Smith will officiate.

Laura was born on April 7, 1955 in Nurenburg, Germany the daughter Maurice M. and Alvera (Kruger) Rodman. She resided most of her life in the Dewitt and St. Johns area. She attended Rodney B. Wilson Elementary School and graduated from St. Johns High School with the class of 1978. She enjoyed crocheting, cake decorating, doing crafts, enjoyed dogs and collecting bunnies.

Survivors include her mother Alvera G. Rodman of Dewitt, Michigan, 5 sisters; Sue and Myron Moore of Lansing, Michigan, Kitty and Keith Lawrence of Honesdale, Pennsylvania, Lynn and Bob Fox of Lansing, Michigan, Ann and David Foreman of Laingsburg, Michigan, Patty and Jeff Rouse of Laingsburg, Michigan. Laura is also survived by several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her father Maurice. Memorials may be made to the Grand Oaks Nursing Home in Baldwin, Michigan. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Johns Chapel.

Donald Trierweiler

Donald Trierweiler, 79, died Sunday. Visitation 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. today and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Westphalia Funeral Chapel. Arrangements by Schrauben-Lehman Funeral Home, Portland.

Lillian F. McKinney

Lillian F. McKinney age 87 of Ashley, Michigan died on Sunday, April 01, 2007 at the Laurels of Fulton. Funeral services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca Chapel on Wednesday, April 4, 2007 at 11:00 A.M. Burial will be at Fulton Center Cemetery, Perrinton, Michigan and Rev. Jerry Drummond of the East Washington United Brethren Church will officiate. Visitation is Monday evening 6-8 P.M.and Tuesday 2-8 P.M. with family present 2-4 and 6-8 P.M.

Lillian was born in Perrinton, Michigan on May 16, 1919 the daughter of Floyd and Mildred (Rigle) Himes and she resided most of her life in Gratiot County, Michigan. She gradated from Ithaca High School with the class of 1936 and graduated from MSU with the class of 1941 with a teaching degree. On June 21, 1942 she married Ray McKinney in Perrinton, Michigan, Ray died January 20, 1977.

Lillian was a home economics teacher at Ashley Public Schools and retired from teaching at Fulton Public Schools. She was a member of Pompeii United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Church Woman, she also enjoyed bowling, reading, baking and working in her flower garden, Lillian had a passion for golfing and was a 50 year member of the Gratiot Country Club in Ithaca and was the women’s champion there several times.

Survivors include her daughter, Nancy and Jason Bongard of Perrinton, Michigan, 1 granddaughter, Melissa and Tim Foland of Ashley, Michigan. She was predeceased by her parents and husband Ray. Memorials may be made to Gratiot Country Club, Ithaca, Michigan in her memory. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca Chapel.

Gerald “Jerry” Jolly Sr.

Gerald “Jerry” Jolly Sr. age 60 of Ovid, Michigan died on Sunday, April 01, 2007 at his home. Funeral services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie Chapel on Wednesday, April 4, 2007 at 2:00 P.M. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Elsie, Michigan. Pastor Edwin Snook will officiate and visitation will be on Tuesday from 2-8 P.M. with family present 2-4 and 6-8 P.M.

Jerry was born on May 4, 1946 in St. Johns, Michigan, the son of Nelson and Margaret (Brown) Jolly and resided most of his life in Ovid, Michigan. He and Donna Grubaugh were married on September 11, 1965 in Elsie, Michigan and he worked for Ovid-Elsie schools as a custodian, retiring in 1993. He enjoyed his grandchildren, dogs and hanging out at the coffee shop. He also liked spending time at the cabin up north.

Survivors include his wife, Donna Jolly of Ovid, MI, 2 daughters, Delores and Doug Mole of Chesaning, MI, Kristie and Brian Howell of Ithaca, MI, 3 sons, James Jolly of Eureka, MI, Gerald Jr. and Tami Jolly of Fowler, MI, Carl and Rhonda Jolly, of Ashley, MI, his grandchildren, Bradley, Matthew, Richard, Michael, Alex, Alisha, Amelia, Robert, Rachel, Damion, Edward, Tammy, and David, his great grandchildren, Jessica, Julie, Jorden, and Jenna, 1 sister, Dorothy and Randy White of Florida, mother in-law, Ruby Parks of Ovid, MI, 1 sister in-law, Leah and Herbert White of Swartz Creek, MI. He was predeceased by his parents, 2 sisters and 4 brothers. Memorials may be made to Hospice. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie chapel.

Raymond Rademacher

Raymond J. Rademacher of St. Johns, MI died Saturday, March 31, 2007 at the age of 84. He was born October 11, 1922 in Fowler, MI the son of Anthony and Elizabeth (Goerge) Rademacher. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, U.A.W., Local #925 and served as the union retiree’s chairman. Ray enjoyed the outdoors especially hunting and fishing and was an avid gardener. Ray married Shirley Stoneman on August 30, 1947 and she survives him.

Also surviving are three sons, Thom (Nancy) of Brighton, Richard (Elaine) of Traverse City, Gary (Linda) of St. Johns; 7 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a sister, Florence Campbell and a brother Edwin.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be Celebrated 10:00 am Wednesday, April 4, 2007 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 109 Linden St. Johns with Rev. Fr. Eoin Murphy as celebrant. Rite of Committal will follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends 6 – 8 pm Monday and 2-4 and 6-8 pm Tuesday with a Vigil Service at 7:00 pm on Tuesday at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns 989-224-4422. Memorials may be made to Hospice House of Mid-Michigan P.O. Box 30480 Lansing, MI 48909-9986.

Joseph Frank Sovis

Joseph Frank Sovis age 78 of Elsie, Michigan died on Friday, March 30, 2007 at his home. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Cyril's Catholic Church, Bannister on Tuesday, April 3, 2007 at 10:00 A.M. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery, Elsie, Michigan with Rev. Fr. Wolfgang Streichardt officiating. Visitation will be Sunday evening from 6-8 P.M. and Monday 2-8 P.M. with family present 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie chapel, and a Rosary will be prayed on Monday evening at 6:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

Joe was born in Bannister, Michigan on March 5, 1929 the son of Anthony and Rose (Holubik) Sovis and resided most of his life in the Ovid-Elsie area. He graduated from Ovid High School with the class of 1947. On July 1, 1950 he married Maxine Ackels at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Owosso, Michigan. Joe had worked for Midland Ross Corporation in Owosso for 29 years, until their closing in 1984. He then worked for the Ovid Elsie Schools at EE Knight Elementary in Elsie for 19 years. He was a member of St. Cyril's Catholic Church, and enjoyed Czechoslovakian Polka Dancing, being with his family, camping, snowmobiling, and especially enjoyed all the children at EE Knight Elementary School.

Survivors include his wife, Maxine Sovis of Elsie, Michigan, 2 daughters, Deborah Butcher of Elsie, Michigan, Mary and Christian Strefling of Manistee, Michigan, 3 sons, Joseph Sovis of Interlochen, Michigan, John and Toni Sovis of Cadillac, Michigan, Jeff and Teresa Sovis of Elsie, Michigan, 9 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, 1 sister in law Jean and Fritz Dudash Elsie, Michigan. He was predeceased by his parents, 1 infant son, Joseph, 1 granddaughter Jamie, 1 brother, Tony. Memorial can be made to ZCBJ Lodge #225 or Sparrow Hospice Program. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie chapel.

Gene Lester Wreggelsworth

Gene Lester Wreggelsworth, age 69, of Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas, died Wednesday, March 28, 2007, at the White River Medical Center in Batesville. He was born on August 25, 1937 to William Joseph and Ida Mae Jones Wreggelsworth in Benton Harbor, Michigan. He worked at General Motors for 37 years; was a member of the Horseshoe Bend Lions Club; Auxiliary Police; Horseshoe Bend Bowling League and a member of the Horseshoe Bend Church of the Nazarene.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Gloria Klatt Wreggelsworth, one daughter Rene Whittenburg and seven brothers and sisters. Survivors include his wife Jill Luchene Wreggelsworth of Horseshoe; two brothers Ken Wreggelsworth of Lansing, Michigan and Gary Wreggelsworth of Jackson, Michigan; two sisters Sharon Donaldson of DeWitt, Michigan and Frances Wreggelsworth of Romulus, Michigan; four grandchildren Larry Whittenburg of Ward, Arkansas, Dorothy Turley of Springfield, Missouri, Crystal Whittenburg of Springfield, Missouri and Cynthia Whittenburg of Springfield, Missouri; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Services will be held Monday, April 2, 2007 at 11:00 A.M. at the First Baptist Church in Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas with Wayne Heide officiating. Visitation will be Sunday, April 1, 2007 from 6-8 P.M. at the Horseshoe Bend Memorial Chapel. A graveside service will be held Friday, April 6, 2007 at 2:00 P.M. at the South Ovid Cemetery in Ovid, Michigan with arrangements under the direction of Horseshoe Bend Memorial Chapel in horseshoe Bend. Local arrangements by Osgood Funeral Home.

Harry Ralph Winans

Harry Ralph Winans age 70 of Elsie, Michigan died on Friday, March 30, 2007 at Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor, St. Johns, Michigan. Funeral services will be at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie Chapel on Monday, April 2, 2007 at 11:00 A.M. Burial will take place at Ford Cemetery, Gratiot County, Michigan, with Pastor Ed Snook officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday, 5-8 P.M. and Sunday 2- 8 P.M. with family present 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home.

Harry was born on May 5, 1936 in Ashley, Michigan the son of Carl and Helen A. (Linman) Winans and resided most of his life in the Elsie area. He gradated from Elsie High School with the class of 1954. On August 20, 1960 he and Betty Hunnicutt were married in Ovid, Michigan. He served his country in the US Army and retired from General Motors in Flint in 1986 after 32 years of service.

Harry enjoyed being outdoors and was a fisherman and loved to fish, and being with his family, he also enjoyed cleaning and waxing his cars.
Survivors include his wife, Betty Winans of Elsie, Michigan, 3 sons, Jeff Winans of Ithaca, Michigan, Todd and Mary Beth Winans of Elsie, Michigan, Scott and Penny Winans of Elsie, Michigan, 6 grandchildren, Levi, Logan, Dakota, Hunter, Hayden and Hudson, 2 sisters, Linda and Larry Hozak of Corunna, Michigan, Coralee and Larry Ott of Elsie, Michigan, 2 brothers, LeRoy and Shirley Winans of Shreveport, Louisiana, Jerry and Donna Winans of St. Johns, Michigan, several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, and an infant brother Carl.
Memorials may be made to the Parkinson Foundation in his memory. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie Chapel.

Rosalyn O. Spitzley

Rosalyn O. Spitzley, age 85, our loving wife, mother, and grandmother went home to be with her Lord March 29, 2007. Born January 2, 1922 in Westphalia, MI the eighth child of Arthur and Clara (Weiber) Wirth. Rosalyn was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church and a former member of the Church of the Resurrection. She was active in the Rosary Circle, St. Francis Circle, Altar Society and the St. Lawrence Industrial League.

Surviving are her husband of 59 years, Charles M.; daughters, Linda (Peter) Droste, Barbara (Tim) Cutshaw-Tunks of Holt, and son, Gordon (Barbara) Spitzley of Charlotte; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brothers, Charles and Anthony Wirth of Westphalia; sister, Agnes Wirth of Lansing; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Marie; brothers, William, Julius, Louis, Robert, and Herman; and sisters, Esther Schafer and Antoinette Ondrus.

Visitation is from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, and 2-4, 6-8 p.m. Monday with at 7:00 p.m. Monday Vigil Service in the Tiffany Funeral Home, 3232 W. Saginaw. Funeral Liturgy is 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 3, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1611 W. Oakland, with Fr. Maurice Hayes presiding. Viewing will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at church. Rite of Committal St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Divine Word Missions or the Mother Teresa House.

Joan C. Thelen

Joan C. Thelen, of Westphalia, age 80, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister passed away on Wednesday, March 28, 2007. She was born in Portland the daughter of Joseph and Amelia (Schneider) Trierweiler. Joan was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Westphalia, the Christian Mothers, and the Catholic Order of Foresters. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband and love of her life for 39 years, Raymond; sister, Ernestine; and brothers-in-law Bruno Thelen and John Koenigsknecht.

She is survived by her children, Joe (Daria) Thelen, Ruth Ann (Ken) Horton, Eileen (Herb) Schrauben, Janice (Ed) Schneider, Janet (Gary) Fedewa, Cindy (Floyd) Lenneman, Stan (Barb) Thelen, and Tim (Gwen) Thelen; 25 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; sisters, Mary Jane (Gene) Schoendorf, Catherine (Murv) Huston, Jean Thelen, Carolyn Koenigsknecht, and Marilyn (Bernard) Thelen; brother, Matt and Maggie Trierweiler; and brother-in-law Warren Dolan.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Cecilio Reyna at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 31, 2007 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Westphalia. Rite of Committal will follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday and 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Friday at the Westphalia Funeral Chapel, 210 N. Westphalia St. The rosary will be prayed at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday and 3:00 p.m. on Friday with a Scriptural Wake Service being prayed at 8:00 p.m. on Friday. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Sparrow Home Hospice Services, Fr. Al Miller Trust Fund or to the Westphalia Fire Dept. in Joan's name.

Gregory E. Thelen

Gregory E. Thelen, Portland, age 84, passed away on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 in the company of all his children. He was born on May 24, 1922 in Westphalia, MI the son of George P. and Ida (Schneider) Thelen. He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, the St. Patrick Athletic Association, and the Knights of Columbus Portland Council #2168. Greg retired from General Motors as a skilled tradesman after 43 years. He was also a farmer who enjoyed fishing and playing cards with friends and family. Greg is preceded in death by his wife, Florence; son, Joseph Thelen; grandchildren, Angela Thelen and Charles Thelen; brothers, Alfred, Carl, Edwin, Julius, Hillary, Claude, and Robert; and sisters, Anna, Viola, Irene, and Rose.

He is survived by his children William (Annette) Thelen, Russ (Vickie) Thelen, James (Germaine) Thelen, Rosemary (Donald) Beard, Wayne (Carol) Thelen, Barry (Lynda) Thelen, Janet (Gary) Brown, Robert (Chris) Thelen, Anthony (Gayle) Thelen, and Andy Thelen; 31 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; brother Richard (Alberta) Thelen; and sister Jeanine (Richard) Cook.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 31, 2007 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Portland with Rev. Larry King presiding. Rite of Committal will follow at Portland Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday and 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Friday at the Schrauben-Lehman Funeral Home, 210 E. Bridge St., Portland. The rosary will be prayed at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday and 3:00 p.m. on Friday with a Scriptural Wake Service being prayed at 8:00 p.m. on Friday. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to either St. Patrick Catholic Church or the American Cancer Society in Greg's name.

Nathan Elias Beam

Nathan Elias Beam, age 47, was surrounded by the love of his family, friends and church family, when he went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 after "living with cancer" for the last two years. He was born October 30, 1959, in Lansing, Michigan and graduated from St. Johns High School and then attended Lansing Community College. He owned a sports and comic memorabilia shop called "Moms" and loved his work for 26 years as the gas station manager for the Meijer Stores of Lansing and Ludington. He retired from Meijer to fulfill a lifelong dream of working as a car salesman for Manistee Ford. Nate was the founder of the Ludington Chapter of Gambler's Anonymous and was also a member of the Moose Lodge #637, where he served as Prelate and enjoyed playing on their golf and bowling leagues. He was a faithful member of Prayer and Praise Assembly of God Church where he developed a personal relationship with Jesus. A devoted husband, father and friend, Nate was a man of patience, compassion and loved others unconditionally. He was an avid 49er and NASCAR fan, he enjoyed watching sports with friends and family, doing karaoke, and was blessed to live in Ludington where he watched sunsets with his wife at the lake.

He is survived by his loving wife, Danna; his daughter, Nikki Beam; his mother, Dorothy Beam; brothers, Raymond (Pam) Beam and Timothy (Kathy) Beam; sister, Dena Johnson; granddaughters, Avvy and Skky Beam; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends in the Ludington and Lansing areas. He was preceded in death by his father, William Beam, best friend Phil Magsig and dog Jade.

A memorial service celebrating the eternal life of Nathan Beam will be held on Saturday, March 31, at 1:00 p.m. at Prayer and Praise Assembly of God Church located at 509 N. Staffon, Ludington, 49431 with Pastor Robert C. Wrasse and Pastor Henrik Lidman officiating. Memorial gifts may be directed to the Prayer and Praise Assembly of God at the above address. Burial will be at the Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Lansing, MI. The family has entrusted Oak Grove Funeral Home and Cremation Center with arrangements.

Mayme Lenore Stuart

Mayme Lenore Stuart, born September 9, 1920, in St. Johns; died March 27, 2007, at the age of 86. Mrs. Stuart was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Foster Stuart; son, Michael Stuart; granddaughter, Jamie E. Heyden; 2 brothers and 2 sisters.

Surviving are her daughters, Amanda Kay (Claude) Butcher and Patricia (James) Heyden both of Lansing; grandchildren, Theresa (Larry) Laba, Jim and Tim Heyden, Mary Daymon, Shaundee Meaney, Schellee Harris; and great-grandchildren, Jacquelyn, Christine, Jessica, Jordan, Danielle, Marissa and Britni.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 30, at noon at the Gorsline-Runciman Funeral Homes, 900 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, with the Rev. Zachary Bartels of Judson Memorial Baptist Church officiating. Interment will follow in Deepdale Memorial Gardens, Lansing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Judson Memorial Baptist Church, 530 Vernon Ave., Lansing, MI, 48910; Love Clothing Center at Judson Memorial Baptist Church; or to the Mary Houghton Endowment at Complete Compassionate Care, 2035 Asher Court, Suite 408, East Lansing, MI, 48823, in memory of Mrs. Stuart.