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| John A. Gensterblum | Martha T. Pierce Hofmeister |
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John A. Gensterblum died April 10, 2002 at the age of 79. He was born in Portland, MI on December 28, 1922, the son of Albert J. and Mary (Schlicht) Gensterblum and lived in Pewamo most of his life. He was employed by Motor Wheel for 30 years and a farmer, a veteran of World War II, a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and V.F.W. Post #3733. John married Katherine O'Connell in Hubbardston on August 26, 1972 and she preceded him in death. Surviving are his brother, Herman (Rose Marie) Gensterblum of Portland, two sisters, Florence Smith of Pewamo and Sister Mary Albert of Wilmette, IL, several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife he was preceded in death by a nephew, Michael Gensterblum, brother, Edward Gensterblum and sister, Laurina O'Connell. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:30 A.M. Saturday, April 13, 2002 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, burial at St. Johns the Baptist Cemetery, Hubbardston, with Rev. Fr. Charlon Mason officiating. The family will receive friends 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. Thursday and Friday at the Goerge Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Homes, Fowler with a rosary prayed 3 and 8 P.M. Thursday and Friday. Military services provided by V.F.W. Post #3733. Memorials may be made to V.F.W. Post # 3733 or St. Joseph Catholic Church. Martha T. Pierce Hofmeister, Florida Formerly of DeWitt Born August 27, 1938, in Rohrnbach, Germany; died April 10, 2002, at the age of 63. Mrs. Pierce was the former owner of Martha's German Bakery in East Lansing. Surviving are 2 daughters, Martha Ann (Bryan) Graham of DeWitt and Susanne Hofmeister of Okemos; 3 sons, Karl E. (Donna) Hofmeister of DeWitt, Kurt (Dee) Hofmeister of Okemos, and David (Stacy) Hofmeister of Lansing; 8 grandchildren, Mary, Erika, Richard, Ryan, Kailee, Taylor, Cassidy, and Gabby; 4 brothers; and 3 sisters, with special thanks to Rosemary and Ludmilla. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, April 13, at 2 p.m. at Redeemer Methodist Church, 13980 Shavey Rd., DeWitt, with Rev. Dr. Rodney J. Kalajainen, Pastor, officiating. Interment will follow in DeWitt Cemetery, DeWitt. The family will receive friends at the Gorsline-Runciman Co. DeWitt Chapel, 111 S. Franklin St., DeWitt, on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Those desiring may make contributions to The Hospice of Lansing, 6035 Executive Dr., Suite 103, Lansing, MI 48911-5338, in memory of Mrs. Pierce. Ray J. Perry, 73, of Cherokee Village, Ark., formerly of St. Johns, Army veteran and retired Ford Motor Co. and Century 21 Realty employee, died April 2. Graveside services 1 p.m. Saturday at Eureka Cemetery. Arrangements by Tri-County Funeral Home, Hardy, Ark. Leon J. Weiland, Westphalia Age 78, died April 7, 2002. Leon to his friends, and "Papa" to his family, was born on April 26, 1923, the only son of Arnold and Mathilda (Thelen) Weiland, living his entire life in Westphalia, MI. He enjoyed farming and was an excellent carpenter. His favorite pastime was fishing at Dickerson Lake, trying to catch the biggest bass. He was a life member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Westphalia, where on August 30, 1948, he married Evelyn Freund, his devoted wife who survives him, along with his beloved daughter, Laura M. (Gary) Langdon; grandchildren, Julianna (Matthew) Tuell, Sara (Brian) Dazsi, John (Elizabeth Pizzo), Michael (Fiancee, Jen) and Lydia. Also surviving are his sister, Jeanette (Herbert) Keilen, sister-in-law, Mary M. Byelich; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Matthew James; sisters, Rita Smith Miller and Irene Schrauben. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends, but what we will all remember most is his quick wit and the twinkle in his blue eyes. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Cecilio Reyna, Pastor, at 10:30 AM Friday, April 12, 2002 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, with Rite of Committal following at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the St. Mary's Funeral Chapel, 210 N. Westphalia Street, Westphalia from 2-4 and 7-9 PM Wednesday and Thursday. The Rosaries will be prayed at 3 and 8 PM both Wednesday and Thursday. Arrangements are entrusted to the Schrauben-Lehman Funeral home, Portland. Doris Kathleen "Katie" Roberts
Surviving is her daughter, Esther Jane (Richard) Rutter of St. Johns, two grandchildren, Robert (Lorie) Rutter of Lansing and Bruce (Donna) Rutter of St. Johns, six great grandchildren, four great great grandchildren and several nieces & nephews. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by one brother, LeRoy Burdge. Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Thursday, April 11, 2002 at the First United Methodist Church, burial at Mt. Rest Cemetery with Rev. Carol Floyd officiating. The family will receive friends 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. Wednesday at the Osgood Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church or Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor.
Also surviving are four sons, Randy (Carol) Koenigsknecht, Jeff (Kris) Koenigsknecht, Kurt (Patty) Koenigsknecht and Neil (Wendy) Koenigsknecht, one daughter, Dana (Dale) Schafer, sixteen grandchildren, Kelly, Jill, Katie, Tricia, April, Kendra, Nicholas, Emma, Nathan Koenigsknecht, Robby, Kenny and Nicole Schafer, Zack, Josh, Ben and Miranda Enrst, brothers, Fr. William K. Koenigsknecht, Roman Koenigsknecht, Benno Koenigsknecht, Frank Koenigsknecht and Nick Koenigsknecht, and sisters, Rosie Smith, Louise Burns, Agnes Keilen and Susie Stump. He was preceded in death by brothers, Leo, Arnold and Mark Koenigsknecht and sisters, Martha Koenigsknecht and Helen Stump. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, April 10, 2002 at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Ray Rademacher officiating. The family will receive friends 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. Tuesday at the Goerge Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Homes. Eunice E. Graff died April 6, 2002 at the age of 70. She was born in Dallas Township on July 30, 1931, the daughter of Fred and Mary (Light) Epkey. She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Ladies Aide. Eunice married Paul Graff in Fowler on August 19, 1950 and he survives her. Also surviving are two daughters, Rebecca (Michael) McKean of Fowler and Jill (Gary) Liske of Hubbard Lake, one son, Michael (Sharon) Graff of St. Johns, 8 grandchildren and 1 great grandson, one brother, Neil (Joyce) Epkey of Fowler, and two sisters, Helen (Paul) Fox of Fowler and Gladys Johnston of St. Johns. Eunice was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Louis Epkey, one sister, Dorothy Wieber. Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, April 9, 2002 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Fowler, burial at East Plains Cemetery with Pastor Paul Clark officiating. The family will receive friends 6-9 P.M. Sunday and 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. Monday at the Goerge Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Lutherans for Life or St. Paul Lutheran Church. Shari Lynn Hall-Kayser died April 5, 2002 at the age of 33. She was born in Muskegon on May 19, 1968, the daughter of Gilbert and Glenda “Dodie” (Burns) Hall and lived the past eight years in the Mid-Michigan area. She was an French and English teacher for East Lansing High School, a Girl Scout leader, active in the SHARE program at East Lansing High School and was a good listener for her students. Shari married David Kayser in Muskegon on November 30, 1991 and he survives her. Also surviving are two daughters, Hannah and Tess, father, Gilbert Hall, mother, Glenda “Dodie” Hall, brother, Gilbert Hall, all of Muskegon, grandmother, Rebecca Hall of Ocala, FL, parents-in-law, Edward and Dianne Kayser of Zephyrhills, FL, brothers-in-law, Mark (Tammy) Kayser of Heidelberg, Germany, Brian (Mary) Kayser of Holt and Matthew Kayser of Orlando, FL, many aunts, uncles and cousins. Memorial services will be 3:30 P.M. Friday, April 12, 2002 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, East Lansing, with Pastor Jeffrey Heimsoth officiating. The family will receive friends 2-4 and 6-9 P.M. Wednesday and Thursday at the Osgood Funeral Home, St. Johns. Memorials may be made to an education trust fund for her daughters. Catherine A. Slocum, age 78, of 2744 N. Tamarac, Ludington died early Thursday, April 4, 2002 at Mercy Hospital in Muskegon. Catherine Adorna Phillips was born August 23, 1923 in Wallaceburg, Ontario Canada, one of twelve children born to William E. and Inez (Uptograff) Phillips. The family moved to the Flint area where Catherine attended school. She was married on September 25, 1943 in Lansing to Max E. Slocum and he survives. Catherine was a member of the Ludington Assembly of God Church. She enjoyed bird watching from her Tamarac Village home on Hamlin Lake and also liked to crochet. She is survived by her loving husband of almost fifty nine years, Max, their children; Jodean Berthume of West Palm Beach, Florida, Scott (and Bonnie) Slocum of Byron, MI, Julie Slocum of Maine, Sherry (and Reo) Youngs of Fowler, MI, Rebecca (and Brian) Kistler of Leesburg, Indiana, six grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, several brothers and sisters, including Robert Phillips of Ludington, numerous nieces and nephews. The funeral for Catherine Slocum will be conducted at 1:00 P.M. Monday, April 8, 2002 at the Houghton Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Homes, Ovid, where the family will receive friends from 11:00 A.M. until the time of service. Interment will be in Middlebury Cemetery. Jack Arnold Smith, Crystal, MI Age 80, died Sunday, April 7, 2002 at his home. He was born September 28, 1921 in Bath, MI to Frank G. and Leone A. (Shaw) Smith. He married Marilyn Joy VanSickle February 8, 1947 in Holt, MI. He was a WWII Veteran. He was a survivor of the Bath School bombing. He was a member of the Carson City American Legion Post 380, the Crystal Masonic Lodge-serving as secretary for over 25 years, the Carson City Order of Eastern Stars, the Crystal Congregational Church. He enjoyed bowling, golfing and played on many area leagues. He served as the Superintendent of Carson City/Crystal Schools from 1967-1978. He is survived by: Wife, Marilyn Smith of Crystal, MI. Daughter, Barbara and Kim Duflo of Carson City, MI. Son, Bradford and Cheryl Smith of Stanton, MI. Daughter, Brenda Sue and Mark Jolls of Carson City, MI. 10 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by: Parents, Frank and Leone Smith. Two brothers: Elymas R. Smith of Bath, MI; Gordon Hodge. Sister, Marvel Patton. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 10, 2002 at 11:00 am at the Lux and Schnepp Funeral Home in Crystal, MI with Rev. Ried Martin officiating. Visitation will be held Monday from 7-9 pm and Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the Funeral Home. Interment will be in Crystal Cemetery, Crystal, MI. Memorials may be made to the Carson City/Crystal Schools Athletics Department for Improvements to the Baseball Field Ronald G. "Dooley" Alward, Bath Age 70, passed away on April 6, 2002. He was born on October 17, 1931. Surviving are: his sister, Sharon Buchner; brother, Richard (Janet) Alward. He was preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Lucy; 2 brothers, John and Robert; 2 sisters, Eilene and Darlene. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 10, 2002, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, with the Rev. Thomas VanDyke officiating. Interment will follow in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Bath. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to C.M.H. 812 East Jolly Rd., Lansing in memory of Ronald G. Alward. Dorothy F. Parks, St. Johns Age 86, died April 8, 2002. Born January 22, 1916 in Lansing, Mrs. Parks was preceded in death by her husband, Cloyce. Surviving are 3 sons, Gary (Rose) of DeWitt, Roger (Dorothy) and Russell (Ronda) both of Harrison; 13 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, April 11, 2 PM at the Gorsline-Runciman Co. Lansing Chapel, 900 E. Michigan Avenue, Lansing. Interment will follow in Oak Plains Cemetery, Shaftsburg. The family will receive friends at the Chapel Tuesday from 6-8 PM and Wednesday 2-4 and 6-8 PM Alice W. Cook Hogle Cosgrove, 94, of Perrinton, died April 8, 2002 at the Laurels of Fulton. She was born Oct. 24, 1907 in Bellevue, the daughter of Erving and Jessie (West) Cook. Alice retired from Kellogg's of Battle Creek before her and her late husband built their retirement home at Rainbow Lake. She lived at Rainbow Lake for the next 30 years until becoming a resident at Country Friends and then Laurels of Fulton. Alice and Lawrence traveled extensively across America. They enjoyed being grandparents. Alice spent countless hours teaching her six grandchildren to play cards, paint dried flowers, sing, dance, and the meaning of the circle of life. She would cook any wild game brought home by her three grandsons. She is survived by her two loving children, Joann Hogle Kellogg McKim of Diamondale, and Bob (Jean) Hogle of Perrinton; grandchildren, Steve Kellogg, Mike Kellogg, Renee Kellogg Parker, Mike Hogle, Vikki Hogle, and Vanessa Hogle Colley; 14 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; sister, Marjorie Thompson; and two stepsons, Bob Cosgrove and Royce Cosgrove of Plainwell. Private family services will be held at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Dodge Funeral Home. W. Myron 'Mike' Georgia, 90, of Harrison, left us peacefully, April 6, 2002 at Mid Michigan Regional Medical Center-Clare. Mr. Georgia was born May 19, 1911 in Chesaning, the son of Guy and Velma (Smith) Georgia. Mike was united in marriage to Hazel Boyer Jan. 5, 1935 in Mt. Pleasant. They were very fortunate to have celebrated 64 years together before Hazel passed away March 14, 1999. Mr. Gorgia will be sadly missed by his loving children, Evelyn Searl of Grand Rapids, Susan Lynch of Harrison and Mike Georgia and wife Kris of Mt. Pleasant, two sisters; Irene Pope and Husband Raymond of St. Johns, and Marie Smith also of St. Johns; grandchildren, Georgia Devins, Samantha Searl, Stephanie Gendregske and husband David, Scott Georgia and wife Andrea, and Erin Georgia; great-grandchildren, Johnathon, Jacob, Stephen and Reed will remember their 'Pop' with love and great affection. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters. Geneita Elsea and Daisy Jury, and one grandson, Gregory Lynch. Funeral services were held April 13 at Stocking Funeral Home, Harrison, with the Rev. Dr. James Harwood officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Harrison Athletic Boosters or the Clare County Animal Shelter or to the charity of donor's choice. Kenneth F. Kiger, 85, of Elsie died April 9, 2002 at Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor. He was born in Ovid May 18, 1916, the son of Lee Kiger and Rosan Sawdy. He was a self-employed farmer, and was then employed by Ovid-Elsie Schools for 14 years woking as a bus driver and a janitor at EE Knight Elementary School in Elsie. He was an avid gardener. He grew many fruit trees sharing his produce with others. He also loved to do woodworking. He enjoyed playing his harmonica and guitar and singing for the nurses at the nursing home. He was a member of the Elsie United Methodist Church. He served his country in the Army Air Corp from 1941-1945 and lived in Elsie since 1946. He married Jessie Evelyn Post in Eaton Rapids Feb. 6, 1944. She preceded him in death Nov. 12, 1969. He married Cereta Thornton June 12, 1972 in Duplain Township at the Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife Cereta Kiger of Ovid; one son, Rodney (Mary) Kiger of Elsie; one daughter, Mary (Kenneth) Mitts of Vicksburg; one granddaughter, Melissa (Gabriel) Mendieta of Cypress, Texas; four grandsons, Christopher Mitts of Lansing, Daniel Mitts of Vicksburg, David Kiger of Elsie and Jerod Kiger and Kandy Livermore of Elsie; one step daughter, Lora Halstead of St. Johns; three stepsons, Marlin Thornton of Ovid, Rolland (Ruth) Thornton of Elsie and Keith (Patsy) Thornton of Sturgis; many step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, two sisters and 2twobrothers. Funeral servicesw were held April 12 at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie Chapel, burial at Duplain Township Cemetery, Duplain Township, with the Rev. Merlin Pratt officiating. Memorials may be made to the Elsie United Methodist Church. The family was served by the Smith Family Funeral Homes Elsie Chapel. CMSGT Thomas 'Tom' L. Suppa, SUAF Ret., 64, passed away April 1, 2002. CMSGT Suppa retired from the United States Air Force May 31, 1986. He served in Vietman and received numerous commendations and medals during his 32-1/2 years of service. Mr. Suppa was the Senior Enlisted Advisor at Lackland A.F.B. from 1983 to 1986. He was President of Alamo R.C. Society, member of Fifty-Niners Chiefs Group and of 877th AC & W Sqdn Reunions, Elizondo, Spain. Mr. Suppa is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Sue Suppa; children, Toni Carol (Bill) McCartney, Terri Ann Suppa-Velten and husband, Bill, Thomas L. (Beth) Suppa, Jr.; grandchildren, Erynne Suppa and Martin Elms, Lauryn (Ballin) Heaton, William Thomas McCarthy, Dagny Ann McCartney; great-grandson, Seathe Elms; brothers and sisters, Edie (Frank) Renick, Tony (Betty) Suppa, Jr., Shelby (Sam) Lowther, Jack (Donna) Suppa, Carla (Bill) White, Alan Bice; aunts, Alma Woods, Betty Clark and Ruth Stevens; uncle, Carl (Betty) Vincent; numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held April 4 at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home Chapel. Interment followed at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. |
Doris Kathleen "Katie" Roberts died April
8, 2002 at the age of 97. She was born in Silver Lake, IN on July 26, 1904, the
daughter of Solomon and Catherine (Jack) Burdge. She was a member of the First United
Methodist Church. Katie married Harold Roberts on October 9, 1926 and he preceded her in
death on March 23, 1960. 
John H. Koenigsknecht died April 7, 2002 at the
age of 68. He was born in Fowler on July 23, 1933, the son of Nicholas and Margaret
(Thelen) Koenigsknecht and lived in Fowler all his life. He was employed at General Motors
for 34 years and was a farmer, a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church and the
Knights of Columbus. He loved farming and his grandkids. John married Carolyn Trierweiler
in Westphalia on October 13, 1962 and she survives him.