April 20, 2002 - St. Johns Independent

James D. Low died April 18, 2002 at the age of 44. He was born in St. Johns on December 2, 1957, the son of Donald and Nancy (Antes) Low and lived in St. Johns all his life. He was a press operator for F.C. Mason, a veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard, Worshipful Master of the St. Johns-Ovid Masonic Lodge #105 and member of American Legion Post #153. James married Lucinda “Cindy” Ward in St. Johns on December 30, 1983 and she survives him.

Also surviving are his children, Christopher Low and Meghan Low, both of St. Johns, step son, Jeremy Huguelet of Gladwin, father, Donald Low of St. Johns, sisters, Karen (Roger) Thurston, Tracy (Thomas) Beachum, all of St. Johns, and Michelle (Daniel) Ketchum of Bel-Aire, brothers, Michael Low and Charles Low, both of St. Johns, one step granddaughter and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother.

Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Saturday, April 20, 2002 at the Osgood Funeral Home, burial at Eureka Cemetery with Rev. Hugh Banninga officiating. The family will receive friends 4-8 P.M. Friday at the funeral home with a Masonic Service 7:30 P.M. Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Cindy.

Karen M. Hose

Karen M. Hose died April 17, 2002 at the age of 61. She was born in Owosso on December 8, 1940, the daughter of Edward and Kathleen (Harper) Gray and lived in Ovid most of her life. She was a secretary at Ovid Elementary School and Ovid-Elsie High School and a member of Holy Family Catholic Church. Karen married Richard Hose in Owosso on October 31, 1959 and he survives her.

Also surviving are her son, Mark Hose of Orlando, FL, daughter, Kristie (Brian) Byrnes of Rockford, MI and granddaughters, Erin and Ashley Byrnes. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Monday, April 22, 2002 at the Houghton Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Homes with burial at Maple Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends 2-8 P.M. Sunday at the funeral home with a rosary prayed 7:30 P.M. Sunday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Jan Marie Thelen

Jan Marie Thelen, Westphalia Age 39, passed away on Monday, April 15, 2002. She was born on September 10, 1962 in St. Johns the daughter of Gene and Audrey (Witgen) Riley. Jan was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, the Christian Mothers, and was very involved in various affairs at both St. Mary's Church and School. She worked most recently for the Clinton County Administration Office and was a devoted stay at home mother of her 4 daughters for 17 years. She loved being involved with her children's activities, especially watching her daughters play basketball, tending to her flower gardens and spending time with her friends and classmates.

Surviving are her husband of 19 years, Perry Thelen of Westphalia; daughters, Andrea, Dana, Malynda and Bethany; parents, Gene and Audrey Riley of Westphalia; brothers, Steve (Karen) Riley of Stevensville, her twin brother, Jon (Colleen) Riley of Fowler, and Patrick Riley of Westphalia; 2 sisters, Sandy (Luke) Kowatch of Westphalia and Jayne (Glen) Klein of Portland; mother and father-in-law, Clair M. and Catherine Thelen of Westphalia; brother-in-law, Mark D. (Pam) Thelen of Lapeer; sister-in-law, Lisa (Thom) Davidson of Lansing; many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Cecilio Reyna, Pastor, at 11 AM Friday, April 19, 2002 at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Rite of Committal following at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Westphalia. 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 days. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Fr. Al Miller Trust Fund or to The Ark in Westphalia, in memory of Jan Marie Thelen. Arrangements are entrusted to the Schrauben-Lehman Funeral Home, Portland.

Kenneth F. Kiger

kiger.jpg (11636 bytes) Age 85 of Elsie, Michigan passed away Tuesday, April 9, 2002 at Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor in St. Johns.

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 12, 2002 at 11:00 A.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie Chapel. Rev. Merlin Pratt will officiate with burial at Duplain Township Cemetery in Duplain Township, Michigan. Visitation will be Wednesday from 7-9 P.M. and Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 P.M.

Kenneth was born on May 18, 1916 in Ovid, Michigan the son of Lee C. and Rosan (Sawdy) Kiger. He attended Ovid and Mt. Morris area schools. He served his Country in the Army Air Corp. from 1941-1945. On February 6, 1944 he married Jessie Evelyn Post in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. She died November 12, 1969. He then married Cereta Thornton on June 12, 1972 in Duplain Township at the Methodist Church. Kenneth was a self-employed farmer, and was then employed by Ovid-Elsie Schools for 14 years, working 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 wood working. 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 and was a resident of Elsie since 1946.

He is survived by his wife Cereta Kiger of Ovid, 1 son, Rodney & Mary Kiger of Elsie, 1 daughter, Mary & Kenneth Mitts of Vicksburg, 1 granddaughter Melissa & Gabriel Mendieta of Cypress, TX, 4 grandsons, Christopher Mitts of Lansing, Daniel Mitts of Vicksburg, David Kiger of Elsie, Jerod Kiger & Kandy Livermore of Elsie, 1 stepdaughter, Lora Halstead of St. Johns, 3 stepsons, Marlin Thornton of Ovid, Rolland & Ruth Thornton of Elsie, Keith & Patsy Thornton of Sturgis, many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren, and also many nieces and nephews. Kenneth is predeceased by his first wife, 2 sisters, and 2 brothers.

Memorials may be made to the Elsie United Methodist Church. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie Chapel.

Anna Long

long.jpg (10753 bytes) Age 94, loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother passed away Monday, April 15, 2002 at Twin Oaks Adult Foster Care in Elsie, Michigan.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 18, 2002 at 11:00 A.m. at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie Chapel. Pastor Eric Stanton will officiate with burial at Fairfield Township Cemetery, Elsie, Michigan. Visitation will be Tuesday 5-9 and Wednesday 2-9 with the family present from 2-4 and 7-9 P.m.

Anna was born on June 26, 1907 in Elsie, Michigan, the daughter of Bert and Charlotte (Schroeder) Darling. She attended and graduated from Ovid High School. On October 7, 1929 she married Leslie Long in Toledo, Ohio. They resided in the Corunna area until 1968, then moved back to Elsie. He passed away in 2000. They had celebrated their 70th Wedding Anniversary. Anna was a homemaker and worked at Redmonds in the early forties, she was also one of the owners of the Farmers Kitchen Restaurant.

She is survived by one son, Gaylord (Shirley) Long of Elsie, four grandchildren, David (Sally) Long of Elsie, Dennis (Carolyn) Long of Elsie, Douglas Long of Ovid, and Debra Long of Lansing, great grandchildren, Mike, Brad, Travis, Heidi, and Christi Anna Long of Elsie, Amy Jo Long-Carman and husband Brad of Ovid, and one great-great grandchild, Cayleb Carman. She was predeceased by one granddaughter, Darlene in 1959.

Memorials may be made to Carland Brethren in Christ Church or Hospice of Owosso. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie Chapel.

Joyce J. Garrod

Joyce J. Garrod died April 16, 2002 at the age of 69. She was born in Lansing on February 6, 1933, the daughter of Samuel and Pearl (Taylor) Richardson and lived in St. Johns most of her life. She was a restaurant owner running Eve’s Inn and the Chatter Box for many years. She was a veteran of the Air Force, a member of the American Legion Post #153, Boy Scout leader, an M.S.U. fan, enjoyed helping and tutoring kids, loved sports and writing poetry and songs.

Surviving are four sons, Robert (Pat) Garrod, Michael (Shelley) Garrod, Randy Garrod, all of St. Johns and William (Pam) Garrod of Grayling, two daughters, Dixa (Roberto) Rositas and Pam (John) Garcia, all of St. Johns, thirteen grandchildren, one great grandchild, sister, Carol (John) Wheeler of Mesa, AZ and best friend, Leslie Dawson of Azle, TX.

Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Friday, April 19, 2002 at the Osgood Funeral Home, burial at Mt. Rest Cemetery with Rev. Hugh Banninga officiating. The family will receive friends 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Hospice for Clinton County.

Joe E. Jelinek

Joe E. Jelinek died Monday, April 15, 2002 at the age of 51. He was born September 21, 1950 in Owosso the son of Edward and Beatrice (Hunt) Jelinek. He had worked for Olincraft, now Georgia Pacific, in Owosso.

Surviving are his mother, Beatrice Jelinek of Ovid, special friend Sharon Bates, son, Joseph E. Jelinek III of Owosso, brother, Anthony (Carrie) Jelinek of Charlevoix, MI, sisters, Joette (Don) Dennis of Ovid and Janet Daniels of Elsie and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father in 1990.

Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Friday, April 17, 2002 at Holy Family Catholic Church, Ovid, burial at Middlebury Cemetery with Rev. Fr. Paul Cummings officiating. The family will receive friends 3-8 P.M. Wednesday and 12-8 P.M. Thursday at the Houghton Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Homes with a rosary prayed at 8 P.M. Thursday. Memorials may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church.

Allan Ray Matter

Allan Ray Matter, 64, of Burton, passed away Friday, April 12, 2002 in Genesys Health Park. He was born in St. Johns Aug. 18, 1937, and was a resident of Davison for the past 30 years.

He married Virginia Flower in 1959 in St. Johns and had three daughters, Brenda, Suzanne and Becky. He was a member of First Congregational United Church of Christ, Burton Rotary, and Masonic Lodge No 236 F&AM.

Allan owned Applewood Village Shopping Center and Stonehouse Farms in Davison for over 20 years and was active in Davison Township and Burton City government. He was active in the Davison area and state of Michigan for 20 years as a commercial real estate developer.

He found great pleasure in touring the backroads on his Harley Davidson Road King Classic. He was a great lover of Mother Nature and cherished his wife, daughters and grandchildren.

Surviving are his wife of 43 years, Virginia; daughters, Brenda (Dominic) Goyette, Suzanne Storrer, Becky (David) Veit; grandchildren, Emily, Carly, Dominic, Olivia, Vincent, Nathan and Ryan; sister, Catherine Havens; special mother-in-law, Marjorie Flower; five sisters-in-law, Gerri Matter, Barbara (Pete) Braun, Christine (Doug) Borsum, Barbara Lee Flower and Janette Matter; many special nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Carl, Gordon and Clare; sister, Ellen Matter; and granddaughter, Elizabeth Marie Storrer.

A Memorial Service was held April 16 at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Grand Blanc with Dr. Max B. Hayden officiating. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to American Heart Association, American Cancer Society or First Congregational United Church, 6494 S. Belsay Rd., Grand Blanc, 48439.

Allan was cherished and loved by his family and friends and will be dearly missed.

Michael L. Pohl

Michael Louis Pohl, age 61 of St. Johns, died unexpectedly April 14, 2002 at Sparrow Hospital. Born April 30, 1940 the son of Allie and Leona (Hoppes) Pohl. Mike married Lavonda “Bonnie” Lathrop August 12, 1961. Mike was a dairy farmer for years and he enjoyed gardening, boxing and especially his grandchildren.

Surviving are his wife, Bonnie Pohl, children, Michael (Melanie) Pohl, St. Johns, Kelly Alexander, St. Johns, Joseph Pohl, St. Johns and Jamie (Jerry) Johnston, St. Johns, seven grandchildren, Tamara, Michael, Jerry Jr., Kayla, Kylie, Jayden and Kierstin, two brothers, four sisters and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, one sister and one grandson.

Funeral services will be 12 Noon Wednesday, April 17, 2002 at the Osgood Funeral Home, burial at Mt. Rest Cemetery with Msgr. Sylvester Fedewa officiating. The family will receive friends 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home with a rosary prayed 7 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Edna L. Horn

Edna L. Horn died Saturday, April 13, 2002 at the age of 95. Born in Fairfield Township, Michigan October 13, 1906 the daughter of Delos and Viola (Hanes) Curtis and was a retired teacher in Shiawassee Rural Schools and Owosso Public Schools. She was a member of Carland United Methodist Church. Her marriage of 66 years to Howard Horn on July 3, 1927 ended with his death September 3, 1993.

She is survived by two daughters, Thelma Goodrich of Ashley and Pat (Mervin) Chamberlain of Ovid, one son, H. Jerry (Mary Ann) Horn of Owosso, 11 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren. In addition to her husband, Edna was preceded in death by a daughter, Joan Parks, son-in-laws, Lewis Goodrich and Glen Parks, a grandson, James Chamberlain, a great granddaughter, Carey Lynn Thompson, sister, Gladys Darling, and brother, Arthur Curtis.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 A.M. Wednesday April 17, 2002 at the Houghton Chapel of Osgood Funeral Homes, Ovid, burial at Fairfield Cemetery with Rev. Lance Ness officiating. The family will receive friends 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. Monday and Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Carland United Methodist Church.

John Eric Laing

John Eric Laing, 44, of DeWitt died Thursday, April 11, 2002 of natural causes. Arrangements by Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.

Mary Hawkins

Mary Hawkins, 103, of Bath, formerly of Detroit, died Sunday, April 14, 2002. Private services will be held. Arrangements by Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.

Helen M. Ceasar

Helen M. Ceasar, 78, died April 1. Services 11 a.m. Monday at Seventh Day Adventist Church, St. Johns. Arrangements by Osgood Funeral Home, St. Johns.

Eva Belle Stebleton

Eva Belle Stebleton, Lansing Born September 5, 1912 on the family farm on Ballentine Rd., Clinton County, Bath, MI; died April 13, 2002, at the age of 89. Mrs. Stebleton was a survivor, along with her husband, of the Bath School disaster and graduated from Bath High School in 1929 as class Valedictorian. She attended County Normal, was a teacher for 1 year until her marriage to Floyd, and then was co-owner of Floyd's place, North of Ithaca, from 1944-1950. Mrs. Stebleton was a wonderful seamstress, gardener, and cook.

Surviving are Floyd L., her husband of 71 years; 1 daughter, Joy Wooten and 1 son, Floyd (Phyllis) Stebleton Jr., both of Lansing; 6 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; 2 brothers; and 2 sisters.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, April 16, at 2 p.m. at the Gorsline-Runciman Co. Chapel, 900 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Lansing. The family will receive friends at the Chapel on Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Those desiring may make contributions to the Alzheimer's Association, South Central Michigan Chapter, 3810 Packard, Suite 240, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, in memory of Mrs. Stebleton.

John Louis O'Connell

John Louis O'Connell, Hubbardston, MI Age 88, died Thursday, April 11, 2002 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, MI. He was born February 29, 1916 in Hubbardston, MI to Dennis and Bertha (Welch) O'Connell. He was a U.S. Army Veteran serving in WWII. He received a Purple Heart. He worked as a farmer all his life. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Hubbardston, MI.

He is survived by his brother, Ed O'Connell of Fowler, MI; sister, Dorothy and Isidore Rademacher of St. Johns, MI: sister, Esther O'Connell of St. Johns, MI. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dennis and Bertha O'Connell; 3 sisters, Margaret O'Connell, Catherine Gensterblum and Agnes Rademacher.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, April 15, 2002 at 11 AM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Hubbardston, MI with Fr. William Rietz officiating. Visitation will be Sunday, from 2-4 and 7-9 PM with a Rosary service at 8 PM at the Lux and Schnepp Funeral Home in Carson City, MI. Interment will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Hubbardston, MI. Memorials may be made to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church or to the donor's choice of charity.

Richard N. Moore

Richard N. Moore died April 10, 2002 at the age of 78. Born in Detroit, Michigan October 31, 1923,he was the son of Solon H. and Clara R. (Reynolds) Moore. He was a graduate of Redford Union High Schoool class of 1941, a member of the U.S. Marine Corps during WWII and lived most of his life in the Detroit and Livonia areas. On April 17, 1948 he married Clara B. Irving and she preceded him in death November 11, 1992.

Surviving are one daughter Sandra Moore of St. Johns and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held 1:00 P.M. Monday, April 15, 2002 at the Osgood Funeral Home, St. Johns, burial at South Bingham Cemetery with Pastor George Brinley officiating. The family will receive friends 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. Sunday at the funeral home. Memorial may be made to Lutheran Social Services or the charity of the donor’s choice.