Check here for new deaths
throughout the week
|
|
Obituaries |
| Irene Pope | Carl Vernon Bates |
|
She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Raymond C. Pope, three sons, Raymond G. Pope, E. Russell Pope, all of St. Johns, and James (Gail) Pope of Flint, six grandchildren, Ross (Patti) Pope, Mark Pope, all of St. Johns, Julie (Tom) Manzagol of Dexter, Theresa (Phillip) Benson of New Jersey, David (Heather) Pope of DeWitt and Troy (Cheryl) Pope of New Lothrop, ten great grandchildren, Aidan, Megan and Jack Pope of St. Johns, Mitchell Manzagol of Dexter, Logan and Blake Benson of New Jersey, Jacob and Luke Pope of DeWitt, Cameron and Sydney Pope of New Lothrop, sister, Marie Smith of St. Johns, many nieces and nephews and all of her friends at Home Cooking. She was preceded in death by her parents, son, Lyle Pope, daughters-in-law, Janet “Sally” Pope and Donna Rae Pope, brother, Myron Georgia and sisters, Geneita Elsea and Daisy Jury. Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Friday, August 15, 2003 at the Osgood Funeral Home, burial at Mt. Rest Cemetery with Pastor Paul Daniels 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.
3 from 7-9 P.M. and Memorial Services will be held Sunday, August 10, 2003 at 1:00 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie Chapel Pastor Mike Prince will officiate and burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in Elsie, Michigan He was born on the Meridian Road, east of Elsie, Michigan, on November 29, 1903. The son of George and Alta (Pearce) Bates, he had one brother, Gerald that preceded him in death. Carl graduated from Elsie High School in 1923, Mt. Pleasant Normal with a Life Certificate in Education in 1925, Western State Teachers College in 1931 with an AB Degree, and from Michigan State University in 1934, with a BS in agriculture. Carl Spent 34 years as an educator. During these years, he was a teacher, coach, principal and superintendent, touching the lives of many. He spent time in Breckenridge, Elsie, Athens, Parma and Martin, with the last 20 years (1949-1969) as Clinton County Superintendent in St. Johns. He also spent several years as a farmer northwest of Elsie, was former Mayor of Elsie, a member of Lion’s Club, and a member of MEA and NEA. Carl married Beulah Cumberworth in Angola, Indiana, on March 8, 1930. She preceded him in death in 1958. Survivors include, 1 Daughter, Dorothy Bates (Stephen) Bakita of Higgins Lake, MI, 2 Grandchildren, Todd (Lisa) Bakita of Bellbrook, OH, Dawn (Robert) Mee of Gaylord, MI, Also surviving him are 5 great grandchildren, Allyson & Ryan Bakita of Bellbrook, OH and Erica, Erin & Alex Mee of Gaylord, MI, all of whom he was extremely proud. As an educator, Mr. Bates inspired others in their education and careers, and he had high expectations for himself and others. He took great pride in his family and their accomplishments. He passed on philosophy and wisdom to many, especially his family. He appreciated nature, was an enthusiastic sportsman, enjoying team sports, as well as hunting and fishing. He was an accomplished marksman, skeet shooter, and pool shark. A pilot, he also enjoyed traveling on his motorcycle. As a golfer, he scored 2 holes-in-one, shooting an 82 at age 82. These both took place at Burning Oaks Golf Course near Higgins Lake where he spent several retirement years. He always enjoyed reminiscing with family and friends. Written in the “Panther Trails” High School newspaper, in 1940, by student Glenna Trowbridge was the following excerpt: “If you are hoping to be Mr. Bates’ ideal student you will have to get to work, for he makes quite a demand. You must be one who is interested in his work, have a definite purpose in mind, have broad interests, be a good mixer with his fellow students, well liked, and willing to do his/her bit towards social and civic improvement. As a last thought, Mr. Bates does not believe that the most capable student always makes the best.” Memorial contributions may be made to the Elsie Public Library, P.O. Box 545, Elsie, MI 48831 or the Elsie Historical Society. The family is being served by, Smith Family Funeral Homes, 221 East Main Street, Elsie, MI 48831 Joshua Steven Bengel, age 18, passed away on Thursday, August 7, 2003. He was born on December 13, 1984 in Lansing the son of Steven and Brenda (Schrauben) Bengel. Josh loved hunting, fishing, football and spending time with his friends. He was a graduate of Portland High School Class of 2003 and voted the 2002 Homecoming King. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Edward Bengel and grandmother, Jaclynn Schrauben. Surviving are his parents, Brenda (Joe) Smith of Portland and Steven (Michele) Bengel of Eagle; sister, Heather Bengel; brother, Derek Smith; grandparents, Monica Bengel and Herm (Carole) Schrauben all of Portland.; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; best friend Tom Thelen. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Shamaun Beas, Associate Pastor at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 9, 2003 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church with Rite of Committal following in Portland Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Schrauben-Lehman Funeral Home, 210 E. Bridge St., Portland from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., Friday. The rosaries will be prayed at 3 and 8 p.m., Friday.
Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, August 6, 2003 at 11:00 A.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie Chapel. Rev. David Blair will officiate and burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Elsie. Visitation will be Tuesday from 2-8 P.M. with family present 2-4 & 6-8 P. M. There will be a Masonic Service on Tuesday evening at 6:30 P.M. Paul was born on December 12, 1912 in Elsie, Michigan the son of Lewis & Maud (Bond) Platner. He attended Elsie High School graduating with the class of 1930 and he attended Acme Business College in Lansing for 2 years. On October 29, 1933 he married Dortha E. Harris in Owosso, Michigan; they have been married almost 70 years. Paul retired from the U. S. Postal service as a rural letter carrier in 1977 after 37 years of service. He also worked for Wooley’s & Darling’s Hardware in Elsie. He was a retired member of the Elsie Fire Department, retiring in 1977 after 46 years of service. He was also a Life member of the Masonic Lodge #234 & Order of Eastern Star # 69 in Elsie; he was a member of the Rural Letter Carriers Association. He was also a member of the Elsie United Methodist Church. Survivors include his wife, Dortha Platner of Elsie, 1 daughter, Reta Gillson of Battle
Creek, 2 sons, Cleon Platner of Dimondale, Duane & Sue Platner of Elsie, 4
grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents and a son in law, Robert Gillson.
Memorials may be made to the Elsie Fire Department, Elsie United Methodist Church or Elsie
Masonic Lodge # 234. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie
Chapel.
Marie is survived by her daughter, Helen (Willard) Studer of St. Johns, one stepson, Rolland Haight of Minnesota, four grandchildren, Brian (Merry) Studer of Holly, Wayne Studer of St. Johns, Susan Studer of Dewitt, Cheryl Latson of Howell, and six great grandchildren, Nathan Studer, Jacob Studer, Ben Studer, Brent Studer, Megan Studer and Alexsis Studer. In addition to her husband, Marie was preceded in death by her son, Albert Latson, one brother, Charles Wakefield and two sisters, Betty Diehl and Loretta Latson. The Funeral Service will be 11:00 A.M. Monday, August 11, 2003 at the First Baptist Church, burial in Eureka Cemetery, with Pastor Tim Knaus officiating. The family will receive friends 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 Sunday at the Osgood Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church.
Also surviving are his sons, Robert (Marie) Showers and Steven (Krisy) Showers, all of DeWitt, seven grandchildren, Jennifer (Paul) Swanson, Julie Showers, Jessica Showers, Rachel Showers, Nathaniel Showers, Autumn Mahler and Stephanie Mahler, two brothers, Robert (Rada) Showers of Florida and Michigan and Earl Showers of St. Johns and three sisters, Marian Welcome of Muskegon, Ida Kotke of Ionia and Ila May Curtis of Big Rapids. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Lee and Joseph Showers and sister, Irene Norton. Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Saturday, August 9, 2003 at the First Baptist Church, burial at Mt. Rest Cemetery with Pastor Tim Knaus officiating. The family will receive friends 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. Friday at the Osgood Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church or Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor. Military graveside services provided by St. Johns Honor Guard.
Surviving are his daughter, Cheryl (Michael) Waite of Merced, CA, two grandchildren, Bill Waite and June Waite of Merced, CA, three nieces, Connie (Jim) Curry, Patti (Lee) Rossiter and Becky (Steve) Yatsko, two nephews, Randy (Jean) Amstutz and Lynn (Mary Ann) Meshberger, ten great nieces and nephews, and one great great niece and one great great nephew, special friends, Carol Eckley, Rod and Betsy Fuller, Anne Green, Arlene Holden and Mary Fizzell, Garnet Klopfenstein, Kurt Becker, Bill Richards and his Crystal Lake friends and many wonderful neighbors and friends . In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his brother, Earl Amstutz and sister, Elois Meshberger. Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, August 6, 2003 at the Osgood Funeral Home, burial at Mt. Rest Cemetery with Rev. Matt Olson officiating. The family will receive friends Monday and Tuesday 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at the Osgood Funeral Home. Military graveside services provided by St. Johns Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or Clinton Memorial Hospital.
|
Irene Pope passed away August 13, 2003 at the age of 90. She was born in St.
Johns on February 23, 1913, daughter of Guy and Velma (Smith) Georgia. The family moved to
Chesaning where she attended school and graduated from Chesaning High in 1931. She was a
great athelete, once scoring 42 points in a girl’s basketball game. She later played
on a women’s fast pitch softball team with her sisters that was managed by her father
and they won many local and regional championships. On January 13, 1934, she married
Raymond C. Pope in Bengal Township. They farmed in a partnership that lasted until their
retirement. Irene loved to be out on the tractor, running the combine or the baler. 
Carl Vernon Bates, former Clinton County School
Superintendent, passed away Thursday, August 7, 2003 at Twin Oaks Foster Care Home in
Elsie, Michigan at the age of 99. At his request, cremation has taken place, the family
will greet friends on Saturday, August 9, 200
Paul C. Platner age 90 of Elsie died Sunday,
August 3, 2003 at Ashley Care Center in Ashley, Michigan. He was a life long resident of
Elsie who enjoyed walking. 
Marie A. Haight died August 7, 2003 at
the age of 89. She was born October 31, 1913 the daughter of William R. and Grace M.
(Chase) Wakefield and was a member of the First Baptist Church. She married Alden H. (Al)
Haight October 23, 1943 and he preceded her in death June 11, 1977. 
Nelson R. Showers went to be with the
Lord August 6, 2003 at the age of 82. He was born in Muskegon, MI on January 11, 1921, the
son of Sidney and Bessie (Sheldon) Showers. He was the former owner/operator of St. Johns
Hardwood Lumber, served in the U.S. Army Air Corp and was a member of the First Baptist
Church. Nelson married Bonnie Stanger on September 20, 1945 and she survives him. 
Richard H. "Dick" Amstutz died August 2,
2003, at Select Specialty Hospital- Battle Creek. Born in Bluffton, Indiana on March 14,
1922, the son of Albert and Fannie (Mertz ) Amstutz. He retired from Jackson National Life
Insurance Company, was a veteran of World War II serving as a navigator in the Air Force,
was a member of the First Congregational Church and V.F.W. Post #4113, St. Johns. Dick was
a well known Chicken Hatcheryman, loved fishing and boating, kids, telling jokes, and also
enjoyed doing word jumbles. Dick married Barbara J. Payne in St. Johns on October 12, 1947
and she preceded him in death on February 28, 1976.