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Paul J. Koenigsknecht

Kenneth E. Rademacher

Joanne J. Ewing

Jean E. Marriott

Robert P. Simon

Ralph W. Whittaker

Robert J. Miller

Doris R. Kingsley

Gertrude F. Nass

Paul J. Koenigsknecht

Paul J. Koenigsknecht age 84, was called to be with his heavenly family on August 2, 2004. He was born on January 27, 1920 in Fowler, Michigan the son of Frank and Rose (Thelen) Koenigsknecht. Throughout Paul’s life, he was involved in many Most Holy Trinity parish activities including past Grand Knight and 4th Degree for Knights of Columbus Msgr. Esper Council #3027, Eucharistic Minister, Usher, Lector, and various parish committees. During his life Paul was involved in a variety of activities, including his love of sports through the South Fowler Softball team, bowling, and watching his children and grandchildren participate in sporting and school events. He was a retired farmer and bookkeeper at Mathew’s Elevator.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years Patricia; daughter Ann (Ken) Thelen of Cincinnati, OH; sons Frank (Theresa) Koenigsknecht of DeWitt; Patrick (Martha) Koenigsknecht of Shanghai, China; and Tim (Robin) Koenigsknecht of Fowler. Grandchildren Brendan and Brigid Thelen; Beth, Sarah, and Laura Koenigsknecht; Catherine and Christopher Koenigsknecht; Kelly, Kevin, and Ryan Koenigsknecht. Brother George (Joan) Koenigsknecht of Fowler; sister Mary (John) Klein of Fowler, sister Juliana Simon of Portland and brother-in-law Mark Schrauben of Fowler. His parents, brother Msgr. Albert I. Koenigsknecht, sister Margaret Schrauben, and brother-in-law Melvin Simon preceded him in death.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, August 7th at Most Holy Trinity Church in Fowler, MI. The family will receive friends at Goerge Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Homes in Fowler, MI on Thursday, August 5th from 7-9 P.M. and Friday, August 6th from 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. A rosary will be held at 8 P.M., Thursday, August 5th and 3 & 8 P.M. on Friday, August 6th. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution can be made with either Maryknoll Missions or the Most Holy Trinity Educational Trust Fund.

William "Bill" A. Martens

William "Bill" A. Martens age 77 a truck driver of Ashley, Michigan formerly of Ovid, Michigan died Tuesday, July 27, 2004 at Sparrow Hospital, Lansing, Michigan.

Robert P. Simon

Robert P. Simon,  Pewamo, MI Age 76, passed away at home on Tuesday, August 3, 2004. He was born on May 5, 1928 in Pewamo, MI the son of William and Julia (Smith) Simon. Robert married Helen V. Smith on June 6, 1953 in Portland, MI and together they shared 51 years of marriage. Bob owned and operated Williams Farm Machinery in Charlotte and was also a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Pewamo. He was a Veteran of the Korean War, serving in the United States Army and was a member of the Fowler-Pewamo-Westphalia VFW Post #3733. He was preceded in death by his son, Patrick G. Simon on May 3, 2000; grandchildren Renee Ferris and Katie Miles; infant brother, Reynold. Surviving are his wife, Helen V. Simon of Pewamo; children, Cathy and Mike Miles of Portland, Diann and Pete Pintacura of Grand Ledge, Rita and Rex Ferris of Soap Lake, WA, Bill and Jeanne Simon of Grand Ledge, Amy and Mike Droste of Westphalia, Donna and Al Droste of Pewamo and Bob Simon of Pewamo; daughter-in-law, Judy Simon of Pewamo; 22 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; siblings, Hilda and Fran Keilen, Stan Simon, Gerald "Jake" and Jo Ann Simon, Isabel and Charlie Hewitt, Mary Ellen and Terry Burns, Joan and Jay Schafer and Donna and Ken Fedewa. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Charlon O. Mason, Pastor at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 6, 2004 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Pewamo. Rite of Committal will follow at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Pewamo with Military Honors provided by the Fowler-Pewamo-Westphalia VFW Post #3733. The family will receive friends at the Schrauben-Lehman Funeral Home, 210 E. Bridge Street, Portland from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. Rosaries will be prayed at 3 and 8 p.m. both days.

Verlen Emmet Kruger

Verlen Emmet Kruger, Lansing, MI Age 82, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on August 2, 2004. Born June 30, 1922, in Francesville, IN. Mr. Kruger was in the military for 4.5 years and was a retired Master Plumber who owned his own business. His hobby during retirement was designing and building canoes and he was a lecturer and presenter of canoe expeditions. He was the co-author of the book "One Incredible Journey". He was a charter member of the East DeWitt Bible (Heritage Baptist) Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, sister, and 4 grandchildren.

Ralph W. Whittaker

 Ralph W. Whittaker, age 79, went to be with his Lord on Sunday, August 1, 2004. Ralph was born in Sanilac County in Michigan on February 11, 1925 to Freeman and Janet (Garbutt) Whittaker. He married Joyce Elizabeth Barber on April 3, 1948 in Dearborn, MI. During his life, Ralph served in the U. S. Navy during WW II, loved sports, watching Detroit Tiger Baseball, hunting, and fishing. He was a member of The Church of the Nazarene in St. Johns and enjoyed his co-workers at Bee’s. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, and five brothers.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce; five children, Diane (Dr. James) Schweigert of St. Johns, Dennis (Diana) Whittaker of Broken Arrow, OK, Sally (Phillip) Perry of St. Johns, Tim (Carolyn) Whittaker of Grand Rapids, and Jeannie (Dr. Jonathan) Altman of St. Johns; 16 grand children, 11 great grand children, one sister, Leona (Marvin) Innes of Decker, MI and three brothers, Harold (Ethel) Whittaker, Gerald (Ruth) Whittaker, and Wayne (Evelyn) Whittaker all of Cass City, MI.

Funeral Services will be 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, August 4, 2004 at The Church of the Nazarene, 515 N. Lansing Street, St. Johns with the Reverend Timothy Cockroft officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Rest Cemetery with Military Graveside Services provided by St. Johns Honor Guard. The family will receive relatives and friends Monday and Tuesday 5:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. at the Osgood Funeral Home, 104 E. Cass Street, St. Johns and at the Church one hour prior to service. Sympathy may be expressed in the form of memorials to The Church of the Nazarene in memory of Ralph.

Robert J. Miller

Robert J. Miller, died July 31, 2004. Born in Fowler on July 1, 1922, the son of Joseph and Mary (Warnke) Miller. He married Florine Wilson on November 28, 1942, and she preceded him in death, April 11, 1993. Robert was a pipeline superintendant with SubSurface Construction before retirement in 1992. After serving in the Army during WWII, he returned to Maple Rapids. He loved to farm and watch the Maple Rapids Lawnmower Race for The American Diabetes Association, was a member of the Hubbardston American Legion #182 and a member of The Knights of Columbus, St. Johns.

Robert is survived by four children, Robert Jr. (Cindy) Miller of Maple Rapids, Rodney (Judy) Miller of Middleton, Linda (George) Sambol of Sault Ste.Marie, Canada, Dana Lambert (Jon Bottum) of Maple Rapids. Twelve grandchildren, Marlin (Pam) Miller, Melissa (Rudy) Gauna, Rodney Miller, Jennifer (Rich) Fosgitt, Noelle (Nathan) Andrews, Chris Sambol, Joe (Margie) Sambol, Denny (Chris) Lambert, Darcy (Dale) Wiser, Darren (Amber) Lambert, Danielle (Andy) Vandervest. Fifteen great grandchildren. Three sisters, Margaret Sweeney, Josephine Gruner, Helen Irene Spitzley. Four brothers, August, Frank, William, Edward, David Miller, and many nieces and nephews. Robert was also preceded in death by one granddaughter, Wendy Miller, one great granddaughter, Emily Andrews, one son-in-law, Denny Lambert, Sr. Special thanks to Helen Irene Spitzley, Alice Gavenda, Agnes Argersinger, Mary Ellen Simmon, Bret Lambert, and to Carson Home hospice for the great care given to our Dad and Grandpa these last few weeks.

Funeral will be 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, August 3, 2004 at the Abbott Chapel of Osgood Funeral Home, 509 E. Main Street, Maple Rapids with Pastor Wesley Farrier officiating. The family will receive friends at the Funeral Home Sunday and Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. with a vigil service Monday at 7:00 P.M. Sympathy may be expressed in the form of memorials to Carson Home Hospice.

Kenneth E. Rademacher

Kenneth E. Rademacher, 54, died Friday, July 30, 2004, at the age of 54. He was born June 21, 1950, in St. Johns, the son of Clarence A. and Marian L. (Weber) Rademacher and has lived all his life in the Fowler and St. Johns area. Ken was a graduate of Fowler High School, Class of 1969, a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, K of C, U.A.W. Local #602, and was a retired GM employee. He married Christine Jumper on December 14, 1974, and she survives him.

Also surviving are 2 sons, Michael of DeWitt and Matthew of St. Johns; grandson, Cole Frazee; mother, Marian Rademacher of Fowler; 2 brothers, Gerald (Rita) Rademacher of Okemos, Claud (Judy) Rademacher of Fowler; a sister, Linda (Frank) Spitzley of Westphalia; mother-in-law, Irene Jumper of St. Johns; 3 sisters-in-law, Dawn (David) Boechler of Laingsburg, Alberta MacDonald of Alma, Lucinda (Nicholas) Dunay of Ovid; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence; father-in-law, Stanley Jumper; and brother-in-law, Dennis McDonough.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:30 AM Tuesday, August 3, 2004, at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler, with Rev. Fr. Timothy MacDonald officiating. The Rite of Committal will follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns. The family will receive friends from 7-9 PM Sunday, and 2-4 and 7-9 PM Monday, with the Rosary being prayed at 8 PM on Sunday and Monday at the Keck-Coleman Funeral Home 1500 Waterford Parkway, St. Johns. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of donor's choice. The family would like to thank the doctors and staff on 4 South NCU at Sparrow Hospital.  Arrangements by Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns.

Doris R. Kingsley

Doris R. Kingsley went home to be with the Lord, July 30, 2004 at the age of 90. Born in Livingston County, Michigan she was the daughter of William and Rosa (Aldrich) Wendel and lived in St. Johns since 1988 coming from Morrice. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, Clinton County Chapter of MARSP and was a secretary for 25 1/2 years for the superintendant of the Morrice Schools system. On April 15, 1933 she married Clarence (Pete) Kingsley and he preceded her in death.

Surviving are one son Gary (Virginia) Kingsley of St. Johns, one daughter Patricia Ann (Hayden) Braun of Conroe, Texas, many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and one sister Dorothy Tefft. She was preceded in death by her husband, two sisters, Anna Reade and Clara Pierce, four brothers Floyd, Archie,Clifford and Clarence Wendel.

Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M., Monday at the First Baptist Church, St. Johns, burial at Fuller Cemetery with Pastor Tim Knaus officiating. The family will receive friends from 6-8 on Saturday and 2-4 and 6-8 on Sunday at the Osgood Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church or Rosewood Adult Foster Care of Dewitt.


Joanne J. Ewing

Joanne J. Ewing died Friday, July 30, 2004 at the age of 69. She was born in Port Huron, Michigan on December 29, 1934, the daughter of John and Ona (Kaercher) Lamson. Joanne married Paul Ewing on August 23, 1952 and he survives her.

Also surviving are one son, Michael Ewing and his wife, Nancy of Nashville, Michigan, one daughter, Deborah Shepard of Laingsburg, five grandchildren, Rebecca (Shepard) McCord and her husband, Steven of Lansing, Christopher, Andrew, Nicholas, and Kortney Ewing of Nashville, Michigan, sister Jacquelyn Korroch and her husband, Hubert of Eagle, and brother, Robert Lamson and his wife, Kim of Tucson, Arizona. She was preceded in death by infant sisters and granddaughter, Angel Nichole Shepard.

Memorial services will be held 12:00 Noon Saturday, August 7, 2004 at the Houghton Chapel of Osgood Funeral Home, 232 E. Oak St., Ovid, with Rev. Dr. Margaret Zee Jones, Chaplain of Ingham Visiting Nurse and Hospice officiating. The family will receive friends 4:00 – 7:00 on Friday and 11:00 - 12:00 on Saturday. Memorials may be made to Ingham Visiting Nurse and Hospice or Visiting Nurse Services of Michigan-Ingham in Joanne’s name.

Gertrude F. Nass

Gertrude F. Nass age 89 of Ashley, Michigan died Wednesday, July 28, 2004 at Ashley Healthcare Center in Ashley, Michigan.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, August 2, 2004 at 11:00 A.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie Chapel. Pastor Larry Howland will officiate with burial at North Star Cemetery, North Star, Michigan. Visitation will be Sunday, August 1, 2004 from 2-6 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie Chapel.

Gertrude was born in Shepherd, Michigan on April 23, 1915 the daughter of Fred & Dora ( McVay ) Rauschenberger. She was born and raised in the Shepherd / St. Louis area. She resided in Ashley for many years.

Gertrude is survived by 3 daughters Delores Strpko of Big Rapids, MI, Florine Tupica of Ashley, MI., Geraldine Genson of Lansing, MI., 2 sons John Decker of Holt, MI., Leo Decker of Florida, 3 stepdaughters Mary Ann, Bonnie, & Nancy, 34 grandchildren, 60 great grandchildren, and 6 great great grandchildren. She is predeceased by her parents, 2 husbands, Jesse Decker & William Nass, 2 sons, L.Z. Decker & Zahel Decker, 1 stepdaughter Jenny Sutton, 1 granddaugher Pamela Decker Herman and 2 great grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie Chapel.

Jean E. Marriott

Jean E. Marriott, 75 died at her Ovid home Thursday, July 29, 2004.  Jean was born Sept. 27, 1928 in Genesee County, MI the daughter of Hugh C. & Harriet C.
Nicholass.  Jean graduated from Ovid High School in 1946 and had worked as a typesetter at Lansing Labor News, from where he retired after 25 years. On June 4, 1971 she married Robert C. Marriott in Eaton Rapids, MI She was an avid reader, loved Crossword Puzzles and Home Shopping.

Survivors are her husband Robert, Step-son Bruce C. Evans of Detroit, Brother Richard (Lois) Wadsworth of Ovid, 2 sisters Carol Ann (John) Richter of Utica, MI and Mary Miller of Southfield, MI

Preceded by Daughter Brenda Joyce Haynes in 1995  and by 3 Brothers and 2 Sisters.

A time of remembrance will be held at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, 1500 Waterford Parkway, St. Johns, MI on Monday evening, Aug. 2, 2004 from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Memorials may be given to Ovid Public Library.