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Julius Joseph Thelen

Carl J. Thelen

Kathleen E. Malusek

John F. Droste

James A. Dorman, Sr.

Maurice M. Rodman

John Prokipchak

James A. "Art" Kennedy,  Crystal,MI Formerly of Lansing, MI Age 86, died November 9, 2004. Born May 27, 1918 in Blanchard, MI. Mr. Kennedy retired from Lindell Drop Forge in 1980 and was a self taught carpenter. He loved gardening, antiques, tractors, children, family and a host of loving friends. He was very creative and an exceptional dad to all of his children, warm caring, a loving husband, father and grandfather who loved people, especially little children wand will greatly be missed by all. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Eva, sisters, Iva Miller and Osa Cummings, and son-in-law, Wayne Pathfinder.

Surviving are his wife of 32 years, Ruth Anna; 4 daughters, Betty Pathfinder of Lansing, Artih (James) Florian of FL, Anna (Ronald) Showers of St. Johns and Mary Neumeister of Lansing; 3 sons, Chet (Carol) Urie or Crystal, John (Barbara) Urie of Mt. Pleasant and James (Deborah) Urie of Mason; 20 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; 9 great-great-grandchildren; and many special neices and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Friday, November 12, 2:00 p.m. at the Gorsline-Runciman Co. DeWitt Chapel, 111 S. Franklin, DeWitt, with Pastor Charles Dalton of Pine Grove Church, Crystal, MI, officiating. Interment will follow in Deepdale Memorial Gardens, Lansing. The family will receive friends at the Chapel Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Those desiring may make contributions to Pine Grove Church, Crystal, MI in memory of Mr. Kennedy.

Jay C. Gantz

Jay C. Gantz died November 9, 2004 at the age of 90. Born in Gratiot County on September 28, 1914, the son of Monty and Mary (Hawkins) Gantz. He was a retired milk hauler, was a veteran of the U.S. Navy in World War II and a member of Heritage Baptist Church in DeWitt. Jay married Delphine Reynolds in Ithaca on July 23, 1937 and she survives him.

Also surviving are his children, Lyle (Patricia) Gantz of DeWitt, William (Wanetta) Gantz of Webberville and Judy (Gary) Whitford of St. Johns, grandchildren, Belinda (Greg) O’Nash, Gale Benjamin, Tammy Gantz, Terri (David) Latta, Aaron (Malissa) Gantz, Jason Gantz, Joseph Gantz, Jack (Kari) Gantz, Jill (Max) Babbit, Julie (Ken) Sokol, Jayneen (Bill) Ewing, Marianne (Larry) Schloegl, Kristi Whitford, Tim Whitford and Jeff Whitford, 37 great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Jackie Dean Gantz.

Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Friday, November 12, 2004 at the Osgood Funeral Home with Pastor Shawn Smith and Pastor Tad Jameson officiating. A private family burial took place at Payne Cemetery. The family will receive friends 2-4 and 6-9 P.M. Thursday at the funeral home. Sympathy may be expressed in the form of memorials to Heritage Baptist Church, 1380 E. Round Lake Rd., DeWitt, MI 48820.

Julius Joseph Thelen

Julius Joseph Thelen died November 8, 2004 at the age of 77. Born July 24, 1927 in Westphalia, MI the son of Michael and Margaret (Rademacher) Thelen. He was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Catholic Order of Foresters, served in the Korean Conflict and was a retired farmer. Julius married Aileen A. Thelen July 11, 1951 and she survives him.

Also surviving are three daughters, Barb (Mike) Skowneski of St. Johns, Jan (Jim) Harmon or Fairport, NY, & Pat (Doug) Warren of Zeeland, MI, one son, Gerard (Diane) Thelen of Fowler, twelve grandchildren, Michael, Becky and Elizabeth Brock, Joshua, Jeremiah, Joel and Jonathan Harmon, Detra (Ben) Telgenhof, Bryon (Leann) Warren, Eric, Arin and Evan Thelen and 7 great grandchildren. Julius also has one sister, Mary Hedden of Lansing, one brother, Joseph V. (Frances) Thelen of Fowler and two sisters-in-law, Adeline Thelen of Westphalia and Betty Thelen of Sunfield. In addition to his parents, Julius was preceded in death by six sisters and three brothers.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:30 A.M. Friday, November 12, 2004 at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, corner of Maple and Kent Streets, Fowler, burial at Holy Trinity Cemetery with Rev. Fr. Steve Makranyi officiating. The family will receive friends 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. Wednesday and Thursday at the Goerge Chapel of Osgood Funeral Homes, 11112 W. Ionia St., Fowler with Rosaries being prayed at 3:00 & 8:00 P.M. both days.

Carl J. Thelen

Carl J. Thelen died November 8, 2004 at the age of 92. Born in Westphalia, Michigan July 26, 1912 the son of George and Ida (Schneider) Thelen. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus and retired from General Motors. Carl married Laurene Thelen January 4, 1940 and she preceded him in death on February 4, 2000.

Surviving are seven daughters, Carlene (Jerome) Smith of Westphalia, Joyce (Joe) Houska and Diane (John) Kusnier of Elsie, Mary Jane (Dale) Feldpausch of St. Johns, Donna (John) Seay of Little Bear Lake, Eileen (Ron) Schneider of St. Johns and Judy (Bruce) Cameron of Owosso, one son, Lynn (Janet) Thelen of St. Johns, 39 grandchildren, 61 great grandchildren. Carl also has one sister, Jeanine (Richard) Cook of Westphalia, two brothers, Gregory Thelen of Portland and Richard (Alberta) Thelen of Lansing, three sisters-in-law, Anna Thelen of Lake Odessa, Arlene Thelen of Ft. Wayne, IN and Laurina Thelen of Fowler. He was preceded in death by four sisters, Irene Thelen, Rose Huhn, Anna Knoop and Viola Trierweiler and six brothers, Claude, Alfred, Robert, Hilary, Julius and Edwin Thelen.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00am Thursday, November 11, 2004 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, burial at Mt. Rest Cemetery with the Rev. Fr. Eoin Murphy officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday November 9, 2004, from 7:00pm – 9:00pm and Wednesday, November 10, 2004, from 9:00am – 9:00pm with the family present 2:00pm – 4:00pm and 7:00pm – 9:00pm at the Osgood Funeral Home.There will be a K of C rosary prayed at 8:00pm Tuesday, a parish rosary prayed at 3:00pm Wednesday and a vigil service at 8:00pm Wednesday. Memorial contributions may be made to St Johns Meals on Wheels, the St. Joseph School Education Trust Fund or the charity of the donor’s choice.

James A. Dorman, Sr.

On November 5, 2004, James A. “Jim” Dorman, Sr., age 97, went to spend eternity with his beloved wife of 59 years, Esther (Wooton). They were married in Hillsdale, MI on Christmas Day, 1929. Jim was born in Denver, Colorado on December 23, 1906. He lived an interesting and exciting life, having lived and worked in many various places and occupations. Jim and Esther settled in Washington, Missouri where they raised their family.
While working for Standard Oil Company, WW II broke out, and Jim felt compelled to volunteer to serve his country. He served three years in the Navy’s 50th Construction Battalion, which ultimately constructed the runway by which the famed Enola Gay departed from Tinian Island to drop the first atomic bomb. After the War, Jim and Esther returned to Elsie, where they had met, and there they lived out their days in loving devotion to each other. Jim held several jobs in Elsie, where he practiced his skills as a mechanic and machinist, and as a result was noticed by the people of Elsie, and was hired to be the Village Maintenance Supervisor. He held that post from 1960 – 1983. Even in retirement, he was always busy doing good deeds for the people of Elsie, making picture frames, and tending to his large yard and home. Jim was a member of the United Methodist Church of Elsie, a member of the American Legion Post 502, charter member of the Elsie Historical Society and had attained the rank of Worshipful Master as a member of the Masonic Lodge.

Jim is survived by his sister, Irene Hoffman of Beaufort, SC; three children, James A., Jr. of Lansing, Phyllis C. Acre of Ovid, and Darrel K. of Oregon; grandchildren, Christine (David) DesOrmeau of Lady Lake, FL, Charles Dorman of Leesburg, FL, Wendy Acre of East Lansing, Tim Acre of Hoffman Estates, IL, Lori Acre of Owosso, MI, Keri Acre of Kansas City, MO, Mark (Vanessa) Dorman, Todd Dorman and David Dorman all of Booneville, MO and great grandchildren, Jason Jennings of Lady Lake, FL, Samantha, Patience, Millicent, and James Eugene Dorman, all of Booneville, MO and Kyle and T.J. Acre of Palatine, IL. Besides his wife, Esther, Jim was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Maybelle Donnelly of Denver, CO.
Funeral Services will be held 1:00 PM Wednesday, November 10, 2004 at the United Methodist Church of Elsie 160 W. Main Street, Elsie with the Reverend Jayme Kendall, Pastor and the Reverend Fred Fischer officiating. Visitation will be Monday from 6:00 – 8:00 PM and Tuesday from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the Houghton Chapel of Osgood Funeral Homes, 232 E. Oak Street, Ovid, MI and Wednesday from 12:00 Noon until time of service at the Church. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery with Military Graveside Services provided by American Legion Post 502, Elsie. Sympathy may be expressed in the form of memorials to the United Methodist Church of Elsie, Elsie Arts Council, or the Elsie Historical Society in memory of Jim.

Maurice M. Rodman

Maurice M. Rodman,  DeWitt, MI Age 75, passed away Thursday, November 4, 2004 at Mid-Michigan Hospice House, Lansing, MI. Born June 19, 1929 in Lansing, MI to Harold and Lois (Hinkle) Rodman. He graduated from Williamston High School with the class of 1948 and resided most of his life in DeWitt, MI since 1962. He married Alvera Kruger on July 6, 1957 at the East DeWitt Bible Church. He was a Master plumber throughout the area since 1963. He enjoyed camping, fishing and four-wheeling. He was a member of St. Johns First Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Alvera Rodman of DeWitt, MI; 6 daughters, Sue (Myron) Moore of Jackson, MI, Kay Rodman of St. Johns, MI, Kitty (Keith) Lawrence of Honesdale, PA, Lynn (Robert) Fox of Lansing, MI, Ann (David) Forman of Laingsburg, MI and Patty (Jeff) Rouse of Laingsburg, MI; 13 grandchildren; 2 brothers, Gerald Rodman of DeWitt, MI and Verlyn (Phyllis) Rodman of Laingsburg, MI. Preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral Services will be held at St. Johns First Baptist Church, St. Johns, MI, Saturday, November 6, 2004 at 11 AM, with Pastor Tim Knaus officiating. Burial in Rowley Cemetery, Williamston, MI. Visitation Friday, November 5, 2004 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Johns Chapel. Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society or Mid-Michigan Hospice House. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Johns Chapel.

Kathleen E. Malusek

Kathleen E. Malusek,  DeWitt, MI Kathleen E. Malusek passed away Monday November 1, 2004 at the age of 53. She was born February 1, 1951 in Lansing, MI the daughter of Frank and Barbara (Honey) Malusek. Kathi was a retired State of Michigan employee, a member of the Lansing Civitan Group and attended St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns. She enjoyed playing golf and spending time with her nieces and nephews.

Surviving are 2 sisters, Mary Malusek of Laingsburg and Patty Robinson of St. Johns; 2 brothers, Frank (Christine) Malusek of Grand Ledge, John (Jill) Malusek of St. Johns; nieces and nephews, Frank and Davey Robinson, Carleigh Hillman, Meghan, Frankie, Justin, and Jordan Malusek; aunt, Bonnie Underwood of Haslett, special friends; John, Julie and Kali McClure of Dimondale, Jerry and Darlene Wilson of Lansing.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 am Monday, November 8, 2004 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 109 Linden St., St. Johns with Rev. Fr. Eoin Murphy as celebrant. Rite of Committal will follow at Wilsey Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2-4pm Saturday and 2-4 and 6-8pm Sunday at the Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns (989-224-4422) with a Vigil Service at 7:30pm Sunday. Memorials may be made to Clinton County Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA).

John Prokipchak

John Prokipchak died November 3, 2004 at the age of 87. He was born in Dickson City, Pennsylvania on January 31, 1917, the son of Theodore and Tessie (Zelem) Prokipchak. He was a retired radio and electronics repairman, a veteran of the U.S. Army during World War II and a member of the Disabled American Veterans.

Surviving are his nephews, Mike Antosh of Moscow, PA and Arthur Wainwright of St. Johns, nieces, Helen Majeski of Scranton, PA, Theresa Sekely of Manville, NJ, Margaret Ralis of Mannassas, VA, Gloria Huebscher of Lincoln Park, NJ, Beverly Ditmer of St. Johns, Marcia Pike of Houghton Lake, MI and Darlene Seiler of Prudenville, MI and special friend & neighbor, Gloria Wells of Moscow, PA. He was preceded in death by his parents Theodore and Tessie Prokipchak, two brothers, Arthur Wainwright, Sr. and Samuel Prokipchak and two sisters, Mary Antosh and Anna Costick.

Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Friday, November 5, 2004 at the Osgood Funeral Home, 104 E. Cass St., St. Johns, with Pastor Bob Ditmer officiating. Burial will take place at Holy Ghost Cemetery in Moscow, PA. Sympathy may be expressed in the form of memorials to Clinton County Veterans Memorial.

John F. Droste

John F. Droste,  Westphalia, MI Age 80, our gentle and loving husband, father, and grandfather and great grandfather passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, November 2, 2004. He was born on April 21, 1924 in Westphalia, MI the son of Anthony and Anna (Harr) Droste. Mr. Droste owned and operated the Westphalia Creamery for several years, and retired from Fisher Body in 1986, working in Quality Control. John was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in World War II. He was a member of the V.F.W. Post #3733, Knights of Columbus in Westphalia and the C.O.F. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, golfing, traveling, reading and playing cards with his friends, and most of all loved his family. John served as a Eucharistic Minister to the Ingham Regional Medical Center and to the homebound. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Kari Droste; sisters, Bernadine (Roy) Alexander, Toots (Louis) Cook; sister-in-law, Deanna Droste.

Surviving are his wife of 52 years, Millie; children, Ron (Linda) Droste, Ken (Lisa) Droste, Al (Donna) Droste, all of Pewamo, and Gerri (Scott) Guild of Grand Ledge; grandchildren, Brock (fiancee Becky), Grant and Holly Droste, John and Brad Droste, Rachel, Mitch and Kristy Droste, Curt (fiancee Autumn), Tom and Emily Guild; great granddaughter, Kylie Rose Droste; sister, Helen (Paul) Fox of Pewamo; brother, Jim (Evonne) Droste of St. Johns.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Cecilio Reyna, Pastor at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 6, 2004 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Westphalia. Military Honors will be provided by the V.F.W. Post # 3733 at the church. The family will receive friends at the St. Mary Funeral Chapel from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday and 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Friday. Rosaries will be prayed at 8 p.m. Thursday and 3 p.m. Friday. A Scripture Service will be held at 8 p.m. on Friday. Arrangements are entrusted to the Schrauben-Lehman Funeral Home, Portland.