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Stephen J. Foster

Former St. Johns resident Daisy "Dee" Jilka died on October 12, 2005 surrounded by her family at the age of 83.  She had been a California resident since 1962. A more complete obituary will follow.

Evelyn J. Behrens

Evelyn June Behrens went to meet her Heavenly Father on October 11, 2005. Preceded in death was her mother, Audrey Wilhelm, father, John Wilhelm, one brother, Jack Wilhelm, and one sister, Noreen (Nonie) Grubbs.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 40 years, Rev. Erwin Behrens, children, John, Nathan, Daniel, Susan and Andrew Behrens, one grandchild, Abigail Grace Behrens, two sisters, Judy Everett and Margaret (Peg) Zigler.

Evelyn graduated from Greenville College in Greenville, IL. in 1963 where she met her husband Erwin Behrens. Shortly after being wed on August 14, 1965, the couple entered into the ministry where they ministered in numerous churches in the Michigan/Ohio region. She taught elementary school at Flint Christian and Faithway Christian in Flint, MI. She also taught evening adult education courses at Ovid-Elsie High School. Evelyn was a talented artist, singer, pianist and published writer. During her retirement she dedicated her time writing numerous children’s stories and inspirational spiritual poems. Her love for her mother was demonstrated in her final children’s story, Gingerbread Grandma. Evelyn was a devoted wife, mother, sister and friend. She will be dearly missed.

Funeral services were held Friday, October 14, 2005, at 3:00 P.M at the Houghton Chapel of Osgood Funeral Homess, Ovid, burial at Maple Grove Cemetery with Pastor Robert Magee officiating. Sympathy may be expressed in the form of memorials to the Make-A-Wish Foundation at http://www.wish.org or by writing, Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, 3550 North Central Avenue, Suite 300, Phoenix, Arizona 85012-2127 or The Salvation Army or Gideons. Evelyn received word that the poem “Trial” was published the day she found out she had terminal cancer. It was a comfort to her and family.

Trial

When tempted to question
And ask, “Why me?”
Remember, “My Grace is sufficient for Thee.”

Beatrice I. Dershem

Beatrice I. Dershem,  Ann Arbor, MI Formerly of Lansing, MI Age 76, died Sunday, October 9, 2005 in Ypsilanti. Beatrice was born January 12, 1929 in St. Johns, the daughter of Jeane Weidman and Lyna May (Gotham) Burnham. She was a long-haul truck driver for 18 years (before women truck drivers were common) and retired as a cook from St. Vincent's Home for Children after 12 years of service. Bea was very active in St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dexter. She was preceded in death by her former husband, Lester Dershem; son-in-law, Donald Kirby; brother, James Burnham; and 2 sisters, Dorothy (Bernard) Rockafellow and Linda Stowe.

Surviving are 3 daughters, Jo (Charles) Beckman of Eaton Rapids, Kathy (Randall) Grass of Millersburg, Cindy Kirby of Gainsville, GA; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Jeane (Mickey) Burnham of Florida, William (Sue) Burnham of Maple Rapids; 3 sisters, Ione Anderson of Midland, Joyce Gee of Ann Arbor, Barbara (Dale) Anderson of Auburn; sister-in-law, Dawn Burnham of St. Johns; brother-in-law, Gerald Stowe of Zilwaukee; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 14, 2005, 1:00 p.m. at St. Peter Catholic Church, 515 E. Knight, Eaton Rapids with Father Brendan Walsh officiating. The family will receive friends on Thursday, from 6-8 p.m. at the Shelly-Odell Funeral Home 518 S. Main, Eaton Rapids. Those desiring, may make contributions to the American Kidney Foundation in memory of Beatrice Dershem.

Stephen J. Foster

Stephen J. Foster,  Shepherd, MI Age 62, passed away Wednesday, October 5, 2005.

Stephen was born February 20, 1943 in Alma. He retired from Oldsmobile in Lansing in 2001. Stephen was a frequent customer of the Hitching Post Diner in St. Johns as well as other diners in the area.

He is survived by four children; six grandchildren and three sisters.

Funeral services will be Monday, October 10, 2005 at 1:00 p.m. from the Berry Funeral Home in Shepherd. Visitation will be Saturday, October 8, from 7 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Berry Funeral Home.