Julian Pleiness age 86 of Custer, Mi died Thursday, February 27, 2014 at home surrounded by her loving family. Julian was born on February 16, 1928 in Detroit, MI to the late Peter and Frances (Kobosh) Kriscunas. She married Harlan E. Pleiness on November 22, 1952 in Riverton, MI. She was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Scottville, lifetime member of the Michigan State Garden Club and 50+ member of the Mason County Garden Club. Was a showman/arranger in the Horticulture at the Western MI Fair for many years. A 4-H leader and member of the Bells and Beaux Square dance club. She loved and had a passion for painting Arabian Horses. Julian is survived by her Husband of 61 years: Harlan E. Pleiness of Custer, 2 Sons: Barry (Kathy) Pleiness of Scottville, MI & Dale (Julie) Pleiness of Scottville, MI. 1 Daughter: Sheri (Walter) Reed of Custer. 7 Grandchildren: Chad (Annika) Pleiness, Misty Pleiness, Erica (Rob) Smith III, Brian Pleiness, Julie Berndt, Gary Berndt and Peter Berndt. 2 Great Grandchildren: Isabella and Jenson Smith. 1 Sister: Cris Morse of Fountain. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Julian was preceded in death by parents and brother in-law: Frank […]
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Obit: Julian Pleiness, 86, Custer
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Obit: Chuck Clark, 85, Scottville
Charles L. “Chuck” Clark, aged 85, longtime resident of Scottville, died peacefully at his home on Sunday, March 2, 2014. Chuck was born on November 5, 1928 in Muskegon, the middle child of seven children born to William Roy and Agnes (Mahoney) Clark. As a boy, Chuck spent many summers in the Scottville area working on his uncle Fred Harjes’ farm, and formed many lasting friendships. Chuck was a veteran of World War II where he served as a paratrooper with the Army, and upon his discharge in 1948, returned to the Scottville area which he grew to love so much as a boy. In 1950, he married Darlene Harrell, and together they were the parents of Chuck Jr., Julie, Jean, Lorie, and Natalie. He later married Joyce Belke in 1985 at Our Savior Lutheran Church, which added three more children into his life – Lisa, Mark, and Heidi. Chuck worked as a Milkman for Hansen’s Dairy for 19 years where he was loved by his customers and especially their children. He would often give rides to the kids while on his route. Chuck felt a different calling in life and began a career in Real Estate working with Elliott Realtors, which later became Klemm – Elliott […]
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Obit: Gordon W. Schneider, 90, Irons
Gordon W. Schneider, aged 90 of Irons, passed away on Saturday, March 1, 2014 in Brethren. Gordon was born in Dorr, MI on January 19, 1924 to Lawrence and Helen (Schumacker) Schneider, and served his country during World War II with the Army. On August 23, 1947, he married Eunice Pickett at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Grand Rapids, and they celebrated 62 years together before Eunice preceded him in death in 2009. Gordon was a retiree of General Motors where he worked in maintenance repair at the Fisher Body plant until 1983. In his retirement, he was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church in Irons, was very active with the Peacock Senior Center, and loved to spend time hunting, fishing and playing cards. Along with his wife Eunice, he was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Earl Schneider. Gordon is survived by his two nieces, his cousin Clarence Schumaker of Byron Center, and his good friends Harry Mead and Barb and Paul Mayzes all of Irons. Funeral Mass will be celebrated for Gordon on Thursday, March 13 at 11:00 am at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Irons, with Rev. Dennis O’Donnell as celebrant. Burial will take place at Lakeview Cemetery […]
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Obit: Linda Conklin, 65, Ludington
Linda Conklin, age 65 of Ludington, passed away at home on March 12, 2014. She was born August 24, 1948, the daughter of Austin and Lilla Berry. Linda graduated from Chelmsford High School and went on to attend Bridgewater State University. She married Jack Conklin on October 9, 1968 in Naha, Okinawa. Linda was employed as a customer service representative for Smith & Eddy Insurance. She was a member of Lincoln Hills Golf Club and Emanuel Lutheran Church of Ludington. Linda enjoyed singing, golf, and spending time with her family. Her smile and infectious laugh will be missed by friends and family alike. She is survived by her husband, Jack Conklin; daughter, Heather (Steve Lohman); son, Brent (Molly) Conklin, grandsons, Charlie & Will Conklin; sister, Susan Pakula; and mother, Lilla Eaton. Linda was preceded in death by her father. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 15, 2014, at 11:00 AM at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Ludington. The family will receive friends Friday, March 14, 2014, at Oak Grove Funeral Home in Ludington from 4:00 – 6:00 PM and again at the church on Saturday one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, Harbor Hospice, or the charity […]
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Obit: Leslie M. Anderson, 86, Branch
Leslie M. Anderson, aged 86 of Branch, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at his home. Les was born on June 29, 1927 in Scottville, the only child of Martin Bernard and Nina (Edwards) Anderson, and served his country during World War II with the U.S. Army. On November 27, 1959 he married Phyllis Johnson in Charlevoix, and they celebrated 43 years together before Phyllis preceded him in death in 2002. Les wore many hats in his lifetime starting out as a farmer with his family, driving a milk truck for Andrulis Cheese, and bean truck for Rybycki’s, and was owner/operator of a logging company, sawmill, and trash collection service. Les served as a postal carrier in Mason County for over 21 years retiring in 1988. He enjoyed traveling, woodworking, camping and fishing, but loved spending time with his family and friends playing many different games or a good game of cards. Les will be greatly missed by Nina May (Curtis) Anderson, his children and their spouses Lowell and Liz Anderson of Reese, Cindy and Bruce Bosley of Branch, Ed and Michelle Anderson of Custer, Sandy and Wade Lovewell of Ludington, his stepchildren Sam (Cindy) […]
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Martha Ann Paulsen, aged 92 of Ludington
Martha Ann Paulsen, aged 92 of Ludington, longtime resident of Scottville, went quietly home to her Savior on Sunday, March 23, 2014 following a courageous fight with cancer. Martha was born on June 22, 1921 to Jesse and Dona (Sims) White at their home on Crowley Street in Scottville, 30 minutes after her twin sister Mary. She grew up in Scottville and Carr Settlement and graduated from Custer High School with the class of 1939. In 1941, she married Harry Paulsen from the Sugar Grove area, and they were together for 19 years. Martha was the owner of “Martha’s Place” restaurant on Main Street in Scottville in the 1970’s, and worked for Torfe Gedraitis at Laundryland for several years. She also worked as a home health aide for a few years. Martha loved gospel music and was part of a group who brought the Rebels Quartet to the Scottville Harvest Festival. The second generation of the group was the “Booth Brothers” whom Martha enjoyed watching grow up and rarely missed their concerts. Martha was a former member of the Scottville E.U.B Church, and the Scottville Bible Church, and was currently a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Scottville. She was preceded in death by her […]
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Obit: David E. Morton, Ludington
David E. Morton, aged 57 of Ludington, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, March 26, 2014. David was born on September 15, 1956 in West Virginia, and graduated from Mason County Central High School with the class of 1975. On December 10, 1998, he married Jessie (Peek) Mullins in Ludington and they have celebrated 15 years together. David worked with emergency services and security for Dow Chemical in Ludington for 17 years, retiring in 2001, and was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church. He served as President of the Mason-Lake camp of Gideon’s International, committed in his faith always looking for ways to reach the unsaved. David was an avid hunter and fisherman, and enjoyed listening to country and gospel music. As a woodworker, he made many beautiful pieces of furniture for his family and church. Always the outdoorsman, he especially liked to work with oak. Along with praising his God, David always found joy in the company of his family and friends. David will be greatly missed by his wife Jessie, children David (Becky) Mullins of Pentwater, Maxwell Mullins of Ludington, Robbie Ann (Jason) Hathaway of Ludington, Amanda Morton of DeWitt, and Aaron Morton of Arkansas, his grandchildren Wyatt Collins, Jayden […]
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Obit: Clara Stakenas, 85, Free Soil
Clara Rose (Froncek) Stakenas, 85, of Free Soil, Michigan, died Sunday, March 30, 2014, at Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids, surrounded by loving family. Born in Stronach, Michigan, on November 25, 1928, daughter of John and Lila (Kowalski) Froncek, she attended local schools. On September 2, 1950, she married Edward Stakenas at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manistee and moved to the Stakenas family farm in Free Soil where she milked cows beside her husband and family for forty years. She became secretary of Stakenas Farms, and she raised calves, cooked meals for farm staff, and helped grow the family business. She was a loving, supportive, and proud mother to her six children and perhaps her greatest sense of accomplishment was in having made sure all of her children had access to higher education at the college of their choice. Clara was an accomplished craftswoman, adept at crochet, embroidery, appliqué, and quilting, often making quilts as gifts for family and friends, including providing a quilt for each of her 18 grandchildren. Clara was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Custer, the Child Study Club, and the Ladies’ Aid Society. She was a 4-H Leader, a long-time sponsor […]
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Obit: Luella Mae Sanderso, 89, Ludington
Luella Mae Sanderson age 89 of Ludington, MI, passed away March 21, 2014 at home in Grand Rapids, MI. She was born September 12, 1924 in Clare, MI the daughter of the late Ben and Lulu Henry. She married Robert (Bob) John Sanderson on November 25, 1957 in Grand Rapids, MI. Luella was a home maker, and enjoyed gardening, fishing and mushroom hunting. She spent the last year of her life in the loving care of her daughter Alena, son-in-law Scott Eggleston and grandson Jason LaMont in their home in Grand Rapids, MI. Luella was truly loved by family and friends and will be greatly missed. She is survived by a son; Gale Rouse of Jackson, MI, daughter; Alena (Scott) Eggleston of Grand Rapids, MI, step-son; Edward Sanderson, step-daughter; Diane Sanderson, brother; Dean Henry, sister; Susan Weage, 17 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and other family members. Luella is preceded in death by her husband; Robert (Bob) John Sanderson, daughter; Joyce Prys, step-daughter; Linda Herban, daughter-in-law; Judy Rouse, 3-sisters, and 5-brothers. A memorial service will be heldSaturday April 5, 2014 at 1:30 PM at Oak Grove Funeral Home in Ludington. Final internment will take place at South Victory Cemetery in […]
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Obit: Jacie McGee, 60
Jacie McGee, 60, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 30, 2014. She was born on January 1, 1954 in Roseville, Mi as the first baby of the New Year to William and Esther Harder. Jacie grew up in Utica Mi. where she graduated from Utica High School in 1972. After high school, she proudly served in the US Navy. Jacie married Jim McGee on April 28, 1979 in Lake Orion, Mi. Jacie and Jim had two children James and Jason. She loved spending time with family and friends, and filled her free time with loving the outdoors. Jackie was preceded in death by her mother Esther Ross. Jacie is survived by her spouse Jim McGee of Irons, Mi; her sons James McGee (Rachael) of Fountain, Mi, Jason McGee (Denise) of North Branch, Mi; Her brother Scott Harder, sisters Debbie (Harry) Ellison, Jo Harder, and Linda (Larry) Lewis, her grandchildren Justin Hamilton, Kenneth Hamilton, Mathew Hamilton, MacKenzie Norton, Aaron Barkley, Nathan Barkley, and Connor McGee; and many great grand children, nieces, nephews and other relatives. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at 1pm on Saturday April 5, 2014 at the Amvets of Baldwin, 1959 W 24 Rd, Baldwin MI. The family will be greeting friends and relatives at 12:00. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to Cancer Society. The family has entrusted […]
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Obit: Mabel Tallquist, 96, Custer
Mabel M. Tallquist, aged 96 of Custer, passed away peacefully surrounded by her children on Wednesday, April 2, 2014. Mabel was born on August 29, 1917 in Branch to Frank L. and Frances (Tyndall) Miller, and graduated from Scottville High School with the class of 1936. On September 30, 1937 she married Francis Tallquist and they celebrated 47 years together before Francis preceded her in death in 1984. Mabel worked many years on the canning line for Stokely’s both in Scottville and Hart, and had been a member of the Fern Community Club. She loved to spend time gardening and caring for her pets, especially her cats, but her greatest joy came in the presence of her family. Along with her husband Francis, Mabel was preceded in death by her parents, her son-in-law Charles Switkovitz, her little sister Carol Miller, her sister Vera Peterson and husband Frank, her brother Robert Miller and wife Lucille, and her sister-in-law Joan Miller. Mabel will be lovingly remembered by her children Carol Switkovitz of Custer, David Tallquist and wife Janice of Rothbury, Ellen Shoup and husband David, and Ronald Tallquist all of Custer, her grandchildren Linda Soblewski and her companion Tim Stargaard of Scottville, Charles and Lisa […]
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Obit: Arthur Sniegowski, 84, Ludington
Arthur (Art) Sniegowski age 84 of Ludington passed away peacefully on April 10, 2014, at Ludington Woods Living Center surrounded by his family. Art was born on January 22, 1930 to Mr. & Mrs. Stanley (Clara) Sniegowski. Art and Jerry (Geraldine Cartier) who were high-school sweethearts graduated from St. Simon High School in 1948. The couple married on May 14, 1949 at St. Simon Catholic Church and celebrated their 64th Wedding Anniversary. Jerry preceded Art in death eight months ago on August 12, 2013. Art was a certified welder at Dow Chemical Co. retiring as a Supervisor in 1985. Art and Jerry were more than a couple; they were best friends, soul mates and traveling companions. The couple drove to Las Vegas every winter for 8 years, playing bingo and making close friends who showed them the beautiful sites of the area. Art and Jerry moved to Ludington Woods Assisted Living Center in 2012. While living there they formed new friends and called the staff their extended family. A special visitor was his brother Ron’s little dog Oliver, who always found his own way to the apartment. Art loved to feed the squirrels and little birds at Ludington Woods […]
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Obit: Robert Garth Bahr, 68, Free Soil
Robert Garth Bahr, aged 68 of Free Soil, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, April 11, 2014. Robert was born on June, 23, 1945 in Ludington to Robert Andrew and Helen Victoria (Johnson) Bahr, and graduated from Mason County Central High School with the class of 1964. Robert served his country during the Vietnam Conflict with the US Army, and was a retiree of Martin-Marietta in Manistee after 35 years of employment. In his retirement, Robert like to work on his many tractors, spend time hunting, and especially enjoyed being in the company of his beloved family. Robert will be greatly missed by his wife of 35 years, Barbara (Dust), his children Linda Robbins of Hart, Robbie Vincent Bahr, and Ann (Jon) Johnson all of Ludington, 6 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, his parents Robert and Helen Bahr of Pentwater, his brothers Wayne (Debbie) Bahr, and David (Judy) Bahr all of Custer, his sister Judith (Mark) Nichols of Scottville, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Funeral services will be held for Robert at 2:00 pm on Monday, April 21 at the Stephens Funeral Home in Scottville, with the Rev. Mick Shriver of Emanuel Lutheran Church in Ludington officiating. Burial will follow at Center Riverton Cemetery. Friends may meet with […]
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Obit: Jeannette ‘Mickey’ Belke, 82, Scottville
Jeannette “Mickey” (Budreau) Belke, aged 82 of Scottville, passed away on Friday, April 18, 2014. Mickey was called to her heavenly home and was gathered up in the loving arms of Jesus, whom she so much loved. Mickey was born on January 4, 1932 in Ludington, the beloved daughter of Joseph and Regina (Maternowski) Betka, and graduated from St. Simon School with the class of 1950. She married James Budreau and together they operated Mobil Oil Company located in Ludington’s 4th ward until James was involved in a car accident and preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by their only child Diana Lynn Tenney a few years later, who also died as a result of a car accident. Mickey married Thomas Belke in 1987 and they have celebrated 26 blessed years by each other’s side. Mickey also worked at the Mitchell-Bentley Company in Ludington, but was known more as a Home Interiors representative for many years. She loved to spend time gardening and being outdoors mushrooming, fishing for bullheads, camping, and deer hunting. She could often be heard playing her organ for her family, usually a good polka for them to dance too, or telling one of her famous stories. Mickey was such a […]
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Obit: Betty L. Lundquist, 93; a Scottville business leader
Betty L. Lundquist, aged 93 of Scottville, passed away on Sunday, April 20, 2014 Easter morning at Oakview Medical Care Facility in Ludington. Betty was born in Ludington on April 1, 1921, the daughter of Maurice and Mary (Hutchinson) LaBar. She grew up on the family farm just outside of Ludington, graduated from Ludington High School with the class of 1939, and has been active and enjoyed the many class reunions she attended throughout the years. On August 1, 1939 she married Carl Emery Lundquist, and they celebrated 25 years together. Carl operated Lundquist Furniture in downtown Scottville. Betty has been retired for over 33 years from the store, but we should not forget the business leader she became after Carl preceded her in death in 1964. She took over operating the family business following his death, at a time when she did not know much about the business. Not many women were the successful entrepreneurs like she was in the 1960’s. Her hard work and vision of a bigger and better furniture store made Lundquist Furniture what it is today. Alongside of her running the business, Betty made a priority to give back to her community. No matter how hard times would get, she felt it was her […]
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Obit: Ardith Brown, 89, Irons
Ardith M. Brown aged 89 of Irons, passed away on Saturday, April 19, 2014 at Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital. Ardith was born on January 23, 1925 to Fred G. and Maude (Lemon) Anthony, graduated from Bryan, Ohio High School and married Richard Brown on September 19, 1942 in Montpelier, Ohio. They celebrated 55 years together before Richard preceded her in death on January 14, 1998. She was a member of Faith Fellowship Church in Irons, enjoyed bowling, working in her garden, and spent many hours on the lakes fishing with Richard. Following Richard’s death, she looked forward to her lunch dates with her friends. Along with her husband, Ardith was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Charles, Orville, and Chester Anthony, and her sister Marjorie Schad. She will be greatly missed by her sons Ron and Pam Brown of Irons, Don and Julie Brown of Albrightsville, PA, her grandchildren Wendy Morrow of Bradenton, FL, Amanda (Scott) Mast of Custer, Kristin (Jon) Tanner of Hesperia, Katie Brown of Hulett, Wyoming, and Leslie Brown of Albrightsville, her great-grandchildren Anthony Morrow, Alex Morrow, Alli Mast, Riley Mast, Marcy Tanner, and Jared Tanner, her sisters-in-law Barb and Lee Allman of Springfield, TN, and Jeanine and Roger Houk […]
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Obit: Douglas Ray Chamber, 78, Walhalla
Douglas Roy Chambers, aged 78 of Walhalla, died peacefully at his home on Wednesday, April 23, 2014. Douglas was born on December 23, 1935 in Detroit, the son of Arthur and Margaret (Dorr) Chambers and served in the US Army prior to the Vietnam Conflict. He was a retiree of Ludington Concrete after 28 years of service to the company. Douglas will be lovingly remembered by his beloved wife Lori (Streb), his loving children Joyce and Dennis Greene of Ludington, and Darrel Chambers of Grand Rapids, his grandchildren Rose, Tony, Cassandra, and Paul, and his nieces and nephews. Douglas was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Robert and Richard. Private Family services are being held and burial will take place at Tallman Cemetery in Branch Township. Those who wish to make memorial contributions are asked to consider Heartland Hospice or a Charity of the Donor’s Choice. www.stephensfuneralhome.net
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Obit: Dick Smith, 91, Scottville
Richard M. “Dick” Smith, aged 91 of Scottville, passed away Monday, May 12, 2014 at Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital. Dick was born on April 15, 1923 in Fountain, the son of George and Mabel (Nash) Smith, and served his country during World War II with the US Army in the European Theatre. Throughout his life, he worked various jobs, including hauling milk for Hansen’s Evergreen Dairy, and for many years as a mechanic for Mason County Central Schools at the Bus Garage. Dick coached Little League Baseball, played and coached Men’s Softball and was recently honored for his years of coaching. He was a Life Member of the Custer Gold Bar VFW Post 5096, his second home, where he was a Past Commander, organized the Honor Guard detail, and was the chief fix-it guy for the club. If something needed to be done or organized, Dick was always ready to help. He was an avid pool player and belonged to the Senior Traveling League in Ludington, Scottville, and Tallman, and was a master craftsman woodworker, blessing his family and friends with his works of art. When not at the VFW, or playing pool, Dick could usually be found at home, working on one of his beloved Ford […]
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Obit: Jeanette Petersen, 95, Ludington
Jeanette Eleanor Petersen, aged 95 of Ludington, died on Sunday, May 11, 2014. The seventh of eleven children, Jeanette was born to Anton and Jennie (Olsen) Pederson on January 15, 1919 in Washburn, Wisconsin. When her family moved to the Ludington area, she attended Eagle School where she met her husband, George. Together they built both their home and their business, Petersen’s Furniture. An artist throughout her life, Jeanette learned the interior decorating trade through correspondence classes, but truly honed her bold and colorful style by decorating many homes in Ludington and nearly every cottage in Epworth. Jeanette’s passions were for painting, gardening and her many pets. She was also a voracious reader and bridge player. With her inimitable fashion sense, Jeanette will always be remembered for standing out in a crowd. Jeanette is survived by her children George (Kathryn) Petersen of Ludington, Pamela (Robert) Petersen-Christner of Henderson, NV, and Craig Petersen of Ludington; her grandchildren, Wendy (Kevin) Healy of Ludington, Polly (Tim) Myer of Ludington, and Heidi Nagel (Michael Maksymetz) of Lowell; her great-grandchildren Taylor, Sierra, Aubrey, Christopher and George; her sister Lilian (Donald) Keating of Ludington; and many nieces and nephews around the country. Her husband of 68 […]
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Obit: Mary Shoup, 76, Custer
Mary Gertrude Shoup, aged 76 of Custer passed away unexpectedly at Noon on Friday, May 16, 2014 at her rural Custer home. Mary was born on September 23, 1937, the fourth of eight children to William and Louisa (VorderLandwehr) Shoup at their home near Custer. Though afflicted with polio at a young age, it did not prevent her from a life-long interest in education and music. Mary was educated at Ludington St. Simon, Weldon Creek, and Walhalla, and Custer Elementary schools, and graduated from Scottville High School with the class of 1957. She then graduated from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Elementary Education. Her entire career of 35 years was teaching elementary students at Mason County Eastern School in Custer. Mary was a member of the Shoup Family Singers, a popular acapella singing family of the 1940’s, 50’s and early 60’s in throughout west Michigan. They had a weekly radio show and were on numerous television shows and regular entertainers at area gatherings. While singing together, they were guests on National TV from New York City, National Radio from Chicago, and performed concerts in mid-western cities. Mary played the flute for the Grand Rapids Symphonette in the late 1950’s as well. In […]
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