Theresa “Terri” Marie Bremmer, 65 of Howard City, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, September 9, 2021. Terri was born on July 8, 1956, the daughter of Rex A. Bremmer and Jacqueline (Gustinis) Bremmer. Terri was preceded in death by her mother, Jacqueline Bremmer; sister, Pamela Bremmer, and brother, Rex Bremmer. After their mother’s death Pam, Rex and Terri grew up, from a young age, in their father’s home with step-mother Arlene (Castle) Butler, who survives. Terri is also survived by her father Rex A. (Kathy) Bremmer; sister, Tracy (Kim) Nagelhout; brother, Ross (Evie) Bremmer and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Terri was a woman with a big heart and always willing to help others. She endured a lifetime of health problems starting with diabetes at age four. When her kidneys failed she received the awesome gift of a kidney from her sister Tracy, which afforded her many more years of life. Terri was a hard worker and well known in the community through her working years at the Wooden Nickel store in Sand Lake. She dearly loved her animals and left behind several adored dogs and cats. A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, September 17, 2021 at the Reynolds Township Cemetery, Howard City, Michigan. The family suggests memorial contributions may be given in Terri’s name to the American Diabetes Association or the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan – Grand Rapids Branch.
Lester Otto Ridgeway age 89 of Sand Lake died Sunday, September 5, 2021 at Spectrum Health Butterworth. Lester was born July 1, 1932 in Tyrone Township, MI the son of Otto and Mildred (Hawley) Ridgeway. He served in the United States Army. Les enjoyed hunting and fishing with friends and family. The family would like to thank the special people who took care of him in recent years. Surviving are his children, Brenda Ridgeway, Gordon (Patty) Ridgeway, Kay Ridgeway, Ridge Ridgeway; grandchildren, Jennifer Merlington, Kyler (Audrey) Ridgeway, Jacob Ridgeway, Justice List; sister-in-law, Alice Sluiger; brother-in-law, Jerry Bergman. He was preceded in death by his wives, Mary Reed Ridgeway and Shelby Ridgeway. Per his wishes cremation has taken place and there will be no services.
Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home Cedar Springs
Randy Rex Barnum, Jr. age 47 of Sand Lake died Saturday, September 4, 2021 at Metro Health University of Michigan. He was born October 21, 1973 in East Grand Rapids the son of Randy and Nancy (Russo) Barnum, Sr. Randy worked at Magna World Wide for 10 years and held a patent. He enjoyed being with family and friends. Randy liked camping, farming, old cars, country music, Elvis, and karaoke. He was always helping anyone in need. Surviving are his wife Jackie; mother, Nancy; children, Nathan, Nick, Katie (Greg Nelson) Herman, Rebecca (Harry) Mulligan, Tyler Herman; siblings, Sherri (Jason) Hall, Joshua (Cassie) Barnum; nieces and nephews, Madelynn and Katherine Foster, Isabel and Levi Barnum; grandchildren, Abigal, Hannah, James, Isabell, Jordan, Jerry, Mikeal; several aunts, uncles, cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Randy; grandparents, Harry and Lois Barnum, Joseph Russo; cousins, Carl Russo, Jr. and Joseph Henry Russo, Jr. The family will greet friends 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Thursday September 9 at Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs, where the funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, September 10 with visitation at 10 a.m. Rev. Fr. Lam Lee, officiating. Interment East Nelson Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to North Kent Connect 10075 Northland Dr. NE Rockford, MI 49341.
Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs
Joan Cline of Mt. Pleasant passed away after a short illness, September 4, 2021, at the age of 69. Joan was born in Mt. Pleasant, MI, February 19, 1952, the daughter of Robert and Jennie (Otto) Bruner. She worked for Michigan Indian Employment and Training Services as an employment assistant. In 2012, she married the love of her life, Steve Cline. Joan was a proud member of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and visiting the nearest casino! The sun rose and set on her grandchildren and whenever ending a conversation with them she always said, “Love You More.!” She will be deeply missed. Joan is survived by her daughter, Louanna Bruner (Tim Mills); grandchildren, Scott (Angie Brown) Sheahan, Tyrone Rios Jr., Jenna Rios; step-grandson, Alec Mills; several nieces and nephews; sister, Roberta (Jerilyn) Bruner. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Steve Cline; siblings, Rosemary Neyome, Virgina Snyder, Shirley Rodriguez, Margaret Saboo and Norman Neyome. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Charles R. Lux Funeral Home, 2300 S. Lincoln Rd. Mt. Pleasant, MI, on September 10, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. with visitation taking place one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Isabella County Soup Kitchen.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids and the Charles R. Lux Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant. To leave online condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Gregory S. Earhart age 64 of Cedar Springs, passed away on Friday September 3, 2021. Greg was born August 27, 1957 in Grand Rapids MI the son of Edward and Marcia (Page) Earhart. Surviving are sons, Nick (Katie), Jesse and TJ; grandsons, Dominic and Lucas. Greg was a cat lover, jokester, avid golfer and loved his membership and friends at the Sparta Moose Lodge. Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 11 at Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Family will greet friends at 10:30 a.m. Pastor Dick Riley officiating. Reception following at the Sparta Moose Lodge. Memorial contributions may be made to Kindred Hospice 625 Kenmoor Ave. SE #115 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 or American Institute for Cancer Research P.O. Box 97167 Washington, D.C. 20090.
Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs
Charles J. Scheidel age 83 of Cedar Springs, died Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at his home. Mr. Scheidel was born June 8, 1938 in Alpine Township, MI the son of Charles A. and Anne (Abraham) Scheidel. He served in the U.S. Army from 1955-57 and retired from McInerney Spring & Wire in 1991 after 30 years of service. He was a member of the American Legion Post 123 and a life member of the AmVets. Surviving are his wife, Donna (Finkler); children, Annette (Alan) Mongar, Shelly (Paul) Bowerman, Mike Scheidel, Charles A. Scheidel; grandchildren, Branden Mongar, Abbey Dunmire, Paul Bowerman, Michael (Katie) Scheidel, Kaylynn (Alex) McKinley, Charles R. Scheidel, Madison Scheidel, Jesse Trader, Sheryl Spedoske; 3 great-grandchildren; brothers, Robert Scheidel, Daniel (Norma) Scheidel; sisters, Ellen Witte, Mary Esther (Larry) Karntz; in-laws, Jerry Finkler, Ron (Rose) Finkler, Marilyn (Bob) Bacon, Karen (Jim) Heidenga, Arlene Hubert, Jane (Doug) Vogel; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Molly Bekins and Jeanne Weeda; brother, Tim Scheidel. The family greeted friends Monday, September 6 at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Mass of Christian Burial was Tuesday, September 7, at St. John Paul II Catholic Church, Cedar Springs. Rev. Fr. Lam Le celebrant. Interment Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery, Alpine Township. Memorials may be made to St. John Paul II or St. Ann’s in Baldwin.
Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs
Alva James Hyrns passed away early morning August 31, 2021. He was born September 16, 1935, to Carlton and Ruby (Ellsworth) Hyrns in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Alva married is wife Donna (Spring) on September 18, 1952. He worked in the logging industry for over 60 years. Alva was preceded in death by both parents, Carlton and Ruby; brother, Benjamin; sisters, Kathleen & Arlene; and son, Robert. He leaves behind his wife, Donna; sister, Ella Donna Myers; daughter, Sandra Seppi; son, Rex (Mary) Hyrns; grandchildren, Rex (Rachel) Hyrns, Jamie (Chad) Johnson, Carl (Kate) Hyrns, Samantha Hyrns, Chad (Stephanie) Gillespie, and Becky Moore. Alva also leaves behind many great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy are encouraged to make a memorial contribution to the Michigan Horsepulling Boat Association, 17477 Yankee Rd. Morley, MI 49336 or to West Michigan Draft Horse Club. Alva’s funeral was celebrated on Saturday, September 11, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. following a one-hour visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Howard City Funeral and Cremation Services, 225 E. Edgerton Street, Howard City, MI 49329. Alva was laid to rest at Crandall Cemetery in Sand Lake. A luncheon followed at Ensley Township Hall at 2:00 p.m.
Arrangements by Howard City Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Howard City
Mrs. Shirley Ann Fisk, age 84, of Cedar Springs, passed away on Sunday, August 29, 2021. She was born on March 4, 1937, to Floyd and Lottie (Osburn) Heiss in Ensley Township, MI. Besides taking care of the family for her many years, she also was a housekeeper for Metron of Cedar Springs, formerly known as Cedar Care Center and was also a factory worker for Keeler Brass and Byrne Electrical Specialist. She married James Fisk on August 4, 1956, at the Solon Church on Algoma Avenue. From the age of three, she attended the South Ensley United Methodist Church with her mother and continued that tradition for many years. Over the past few years, she also joined Red Pine Bible Church and was active in both. She was an avid listener of Christian music especially the Gaithers. She also enjoyed the group Alabama. But if she had to choose, she would pick, listening to her grandson KJ the most. Her passions included gardening, canning, and playing corn hole. But her favorite of all was being with her family and playing games with the grandkids. She is survived by her husband James Fisk; daughter, Sharon VanSchuur; son, Jim (Annetta) Fisk; daughter, Ruth (Stanley) Bartlett; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter; sister, Bonnie Hyde. She was preceded in death by son-in-law, Gary VanSchuur, son-in-law, Donald Caldwell; her parents and ten siblings. Visitation was held Thursday, September 2, 2021, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford, Michigan. Funeral services were held on Thursday, September 2, 2021, 1:00 p.m. at the Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe St., Rockford, Michigan, with Pastor Rick Miller, officiating. Burial was made in the Crandall Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society 129 Jefferson Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Please share your memories of Shirley online at www.plaisierfuneral.com.
Erwin Lester Smith, 91, of Corunna, formerly of Sand Lake, passed away at Memorial Healthcare on Sunday, August 29, 2021. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 2, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. at the Calvary Baptist Church, 650 W. South St. Owosso. Pastor Donald Fields will officiate, and burial will follow in Pine Tree Cemetery in Corunna. The Smith family received friends at Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, Jennings-Lyons Chapel, on Wednesday, September 1, 2021. Erwin was born on December 24, 1929, in Grand Rapids, Michigan to the late Fred and Olivia (Backus) Smith. After high school he served his country faithfully in the United States Army during the Korean War, and on July 5, 1952, he married Sarah Louise Larkin and together they raised five children. Erwin graduated from Davenport College with a degree in accounting; he spent most of his working career at General Motors. He was very proud of the fact that he grew up on a farm, he loved to tend to his garden and spend time outdoors. He loved spending time with his family and going out to eat, especially for breakfast. Erwin is survived by his children, Sharon (Randy) Jensen, of Owosso, Christine Allen, of Henderson, and Stephen (Karen) Smith, of St. Augustine, FL; his 13 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; his brother, Kenneth (Lois) Smith, and his sisters, Lorna (Richard) Holbrook, and Lorraine Pratt, and his son in-law, Dwayne Nixon. He was predeceased by his wife, Sarah in 2009; his son, John, in 2013; his daughter, Karen Nixon in 2019 and his brother, Leslie Smith. Memorial contributions in Erwin’s name are suggested to the Calvary Baptist Church. Online condolences can be shared at WatkinsFuneralHomes.com.
Arrangements by Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, Jennings-Lyons Chapel, Owosso
Dermand Duane Anderson, age 83, of Sand Lake MI passed away surrounded by his family on August 28, 2021. He was born on Christmas day in 1937 and grew to become a dedicated brother, husband, father, grandfather, friend and overall amazing man. He was an avid sportsman and especially loved hunting and fishing. He retired from General Motors of Alpine after 30 years of service as a skilled welder. He started the family company Anderson’s Heating and then went on to own the Sand Lake Party Store. He built and remodeled homes, including the home he built for him and his family that they have lived in for the past 64 years. He was a member of the Sand Lake Eagles. He is survived by Marilyn (Newton) Anderson, his loving wife of 64 years. He is also survived by his sister, Joyce (Denny) Habel; children, Dean (Julie) Anderson, Teresa (Joe) Hoffman, Bruce (Laurie) Anderson, Randy (Deanna) Anderson; 7 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Blanche (Davis) Blow and his grandson Brant Anderson. A celebration of life will be held at his home (18202 – 22 Mile Road, Sand Lake MI) on Saturday, September 4th from 1- 4 p.m.
