Neil (Jeff) Jefferies, age 85 of Cedar Creek Township, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2020 at home with his family by his side. The family would like to thank Spectrum Health Hospice and Dr. Ceton for all of their care. Jeff was born in Portland, Oregon to William K. & Margaret (Rose) Jefferies on November 26, 1934. Jeff graduated from Cleveland High School in Oregon, and from Muskegon Community College. He was a US Army Veteran of the Korean War. Jeff had owned many businesses including accounting, Jeff’s Tire Barn, J.T.B. Trucking, and J.T.B. Surplus. He enjoyed hunting & fishing. Jeff leaves his wife of 63 years, Betty; son, Bill & Kris Jefferies; daughters: Barb & Bob Scott, Brenda & Dennis Bean; grandchildren: Geoff & Jessica, Jordan & Billy, Ashton & Jimmy; great grandchildren: Emrey, Josey, Hadley, Will, Braley, River, & one on the way; step-grandchildren: Trevor & Kiernan & Family, Tristan & Lisa & Family, Alyssa & Josh & Family, Kim & Family, Kraig & Family, Kari & Marc & Family, Kassi & Tony & Family; sister, Mariann & Chan; brothers: Kenny, Jack & Donna; sisters-in-law: Mary Ann Jefferies, Donna Hardy, Linda Parrish & Rick; and many nieces & nephews. Jeff was preceded in death by his mother & father, brother Bill in 2020, and grandson Keith in 2006. According to his wishes, cremation has taken place and because of current restrictions related to COVID-19 concerning social distancing, a gathering will be held at a later date. You can sign the online guest book at www.kroeze-wolffis.com. Arrangements are by Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home, Inc. of Fremont.
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John Herman Burgess of Bridgeton, MI passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at his home on the Muskegon River surrounded by loving family members. John was born on March 24, 1929 in Muskegon, MI to John and Ange Burgess. After graduating from Muskegon High School, he married his high school sweetheart Alvena Rufener in 1950. They moved to Fremont, MI with their young family in 1957 and established Burgess Eggs, Inc., which they successfully ran for 30 years. John lived his life dedicated to four things: faith, family, friends and fishing. He was a lifelong member of the Reformed Church of America and a founding member of The Church of the Living Christ, RCA in Fremont, MI. He was a devoted family man, a loyal friend to many, and an avid fisherman. One of his greatest pleasures was to host his “famous” fish frys or chicken barbeques at the river for family, friends, and church members. John is survived by his children Robin (John) Rolph of Middletown, MD; David (Cherie) Burgess of Yankeetown, FL; Gayle (Dan) Moon of Fremont, MI; and Brian (Julie) Burgess of Houston, TX; 8 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, 3 great, great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Adele Nicholes, his brother Rodg Burgess (Marlene Gilliland), sisters-in-law Alice Rufener, Carol Wilbrandt Roberts, Darlene Wilbrandt and numerous nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his wife of 60 years Alvena, his grandson Lance Moon, and his brother Carl Burgess. Special thanks to all who assisted in his care at Green Acres in Fremont and to those with Grace Hospice at his home on the river. Due to the current Coronavirus Pandemic, John will be laid to rest next to his wife Alvena with a small, private graveside ceremony to be held at the Bridgeton Township Cemetery. A celebration of John’s life will be held at a later time to be announced. The family has suggested Grace Hospice and the Church of the Living Christ Endowment Fund at the Fremont Area Community Foundation (FACF) for anyone wishing to contribute to a memorial for John. Grace Hospice address is: 3355 Eagle Park Drive, NE, Suite 102, Grand Rapids, MI 49525. The Fremont Area Community Foundation will match contributions when designating “In memory of John Burgess” for the Church of the Living Christ Endowment Fund on your check or on-line. FACF checks can be mailed to FACF, 4424 West 48th Street, Fremont, MI 49412. Arrangements by Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home, Inc. www.kroeze-wolffis.com Mrs. Nellie Elizabeth Thenikl, age 102, passed away on Monday, April 20, 2020 at her daughter Rosanne’s home. She was born on January 19, 1918 in Wataga, Illinois to Joseph & Mary (Duvall) Brown. Nellie had helped with farming, and she had worked at Gerber Products Company as well as at Duffy-Motts Canning Factory in Bailey, Michigan. She was a crafty person and made plaques, statues, macramé, wood carvings, oil paintings and more. Nellie was also a member of St. Bartholomew Catholic Church in Newaygo. On March 4, 1937 she married Henry A. Thenikl, Sr. and he preceded her in death on May 21, 1996. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Mary Katherine Thenikl in 1943; by her son, Henry Thenikl, Jr. in 2002; by her brother, James Brown; and by her sister, Alice Boehle. Nellie is survived by 6 children: Larry J. (Linda, deceased) Thenikl, Marlene A. (Dan) Brooks, William J. (Barbara) Thenikl, Dennis D. Thenikl, Rosanne K. (Milton, deceased) Bazinau, Kathleen E. (Don) Vanderwall; daughter-in-law, Lorraine Thenikl; 25 grandchildren, 58 great grandchildren, & 15 great-great grandchildren. Due to the current restrictions related to COVID-19 concerning social distancing, private family services will be held, and a Memorial Mass will be held at a later date. Interment will be at St Bartholomew Catholic Cemetery in Newaygo. Suggested Memorial: St. Bartholomew Catholic Church. You can sign the online guest book at www.kroeze-wolffis.com. Arrangements are by Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home, Inc. of Fremont. Mr. Andrew J. “Andy” Twork, age 59, passed away on Tuesday morning, April 21, 2020 at his home after a short battle with cancer. He was born on January 14, 1961 in Muskegon, Michigan to Leo & Anna (Graham) Twork, Sr. Andy retired as a purchasing agent from the City of Muskegon Department of Public Works after 25 years of employment. He enjoyed camping, cooking, and riding ATVs and snowmobiles. He was a life member of the Michigan Snowmobile Association, and he was a writer for the Michigan Snowmobiler Magazine. On October 10, 1981 Andy married Rose M. Newcomb and she survives him along with 2 children: Marianne (Kimberly) Twork of Grand Rapids, Andre (Ariana) Marcato of Joinville, Brazil; his loyal dogs, George & Henry; 1 sister, Jean (Ron) Blauwkamp of Grand Rapids; 3 brothers: Leo Michael (Judy) Twork, Jr. of Cedar Springs, John Twork of Florida, Patrick (Laurel) Twork of Zeeland; brother-in-law, Claud (Linda) Newcomb of Urbana, Indiana; sister-in-law, Sandy (Jim) Mason of Fremont; and by many nieces, nephews, & special friends. Andy was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law, Judy Twork; brother-in-law, Richard Allen Newcomb; and nephew, Peter W. Newcomb. According to Andy’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life will take place at a later date. Suggested Memorials: Harbor Hospice or The American Cancer Society. You can sign the online guest book at www.kroeze-wolffis.com. Arrangements are by Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home, Inc. of Fremont. |