Mr. John Harvey Crawford , 79, of White Cloud, Michigan was born April 17, 1941 and passed away on Sunday, June 21, 2020 of natural causes at his home. He was preceded in death by his wife of 37 years , Sandra Crawford, in 1998. Surviving family members are his children, Kristine (Jim) Slusser of Easley, SC. Mark (Darla) Crawford of Coloma, MI. His Grandchildren, Joel (Chelsea) Slusser, Jared (Avery) Slusser, Josh Slusser, Jase Slusser all of SC, Shawn (Jessica) Crawford, Stefannie (Patrick) Whitlatch, Brittany (Liam) Lash of MI and 11 great-grandkids. John H. Crawford was a wonderful Husband, Father and Grandfather and bragged about his family to anyone that would listen. He was a Navy vet and loved his country. His career was in Education starting out teaching high school but retiring at the college level as he thought teaching 9th grade girls was like trying to herd cats. He was a teller of tales and jokes and played practical jokes on people that have been talked about for years. He could play a mean banjo and whistle any tune. Give him a piece of wood and he could carve a masterpiece or a sought after walking stick. He never met a stranger and a friend was a friend for life. He’d even pass out his homemade business cards and if you received one, you would know that he could leap tall buildings in a single bound. We called him Dad, Pop, big Pop, Grandpa, Big Papa, JC, Not Ron and The Old Man. He enjoyed teasing the grandkids and would tell them, “Call me Uncle, people are listening! He taught his Children and Grandchildren to fish, hunt, tie flies, carve and shoot guns just to name a few. He enjoyed trading nickels with grandkids, making simple bets on the first or largest fish, or who would win the next ball game. If he lost, you were told that he wouldn’t be able to eat that week. He belonged to many gun clubs and could shoot a bullseye or explode an egg on any given day (except when he used the excuse of too much wind, of course). He had many words of advice for anyone that would listen, said that life was too short for bad coffee and in life you can choose to laugh or cry, and life is more fun when you laugh! The most important wisdom he parted was “Family and Friends come First” and he lived his daily life that way. He was a great Man and will be missed by many. A private celebration of life will be held on Sunday, June 28th. Memorial Donations in his name can be made to: Benefit4kids, 21660 23 Mile Road, Macomb, MI 48044 (B4K.org), or Twin Lake Gun Club, P.O. Box 91, Twin Lake, MI 49457 (twinlakegunclub.com). You can sign the online guest book at www.kroeze-wolffis.com. Arrangements are by Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home, Inc. of Fremont.
0 Comments
Mary Lee (Kraley) Thompson, age 78 of Hesperia, passed away early Friday morning, June 19, 2020 in Hesperia. She was born on March 3, 1942 in Fremont, Michigan to Frederick and Vera Lee (Rumsey) Kraley. She graduated from Grand Valley State to begin her teaching career of 30 years at Hesperia Elementary School as a first-grade teacher, retiring in 2006. She was a member of the MEA Retired, a Hesperia Beautification volunteer, and a member at Reeman Christian Reformed Church. She enjoyed gardening, bird watching, cooking, and baking cakes from scratch. After her retirement, she enjoyed her time volunteering for Hesperia and Grant Public Schools, with many days helping in her daughter Mrs. Flauaus' classroom. She was preceded in death by her parents, granddaughter, Kelsey Michelle Martin. Mary Lee is survived by 4 children: Candace (HJ) Flauaus, Peggy (Kenneth) Muckey, Raymond (Marilyn) Thompson, Michael (Kathleen) Thompson; 12 grandchildren: Ashley (Jason) Thompson, Brittany (Mike) Escalante, Betty Jo (Andy) Carter, Kara Jo Martin, Joanie (Christopher) Booher, Clinton (Fiancé, Jennifer) Muckey, Lindsey (Gerald) Walker, Megan (Adam) Teall, Amanda (Dr. Aaron) Thatcher, Craig (Dr. Emily) Thompson, Amanda (Robert) Merrill, Sarah (Fiancé, AJ) Stoerman; 17 great grandchildren; 4 siblings: Frederick John (Cheryl) Kraley, Thomas (Sara) Kraley, Richard (Jean) Kraley, Jane (Jerry, deceased) Wolfsen; and one Aunt, Helen ‘Tous’ (Harold) Smith. A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 25, 2020 at West Hesperia Cemetery. Due to COVID-19 concerns, those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to wear masks, observe strict social distancing guidelines, and bring your own lawn chair. For those who are unable to attend, a full video of the graveside service will be available on the Kroeze-Wolffis website on June 26, 2020. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Alzheimer’s Association (http://www.alz.org/gmc/) or Tamarac Alzheimer’s Support Group (https://tamaracwellness.org/community-health/support-groups/). You are encouraged to sign the online guestbook at https://www.kroeze-wolffis.com/. Arrangements are by Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home, Inc. of Fremont. Ivan R. Carson, age 72 of Hesperia, passed away Thursday, June 11, 2020 at the Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus in Grand Rapids. Ivan was born on August 24, 1947 in Fremont to George Washington and Gertrude May (Roberson) Carson and graduated from Hesperia High School in 1965. Ivan has been a lifelong resident of the Hesperia area and married Alice Fowler on May 14, 1969 in Fremont. Following his graduation from high school, Ivan joined the United States Army and served during the Vietnam War until his honorable discharge and returned back to Hesperia and joined the Michigan National Guard where he served for 22 years until his honorable discharge as Staff Sergeant. Ivan had also worked as a forklift driver at Gerber Products Company for over 30 years in the warehouse. After retirement from Gerber Products Company, Ivan continued working part time trucking cattle and had been a hobby farmer all his life. Ivan enjoyed raising horses and cattle on his farm, gardening but the highlight of Ivan’s life was teaching, building and participating in his grandchildren’s lives. Ivan is survived by his wife of 51 years, Alice of Hesperia; his children, daughter - Kim (Mike) Sytsma of Hesperia; son – Kelly Carson of Fremont; daughter – Tammy Carson of Fremont; his grandchildren – Brianna (Griffin) Ray; Cortland Carson; Morgan Carson; Katelynn Sytsma; Mikayla Sytsma; Paige Sytsma; his great grandson, Samuel Amos Ray; his daughter-in-law, Mandy Carson; his sister, Ruthie (Richard) Scarbrough of Grant; sisters-in-laws and brother-in-law, Lillian Maxwell; Sue Carson; Mary Carson; Joan Carson; Linda (Bill) Holmes; Marge Smith; Ron (Wendy) Fowler; Lori (Mike) Stencel; many nieces and nephews. Ivan was preceded in death by his sisters and brothers, James Carson; Betty Hicks; Alene Bennett; Marvin Carson; Charles Carson; Willard Carson; Norman Carson; George Carson; Virginia Florine; Calvin Carson; John Carson; Fred Carson; Kit Carson. Memorial Services and Time of Remembrance Services with Military Honors will be held at the Hesperia American Legion later in the summer of 2020 with the dates and times to be updated on the Crandell Funeral Home web site when the dates and times are determined. Friends may consider memorial contributions to the Carson family or the Hesperia American Legion Post #411 from memorial contributions in memory of Ivan. Friends may send a condolence, share a memory of post a picture to the Carson web page at www.crandellfh.com. Arrangements by Crandell Funeral Home – Fremont Chapel. 231-924-0800 Jeannette (Jean) M. Judd Johnson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend met Jesus face to face on Wednesday, June 10, 2020. Jean was born to Archie and Carrie Judd on April 8, 1922 in Montrose, Wisconsin. She grew up in a family of 6 in a small, tar paper shack in the vast prairies surrounding Baker, Montana. After graduating from Baker High School, she moved, alone, to Washington DC, where she worked as a secretary for Senator Claude Pepper, then, at the Library of Congress. Tt was there that she met then later married serviceman, Bob Johnson, on June 17, 1944. Following World War II, Jean and Bob returned to his home town of Fremont, Michigan where they raised a musical family of seven children and involved themselves, heavily, as charter members in the life and ministry of Fremont Wesleyan Church (now Inspire Church). Jean was the last living charter member of that church. The impact of this little woman’s life upon her family, her church, The Newaygo Medical Care Facility and her community cannot be overstated. Jean is survived by children Beverly Tinsey Johnson, Bob (Bernadine) Johnson, Greg (Marta) Johnson, Dr Doug (Lou Ann) Johnson, Mary VanHouten Johnson, Julie (Mark) Brown, Marijo (Gene) Barnes, 18 grandchildren, and 30 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Bob, her father and mother, Archie and Carrie Judd, brothers: Johnnie and Jay Judd, sister Jessie Wiman Osborn, sons Mark and Steve Johnson, and grandson Silas Johnson. Jean fought the good fight. She finished her course. She kept the faith, leaving a remarkable legacy of unconditional love, caring and wisdom to all who knew her. A memorial service honoring Jean’s life will be held at the Inspire Church in Fremont on Sunday, June 14, 2020 at 3 P.M. Masks are optional, and social distancing will be practiced. The service can also be watched live stream at the Inspire Church Facebook page (facebook.com/liveinspired.church). Memorials suggested, in lieu of flowers, to Insight Pregnancy Services. You can sign the online guest book at www.kroeze-wolffis.com. Arrangements are by Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home, Inc. of Fremont. Jerry J. Amelia, age 64 of Fremont, passed away Thursday, June 4, 2020 at the Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus in Grand Rapids following a short illness. Jerry was born on August 15, 1955 in Grand Rapids to James F. and Martha (Mudget) Amelia and has been a resident of the Fremont area for the past 20 years. Jerry had worked at Taco Bell Restaurant in Fremont as a janitor and also worked at the Empowerment Network Wishes and Horses Store at the Drop In Center in Fremont. Jerry enjoyed fishing, growing flowers and plants, his cats and growing up on the farm and farm life in his younger years. Jerry is survived by a special friends, Tim Hansen of Fremont and Janell Brook of Fremont; along with many other friends in the community. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, James and Martha Amelia and by his brother, James Amelia. VISITATION : Wednesday, June 17, 2020 from 6-7pm at the First Reformed Church 348 E. Main Street Fremont MI 49412 with a MEMORIAL SERVICE on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 at 7pm at the First Reformed Church in Fremont. INTERMENT will be in Georgetown Cemetery in Jenison next to his parents and brother. Friends may send a condolence or share a memory of Jerry online at www.crandellfh.com. Arrangements by Crandell Funeral Home – Fremont Chapel. 231-924-0800. Ricky L. Smith, age 60 of White Cloud, passed away Monday, June 8, 2020 at the Transitional Health Services in Fremont following a long battle with multiple sclerosis. Ricky was born on April 28, 1960 in California to Robert L. and Alma H. (Meeuwenburg) Smith and grew up in White Cloud, graduating from White Cloud High School in 1978. Ricky owned and operated his own construction business for several years and enjoyed fly fishing, golfing, camping and hunting. Ricky is survived by his sisters and brother, Darlene Westcomb of White Cloud; Gloria Silverthorn of White Cloud; Pamela (Andy) Newfer of White Cloud; Allen (Vicki) Smith of Savannah, Tennessee; Brenda (Dan) Williams of Grant; Tina (Gary) Daniels of Colorado Springs, Colorado; 20 nieces and nephews and several great nieces and nephews. Ricky was preceded in death by his mother, Alma H. Dyer on June 30, 2004, his father, Robert L. Smith on June 26, 2005; his brother, Robert Smith; his brothers-in-laws, James L. Silverthorn and Carl D. Westcomb. VISITATION : Sunday, June 14, 2020 from 4-6pm at Crandell Funeral Home – White Cloud Chapel. GRAVESIDE SERVICES : Monday, June 15, 2020 at 6:00 pm at the Sherman Township Cemetery 1850 S. Wisner Ave Fremont MI 49412. Friends may consider memorial contributions to the Multiple Sclerosis Society – Michigan Chapter. Friends may send a condolence, share a memory or share a picture of Ricky online at www.crandellfh.com. Arrangements by Crandell Funeral Home – White Cloud Chapel. 231-689-1492 Jessie May Kennard, age 86 of Newaygo, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, June 9, 2020 at her home. Jessie was born on January 31, 1934 in Muskegon to Richard “Bud” William and Mildred Lillian (Hosmer) Anderson. Jessie married Lloyd E. Potter on September 6, 1951 in Ravenna and Lloyd preceded her in death. She later married Gerrald L. Kennard on February 10, 2003 in Frostproof, Florida and he preceded her in death also. Jessie was a proud graduate of the Grant Adult Education where she received her Graduation Diploma in 1976. Jessie had been a cook at Johnny’s Restaurant, The Depot, had worked at the Quarterline Home, Dallas Darling and later managed the Victorian Manor in Newaygo. Jessie also volunteered as a cook at several youth church camps. Jessie enjoyed teaching 5 Day Clubs in the area, crocheting, quilting, reading, gardening, singing and had been involved with PACE in Newaygo County for several years. Jessie is survived by her children, Steven T. “Two Dogs” (Karen) Potter of Newaygo; Jonathan E. (Bonnie) Potter of Coldwater, Mississippi; Joy (Raymond) Bridgman of Highpoint, North Carolina; Faith (Rogers) Potter of Hesperia; Judy Konoff of Hesperia; her daughter-in-law, Renee Potter of Fremont; step daughter, Tona (Eric) Adamson; 34 grandchildren; 75 great grandchildren; 18 great great grandchildren; her sisters, Rosalee Morgan of Springfield, Ohio; Mildred “Pat” Hunter of Newaygo; many nieces and nephews. Jessie was preceded in death by her husbands, Lloyd E. Potter and Gerrald L. Kennard; her son, Andrew Potter; her daughter, Molly Jean Sayers; her grandsons, William James Haynes and Elliott Jacob Konoff; her sister, Beatrice Hiles; her son-in-law’s, Rev. Frederick Konoff; John W. Rogers Jr. and Robert Sayers. A Celebration of Life and Time of Remembrance will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at 2pm at her son Steven’s home at 3666 E 96th Street in Newaygo. Interment will be in the Hillside Cemetery in Grant following her wishes for cremation. Friends may consider memorial contributions to Hospice of Michigan in memory of Jessie. Friends may send a condolence, share a memory or share a picture online at www.crandellfh.com. Arrangements by Crandell Funeral Home – Fremont Chapel. 231-924-0800 Mr. Arthur W. Rice, age 87 of White Cloud, passed away on Sunday morning, June 7, 2020 at his residence. He was born on August 4, 1932 in Hesperia, Michigan to George W. & Laura P. (Crawford) Rice. Art was a US Navy Veteran of the Korean War, and he was a member of the Fremont Branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was a farmer, he raised pigs, he was a sawyer & millwright, and he enjoyed doing metal fabrication. Art was preceded in death by his wife Gloria on September 18, 1995. He was also preceded in death by his parents; and by his brother & his wife, George W. & Dorothy Rice. Survivors include 3 children: Joan Boss of Hamilton, MI., Duane Rice of Muskegon, MI., Cindy Lou Godfrey of White Cloud, MI.; several grandchildren & great grandchildren; 1 brother, Harold N. (Susan) Rice of White Cloud; and by several nieces & nephews. Due to current restrictions related to COVID-19 concerning social distancing, a Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Holton, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be given to the American Cancer Society, or to the Fremont Branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. You can sign the online guest book at www.kroeze-wolffis.com. Arrangements are by Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home, Inc. of Fremont. Mrs. Peggy Ilene Dostie, age 90 of Newaygo, Michigan passed away on Friday afternoon, June 5, 2020 at Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial in Fremont. She was born on July 27, 1929 in Hammond, Indiana to Con & Sarah (Ramsey) Sheridan. Peggy retired from General Electric after 26 years of employment. She enjoyed bowling, horseshoe, fishing, crocheting, and go cart racing. Peggy is survived by her husband of 52 years, Carl Dostie; 3 children: Dennis Weber of Holland, Michigan, April (Rick) Petersen of White Cloud, Michigan, Tina Dostie of Florida; 3 grandchildren: Philip Balmer, Monte (Dorian) Goodyke, Stephanie Neenan; and 4 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her daughter Peggy Leigh, and by several brothers & sisters. A celebration of Peggy’s life will be held at a later date, and interment will be in Allegan Township, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be given to the Salvation Army. You can sign the online guest book at www.kroeze-wolffis.com. Arrangements are by Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home, Inc. of Fremont. Kimberly J. Woods, age 45 of Muskegon, passed away Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at the Spectrum Health Gerber Health Services in Fremont. Kim was born on May 2, 1975 in Muskegon to Charles M. and Janet L. (Beehler) Dykema and graduated from Fremont High School in 1993. Kim later graduated from Muskegon Community College and received her Bachelor’s Degree from Grand Valley State University. Kim joined the Michigan National Guard and her unit was activated for the Iraq War and was deployed in the United States Army and served until her honorable discharge after 6 years of service. Kim was an educator and started teaching at Godwin Heights Schools in Grand Rapids, later at Muskegon Heights Public Schools and was currently teaching English and History at the Muskegon High School and had been the Varsity Softball Coach at Muskegon High School for several years and was loved by 100’s of her students. Kim married Jason Woods on August 28, 2010 and loved reading, puzzles and playing games and her dog Bailey. Kim is survived by her husband, Jason; her brother, Greg (Amy) Dykema; her sister, Terri (George VandenBosch) Dykema; her aunts, Jolynn Byal and Ruth (Jim) Dagen; her uncles, Stan Dykema and Bill (Rae) Dykema; her nieces, Chelsea (Ethan) Higgs; Brittany (Adam) DeKryger; Kristina (Zac) Hummel; Sarah Dykema; Amanda Dykema; her nephew, Robert Dykema; 2 great nephews, 1 great niece and one great niece or nephew due in a couple of months; his father and mother-in-law, Brian and Linda Surch; many cousins. Kim was preceded in death by her mother, Janet Dykema on May 23, 2020; her father, Charles Dykema on April 6, 2011. VISITATION : Saturday, June 13, 2020 from 10:30 – 12:00 pm at the Reeman Cemetery – 6731 S. Brucker Ave Fremont MI 49412 with MILITARY HONORS at 12pm at the Reeman Cemetery and GRAVESIDE SERVICES at 12:15pm. Friends attending the visitation and graveside services are asked to wear a mask and bring their own chairs if they need to sit during the services. In lieu of flowers, friends may consider memorial contributions to Muskegon High School Athletic Program for scholarships for students at the school. Friends may send a condolence, share a memory, or share a picture online at www.crandellfh.com. Arrangements by Crandell Funeral Home – Fremont Chapel 231-924-0800. |