Gary A. Peters

Gary A. Peters left his loved ones on August 7, 2008, at the age of 59. He was born in Lansing on August 13, 1948, the son of Leonard and Alice (Peacock) Peters. He retired from Consumers Energy, was a veteran of the U.S. Army and drove bus for Michigan State University. He enjoyed ushering for many years at MSU football and hockey games, was a member of the Blue Line Club and was past president for the MSU bowling league. He enjoyed all types of auto racing and was a crew member for Tru-Mark Racing, also flagged at Spartan Raceway and I-96 Raceway. Gary married Verna Slagell on December 19, 2003 in St. Johns and she survives him.

Also surviving is his son, Todd Peters of Nashville, TN, daughter, Jamie (Darryl) Hancock of Nashville, TN, step-son, Brent (Kristen) Cleland of Lansing, step-daughter, Heather (Andrew) Scofield of Greenville, grandchildren, Braylon Hancock, Gabriel and Kennedy Cleland, Matthew and Meghann Farrell, Sean Scofield, Sean and Sierra Hancock, brothers, Charles (Julie) Peters of St. Johns and Ronald Peters of Beantown, TN, sister, Julie (Michael) Chavez of Eaton Rapids, his nieces and nephews and special friends, David and Roxie Butler of Holt. He was preceded in death by his parents, niece, Jennifer Peters and mother-in-law, Iola Slagell.

Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Monday, August 11, 2008 at the Osgood Funeral Home, burial at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens with Rev. Birt Cooper officiating. Military services provided by St. Johns Honor Guard. The family will receive friends 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. Saturday and Sunday at the funeral home.

Clifford Cole, Jr.

Clifford Cole, Jr. died August 5, 2008, at the age of 84. He was born in Detroit on September 14, 1923. He was a retired machine repairman for General Motors. After retiring he moved to Lafitte, Louisiana before returning to St. Johns in 1997. Clifford was a veteran of the Army Air Corp serving in World War II, a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns, and the Knights of Columbus in Lafitte, LA. He loved model airplanes, boats and trains, mainly World War II era. Clifford married Rita Dufrene in Lafitte, LA on January 8, 1943.

Surviving is his wife of 65 years, daughter, Rita Ann (Gene) Burnham of St. Johns, grandchildren, Kristi (Kevin) Kemp and Chad (Jennifer) Burnham, all of St. Johns, great grandchildren, Kaleb and Kaylee Kemp, sisters, Dorothy Fredline of Laingsburg and Linda (Bruce) Skidmore of Utah and brother, Lloyd (Patricia) Cole of Texas. He was preceded in death by his father and step mother, Clifford and Eva Cole, daughter, Andrea Cole, grandson, Jason Hine and brothers, Marion and Burton Cole.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 A.M. Friday, August 8, 2008 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with burial at Mt. Rest Cemetery. The family will receive friends 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. Thursday at the Osgood Funeral Home with a vigil service 7 P.M. Thursday. Military services by St. Johns Honor Guard. Sympathy may be expressed in the form of memorials to the Veteran’s Administration or the D.A.V.

Lewis C. Moldenhauer

Lewis C. Moldenhauer died August 3, 2008, at the age of 86. He was born in Henderson, Michigan on March 2, 1922, the son of Clarence and Margaret (Lewis) Moldenhauer. He was an Oldsmobile employee retiring from the forge plant and a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church. Lewis and Delmas were members of Wally Byamm Caravan Club International (Airstream) for 25 years. They enjoyed many rallies and caravans traveling throughout the United States, England and Europe. Lewis also enjoyed gardening, wood carving and beekeeping during his retirement, being known as the “Honey Man” around St. Johns. Lewis married Delmas Wallis in Pickford, Michigan on September 10, 1949 and she survives him.

Also surviving are his sons, Richard (Nancy) Moldenhauer of Grand Blanc, Tom (Mary Beth) Moldenhauer of St. Johns and Harry (Bette) Moldenhauer of Okeechobee, FL, six grandchildren, five great grandchildren, sister, Mable Evans and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and four sisters.

Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, August 6, 2008 at the Osgood Funeral Home, burial at Mt. Rest Cemetery with the Rev. Dr. Richard Anderson officiating. The family will receive friends 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home. Sympathy may be expressed in the form of memorials to the American Heart Association.

Earl Whitlock

Earl Whitlock, died August 3, 2008, age 87, was born in Greenbush Township, Clinton County on the family farm to Earl O. and Emma (Crom) Whitlock. He graduated from St. Johns High School. He served his country proudly during World War II with the 8th Army Air Corps in England. He worked at many job shops retiring from Oldsmobile as a skilled tradesman in the Tool & Die Division. Earl was a genuine and wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend and would do anything to help family and friends. He was a member of the DeWitt Township Volunteer Fire Department and served on the Township Planning Commission. He was also a past master of the St. Johns Masons and a life member of V.F.W. Post 671 in DeWitt where he was a member of the Honor Guard for many years.

He was preceded in death by his mother, father and a sister Doris Daniels. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joyce and sons, Jim (Kris) of Mears, David of DeWitt and Greg of Dimondale. Three grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Thursday, August 7, 2008 at the Osgood Funeral Home, burial at Mt. Rest Cemetery. The family will receive friends 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Greenbush United Methodist Church in St. Johns or Hospice House of Mid-Michigan-St. Lawrence, P.O. Box 30480, Lansing, MI 48915.

Myrtle E. Salisbury Parker

Myrtle E. Salisbury Parker passed away peacefully in her home of almost 93 years surrounded by friends and family on July 28, 2008. She was born on July 31, 1915 on the farm in Bingham Township, Michigan, the daughter of Arthur and Cora (Haynes) Salisbury. She was a life-long resident of Bingham Township, graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School in 1933 and earned a B.A. from Michigan State College in 1939. After graduation she had a career as a social worker for the State of Michigan in Clinton County and retired after 40 years. She married Bob Parker after her retirement; he died in 1995. Her passions included traveling and her beloved dogs and cats. Winters were enjoyed in Florida with her cousin, Don A. Haynes who predeceased her in 2006. She was a member of Pilgrim United Methodist Church and the Evergreen chapter of the O.E.S. #334.

She is survived by her wonderful neighbors and several cousins. The family has deepest appreciation for the compassionate care she received from her primary care giver, LeAnne.

Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Thursday, July 31, 2008 at the Osgood Funeral Home, burial at Mt. Rest Cemetery with Rev. Ken Bremer officiating. The family will receive friends 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home. Sympathy may be expressed in the form of memorials to Great Lakes Hospice.

Janet Mae Esch

Janet Mae Esch, of Dayville, CT and formerly of St. Johns, died on June 10, 2008. She was born on August 15, 1930, in Rangeley, ME, the daughter of Payson and Emma (Haskell) Haley and lived in Massachusetts until 1954 when she married Maynard Weston Esch and moved to St. Johns, MI. Janet worked as a Clerical Assistant for the Northeast District Department of Health. She was a member of the Danielson United Methodist Church. She was an avid bowler, enjoyed time out with friends, but her passion was mini-golf; so much so that she even had her own putter.

Janet is survived by her daughter Sheri Esch of Dayville, CT, twin sons Stacey Esch of Dayville, CT and Tracey Esch of Lansing, grandchildren, Erin Racine, Mackenzie Racine and Scott Esch, brother, Robert and Florence Haley of MA, sisters Judy Elkins of MA and Jeanne Haley of FL, brother-in-law Philip Esch of Haslett, sisters-in-law Christine Baker of St. Johns, and Maribeth Traer of Jamestown, RI and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Maynard in 1972.

A memorial service will be held at 12 Noon, on Wednesday, July 23, 2008, at the Osgood Funeral Home, 104 E. Cass St., St. Johns, MI. The family will receive friends for an hour before the service. Sympathies may be expressed in the form of memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society.

Anna M. Paseka

Anna M. Paseka died July 17, 2008, at the age of 88. Born November 26, 1919 in Cleveland, Ohio, the daughter of Josef and Catherine (Kosuth) Mitosinka. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns and the ZCBJ Lodge in Bannister. Anna married Ralph Paseka on June 29, 1940 in Bannister and he preceded her in death on September 5, 1987.

Surviving are daughters, Phyllis Rewerts of DeWitt and Evelyn Eisenhart of Dimondale, sons, Tom Paseka of Bellaire, MI, Ed (Anna) Paseka of St. Johns and Don Paseka of Springhill, FL, grandchildren, Chris (Sheila) Paseka, Stacy (Troy) Luznak, Sue (Jeff) Gmazel, Michael (Dawn) Gerard, Jerald (Melissa) Klaahsen, Terry (Gina) Couzzins, Eric Conklin, Deann (Sonny) Davis, Steven (Kelly) Hutra, Darla (Shane) Lyons, Dale Hutra and Bill Hutra, nineteen great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by four brothers, Joseph, Andy, Thomas and William Mitosinka, sister, Mary Hutra and sons-in-law, Norman Rewerts, George Eisenhart and Rick Custer and daughter, Emmie Hutra.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 A.M. Monday, July 21, 2008 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, burial at Mt. Rest Cemetery with Rev. Fr. Ken McDonald officiating. The family will receive friends 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. Saturday and Sunday at the Osgood Funeral Home with a vigil service being prayed at 7 P.M. Sunday. Sympathy may be expressed in the form of memorials to Sparrow Stroke Unit, Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor or Hospice House of Mid-Michigan.

Dennis E. Harr

Dennis E. Harr died July 12, 2008, at the age of 61. Denny was a very loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was born in St. Johns on July 21, 1946, the son of Melvin and Irene (Koenigsknecht) Harr. He was a retired stores clerk for General Motors, a Veteran of the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division serving in Vietnam, a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church and V.F.W. Post #3733. Denny married Celine Martin in Westphalia on May 20, 1972 and she survives him.

Also surviving are his daughters, Michele (Joe) Cook, Nicole (Dan) Thelen, all of Portland, and Jamie (Scott) Nurenberg of Westphalia; 3 grandchildren (Papa’s little men), Brice and Devin Cook and Charlie Thelen; godson, Kacey Feldpausch; siblings, Lloyd (Sandy) Harr, Judy (Charlie) Armbrustmacher and Joyce (Brian) Feldpausch; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Christopher and parents, Melvin and Irene. Denny enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He also enjoyed camping, hunting, golfing and especially fishing with “Papa’s little men”.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 A.M. Thursday, July 17, 2008 at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, in Fowler, burial at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery with Rev. Fr. Dennis Howard officiating. The family will receive friends 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. Tuesday and Wednesday at the Goerge Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Homes, in Fowler, with a rosary prayed at 3 and 8 P.M. Tuesday and Wednesday. Sympathy may be expressed in the form of memorials to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Helen M. Panos

Helen M. Panos, died on July 10, 2008 at the age of 83. She was born on November 9, 1924, in Raceland, KY, the daughter of Luther and Nancy (Begley) Burroughs. She married Eugene Panos on December 23, 1946 and he preceded her in death on August 19, 2007. Helen was an elementary school teacher in Wellston, OH, worked as a buyer for Lazarus Department Store and later owned the Tick-Tock Restaurant in Hastings, MI. She was an avid reader and a good bowler who never complained and of whom it was said, “She had the sweetest disposition”.

Helen is survived by her son, Jim (Sandy) Panos of Delton, MI, daughter, Julia (Michael) Davis of St. Johns, 5 grandchildren, Rachel (Craig) Kulesza, Steve Matel, Tim Panos, Luke Panos and Clay Panos. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her 4 brothers and her sister.

A graveside memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2008, at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, MI. Sympathies may be expressed in the form of memorial contributions to Hospice of Clinton County. Arrangements by the Osgood Funeral Home, St. Johns.

Edna Zell

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Edna Zell, 92, of St. Johns, went to be with her Lord on July 9, 2008. She was the second child born to Alfred and Elfrieda (Jasmund) Nobis on May 14, 1916 in Arenzville, Illinois. She came to Michigan in 1934 after graduating from high school. She was married to Lorenz Zell on December 8, 1939 in Valpraiso, Indiana, and he preceded her in death in 1996. They lived on a farm in Bengal Township until 1963 and then moved into St. Johns. Mrs. Zell was a faithful member of St. John's Lutheran Church. She was also a homemaker and a wonderful mother and grandmother. She loved her flower beds and quilting.

Surviving are three sons, David (Sharon) Zell of Ovid, Gary (Ruth) Zell, and Mark Zell; and two daughters, Lois Thompson and Joyce (Howard) Kimball, all of St. Johns. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; one sister, Alma Boak; sisters-in-law, Virgie Zell and June Nobis; caregiver, Bonnie Vance; many nieces and nephews, and a host of friends and a loving church family. In addition to her husband, mother, father and step-mother, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Melvin Nobis, Eldore Nobis and Harold Nobis.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 14, 2008 at St. John’s Lutheran Church with Pastor George Brinley officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Rest Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Osgood Funeral Home in St. Johns. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. John’s Lutheran Church Choir or Altar Guild.

Avelino "Pee Wee" Pena

Avelino "Pee Wee" Pena died July 8, 2008, at the age of 84. Born in Laredo, Texas on August 26, 1923, the son of Eduardo and Manuela (Charles) Pena and lived in St. Johns since 1952. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where he served as an usher. He was also a member of the St. Johns Knights of Columbus and volunteered for St. Johns Senior Center and Hazel Findlay Country Manor. Pee Wee retired in 1990 as a janitor from St. Johns Public Schools after 20 years. Following his retirement, he fullfilled his lifelong dream of graduating from high school at the age of 73.

He is survived by one brother, Eddie Pena of Bellflower, California, two stepsisters, Antonia Sosa of Laredo, Texas and Alicia Gonzalez of Austin, Texas, many nieces and nephews. Pee Wee was preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother, Guadalupe Pena, one brother, Rauel Pena, two sisters, Manuela Brulloths, twinsister, Maria Robles, stepbrother, Amado Pena and stepsister, Maria Pena.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 A.M. Friday, July 11, 2008 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, burial at Mt. Rest Cemetery with Rev. Fr. Ken McDonald officiating. The family will receive friends 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. Thursday at the Osgood Funeral Home, St. Johns with a vigil service at 7 P.M. Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Education Trust Fund.

Kathryn Durner

Kathryn Taffee Durner died July 6, 2008, at the age of 86. She was born in Lansing on November 10, 1921, the daughter of Ray and Ethel (Greene) Taffee. She was a retired school teacher, a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns as well as St. Joseph, The Worker in Beal City. Kathryn enjoyed golf and was a member of both the Clinton County Country Club and the Pines Golf Course. She was an M.S.U. alumnus. Kathryn married James Durner in Lansing on August 23, 1947 and he preceded her in death on April 5, 1989.

Surviving are her children, Susan Durner of Seattle, Washington, Patrick (Nanette) Durner of Lansing, Timothy Durner of Port Townsend, Washington, Mary Jo (Vladimir) Bacony of Sparta, MI, Sally (Doug) Hayne of Rochester, MI and Nancy Durner of St. Johns; grandchildren, Shawn (Dan) Brow, Brian Bacony, Betsy Bacony, Ian Durner, Ethan Durner and Mary Kate Moinet. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Jean Taffee and Barbara Taffee and grandson, Gabriel Patrick Durner.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 A.M. Thursday, July 10, 2008 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 109 Linden Ave., St. Johns. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. Wednesday at the Osgood Funeral Home with a rosary prayed at 7 P.M. Wednesday. Sympathy may be expressed in the form of memorials to Moore Living Connections, 401 W. Jolly Rd., Lansing, MI 48910 in memory of Barb Taffee/Kathryn Durner or Hospice House of Mid-Michigan, Sparrow Foundation, 1110 E. Michigan Ave., P.O. Box 30480, Lansing, MI 48909.

Helen L. Loomis

Helen L. Loomis died Friday, July 4, 2008 at the age of 88.  She was born in Isabella County on September 7, 1919 the daughter of William and Daisy (Willis) McQueen. She married  Gerald C. Loomis September 18, 1938    in Angola, IN and he preceded her in death in 2001.  Helen was a homemaker which she considered her vocation in life. 

She is survived by her son Gary (Loretta) Loomis of St. Johns, two grandsons, Scott (Jerikay) Loomis of DeWitt and Marc (Jami Morse) Loomis of St. Johns, great-grandchildren Jessica Loomis, Victoria Castillo, Jessica (Justin) Haun, Amanda Castillo, Adam Castillo, Alyssa Morse and Jordan Morse, great-great grandson, Adrien Castillo-Kasgorgis, brothers William (Donna) McQueen and Royal (Delores) McQueen and many nieces and nephews.  In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by two brothers Lyle and Ron McQueen and her sister Zepha Delo.

Funeral services will be held  at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at the Osgood Funeral Home, 104 E. Cass St., St. Johns with Rev. David Hudgens officiating.  The family will receive friends on Monday 2:00 – 4:00 P.M. and 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home.  Sympathies may be expressed in the form of memorial contributions to Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Marie Rickard Blink

Marie Rickard Blink died July 1, 2008, at the age of 91. Born March 20, 1917 in Kalamazoo, Michigan the daughter of Walter C. and Lena M. (Senne) Rickard. She formerly lived in Kalamazoo and Jackson. Marie was a sales clerk for L.H. Field Department Store in Jackson and worked at Jackson County Abstract Company. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Sebring, Florida having lived in Florida for 25 years before moving back to St. Johns in April 1997. Marie married Fred Blink September 11, 1937 in Kalamazoo and he survives her.

Also surviving are two sons, Donald (Janice) Blink of Indianapolis, Indiana and Richard (Barbara) Blink of St. Johns, five granddaughters, Donell (Larry) Elsner, Deanne Campbell, Debra Blink, all of Indiana, Gretchen (Chris) Mensing of Lansing and Karen Blink of St. Johns, six great grandchildren. Marie was preceded in death by her brother, Ralph Arthur Rickard and sister-in-law, Laoma Rickard of Kalamazoo.

There will be no visitation as Marie will be cremated. Her cremains will be interred at Roseland Memorial Gardens in Jackson. Memorials may be made to a charity of donor’s choice. Arrangements by Osgood Funeral Home, St. Johns.