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Funeral Services:

Glenn Allen Mortimer was called home to his heavenly Father on November 24, 2023, at the age of 82. Born June 27, 1941, in Albion, MI, Glenn lived a life steeped in faith, compassion, and love, emblematic of a true servant of God.

Glenn was a skilled tool and die maker starting his career with Olofssons where he spent 15 years and later dedicating 30 years to General Motors, retiring in 2005. In retirement, he enjoyed camping trips, attending Charlotte Frontier Days, the Cedar Springs Red Flannel Festival, and breakfast outings with his friends and family. Glenn was also an avid reader and enjoyed spending time outdoors, taking in the beauty of his property in Eaton Rapids. He was a faithful member of Grace Baptist Church where he rarely missed a Sunday evening service.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Vickie Mortimer; and his two children, Brent (Bridget) Mortimer and Brenda (Kevin Rogers) Cain. Glenn was a proud grandfather of Austin (Justine) Mortimer, Evan Mortimer, Melinda Obrinski, Carly Shoemaker, Darla Mortimer and eleven great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his two sisters, Barbara Michalcewicz and Joan (Steven) Call. Glenn was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary Mortimer, and his granddaughter, Darcey Hayes.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. For those desiring memorial contributions may be made in his name to Grace Baptist Church. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Funeral Services:

Eldon Delos Howe, a pioneer in the automotive industry and a beloved pillar of the community, passed away on November 24, 2023, marking the end of an era. Born on September 4, 1930, to Chester and Beulah Howe in Charlotte, Michigan, Eldon was the last surviving of five brothers.

From his formative years, Eldon was intricately involved in the family’s grocery and service station business located at the intersection of Clinton Trail and Vermontville Highway. School didn’t align with Eldon’s passions, leading to a pivotal moment when, in elementary school, he sought refuge from the school bus in the garage’s oil pit. This incident became a turning point as Eldon’s affinity for mechanics emerged, eventually propelling him into the world of cars.

His father’s decision to put him to work at the filling station turned out to be serendipitous. Eldon’s adeptness at fixing cars led him to venture into car sales in 1947, at the remarkable age of 17. He became one of Michigan’s youngest car dealers. His dealership flourished under his guidance after being christened “The Beacon.”

Eldon’s dedication to his work was unparalleled. His unwavering commitment saw him laboring until November 15, 2023, despite being under hospice care. His love for vehicles extended beyond the showroom; he remained a licensed driver until the age of 93, showcasing his passion and resilience.

Eldon married Patricia Moreland in 1962 and together they raised their son David. Family was at the core of Eldon’s being. He cared for his parents while managing the market, actively engaged in his family’s pursuits, and maintained a strong family-centric ethos throughout his life. He embodied the belief that a robust work ethic was the cornerstone of success, a principle he instilled in his family.

Eldon’s community contributions were significant. He held profound respect for emergency and first responders, and supported both the Charlotte Fire Department, Eaton Area EMS and a supporting founder of AL!VE. He was also supportive of the welfare of his community. Despite his numerous accomplishments, Eldon remained humble, never having boarded an airplane, or taken a vacation. His dedication to Beacon Sales and Service was unwavering, evident in his mere ten days of work missed throughout his extensive 76-year career.

Known for his formidable spirit, Eldon was an avid debater on politics and various topics. His love for reading spanned diverse subjects, and his encyclopedic knowledge of car makes, and models was impressive. He harbored affection for animals, especially the family’s lineage of dogs, and in his later years found solace in observing and feeding birds.
Eldon’s resilience was evident when, at 87, he overcame a grievous injury, a testament to his indomitable spirit and work ethic. His legacy is etched in the hearts of those who knew him, a legacy of determination, wisdom, and kindness.
He is survived by his beloved son, Dave and his wife Eldora; granddaughters, Erron Sparks (Mick Bazaire) and Keisha Howe (Brian Miller); great-grandchildren, Ty Pion, Brooke (Daniel) Miller, Caiden Bailey, Brody Miller, and Izzy Miller; nephews, Ron Howe and Don Howe; niece, Annette Florence; close family friend and caretaker, Dawn Howlett; loyal employees; and his four-footed companion Shiloh II. Eldon was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Pat; four brothers, Menzo, Garland, Bart, and Louis; and five furry four-footed friends, Ginger I, Ginger II and Ginger III, Babe, and Shiloh I.
The stories and “legends” of Eldon Delos Howe will endure through the generations. He will be deeply missed and remembered fondly by all whose lives he touched.

Visitation was Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at Pray Funeral Home. Funeral services were Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor John Bailey officiating. Interment followed in Maple Hill Cemetery. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories on Eldon’s Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Eldon D. Howe’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Charlotte Fire Department Christmas Kiddies. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

James Woodrow Dunn, Jr., 86, of Charlotte, Michigan passed peacefully into the arms of his waiting Savior Wednesday, November 22, 2023.

A devoted husband and father, James (Jim) was married to Janet (Cole) for nearly 70 years. They raised three children of whom he was very proud. The family travelled the country with their pop-up camper, eventually visiting 46 of the 48 continental states. They often camped in Michigan, too, especially enjoying a favorite fishing spot in Mesick and visits to Hartwick Pines.

He was proud to have coached his son Jim’s Peewee League baseball team for several years and he loved to roam the sidelines of Charlotte High School football games, especially when Jim was on the team.

James retired from Fisher Body, Lansing, having risen from line worker and union rep through promotion to supervisor.
He was born May 21, 1937, in Greene County, Tennessee to James Woodrow and Loretta (Ball) Dunn. He had two sisters and two brothers. The family moved to Michigan, and he attended school in Lansing until 8th grade when a move to West Windsor put him in the Charlotte school district. It was there that he and Janet met and fell in love. A couple of years later, when his family moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, they continued their courtship long distance until Janet took the train there in December of 1953 and they were married January 10, 1954. Soon, they moved to Lansing and James started working at Fisher Body June 1, 1955.

Shortly after their first child, Cheryl, was born in 1958 they moved to Charlotte where they remained for the rest of James’s life. Daughter Carrie (Smith) was born in 1960 and son James Woodrow Dunn III was born in 1962. Family life over the years included long Sunday drives, morel mushroom hunting in the spring, summer frolics in the backyard pool and large, prolific gardens every year from which the family ate all year long.

James and Janet travelled extensively after their kids left home. They went to Hawaii to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. They drove cross-continent to Alaska in their van over several weeks, and they wintered in Port Charlotte, Florida for many years. They finished the 47th and 48th continental states, so that they could say they’d been in every one of the United States.

The special pride and joy of grandparenting came to James’s life in 1988 when Curtis Kalleward was born, followed in 1990 by James Woodrow Dunn IV, Sarah Dunn in 1994 and Eliza Bychek in 1997. James and Janet reveled in numerous outings with their grands through the years—visiting zoos and museums, going camping, fishing, playing games and reading endless stories. In 2020, James delighted in becoming a great grandpa to Elizabeth Dunn and to Coulson Kalleward in 2021.

James was proud of the life he built with his family and the relationships he maintained with his extended family. He regularly attended Chester Gospel Church and believed deeply in the salvation of Christ, as learned from his beloved mother, Loretta.

James was preceded in death by his parents, James and Loretta (Ball) Dunn and sisters, Joyce Norton and June Haynes. He is survived by his wife, Janet (Cole), daughters, Cheryl Dunn Bychek, Carrie Smith (Steve) and son, Jim (Cheryl). Also surviving are brothers, MC (Maxine) and Jerry (Cordelia); aunts, Geneva (Ball) Foshee and Charlene (Hayes) Ball; grandchildren, Curtis Kalleward (Celeste), Jimmy Dunn (Theresa), Sarah Dunn and Eliza Bychek; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Dunn and Coulson Kalleward and numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation took place on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. A memorial service was held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 30 at Pray Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made in James’s memory to Chester Gospel Church, Charlotte, Michigan. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Jim’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone).

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Funeral Services:

Clare Austin Ash, Jr. (98) peacefully passed away on November 27, 2023, at 5:45 p.m. with his boys at his side.
Clare was born June 12, 1925, in Lansing, Michigan to Clare Ash and Thelma (Root) Ash. He grew up on the family farm in Chester attending country school and then Charlotte High School graduating with the class of 1943. After high school he attended Michigan Agricultural College (MSU) in the 2-year agricultural short course program.

On January 1, 1946 he married the love of his life, Shirley Tellas, and they began a life together, raising three sons, Dennis, Mark and Steve. Clare was destined to become a farmer and it was his passion. Together with his family, he built a large farming operation that continued until his retirement in 1994.

Clare served on many boards and was active in local Farm Bureau, FHA, MABC, 4-H, and Masonic Lodge in his younger days. After retirement he began restoring antique farm tractors. He was not color specific as he had John Deere, Minneapolis Moline, Oliver, Silver King, Massey Harris, and Farmall in his collection.

He made many friends and contacts in the agricultural business whether it be in the cattle, hog or seed business. He was not only a seed corn dealer for Pioneer, Funks and Golden Harvest, the family also grew Foundation, Certified and Breeder classifications of Red Kidney Bean and Barley seed from the crops grown and processed on their farm. Clare was also instrumental in selling calves through video sales at Michigan Livestock Exchange, something new in that day.
In addition to his love of farming, he had a strong love of family. He and Shirley were married until her passing in 2016 and worked side by side in the farming operations. Their sons also were involved in the farm and all three followed in Clare’s footsteps attending Michigan State University in the agriculture programs.

Clare is survived by his brother, Roger; sons Dennis (Danette), Mark (Judy), and Steve (Judy); and grandchildren, Mike, Austin, Adrienne, Matt, JoAnne, Joe, Steve Jr. and Christopher; along with 14 great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death are his wife, Shirley; his parents, Clare and Thelma; sister-in-law, Mary; and granddaughter, Kristen.

Friends are encouraged to support Clare’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation will be held on Monday, December 4, 2023, from 3-5:00 p.m. and 7-9:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral Services will be on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Laura Cooper officiating. Interment will take place at Gresham Cemetery. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Clare’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Gresham United Methodist Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Lois Elaine Bartholomew died November 26, 2023. A funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, December 3, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte

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Funeral Services:

Charlene L. Sutherland, age 83, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, in Lansing. She was born March 10, 1940, in Bay City, Michigan, the daughter of Harold and Leona (Labrenz) Dahn. She graduated from Bay City Central High School with the Class of 1958. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in education from Western Michigan University. Charlene was a teacher in the truest sense of the word. She taught high school Spanish and geography for many years and also taught piano the majority of her life. Charlene loved music and played the organ at church and was always ready to sit down at the piano. She was a lifelong Lutheran and member of First Lutheran Church.

Charlene is survived by her children: Brian (Laura) Sutherland of Grand Rapids, Leslie Gifford of Lansing; grandchildren, Alexander, Amelia, Mary; and sister-in-law, Linda Dahn.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill; son-in-law, Scott Gifford; and brothers, Lyle and Kenny.

Funeral services was held on Monday, November 20, 2023, at First Lutheran Church with Pastor Sean Esterline officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Those desiring may make contributions in Charlene’s memory to First Lutheran Church, 550 E. Shepherd St., Charlotte, MI 48813.

To view Charlene’s obituary online please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.

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Funeral Services:

Cecil Harold Osenbaugh, a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, died on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. Cecil, 91, of Charlotte was born on July 13, 1932, in Toledo, OH. The son of Zenith and Iva (Woodbury) Osenbaugh, he was the seventh child out of 16. He proudly served in the Army during the Korean War. On April 23, 1960 he married his sweetheart, Judith Kay Pratt, and together they spent the next 60 years creating lasting memories until her passing in 2020. Prior to having children Cecil worked in road construction. Once the kids were born, he began working in Skills Trade with General Motors until his retirement. He was also a farmer, Cecil loved farming and being able to help his friends and fellow farmers in need. Cecil and Judith enjoyed traveling, every summer they would take a family trip all over the country. They traveled through 39 different states. Two of the most notable trips were a month-long trip to Alaska, and their 25th anniversary trip to Hawaii. He will be remembered for being a family man that devoted his life to his wife and children.

Cecil is survived by his children, Judy Elaine (Edward Jr) Trailer, Robert Wayne (Robin) Osenbaugh, Frank Sherman (Tammy) Osenbaugh, Harry LaVille (Janette) Osenbaugh, Cecil Harold Osenbaugh Jr.; 22 grandchildren; 26 great-grand-children; one great-great-grandchild; brother, John Snyder; and several extended family members. He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Judith Kay; his parents; and 14 siblings.

Friends are encouraged to support Cecil’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. A Funeral service followed at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating, and there was a luncheon following the service at the Kalamo Township Hall. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Cecil’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Heart Association. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Rodney Lee Rodgers, 84, of Gwinn passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 26, 2023, in Washington, Missouri while visiting his son.

Rodney was born on September 9, 1939, in Lansing to Rodney C. and Virginia (Raidle) Rodgers. He was raised in Charlotte Michigan and graduated from Charlotte High School class of 1958.

On July 3, 1959, he married Anita (Hyde) Rodgers and they enjoyed 62 years together. They raised their family in Magnolia, Illinois where he worked at BF Goodrich. In 1996 they moved to Gwinn where they spent their summers and wintered in Florida.

Rodney was a very talented individual. He was a trained mechanic, pilot and a skilled carpenter, plumber and electrician. He built three of the homes they lived in and helped his sons and various others with theirs.

He was a gifted athlete holding five high school track records upon graduation and was a member of two undefeated football teams in 1956 & 1957. He was inducted into the Charlotte High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2022. His love for track led him to become an assistant coach at his sons’ high school and Eureka College in Illinois. He ran in 15 marathons including four Boston Marathons and participated in two Ironman Triathlons.

Rodney was an avid cyclist for over 50 years accumulated more than 300,000 miles. He cycled the perimeter of the lower 48 states and many, many other lengthy trips. He continued riding his bike right up to his passing. He even rode 82 miles on his 82nd birthday two years ago.

He loved the outdoors, traveling and gardening. He sailed the Great Loop and has been to the Minnesota Boundary Waters over 25 times, taking his sons, grandchildren, siblings and cousins.

Even with all he has done, his greatest accomplishment was the love of family and everyone he met. He had the gift of making you feel like you were the most important person when he greeted you. He truly loved spending time with family and friends.

Surviving are his four sons: Steve (Lynn) Rodgers of Gwinn, MI, Brian (Karen) Rodgers of Georgetown, TX, Jeff Rodgers of Washington, MO and Scott Rodgers of Frederick, MI; seven grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; siblings: Bob (Phyllis) Rodgers, Ann (Rob) Martell, Carol (Ron) Turkus and Joy (Joe) Batten along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceeded in death by his wife Anita on October 26, 2021, along with his parents, a sister Becky Vaught, daughter-in-law Sharon Rodgers and granddaughter Tiffany Wright.

A memorial will be held on Monday, December 4, 2023, at the Charlotte Senior Center at 1:00 p.m. There will be a luncheon to follow where family will greet relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Road to Hope for Becky’s House (named after Rodney’s sister), 1863 Liberty Avenue, Vermilion, OH 44089 or ECD Global Alliance, PO Box 775, DeRidder, LA 70634 in honor of Rodney’s brother, Bob Rodgers.

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Funeral Services:

Joan Helen McDowell, a loving wife, mother and grandmother of keen intellect and a dry sense of humor, died peacefully at home on Saturday, November 18, 2023. Joan was born in Detroit, MI on December 13, 1941, the daughter of Robert and Isabelle (Tewksbury) Pfaff. She grew up in Nashville, MI, where she graduated from High School in 1960. Joan attended Michigan State University, graduating in 1964 with a bachelor in English.

Joan married the love of her life, Howard Clarence McDowell on January 17, 1986, and the two happily combined their families. Joan owned her own pet store in Lansing and was also a substitute teacher at Waverly High School. After Howard retired from the State of Michigan in 1995, they spent time exploring Alaska before moving to Florida. Along the way, they did a stint volunteering at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.

Upon their return to Michigan, they sold their home in Lansing and moved to Nashville. They eventually settled in Charlotte in 2006, at which time they enjoyed driving motorhomes from the factory to dealerships for delivery, and vacationing on the way home. Joan was an avid reader and collector of books, and a skilled Poker player, especially Texas Hold ‘Em. She had a talent for quilting, and in recent years volunteer for the Linus Project, making quilts for hospitalized children. Above all, Joan loved her family.

Joan is survived by her husband, Howard McDowell; sons, Eric (Paula) Prinkalns and Alan Prinkalns; step-son, Jeffery McDowell; step-daughter, Patricia (Steve) Johnson; grandchildren, Doug, David, and Kyle Prinkalns; step-grandchildren, Steven McDowell, David (Veronica) Packer, Christopher (Rachel) Johnson, Nicholas Johnson, and Chelsea McDowell; step-great-grandchildren, Whitney McDowell, Annabelle Packer, Roland Packer, Victoria Packer, Vanessa Perez and Nathan Perez, Penelope Johnson, Camille Johnson, Ellie Johnson, and Avah Johnson; brother, David (Judy) Pfaff; and several extended family. She was predeceased by her parents; stepdaughter, Deborah Scarnati; step-son, John McDowell; and step-granddaughter, Tandy McDowell.

Friends are encouraged to support Joan’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 26, 2023 at Pray Funeral Home. Visitation will take place from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., prior to the service. Memorial donations may be made in Joan’s memory to a local library of choice or the Eaton Area Senior Center. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

In loving memory of Tyler Kronberg, who passed away on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at the age of 37, due to an unexpected complication following surgery.

Born on April 13, 1986, in Lansing, Michigan, Tyler was a social soul, always eager to initiate conversations with both familiar faces and strangers alike. His joyous spirit thrived when connecting with family and friends, either through heartfelt phone calls or by spending quality time together. Tyler found immense happiness in his passions for hunting, fishing, and cheering for Michigan State and Detroit sports.

In 2020, Tyler married the love of his life, Brandy, and together they welcomed their precious daughter, Kailynn, in 2017. Recently, Tyler was pleasantly surprised to learn that he had another daughter, Summer, who is 16 years old. This revelation brought him another child to share his love with.

Tyler was an amazing, hands-on father, deeply committed to nurturing and fostering a loving environment for Kailynn. He reveled in every moment spent with Kailynn, actively engaging in her life, from bedtime stories to shared hobbies, there wasn’t a moment when he didn’t want her by his side. His dedication to fatherhood was evident in the laughter that he shared with Kailynn. Tyler’s legacy as an extraordinary father will forever be etched in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

Tyler is survived by his beloved wife Brandy and cherished daughters, Kailynn Kronberg and Summer McNamara. He is also remembered by his father, Steven Kronberg (Julie), mother, Kimberly Dills (Ned), and honorary parents, Mark and Lisa Apple. Additionally, he leaves behind his siblings: Nicholas Kronberg (Stephanie), Amber Kellogg (Andrew), Jesse Payne (Jessica), and Dustin Grow (Tori). Tyler’s memory is further carried on by his nieces and nephews: Collin, Aryana, Maycie, Drake, Vairity, Justice, Scarlett, and Levi.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, William and Sally Epps, William and Ruby Kronberg, and his mother-in-law, Debbie Apple.

In this time of sorrow, may the memories of Tyler’s vibrant personality, his unwavering commitment to fatherhood, and the love he shared with anyone in his presence provide solace to all those who mourn his loss. The family hosted a ‘Celebration of life’ for Tyler at Quail Ridge Park on Saturday, November 11.

A memorial service will be held on December 3, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Eaton Rapids Conservation Club located at 4483 Freeman Road, Eaton Rapids.You are encouraged to attend and share your Tyler stories. In the Tyler Kronberg, spirit, the more the merrier.

Memorial donations may be made payable to Brandy Apple to benefit Tyler’s daughter, Kailynn.