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Joanne (Cook) Gardner of Charlotte, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones on Wednesday, April 23, 2024. She was 91.

Joanne was born on August 24, 1932 in Traverse City, Michigan. She was the eldest daughter of Archie Fay Cook and Ruth Emma (Hubbell) Cook, and older sister of Mary Beth and Archie Fay Junior (Jim). Following in the footsteps of her parents, both dedicated educators, Joanne completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in speech and language pathology at Central Michigan University, and an additional Master’s degree in psychology at Western Michigan University. She taught in the Charlotte Public School system for 38 years and was a member of the Upsilon chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International for Key Women Educators, ever devoted to supporting both students and fellow teachers.

In Charlotte, she met the love of her life, Joseph Munroe Gardner. They married on February 21, 1970, and have been inseparable ever since. Together with her husband, Joanne traveled the world, from every corner of her home state to Australia, China, and Mexico, to name a few. Joanne also spent much of her time giving back to her local community through her work with the Order of the Eastern Star of Michigan Brookfield #352 chapter; she was a loyal member for 73 years. Joanne was an avid crafter, delighting many with her quilts and home-made cards, and one of the best square-dancers this side of the Mississippi.

Joanne is survived by her husband, Joe Gardner; her sister, Mary Beth (Cook) Tereschuk; eight nieces and nephews; and many, many great-nieces and nephews, all of whom love her dearly. She now joins in Heaven, her mother and father; brothers, Jim and baby Robert; brothers-in-law, Luey Heisler, Hugh Boehmer, Dean Thuma, and Daniel Tereschuk; sister-in-law, Betty Thuma; and nephews, Ron Thuma and Danny Tereschuk.

To honor Joanne’s request, there will be no service. Please celebrate her life and lasting legacy privately or make a donation in her name to the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International Upsilon chapter or the Order of the Eastern Star Brookfield #352 chapter. Friends are encouraged to share memories of Joanne on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Claudia “Jean” Klaiss of Charlotte, a nurturing, caring woman and friend to many, died April 5, 2024, at the age of 83. Jean was born in Jackson, Michigan on January 22, 1941, to Berkley and Hilda (Rhinehart) Larzelere. Throughout her lifetime she worked many different places, including Dewey’s Party Store, Owens Illinois, bus driver for Charlotte Public Schools, G.C. Murphy Five and Dime, Klaiss TV, and Murray’s Flower Shop, but most recently was happily retired. A lifetime member of V.F.W. Post 2406 and American Legion Post 42 in Charlotte, Jean enjoyed volunteering and being a part of a community of friends. Jean loved her family dearly and had many great memories of growing up with her sisters, family reunions, barn building, playing cards, and so much more with family at the heart of it all. She was very proud of her miracle baby, Dawn, and enjoyed married life as Mrs. Donald Klaiss, with a special love between them; becoming a blended family, which gave her more family to love; and the camping trips enjoyed together.

Jean is survived by her daughter, Dawn (Brian) Gibbs; step-children by title but children through love, Donald (Martha) Klaiss Jr., Brian (Kristi) Klaiss, Alan (Trina) Klaiss, and Gary (Susan) Klaiss; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings, Jackie Robinson and Judy Jones; brothers and sisters-in-law, Sue (Chris) Scott, Sally (Rod) McMichael, Jan McQuay, Fred (Nadine) Klaiss; several nieces, nephews, and extended family members; and her longest and dearest friend since birth, Karen (Milo) Wright. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Ken Wenzel and second husband, Donald “Duck” Klaiss; daughter and son-in-law, Laurie and Pete Sperry; sisters, Linda Davis and Meredith Potter; brother, Berkley Larzelere; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Jim Klaiss, Darwyn Jones, Jim Davis, Jean Reed, Larry McQuay, and Ken Robinson.

Friends are encouraged to support Jean’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Sunday, April 7, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Monday, April 8 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Greg Rinehart officiating. 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 Claudia’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 CFD Christmas Kiddies. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Terry Lee Chaney, 77 of Prescott, AZ (formerly of Charlotte, MI) died April 8, 2024. Terry was born December 20, 1946, in Lansing, MI to Maynard and Alice (Flasher) Chaney. He joined the Air Force, serving from 1966-1970. Terry worked at Spartan Motors for 20 years until his retirement in 2009, and then in 2018 moved to Arizona. Many different outdoor activities were the things Terry enjoyed most in life, including hunting, fishing, camping, training dogs, and riding and showing horses he received numerous achievement awards in horse riding.

Terry is survived by his daughters, Michelle (Rob) Keckler and Heather (Travis) Piepkow; five grandchildren, Alana, Amanda, Mason, Brooke, and Joseph; two great-grandchildren, Anorah and Owen; sister, Robyn (Jerry) Daugherty; brothers, Larry (Faith) Chaney and Russ (Linda) Chaney. He was preceded in death by his first and second wives, Carol Conklin Chaney and Linda Henderson Chaney; and grandson, William Piepkow.

A graveside service was held at Perry Cemetery in Charlotte, Michigan on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Joy Lynn Clark of Dimondale, passed away April 20, 2024, at the age of 70. Joy was born on November 3, 1953, in Lansing, Michigan, the daughter of Morris and Mary (Miles) Remington. She was honorably discharged from the National Guard in 1979. Joy worked many years for Sparrow TCI before retiring in 2018. She was first and foremost a full-time grandma. Her four grandchildren were her whole world. Joy would do anything with her grandkids, including playing Roblox on occasion. She will be remembered for being a very dedicated and wonderful mother. She was also an amazing artist. Over the years she had created some beautiful paintings and drawings. Joy had quite the green thumb, she enjoyed gardening as well as cooking.

She is survived by her daughters, Doreen (Mark Klemish) Zimmerman of Eaton Rapids, Paula (Robert Perry) Zimmerman of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Kaleb Chambers, Maxximus Perry, Xander Perry, Robert Perry Jr; brother, Steven Remington; sisters, Linda Hartman, Nancy (Ed) Deatsman. Joy was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother, Michael Remington.

Memorial Services will be held at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Ele’s Place of Lansing in loving memory of Joy Lynn Clark. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.

Arlene Powers

Celebrating 100 Years
Since

Arlene Powers will be celebrating her 100th Birthday on Monday, May 6, 2024. A card shower would be appreciated in her honor. Cards and well wishes may be mailed to Arlene Powers, 22320 23 Mile Road, Olivet, MI 49076. Congratulations and best wishes for a very happy birthday!

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Funeral Services:

Gladys G. (Field) Stacey of Marshall, Michigan, formally of Charlotte, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at her residence. She was under the care of Oaklawn Hospice and her loving family.

Gladys was born February 15, 1924, in Nashville, Tennessee the oldest daughter of George W. Field, and Jeannette (Rice) Field, who proceeded her in death, as well as her sister, Carolyn L. Field, and her husband of 61 years, Herbert Levi Stacey.
Gladys is survived by her brother Carl W. Field; nephew, Timothy K. (Kathy) Field; nieces, Schara J. (Ike) Swan, Joyce (Charlie) Porter and Jan Miller.

Grand nieces and nephews; Steven Botimer, Hailey (Rocky) Young, Landon Young, Ginger (Larry) Holland, Chris (Ann) Porter, and Lesa (Bob) Smith, as well as many grand great-great nieces and nephews.

Gladys was a graduate of Charlotte High School, Class of 1942. Immediately after graduation she joined her uncle, Harold Field, at Morrison Field in West Palm Beach, Florida to assist in the recovery of military planes that crashed on the East Coast.

Her next adventure, led her to Phoenix, Arizona, where she was employed at a large department store in the accounting office. While in Arizona, she enjoyed bowling, the mountains, and horseback riding. In the early 1950’s her dad was in Phoenix attending an ABC bowling tournament. They had an extra seat in the car and he convinced her to return home with them.

Shortly after that, she began her banking career at the Eaton County Savings Bank, which led to the Michigan National Bank and then the Bank of America, where she retired from after 42 years of service.

On September 16, 1956, she married Herbert L. Stacey and they were blessed with 61 happy years together.

Gladys and Herb also enjoyed 25 years at their Duck Lake cottage (Stacey-Ives Goof Off Haven) before they retired, and then 30 years at their home in Sarasota, Florida (Venetian Park Estates) in the winters.

In June 2016, they moved into the Villa at Winston Court Senior Living Community in Marshall where they have resided since.

Gladys was a member of the First Congregational Church of Charlotte and attended there until moving to Marshall where she attended the Marshall First Baptist Church with her brother and his family.

She was active in many organizations. A life member of the Charlotte VFW Post 2403 Auxiliary, the American Legion Post 42 Auxiliary, the Order of the Eastern Star 351 Charlotte chapter, and the Charlotte Senior Center where she and Herb enjoyed playing bingo. She also was an avid bowler for many years.

Gladys and Herb had no children and were always very involved in the lives of their nieces and nephews (“the kids”), especially Gladys, who inherited her father’s love of phoning everyone.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Katie Wallen officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. A luncheon will be served following the service at the First Congregational Church in Charlotte.

In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to one of the organizations listed above. To leave an online condolence for Gladys’s family, please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com .

The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo funeral Home.

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Amanda Jean MacDonald, a loving mother and grandmother with a passion for nature, died peacefully on Friday, Apri12, 2024 at the age of 88. Amanda was born at home on January 13, 1936, during a snowstorm in Sunfield Township, the daughter of Noble Henry and Neva Irene (Bell) Sackett. She graduated from Grand Ledge High School before attending Michigan State University. Amanda grew up on a farm where she learned the importance of hard work. She loved raising her Jersey Cows. As a child, Amanda also spent many hours in the woods with her father and grandfather, which led to her love of the outdoors, a love she passed on to her children and grandchildren. Several generations of the family enjoyed countless camping trips across several decades, including to the Woods in the North. Amanda’s children not only remember special trips, but also always stopping along the roadside to look for “Lady’s Slippers” flowers in the spring. Amanda was a 4H leader, focusing especially on sewing, cooking and baking, and entomology. She developed a beautiful collection of pressed flowers and insects. She was lifetime member of NCHA/FCRV, and a dedicated member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Above all, Amanda loved her family.

Amanda is survived by her children, JoDee Naan (Tony) Pruden, Kent Neil (Teresa) MacDonald, Kelly Nona (Stanley) Karamol; grandchildren, Paddy (Holley) MacDonald, Heather (Robert) Youngs, Gregory (Courtney) Pruden, Dallas (Kelly Jo) Hartman, Cassandra Hankins, Mark Hankins, Amy (Mike) Restauri and Michael Karamol; several great-grandchildren; brothers, William (Christine) Sackett and Robert (Susan) Sackett; sisters-in-law, Kate and Susan MacDonald. She was predeceased by her husband, Bryce Lee MacDonald; daughter, Nika Lisle Hankins; sister, Vanya Ackerson; and her parents.

Friends are encouraged to support Amanda’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was on Thursday, April 18, 2024, from 2-4:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m., with an Eastern Star Service at 8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. Funeral services was at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 19, 2024 at Vermontville Congregational Church with Pastor Izzy Young officiating. Interment will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery in Vermontville. 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 Amanda’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smartphone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Vermontville Congregational Church, the FCRV Conservation Fund, or Woldumar Nature Center. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Lynn Wireman (born Henrietta Lynn Haltiner), mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 12, 2024, at the age of 84. Lynn was born in Detroit on April 14, 1939, the daughter of Elizabeth and John Haltiner. Lynn was one of 14 natural born children of Elizabeth and John. She grew up in the Lansing area and graduated from Leslie High School. Lynn spent much of her youth living on farms, and she was raised by Henry and Paulina Wilberding and their nine children, who welcomed her into their family as one of their own. As a child, Lynn spent many hours outdoors, with a love for exploring and traveling. Lynn married David Wakley in 1958 and was blessed with four children, Laura (Tony) Cushman; David (Jeri) Wakley, Steven (deceased) (Tammy) Wakley; and Neil (Heidi) Wakley; 14 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. She married Ezra Wireman in 1982 who also loved the outdoors and the Southwest. Lynn and Ezra enjoyed watching NASCAR in person and on television. Together they saw much of the United States and lived for many years in the Phoenix, Arizona area. After Ezra passed away Lynn returned to Michigan, living in the Bellevue area.

Family and friends are encouraged to support Lynn’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Mass and Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte with a meal/gathering after Mass. Interment will take place at a later date at Eastlawn Cemetery in Okemos. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Dr. Edwin R. Larkin, 87, a pillar of public health in Wisconsin/mid-Michigan and a preventative healthcare pioneer, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on October 17, 2023, in Lansing, Michigan.

Ed cared deeply about his family and friends, his neighbors, and his community. He took great care with the younger generations to share his world and knowledge with them, encouraging and mentoring them to think bigger and think beyond. He enriched the lives of those he loved with books and sweets. You never knew what thoughtful token you might find delivered to your doorstep.
Also, a prolific writer, he captured his thoughts, feelings, observations and marked special moments and occasions in his life with words and verse amassing a lifetime of poetry that is treasured beyond measure.

Ed was the son of Roland and Helen (neé Krismer) Larkin born September 3, 1936, in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He graduated from Aquinas Catholic High School in 1954 and pursued a Bachelor of Science at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse. Ed graduated from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health in Madison in 1962 and completed his medical residency at Georgetown University Hospital in 1963.

He married the love-of-his-life, Janice Laylan, on June 9, 1962, in La Crosse, Wisconsin.  She brought spirited fun to Ed’s serious nature. Together, they created a rich, beautiful life full of family, great friendships, music, travel, and adventure.

Serving in Vietnam from 1963-1966, Ed was a Captain in the US Army HHC 25th Infantry Division APO SF 96225 USARV as a surgeon and physician. He was awarded three medals of commendation for his service.

Deeply committed to his education, Ed went on to complete a Master of Public Health from the University of California Berkeley in 1971 and settled in Hawaii where he was an Associate Professor in Public Health at the University of Hawaii Manoa. He served as the Assistant State Health Officer in Madison, Wisconsin from 1973 to 1980. Moving to Charlotte, Michigan, he served as the Barry-Eaton District Health Officer for 16-years retiring in 1996. Throughout his tenure, Ed specialized in the health of individuals and communities focusing on how to protect and maintain health as well as prevent disease.

Ed is survived by his beloved wife of 61-years, Janice, and their two children, Erin (Karen) Larkin of Charlotte, Michigan, and Curtis (Jayne) Larkin of Minneapolis, Minnesota; three grandchildren: Skyler (Cambria) Larkin, Jenna (Jared) Burzan and Gillian Larkin; two great-grandchildren, Addy and Julian, along with his sisters, Mary Evans of Tucson, Arizona, and Sue Gilbert of La Crosse, Wisconsin; 10 nieces & nephews and wonderful friends & neighbors who were like family. He left an indelible imprint on the hearts and minds of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Roland & Helen Larkin, and his younger brother, Donnie.

Funeral services with full military honors will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, 1p.m., at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Charlotte, Michigan, with a family visitation one hour prior. A celebration of life luau will immediately follow at the VFW Post 2406 in Charlotte, Michigan. In lieu of flowers or memorials, please honor Ed’s lifetime commitment to local community health with a donation in his name to the Eaton Community Health Initiative: https://ech-eaton.org/what-we-do/ The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Robert Arthur Breard, 76, died suddenly and unexpectedly while at home in Sedona, Arizona on the morning of his birthday, April 2, 2024, which came as a shock to those who knew him as healthy, active and energetic, often claiming that he would live to be 150 years old.

Robert will be fondly remembered by his family and the friends he has made wherever he has lived. He founded and ran two extremely successful tool and dye businesses in Lansing, Michigan, he was a thrill-seeker who loved fast cars, golfing, cycling and later hiking and pickleball. Most of all, Robert was a generous, loyal and caring father, grandfather and friend who always put his loved ones first.
Robert entered the world on April 2, 1948, in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, the second child of Charles Breard and Vera (Jowett) Breard, who both served in the Royal Canadian Air Force where they met and married. The family moved to Eaton Rapids, Michigan and lived in a double story house on Bentley Street, where Robert and his four siblings ran free and engaged in neighborhood shenanigans, most memorably playing neighborhood pick-up sports, including street hockey with sticks and a rock, and eating ice cream after school at Miller’s Ice Cream Parlor where Robert’s grandfather, Arthur Jowett was Vice President.

Robert graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1966 and worked as a janitor to put himself through college at Michigan State University. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science in 1971, was married in 1972 and had two children. The family moved from Owosso, Michigan to Lansing, Michigan where Robert founded a tool and dye business. Weekends and summers were spent with dear friends on Bear Lake in Kalkaska, Michigan, which remained a cherished place for Bob to visit throughout the course of his life. He later became co-business owner at Eckhart USA, where he grew his second company in the tool and dye industry, finally retiring in 2016.

During his retirement, Robert split his time between Venice, Florida and Sedona, Arizona where he spent some of his happiest years. He kept a busy schedule, which included reading, kayaking, hiking and pickleball with friends, in addition to taking on numerous home improvement jobs. He enjoyed traveling to San Francisco to visit his two grandsons Miles and Julian, whom he absolutely adored. He hosted the boys on elaborate excursions, such as baseball games, trips to the zoo, rock climbing, putt putt golf and movie theaters, all while searching for the best burger the city could offer.

Robert is survived by his daughter Jennifer (Breard) Witt, son-in-law Gary Witt and grandchildren Miles and Julian; his son Justin Breard, daughter-in-law Nicole (Cary) Breard; his brother Michael Breard and sister-in-law Joan (VanDonge) Breard, niece Aubrey Breard and grand-nephew Luke Mann; his sister Annette Breard, nieces Amber Rochester, Jessi Bartlett and nephew Michael Bartlett, and his sister Susan Alexander and her son Stephen Carter.

Robert will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He will be remembered with a hike at 12:30, followed by a celebration of life from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at the Mystic Hills clubhouse in Sedona, Arizona. Family, friends and former colleagues are invited to join and/or post memories to this online memorial. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Robert’s name to the Sedona Community Foodbank.