David Lee Thompson of McBain, age 67, passed away on July 26th, 2021 with his family by his side.  Dave was born on June 10th, 1954 to Charles and Elizabeth (Seeley) Thompson in Flint, Michigan.  He married the love of his life, Nancy Jean Derrick, on July 10th, 1974 at the Lucas Rehoboth Reformed Church.  Dave spent three years in the U.S. Marine Corp, mostly stationed in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, after he and Nancy married.  After his time in the service, they...

Betty Lee (Brandt) Wilson, age 86, of Holland Township, Missaukee County passed away on July 18, 2021 at her home. Betty was born in Grayling to Chester and Vera (Turner) Brandt on August 31, 1934. Betty was a longtime resident of the Falmouth area. She and her husband owned the Moddersville Store for many years, where she also ran a T-shirt shop. In 1992 they retired, turning the store over to their son, Jerry, where it’s still open & running today as the Moddersville Store &...

Harold Lee Smeins, age 85 of Marion, passed away at Autumnwood of McBain on June 29, 2021. He was born on June 1, 1936 to John and Flossie (Roland) Smeins in Pipestone County, Minnesota. He married Norma Tennant on August 4, 1967 in Lansing. He was affiliated with a nondenominational church. He enjoyed collecting John Deere Tractors, farming, going to coffee with his buddies, and riding his bicycle around Marion. The family would like to thank the staff at Autumnwood of McBain for the...

David Thomas Rapson age 91 of Lake City, passed away at Maple Ridge Living Center on June 26, 2021. He was born on Oct 1, 1929 at Pontiac, Michigan to Fred and Myrtle (Phurlow) Rapson. He had worked as a barber in the Ann Arbor area for most of his working years. He enjoyed going fishing with his friend John Perry. He is survived by three sons, Dale Rapson and Brent Rapson both of Indiana and Brian Rapson of Fenton. He has several grandchildren and other relatives surviving. He was...

John F. Koetje age 86 of Belmont, a child of God went home into the welcoming arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ at Spectrum Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids on June 25, 2021. He was born on May 18, 1935 in Clam Union Township to Floris and Tressa (Diemer) Koetje. He married Dee Veltema on November 2, 1956 in Lucas and they were blessed with 64 years of marriage. John was a builder and developer all his working years. He was involved in many business ventures. He was a member of...

Nancy Harriet Philo, age 86 of McBain, passed away on June 20, 2021 at Autumnwood of McBain. She was born on August 15, 1934 to James and Irene (Lightfoot) Lawliss at Flint. She married Bob Kirt on Sept. 15, 1951 in Traverse City and he passed away in 2006. She married Phil Philo in 1975 in Toledo and he preceded her in death in 1988. She had worked for 24 years in the cafeteria at the Jeep Plant in Toledo. She was a member of the Northland Community Church. She enjoyed reading, crocheting,...

Ronald Roy Kanouse Sr. of LeRoy passed away Saturday, June 19, 2021 at the Altercare of Big Rapids at the age of 72. He was born on February 27, 1949 to Forrest and Betty Jean (Berner) Kanouse in Reed City, Michigan. He worked for McQuestion Construction for many years and was a member of the Carpenters Union. Ron was in the first graduating class of the newly formed Pine River Area Schools and scored the first touchdown in the school’s football program. Ron was a positive influence...

Dale Wayne VanHaitsma age 64 of McBain passed away on June 4, 2021 at his mother’s home in Falmouth as a result of medical issues. He was born on October 1, 1956 in Grand Rapids to Bernard (Bud) and Louise (Riedel) VanHaitsma. He married Joy Annette Vandenboss on July 7, 1984 at East Leroy, Michigan.  Following his graduation from high school he obtained an associate’s degree from NMC in Traverse City. Dale retired from the US Navy in 1999 after 24 years of service for his...

William “Bill” Knapp, 89, currently residing in LeRoy, MI died Friday, June 4th, 2021 at Cadillac Hospital after a prolonged recovery from COVID.  He was surrounded by family when he passed. Bill was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1932 son of Harold and Lola Knapp.  After leaving the Army post WWII, Bill worked diligently at many jobs across the country, from mechanic, to technical writer and later in life with his wife, Sandy, running a small-town cafe.  Bill...

William Ray Woll age 79 of Grand Ledge, passed away at Medilodge of Lansing on May 28, 2021. He was born on April 10, 1942 at Lake Orion to Melvin and Madelaine (Quibell) Woll. He married Shirley Jean Roepcke on May 2, 1964 at the Stockbridge Presbyterian Church. He received his mortuary science degree from Wayne State University and had done his apprenticeship at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home in Lansing. He had also worked at Caskey Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge. He then went...