All Obituaries

Rita I. Gibbard, 91, of East Jordan died Sunday, July 8, 2018, at Grandvue Medical Care Facility. She was born on November 2, 1926, in Hazel Park, Michigan, the daughter of Frank and Alice (LaVasaur) Zeitz. Rita grew up in Hazel Park and graduated later in years from East Jordan High School in 1971. She had worked 20 years at Grandvue Medical Care Facility in East Jordan. She retired as a certified nurse’s aide. She was a believer in Jesus Christ and her church was in her...

Cheryl J. Lawton, 71, of Norwood Township passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 8, 2018, at home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on January 17, 1947, in Detroit, to Rudolph A. and Helen (Chorley) Henkel.  She grew up in Huntington Woods and graduated from Shrine High School, Royal Oak, in 1965, then attended Michigan State University for several years.  Cheryl spent much of her late childhood summers at her parents’ cottage on Lake...

  Lyman W. Hammond, 78, of East Jordan, passed away peaceful in his sleep, Wednesday, September 13, 2018, after a long battle with C.O.P.D.  By his side were family and loved ones to see him off on his final adventure.   He was born on September 26, 1939, the son of Frank and Nancy (Lachene) Hammond.   He is survived by two children, Karen Hammond Graham and Brian (Kelly) Hammond; twelve grandchildren who love their “Grandpa” and eleven great...

  Robert J. "Trapper Bob" Kotsch, 82, of Jordan Township Antrim County, died on Friday, August 17, 2018, at his home, with his wife Mary Ann by his side. He was surrounded by family and loved ones.   A celebration of Robert's life will be held on Saturday, September 8, 2018, at 2:00 P.M. at his home at 2038 Graves Crossing, located off of M-66 Highway, North of Mancelona.   He was born on October 24, 1935, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Jacob and Caroline...

Marcus John Brennan, 58, of East Jordan died Saturday, August 18, 2018, at his home.  A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 8, 2018, at 1:00 P.M. at the East Jordan Sno Mobilers Club, 5586 Mt Bliss Rd, East Jordan, MI 49727. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the Brennan family.

  Jean L. Strehl, 94, of East Jordan passed away on Tuesday, August 28th, 2018 surrounded by family. She was born on May 10th, 1924 to Mary Edith and Harry Simmons of East Jordan with siblings Harry Jr., William, Gerald “Dutch”, Mary Jane, and Patricia. After graduating East Jordan High School in 1942, Jean joined the World War II effort at the Willow Run Bomber Plant  as a “Rosie the Riveter”.   Following the war, Jean attended and graduated from...

 Deborah Kay Winowiecki, 64, of Petoskey, loving mother and grandma passed away peacefully on Friday, August 17, 2018 at her mother’s home in East Jordan.   She left behind her mother, Wanda Ford; daughter, Korie Cosgrove; and grandchildren, Nicholas Gray, Noah Gray, Trentin Hibbler, Naomi Cosgrove Brooklynne Cosgrove, Steven Cosgrove and Zayden Cosgrove; and all of the people she held so close to her heart.   She will always be remembered for her...

C. William (Bill) Whitlock II, 75, died at Pineview Cottage in Harbor Springs, Michigan, on August 10, 2018. He was born on September 19, 1942, in Geneva, Illinois, to Grace Virginia Otis Whitlock and Charles William Whitlock, just four days after his father was sent off to fight in World War II. Bill grew up on the family farm in Itasca and graduated in 1960, from Lake Park High School, Medinah, Illinois. He went on to earn a B.A. in Philosophy from Cornell College, culminating with a...

On July 21, 1954 a very special and unique baby girl was born. Her name, Karen Lenore Hughey (Wagar). On August 8, 2018 Karen closed her eyes and has gone to spend eternity alongside the love of her life, her husband, Gerald C. Wagar. Karen was the first born child of Neil and Elaine Hughey, and one of six siblings. Karen had a sense of humor that could catch you off guard. She filled our lives with amazing home cooking, and had a great passion for gardening and feeding the wild birds....

Craig James Welch, 53, died Friday, July 20, 2018, at home near East Jordan. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 28, 2018, at 1:00 P.M. at Hole #12 in the East Jordan Community Park Disk Golf Course.