Big Rapids-Judson “Jud” C. Anderson, 76, of Big Rapids went to be with the Lord Wednesday, September 1, 2010. He was born July 29, 1934 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of George and Ethel (Purdy) Anderson. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sandra (Abendroth), one son Scott (Linda) Anderson of Hudsonville, two daughters; Julie Werner of Comstock Park, Dayna (Dan) Gemzer of Kentwood, seven grandchildren Chris (Jenny) LaVallee, Greg (Dannelle) LaVallee, Derek (Leslie) Anderson, Jeremy Anderson, Chrystal Kasinger, Wendy Gemzer and Brian Gemzer and three great grandchildren. Also, surviving are one brother, Alan (Sherry) Anderson of Wyandotte,one brother-in-law, Terry (Paula) Abendroth of Big Rapids and two nephews. Jud was preceded in death by his parents. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force and was a partner in Abendroth and Anderson Builders, a member of Big Rapids Eagles # 2535 and Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Jud is remembered as a devoted husband, father and grandfather. A memorial service for Jud will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 3, 2010 at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids where the family will greet friends beginning at 1:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association.

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Big Rapids –Starlene L. Williams-Mars, 63, of Big Rapids passed away Monday,

August 30, 2010. She was born April 25, 1947 in Fremont, Michigan, daughter of

Lawrence B. and (Marie M. (Koehn) Lobker.

Star is survived by her husband Jerry, three stepchildren; Dianne, Dawn and Tony Mars.

She was preceded in death by her parents. Star was a retired Biology and Earth Science  teacher for Rockford High School where she taught from 1976-2003.

 She loved the outdoors, particularly hiking and skiing.

A memorial gathering will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 2, 2010 at the

Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Star’s family will greet friends beginning at 10:00 a.m.

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George M. Diehl, Jr. 52, of Big Rapids passed away Sunday, August 29, 2010.

He was born October 4, 1956 in Chicago, Illinois. He was the son of George M. and Virgie (Bowman) Diehl. George is survived by three sons; Nicholas George of Richland, Michigan,

David Michael of Pace, Florida, Travis Lawrence of Big Rapids and one daughter, Brandy

Frezze of Battle Creek, Michigan, six grandchildren and two brothers. Robert and David

Diehl plus special niece Gynetta Sue Woods and close buddy Joey Hirl.

He was preceded in death by his parents. George was a veteran of the United States Army.

He was employed over 25 years at Fluid Routing Systems in Big Rapids.

Funeral services will be 11 :00 a.m. Saturday, September 4, 2010 at the Mohnke Funeral

Home in Big Rapids. Family members will greet friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. prior to serive.

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Mecosta – Richard P. Katke, 80, of Mecosta, passed away Sunday, August 29, 2010 at his home on Round Lake.  He was born April 7, 1930, in Lansing, the son of Raymond and Selma (Anderson) Katke, and graduated from Reed City High School. After high school, Dick served with the U. S. Navy. On September 4, 1948, he married Janet Bell in the Rodney Methodist Church. Shortly thereafter, Dick began his career with Michigan-Wisconsin (later ANR/Coastal) Pipeline, retiring as Area Manager after 37 years of service. In 1992, he and Janet moved to their place on Round Lake, where they have lived since. Dick was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Big Rapids. For many years, he was active with the Boy Scouts of America, and especially enjoyed taking the boys camping. He was also a former member of the Mecosta Lions Club. Dick is survived by his wife Janet; 2 daughters, Mary Katke-Gillum of Big Rapids, Sue McConnell of Kona, HI; 3 granddaughters, Michelle (Scott) Kolp of Pontiac, Angela (Kevin) Endres of Macomb Township, MacKenzie Gillum of Big Rapids; 3 great-grandchildren, Ryan, Courtney, and Austin; his sister Barbara (Dave) Waddell of Northport; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by their son Hal in 1988.  Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 1, at the First United Methodist Church in Big Rapids, with Pastor Dean Prentiss officiating. Burial will follow in the Highland View Cemetery. Memorial contributions for the Alzheimer’s Association may be left at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, where Dick’s family will greet friends today (Tuesday) from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., and after 10 a.m. tomorrow at the church.

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Big Rapids –Florence Mae Brodowski, 89, of Royal View Village, Mecosta, formerly of Big Rapids passed away Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at Mecosta County Medical Center. She was born August 10, 1921 in Vassar, Michigan, the daughter of George and Dorcas (King) McNeal. Florence is survived by her daughter Margaret, formerly Linda Brodowski (Paul) Mingo of Farmington, three grandchildren David Britten, Ben Britten and Monica Mingo, and one sister Jane Bodimer. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Joe who passed away in 1998. Florence married Joe in 1942 in Biloxi, Mississippi while he served in World War II. She supported the war efford at Eaton Manufacturing in Vassar. Florence and Joe moved to  Big Rapids in 1964. Joe worked at Ferris in the Trade and Industry, Auto Body Department. Florence worked in medical billing for Drs. Haldeman, Hickox and Walters. Funeral services will be Saturday, August 28, 2010 at 2:30 p.m. at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids with Pastor Paul Snyder officiating. Visitation will be Friday 4-8 p.m. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Vassar. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Michigan.

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Big Rapids –Marilyn J. Kilbourne, 61, of Green Township, passed away Tuesday, August 24, 2010, at her residence.  She was born May 16, 1949, in Flint, the daughter of M. Richard and Onalee (Carpenter) Diebolt, and graduated from Msg. John W. O’Rafferty High School in Lansing in 1967. Marilyn attended Central Michigan University for two years, and moved to this area in 1973. For 13 years, Marilyn worked as a receptionist for the Schuberg Insurance Agency in Big Rapids. She was a member of the Tall Pine Quilt Club. Marilyn was also formerly a 4-H Leader, and enjoyed camping. On June 21, 1997, she married Cliff Kilbourne, who survives. Also surviving are her mother Onalee of Lansing; son Brian (Jodi) Colby of Big Rapids; daughter Jennifer (Wes) Bowling of Rockie Mount, VA; step-son Dean Kilbourne of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren Kayden, Mason, Madilyn, Kylie, Madison, and Morgan; her sister Sue Lyman of Lansing; and several nieces and nephews. Marilyn was preceded in death by her father and her brother-in-law Bob Lyman. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 28, 2010 at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids with Rev. Suzanne marn officiating. Her family will greet friends at the funeral home on Friday from 4-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made Marilyn’s honor to Mecosta County Animal Shelter., American Cancer Society or In-House Hospice of Grand Rapids.

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Big Rapids-Betty Lou (Vaughn) Grzesikowski, age 80, passed away at Metron Nursing Home on Sunday, August 8, 2010.  She was born on Janurary 23, 1930 near Woodville, Michigan, the daughter of Earl and Lois Vaughn. Betty graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1948. Surviving are her three sisters; Doris (Darrell) Aldrich of Big Rapids, Judy (Glenn) Burkett of Sears, Janet (Charles) Wright of Texas, two brothers;Dale (Darlene) Vaughn and Wayne (Sherrie) Vaugh both of Big Rapids.  Also, surviving are five stepchildren; Sharon (Mike) Vargo, Royce (Sue) Ladd, John (Elsie) Grzesikowski and Tammy (Rod) Whitney. Betty  was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Robert Ladd, Ralph Chase and Walt Gresikowski all of Jackson, sister Bonnie Jack and brothers Jack and Robert Vaughn. She lived most of her adult life around Jackson, Michigan, coming back to Big Rapids in  the  1990’s.  Betty was a member of Big Rapids Eagles Post 2535 and had been Secretary of the Amvets Auxiliary.  She owned and operated a restaurant at Clark Lake, Michigan for many years.  She loved music and singing Karaoke.  The staff and residents at Metron loved her up beat wit and laughter. Betty always had an answer for everything.Funeral services will be Saturday, August 14, 2010 at 12:00 p.m. at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids with Betty’s nephew Timothy McShane officiating.  Her family will greet friends at the funeral home on Friday from 6-8 p.m.

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Big Rapids –Frederick F. Freiberg, age 81, passed away Wednesday, August 11, 2010, in Grand Rapids from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was born April 19, 1929 in Big Rapids, the son of Fred and Anna (Lucht) Freiberg, and lived on the family farm in Grant Township his entire life.  For many years, Fred worked for Simonds Industries until retiring.Fred like to talk, and enjoyed socializing at the McDonald’s Restaurant in Reed City.  He attended the Old Country Church in Grant Township.Surviving are his sister Elaine (Keith) Ross of Big Rapids; 3 nephews, Steven Ross of Lansing, Michael Ross of Grand Rapids, and Douglas Ross of Cincinnati, OH; and his special friends Rick Kailing and Florence Zimmerman.Funeral services will be 5:00 p.m., Sunday, August 15, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Pastor Steve Swanson officiating.  Burial will be in the Grant Center Cemetery.  Fred’s family will greet friends at the funeral home on Saturday, August 14, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., and prior to services on Sunday.  

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Big Rapids –Thad M. Yankee, 60, of Big Rapids, passed away Wednesday, August 11, 2010, at Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital.He was born October 12, 1949, in Linwood, MI, the son of Russell and Clara (VanHorn) Yankee, and moved to Big Rapids in 1998.  On September 20, 1996, he married Karen DeCaire, who survives.  Also surviving are his children, Charles Yankee of Illinois, Samantha Martin of Big Rapids, Patrick Tyler of Germany, and James Tyler of Illinois; his stepchildren, Jonathon DeCaire of Big Rapids, Lloyd Orchard III of Flint, Randall Orchard of North Carolina, Amanda and Anita Orchard, both of Big Rapids; 3 brothers, Harry, Roy, and Edward Yankee; 1 sister Louise MacDonald; and many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.  Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, August 16, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Pastor Doug Bennett officiating.  Thad’s family will greet friends after 10:00 a.m. on Monday. 

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Greenville-Shirley Jane Hardin, age 73, of Greenville formerly of Big Rapids went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, August 10, 2010.  She was  born on April 28, 1937 in Reed City, the daughter of Charles and Flossie Mae (Jones) Cousineau.   Shirley is survived by three sons; James (Kim) Hardin of Gowen, Thomas  (Special friend Jackie Gable) Hardin of Gowen, John Hardin of Columbus, Ohio, two sisters; Marilyn (Bert) Reed of Greeley, Colorado, twin sister, Shelva Davis of Greenville, one brother, Russell (Jean) Cousineau of Big Rapids, four grandchildren, Jamie, Travis, Kasie and Jacob Hardin plus one great granddaughter, Addy, and several nieces and nephews and cousins.Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and one son, Paul Hardin.  She worked at Fisher Body in Grand Rapids, retiring with over 30 years of service.  She was a very loving person who will be missed by family and many friends.Funeral services will be Sunday, August 15, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids with Reverend Ron Witbeck officiating.  Visitation will be at the funeral home on Saturday from 6-8 p.m. and from 1-2 p.m. Sunday prior to services. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or Heartland Hospice of Grand Rapids.

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