John Alfred Afton, 69, of Big Rapids, passed away Friday, November 19, 2021, at his residence.

He was born April 4, 1952, in Montcalm Co., the son of Richard and Helen (Doxtater) Afton. John grew up in Big Rapids and graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1970.  For many years, he worked as a tool & die maker for ITW Drawform in Zeeland until retiring.  In his younger years, John loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and family camping trips.  He also enjoyed restoring classic cars, especially his ‘68 LeMans.

John is survived by his daughters, Carrie Hildenbrand of Kalamazoo and Erin Afton of Grand Rapids; six grandchildren, Nicole, Danielle, Meghan, Seamus, Erik, and Shonny; three great grandchildren, Maison, Levi, and Nova; his siblings, Bill (Jackie) Bird of Muskegon, Edna (Bob) Sims of Pryor, OK, Richard Afton of Reed City, Betty Wright of Mecosta, and Paula (Kerry) Gould of Traverse City; sisters-in-law Wanda and Pam Afton; special niece and nephew Jessica Barrera and Anthony Afton; and many more nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Freda Grimes, brothers Tom and Tony Afton, son-in-law Tony Ball, and nephew Tommy Afton.

A Celebration of John’s life will be held from 2-4 p.m., Wednesday, December 1, 2021, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Memorial contributions in his name may be made for the Mecosta County Commission on Aging. Share a memory or express condolences at www.mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Kenneth Berton, 91, of Hersey, passed away Thursday, November 18, 2021, at Newaygo County Compassion Home in Fremont.

He was born May 17, 1930, in Bridgeville, PA, the son of Columbus and Nora (Ratti) Berton. Ken proudly served in the U.S. Air Force during the Japanese occupation. After his discharge he moved to the Detroit area to work for General Motors as a toolmaker, retiring from there after 35 years. After spending time in different locations, he settled in Hersey for the past 24 years.

Ken loved working on and tinkering with cars. Fixing many things on them himself instead of taking them somewhere. Ken will be sorely missed by his family, not only as a father but also as a friend.

On May 18, 1959, Ken married Vernice Berton, who sadly preceded him in death. Ken is survived by his children, Laura (Randy) Campbell, Michael (Renee) Berton, Rick (Kari) Berton, and Patricia Bordeau; nine grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; and his sister Vern. He was also preceded in death by his granddaughter Crista Bordeau.

Family services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions in his name may be made for the Newaygo County Compassion Home. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at www.mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Daniel James Routley, 34, of Ann Arbor, formerly of Big Rapids, passed away unexpectedly, Thursday, November 18, 2021, after a battle with the disease of alcoholism.

Daniel was born January 23, 1987, in Big Rapids, the son of David B. and Alice Jean (Peterson) Routley.  He attended St. Peter’s Lutheran School through the 8^th grade, then Big Rapids High School through 11^th grade. He attended Crossroads Charter Academy High School in 12^th grade and graduated in 2005.  Dan then earned his B.S. in Economics from Eastern Michigan University in 2012, and has lived and worked in Ann Arbor since.

Danny had an infectious personality, a quick wit, and always had a grin and a hug.   He had a contagious laugh and could brighten any room. He was a sports enthusiast, loving to watch and quote sports movies (“Sandlot”, “Hoosiers”, “ Mighty Ducks”, “Remember the Titans”), playing basketball and golf, and enjoying daily workouts including running several miles a day.  He was also a longtime member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.

Daniel’s greatest joy in life was his son David James Routley, who survives him.  He is also survived by his parents Dave and Alice; his siblings Jean (Dan Wanink), Julie, Nick (Nicole), and Marcus (Brooklyn); his paternal grandmother Marilyn Routley; his aunts and uncles Deb Lipnicki, Paul (Tamara) Peterson, Diane (Keith) Day, Nancy (Don) Damon, and Sue (Keith) Ostoin; his nieces and nephews Nicholas, Finley, Riley, Charlie, Bristol, goddaughter Harper, Gracelynn, Gunnar, and Burkley; his adopted brothers Isaiah and Isaac (Jameila) Simmons; his special friends Tim Kowalczyk, Seth Wiles, and Max Kantar; and his favorite cousin Brent and many other extended family members.   Danny was preceded in death by his grandparents David B. Routley Jr., and Norman and June Peterson.   

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 24, 2021, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Big Rapids, with Pastor John Bookshaw officiating.  Burial will follow in the Highland View Cemetery.   Daniel’s family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, November 23, 2021, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, and after 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday at the church.  Memorial contributions in Daniel’s name may be made for Washtenaw Alano Club, 9955 N. Maple Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103 or St. Peter's Lutheran Church.   Share a memory or express condolences at www.mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Glenn Dewane Johansen, 87, of Rodney, passed away Tuesday, November 16, 2021, at Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital.

He was born February 26, 1934, near Rodney, the son of Carl and Nina (Martiny) Johansen, and was raised and lived his life in Martiny Township. For many years, Glenn worked for VanEss Pipeline Company, and later worked at Ferris State University in the custodial department before retiring.

He loved gardening, enjoying his sunflowers and his birds, and his dog Queenie. Glenn was an avid bowler and ice fisherman, loved his Detroit Tigers, and was also a longtime member of the Big Rapids Aerie Eagles #2535. Most of all he loved his family, especially spending time together at family gatherings.

Glenn is survived by four sisters, Ida Mae Maneke, Ruth (Don) McCarthy, Josephine Ottobre, and Barb (Glen) Dalton; three brothers, Carl “Sonny” (Betty), Charlie (Judy), and Floyd (Mary) Johansen; sisters-in-law Betty and Doris Johansen; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Ray, Bob and his wife Adele, Norman, Ed, and Gerald and his wife Pat Johansen; sister Arlene and her husband Herb Wilson and brother-in-law Jim Maneke.

Per Glenn’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and family services with burial will take place in the Martiny Township Cemetery in Rodney. Memorial contributions in his name may be made for ARC (Animal Rescue Coalition) of Mecosta County. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at www.mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Allen M. Hope, 81, of Paris, passed away Monday, November 15, 2021, at his residence in Barton Township surrounded by his loving family.

He was born June 2, 1940, in Barton Township, the son of Maynard and Edna (Romine) Hope, and graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1958. On October 18 of that same year, Allen married the love of his life, JoAnn Mitchell at age 18. Recently, Allen and JoAnn celebrated their 63rd Wedding Anniversary.

Allen was a farmer first and foremost, in many ways it was the central theme in all that he did in life.  Even while in high school, Allen began driving a milk truck for Ralph Fuller, picking up milk from local farms; and later he purchased the route as his own.  His second passion was truck driving, driving for Dean’s Foods, Tiel Oil, Hyde Trucking and eventually as a bus driver for Ferris State University.  

Allen preferred a simple life; he loved people, the outdoors, working on the farm with his John Deere tractors, hunting and dancing.  He and JoAnn could often be found dancing the night away wherever they could find a polka band, or square-dance; and if there wasn't a dance to attend, they would dance together at home.

Allen was a hard worker and dedicated family man who had a zest for life and spending time with his family . Later in adulthood he developed a relationship with the Lord and became a member of the Reed City Seventh Day Adventist Church where he continued to grow his faith. He was also a member of Moose Lodge #705 in Reed City and a longtime Trustee for the Barton Township Board.

Left behind to cherish Allen’s memory is his wife JoAnn; their children, Linda (Dave) Golden of Grant Center, Mark Allen Hope of Paris, and Terri (Dave) Meier of Paris; grandchildren Heather (Rob) Dennis, Erin (Brian) Benjamin, Cody (Cheyenne) Hope, Kayte (Austin) Cayton, and Rachel Hope; great-grandchildren Lydia, Kallen, Evieann, Cylie Jo, Hunter, Levi, Colten, Westen, and Easton; a great-great-grandson Waylon; his sister Doris (Robert) Wells of Paris; a sister-in-law Sandra (Bob) Lackney of Ashton; and many nieces and nephews.  

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 22, 2021, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Pastor Garhett Morgan officiating.  Burial will be in the Davenport Cemetery in Barton Township.  Allen’s family will greet friends at the funeral home from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, November 21, 2021, and beginning at 10 a.m. Monday.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made for the Audiovisual Fund at his church.   Share a memory or express condolences at www.mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Richard M. “Dick” Ford, 88, of Paris, passed away Thursday, November 11, 2021, at his residence in Green Township.

He was born December 19, 1932,  in Detroit, the son of Albert and Elna (Russell) Ford, and moved to Reed City with his family as a child.  In 1950, Dick graduated from Reed City High School. 

Upon turning 18, Dick joined the U.S. Air Force, serving during the Korean Conflict.  While stationed at Luke AFB in Glendale, AZ, he met the love of his life, Carol Anne Olson.  The couple were married on May 26, 1956, in Reed City, and have resided on their farm west of Paris ever since. 

Dick was a farmer for most of his life, and a great salesman as well.  He was a member of the American Legion Post #98, and AmVets Post #1941.  Dick loved spending time with family and friends, playing cribbage or drinking coffee.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting, travelling, watching baseball and football, and swimming and dancing as well.  Dick always had a good dog by his side, and his latest hobby was woodworking.   

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Carol; their children, Peggy (Wayne) Deuling of Newaygo, and Thomas (Anastasia) Ford of Jal, NM; grandchildren Corey (Mallory) Ford, Dallas Ford, Amanda (Andrew) Parker, and Samuel Deuling; and one great-grandson Colton Ford.  Dick was preceded in death by their infant son Steven in 1959, and his sister and brother-in-law Carol Ann and Johnny Fralick. 

Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Saturday, November 20, 2021, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Pastor Ron Weller officiating.  Burial will be in the Woodland Cemetery in Reed City, with military honors provided by the American Legion Post #98 Honor Guard.  Dick’s family will greet friends at the funeral home from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 19, and after 10 a.m. on Saturday.  Share a memory or express condolences at www.mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Kay Frances Gould, 82, of Big Rapids, passed away Thursday, November 11, 2021, at home surrounded by her family.

She was born January 31, 1939, in Lake, MI, the daughter of Orville and Frances Martin. She married the love of her life, Darle Gould on September 27, 1958, and together the two grew their family to include two children. Kay enjoyed people and good conversation. She had an infectious personality, which drew people to her, often creating life-long friendships. After being diagnosed with M.S. in her early thirties, Kay was physically limited to what she could do, but always made herself more than useful handling the accounting and bookkeeping for the family rental business. She had a deep love for animals and was generous with her giving to charities that benefited them. Kay enjoyed many long days shopping with her daughter and friends, often getting home during the wee hours of the morning. For Kay, her energy and love for life was never diminished by her M.S., she maintained a positive personality until her passing, and lived her entire life to the fullest.

Left to cherish her warm memory are her husband, Darle; children, Chris (Ronnie) Gould and Suzanne (Charles) Lunsted; grandchildren, Gabe and Sidney, and special caregiver, Peggy Marek. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Dale, and sister Norma.

A Funeral service will be held at 12 p.m., Tuesday, November 16, 2021, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Pastor Jeremy Wicks officiating. Burial will follow in the Chippewa Lake cemetery. Kay’s family will greet friends form 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to the M.S. Society. Share a memory of express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Joan Carol Chrisco, 84, of Stanwood, passed away Wednesday, November 10, 2021, at home surrounded by her family.

She was born August 9, 1937, in Detroit, the daughter of Samuel and Essie (Miles) MacGowan. Joan was a feisty, funny, loving person who wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. She enjoyed driving truck, which she did for quite a few years, and going to the casino. She truly loved life, and always lived it to the fullest.

Left to cherish her vibrant memory are her husband, Leland; children, James (Terri) Merrill, Karey Turner, Dawn (Terry) Anderson, Robin Gondek, and Renee Irwin; 17 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, and four siblings.

A Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, November 19, 2021, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Pastor Ron White officiating. Joan’s family will greet friends form 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Friday at the funeral home. Share a memory of express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com. 

Pierce Robert Palmer, 72, of Big Rapids, passed away Monday, November 8, 2021, at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital.

He was born February 28, 1949, in Lakeview, MI, the adopted son of William and Grace Palmer, and  graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1969. He enjoyed bowling, hunting, and spending time with his family. Pierce thoroughly enjoyed his nearly 30 years of driving truck. He later worked at Fluid Routing, and was sad to retire in 2011. He was a fun-loving man and definitely had his own sense of humor. Giving, caring, and family man were all words used to describe Pierce. He was married to Sally Pettit for 27 years, she was the love of his life. After divorcing, they continued to be very close lifelong friends.

Left to cherish his generous memory are his daughters, Lisa (Shawn) Hayward and Monica (Mitchell) Geiger; his grandchildren, Dominic and Jessica Black, Mitchell Jr. and Maykala Geiger, Justin, Nathan, and Abbie Hayward, and Caleb Thorne; great grandchildren, Miranda, Mason, Michael, Emmy, and Kinsley; and his very close friends, Bruce Luesby, Clifford Bowen, and Ray Gilmore. Pierce was preceded in death by his parents, his mother Creta Palmer, his Uncle James Palmer, and good friend Jim Sims.

Arrangements are pending. Memorial contributions may be made to the family, to be used for a charity of their choice. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at www.mohnkefuneralhome.com.

George “Larry” L. Kelsh, Jr., 70, of Chippewa Lake passed away Friday November 5, 2021, at his home surrounded by his loving children and grandchildren.

Larry was born on August 2, 1951, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, the son of George Sr. and Natalie (Nicholaisen) Kelsh. Larry attended Big Rapids Schools and graduated in 1969. He then attended Ferris State College, setting track & field records that remained unbeaten for years.

Larry married Teri Conard in June of 1973 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Big Rapids. Larry co-owned an oil and gas leasing business with his partner and best friend Charlie Irons up until its closing and continued working until his retirement in 2019. Larry was active member in his community, volunteering his time with the Lion’s club, Knights of Columbus, and the Mecosta County Rod and Gun Club where he acted as president for eight years. Larry’s passions included family gatherings, grilling, and spending time with his grandchildren, often referring to them as “grandpa’s little pumpkins”.

In his passing, Larry is reunited with his wife of 48 years, Teri, and will be dearly missed by his children Amy Case, Tony Case, Holly Haney, Josh Haney, Kevin Kelsh, Tim (Aimee) Kelsh and Jared (Shelby) Kelsh; twelve grandchildren Joshua, Mykenzi, Gavin, and Addyson Haney, Riley, Ava, and Brogan Case, Aleigha, Hadley, Carson, and Brynlee Kelsh, and Jameson Kelsh; one great grandson Weston Haney; his siblings Kit (Mark) Brenner, Ginny Kelsh, Maura (Mike) Baldwin, Patty Parcheta, David Parcheta, Danny (Mercy) Kelsh; his beloved mother Natalie Kelsh; siblings-in-law Tom Everin, Jeff (Julie) Conard, Joe Conard, Tony Conard; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Teri, father George L. Kelsh, Sr., brother Kevin Patrick Kelsh, mother- and father-in-law Katherine “Tillie” and Alex “Pud” Conard, and sisters-in-law Deb Conard and Tammie Everin.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, November 10, 2021, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Big Rapids with Father Dan Depew officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Caramel cemetery. Larry’s family will greet friends from 4-7 pm, Tuesday November 9, 2021, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made to Susan P. Wheatlake Regional Cancer Center with envelopes available at the funeral home as well as at the church. Share a memory or express condolences at www.mohnkefuneralhome.com.

John A. Estes, 78, of Big Rapids, passed away Thursday, November 4, 2021, at his residence in Norwich Township.

He was born June 18, 1936,  in Monroe, the son of John and Helen (Conrad) Estes, and graduated from Monroe High School in 1955. John married the love of his life, Nancy Denman, on August 12, 1960, in Germany where he was stationed with the U. S. Army.

In 1967, the two moved to Norwich Township, where they have lived since. For over 35 years, John was a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. He enjoyed raising beef cattle on his farm, gardening, and was a long-time treasurer for Norwich Township.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Dan (Carla) Estes, Brian (Marla) Estes, and Lisa (Tom) McCoy; daughter-in-law Carla Estes; grandchildren, Josh (Taylor), Caleb, Adam (Taliah), Aaron, and Mikayla Estes, Josiah, Malachi, and Kenanyah McCoy, and Hannah (Eli) Wieters, and one great-grandson John Wesley Estes. John was preceded in death by his wife Nancy in 2019, his parents and son Tim Estes in 2017.

A Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Pastor Lynn Winans officiating. Burial will be in Hungerford Cemetery. John’s family will greet friends at the funeral home from 9:00 a.m. to the time of service. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to Spectrum Health Hospice. Share a memory or express condolences at www.mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Theodore Starks (Ted) Johnson passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, November 3, 2021, at the age of 96.

He was born May 17, 1925, the son of Theodore and Lillie (Starks) Johnson in Ensley Center, MI. He graduated from Howard City High School, Spring Arbor Junior College, Hope College, and did graduate work at Michigan State University. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII. When he returned from the war in 1946, he married his waiting sweetheart, Jeanette Berghorst. They enjoyed 59 years together until her death in 2006.

Ted loved life and people and was very active to the end of his life. When adversity came in his life, he pushed through it and kept on going thus earning him the loving title of “the energizer bunny” from his family. Then in September pneumonia hit him hard, and when he realized he was losing the battle, he requested his family put him on hospice. Our beloved energizer bunny lost his earthly battle., bur gained the Heavenly goal he had worked for all his life.

Early in life Ted answered the call of God into the ministry pastoring churches at McCarron, Central Lake/Pleasant Valley, Grand Ledge, Big Rapids, and Grand Rapids Eastern Avenue and First Free Methodist Churches and then superintendent of the North MI Conference FMC until his retirement. Following his retirement, he served as principal of the Barryton Community Christian School and chaplain at Altercare in Big Rapids. Hew was also bi vocational during his pastoral years teaching at the Grand Ledge, Evart, and Morley Stanwood public schools.

He loved history and ancestry and was active for many years in the Sons of the Union of the Civil War vets. He enjoyed traveling, visiting many states from coast to coast and the continents of Asia. Africa, South America and Europe. A highlight of his life was a trip to his ancestral homeland of Finland and meeting some of the ancestral descendants.

He had a zest for life and loved times with his family, but most of all had a passion to serve the God he loved. Our loss in Heaven’s gain. Well done good and faithful servant.

Ted is survived by his children, Theodore H., Steven (Betty) Johnson, Lynette (Dale) Dosenberry, Richard (Amy) Johnson, and Jan (Dan) Moriarty; grandchildren, Michelle (Matt) Ray, Mary Jeanette Mallo, Adam (Amy) Johnson, Kyle (Iris) Johnson, Derek (Katie) Dosenberry, Thaila Johnson, Daniel Johnson, Jessica Goodman, Aimee Moriarty, Rikki (John) Franklin, Traci (Matt) Burks, Jennifer Coach, Drake Moriarty; 27 great grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Gene (Carol) and Jon (Prudy) Berghorst; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Jeanette, his parents, daughters-in-law Laura Johnson and MaryAnn Schmidt, brothers Carl and Victor Johnson, sister Ethyl Eckert, parents-in-law John and Hattie Berghorst, brothers and sisters-in-law, Bernard and Edith Berghorst, Ed and Hester Berghorst, and Peggy Berghorst.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m., Monday, November 8, 2021, at the Woods Free Methodist Church in Stanwood, MI, with Pastors Ron White and Ted H. Johnson officiating. A luncheon will follow. Burial will be in Highland View Cemetery. Ted’s family will greet friends from 2 p.m.-6 p.m., Sunday, November 7, 2021, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, and one hour prior to service at the church. Memorial contributions in his name may be made for the Big Rapids Free Methodist Church building fund. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Cary L. Niles, 67, formerly of Lansing, passed away unexpectedly on October 28, 2021, in his home in Mecosta, MI.

He was born August 27, 1954, in Lansing, MI, the son of Richard and Yvonne (Naramor) Niles. In 1972, Cary graduated from J.W. Sexton High School and during his high school years he was a member of the basketball team. The team was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016. The team remembers him as an awesome teammate that helped make the team a great one.

Cary started his professional career at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing as a technician. He left Sparrow Hospital in 1988 to start his own business. Later in his career, he moved into sales and was very successful due to his charismatic character. 

He loved to fish and hunt, and considered himself an expert. Cary knew all the best fishing tricks, and which lures and bait would catch the biggest fish. He kept his fishing spots top secret. He would joke with his nephews often because he was ‘the expert’. He also loved animals, especially his dog Etta James. Etta followed him everywhere and they had a special bond. He loved music and had an extensive collection of blues and jazz records which he loved to listen to on his surround sound at the highest level. Cary also was an exceptional dancer which he gracefully passed on to his children and grandchildren. 

People describe Cary as a giver, a friend, a listening ear, he loved to talk and could provide insightful thoughts and ideas on just about any topic. He was always up to date on the current events and welcomed all opinions. He had a good memory of the past and told great stories to his family. Cary will be missed dearly, by the Mecosta community and his family.

Cary is survived by his daughter and granddaughter Kathrine Niles and Adalyn Marentette; his son and grandson David Niles and Thomas Niles; his brothers Wayne (Judy) Niles and Craig (Michele) Niles. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother James Niles. 

A celebration of his life will be planned at a later date. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to the family for final expenses. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Margaret J. Blake, 86, of Mecosta, passed away Saturday, October 30, 2021, at Altercare of Big Rapids.  

She was born September 27, 1935, in Laurium, MI, the daughter of Clarence and Blanche (Hobbs) Lancour.  Margaret lived in Newaygo County for many years until recently moving to Mecosta to live with her daughter. 

She was preceded in death by her first husband Duane Fisk, and her second husband Roy Blake.  Margaret is survived by four children, Rick Fisk of White Cloud, Vicky (Mike) Widmayer of Mecosta, Jackie Fisk of Hesperia, and Brian Fisk of Big Rapids; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Dwight and Orville Lancour; and many nieces and nephews.  She was also preceded in death by her sons Arnold and Bruce Fisk, 3 sisters and 4 brothers.

Visitation will take place at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids on Thursday, November 4, with a private family burial to follow in the Amble Cemetery in Montcalm County.   Memorial contributions in her name may be made for the Activities Department at Altercare.   Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com. 

Dr. John Lee Bailey, 68, of Big Rapids, passed away unexpectedly Monday, October 25, 2021.

Arrangements are pending.

Marcia Lee Drew, 82, of Big Rapids, passed away Saturday, October 23, 2021, at Big Rapids Fields Assisted Living.   

She was born July 29, 1939, in Bricelyn, MN, the daughter of Melvin and Loretta (Sleeper) Thompson, and graduated from Kenyon High School in 1957.

Marcia worked at Saint Olaf College in Minnesota as a cook before retiring in 2004. In 2015 she moved from Dennison, MN to Big Rapids to live with her daughter. Marcia enjoyed reading, watching movies, and doing arts and crafts.

Marcia is survived by her daughter Brenda (Michael) Ordiway of Big Rapids; her son Kenneth (Deb) Fraser of Minnesota; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; siblings, Wendall (Diane), Dean, David, and Tony Thompson, and Verna (Morris) Hildebrand. She was preceded in death by her parents, and sister-in-law Susie Thompson.

Services will be held at a later date in Minnesota.  Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory of express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.