Doris Irene Johansen, 91, of Jackson, MI, formerly of Rodney, passed away peacefully Wednesday, July 20, 2022. 

She was born February 21, 1931, in Barton Township, the daughter of John and Hulda (Moss) Cline. Doris grew up in Big Rapids and attended Big Rapids Public School.

On December 28, 1947, she married Norman Johansen, and in 1958 the family moved to Hanover, MI. Doris loved her family, and a top priority was making sure Christmas and Birthdays were special. Norman lived for fishing and Doris was his “First Mate”, and more often than not would end up catching the most fish. Their large gardens were the envy of the neighborhood, which they were happy to share with everyone. Doris was an avid reader and enjoyed sewing, especially quilting and embroidering. In her earlier years she enjoyed doing ceramics and more recently rock painting.

She was member of Hanover VFH Auxiliary, Hillsdale County extension, and a two-time Gold Star Mother. Doris and Norm followed the Michigan Fiddlers and Dulcimer Festivals. They would spend the winter in Gulf Shores, AL.

Doris is survived by her children, Katherine (Brian Nelson) Marshall, Darrel (Linda) Johansen, and David (Connie) Johansen; her grandsons, Darrel Jr., Anthony, and Allen Johansen; six great grandchildren; brothers and sisters-in-law, Carl “Sonny” (Betty) Johansen, Charles (Judy) Johansen, Ida Mae Maneke, Ruth (Don) McCarthy, Josephine Ottobre, Barb (Glen) Dalton, and Mary and Betty Johansen; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Norman, her sons Roy and Lloyd, her parents, her brother Roy, and her sister Bertha, nephew Kevin Cline, and several in-laws.

Doris’s family will greet friends and family from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Burial will follow at Martiny Township Cemetery with services by Gold Star Mothers. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in her name may be made for Hearing Loss Association of America or a charity of your choice. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Elizabeth (Betsy) Lorey Nagelbush, 76, of Big Rapids, passed away Thursday, July 7, 2022, at Mission Point of Big Rapids.

She was born April 26, 1946, in Mount Vernon, Ohio, the daughter of Robert and Ruth (Mendenhall) Lorey. Elizabeth graduated from Mt. Vernon High School in 1964 and then from The Ohio State University in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Welfare.  In that same year she married Jeffrey Nagelbush.

Elizabeth worked as a secretary and administrative assistant at Rutgers University, then she and her husband moved to Brockport, New York, where her first child was born. They later moved to Big Rapids where her second child was born. After spending time raising her young children, Elizabeth began volunteering in their elementary school and eventually went back to school herself, receiving a Master’s in Education at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, MI. She was hired as an elementary school teacher and taught first, second, and fifth grades until she retired. After retirement Elizabeth went back to work part time as a reading specialist, working with children at both ends of reading proficiency.

Elizabeth is survived by her husband of 53 years, Jeffrey; her daughters, Sarah of Clawson, MI and Anna of Manchester, NH.  She is also survived by all the children that loved her as a teacher and wonderful human being.  

No services are being planned at this time. Memorial contributions in her name may be made for WISE of Big Rapids or Habitat for Humanity. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Grant Center - Larry Richard Van Alstine, 69, of Grant Center, passed away peacefully Sunday, July 3, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born June 7, 1953, in Lake, MI, the son of Elmer and Maxine (Van Westrienen) Van Alstine and graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1972. Larry was married to Barbara Robbins from October 1972 until June 2006. Together they had 4 children, Cheryl (Andy) Taylor of Chippewa Lake, Tim (Pam) Van Alstine of Hersey, Karen (Torry) Van Alstine of Mt. Pleasant, Sally (Justin) Cavender of Barryton and daughter by proxy, Toni (John) Henry.

Larry was blessed with 13 beautiful grandchildren: Luke, Lauren, April (Zack), Levi, Ashley (Raymond), Courtney (Tommy), Lacey (Michael), Kevin, Michael, Sarah (Jake), Peyton, Virginia, Rachael and 11 great-grandchildren.

Larry spent his time working on the family farm. He also worked at the Big Rapids Box Factory and helped with carpentry work over the years. He was a kindhearted soul who would do anything for anyone, loved playing guitar, listening to music and caring for horses. Larry loved the farm and more importantly his family.

Larry is survived by his mother, Maxine; his brother Brian Van Alstine; his sisters, Nancy (John) Holdsworth and Shery (Mike) Rubicz;, his children; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and his special friend, Tinna Baumgardner. He was preceded in death by his father Elmer Van Alstine.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids with Pastor Ken Dunn officiating. Burial will follow in the Grant Center Cemetery. Larry’s family will greet friends and family beginning at 10 a.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to Spectrum Health Hospice. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Konnie Lee Moore, 67, of Rodney, passed away Tuesday, July 5, 2022, at her home surrounded by her family.

She was born October 10, 1954, in Albion, MI, the daughter of Robert and Helen (Smith) Nowlin, and graduated from Big Rapids High School.   

Konnie worked for the Mecosta County Parks for several years, traveling to all the different parks refurbishing supplies. For over 10 years she did grounds-keeping at Clear Lake Golf Club before retiring. She was a lifetime member of the Eagles and the AmVets.  Konnie  enjoyed bird watching, skeet shooting, and camping at Youngs Lake, but most of all loved spending time with family.    

On May 8, 1983, she married Donald Moore, who preceded her in death in 1991. Konnie is survived by her son Mathew (Julie Routley) Moore; grandchildren, Charles, Mackaylah, and Avelyn; stepchildren, Deborah (Karl) Stratz, Scott (Jennifer) Moore, James (Denise) Moore, and Ronald (Lorrie) Moore; her siblings, James (Leanne) Nowlin, Kay Schrom, and David (Chris) Nowlin; her special friend and partner Bob Freiberg; sister-in-law Mary Nowlin; several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.  She was also preceded in death by her parents, sister Karol Meacell, brother Phillip Nowlin, and stepfather Gerald Thuerwachter. 

A Celebration of Konnie’s life will be held from 12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., Saturday, July 23, 2022, at the Stanwood Eagles Aerie #4360.  Konnie will be laid to rest next to Donald in Pine Plains Cemetery in Big Rapids.  Memorial contributions in her name may be made for Hospice of Michigan. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids.   Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Erwin J. Sengelaub, 94, of Reed City, passed away Sunday, June 26, 2022, at Reed City Fields Assisted Living.

Erwin was born June 20, 1928. to John and Lydia (Haist) Sengelaub on the family farm near Reed City. Erwin attended Cornell School, graduated from Reed City High School, and then joined the U.S. Army, where he was a staff sergeant and served as the military mayor of Pusan, Korea. After his military service, he attended Central Michigan University, where he earned a BS in business with an emphasis in accounting. While attending CMU, he met his future wife of 70 years, Beverly Kneale, and they were married on November 11, 1951. They settled in the Reed City area, where they raised their family.

Erwin retired from Kysor Industrial Corporation in Cadillac, MI, where he was Administrator for Corporate Taxes. He also served as Richmond Township Clerk for many years and was an active member of VFW Post #2964 in Reed City. Erwin enjoyed farming, cheering on the University of Michigan athletic teams, and listening to classical music. He was a faithful husband, a devoted father and brother, and a beloved grandfather and uncle.

He is survived by his wife Beverly; son Rollin Sengelaub; daughter Janalee (Gary) Graham; granddaughters Erin (Evan Murray) Graham and Sarah Graham; several nieces and nephews; and many great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, beloved son Larry Sengelaub, his sisters Marjorie Bluhm and Neomia Jean Bubert, brother Darell Sengelaub, and brothers-in-law Ervin Bluhm and Rollin Bubert.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am, Thursday, July 7, 2022, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Pastor Jeremy Wicks officiating. Burial will follow at the Woodland Cemetery in Reed City, with military services conducted by VFW Post #2964. Erwin's family will greet friends at the funeral home beginning at 10:00 am on July 7th.  Memorial contributions in his name may be made to Spectrum Hospice. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.