Andrew Nicholas Lenahan, 18, of Savannah, Georgia, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, October 14, 2022.  Andrew is survived by his parents, Jonathan and Tabitha Lenahan; his brother Gavin and his sister Irelyn; his grandparents, Joe and Sue Lenahan of Big Rapids, MI and Wanda Roark and Bradley Hutchison of Gary, IN; his great grandmothers, Shirley Fitzgerald of Big Rapids, MI, Harriet Lenahan of Reed City, MI and Lavena Roark of Gary, IN; many aunts, uncles and cousins from Michigan, Indiana, Utah, and Colorado as well as endless numbers of friends and co-workers from the many places he has lived, worked, and attended school as the son of his active-duty military father. 

Those who knew Andrew will remember him for his generous and ready smile and his caring and compassionate soul.  A previous employer said it well when she said she knew from the first handshake that he was her people, and that Andrew had never known a stranger; he treated everyone he met as though they had always been life-long friends.

Andrew loved the thrill and excitement of playing football and is a past member of a competitive paintball team in Alabama.  He loved deer hunting with his family, camping trips with his parents and siblings, 4-wheeling with friends and family; spending summers with his Michigan and Indiana families and the close relationships he maintained with his cousins and, above all, always loving and seeking a life of close family connections, adventure and fun.

From a young age Andrew had an extraordinarily innate ability to feel and show compassion for others and had a need to understand the intricacies and mysteries of life and to live life to the fullest.  Andrew always understood the value of hard work and honesty.  If you needed something fixed, he could fix it.  If you needed an honest opinion, he could give it.  He also loved to cook and create with food, often stirring up specialties in the kitchen to share with family.  He could serve up the best steak you’d ever eaten or the most amazing strawberry pie.  

As soon as Andrew was old enough to seek out employment, he sought the type of work where he could help and serve others; equally important to him was making strong connections with his co-workers along the way.   Andrew was extremely proud of his job as a lifeguard serving the families of Fort Rucker, Alabama.  When his family moved to Savannah, Georgia he particularly enjoyed the relationships and connections he made while working at Cracker Barrel restaurant, and, most recently, serving the community of Harvey, Illinois while working as a chemical operator for U S. Ecology.  

Andrew had dreams of continuing to serve on multiple levels, whether it be joining and training through a pipe-fitter’s union or through military service by following in the footsteps of his father.

Andrew’s family and anyone he knew will strive to seek comfort and strength through the strong memories they have of his endless love and energy, his contagiously fabulous smile, the “jokes for days!” and his infectious zeal for life.

Visitation will be held at Hillside Funeral Home, 8941 Kleinman Road, in Highland, Indiana from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 23rd. 

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 25^th, 2022, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, cards for the family can be given to the family at either funeral home or sent to their home address: 38 Lakeview Drive, Savannah, GA, 31405. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com

Patricia L. “Pat” Michael, 87,  of Big Rapids, passed peacefully on Monday, October 17, 2022, at her residence. 

She was born March 8, 1937, in Big Rapids, the daughter of Gilbert and Opal (Bell) Dibell, the oldest of their six children: Richard, Bob, Bonnie, Sandy, and Judy, and the last to pass away.  Pat grew up with her siblings, mother and stepfather Doyle Voss in a house on Bronson Ave. in Big Rapids.

Throughout her life she worked as a cook and waitress at the Oasis restaurant in Big Rapids and then worked at the Pine Shop in Big Rapids. For many years, Pat worked cleaning several homes and babysitting in the Ashton, Reed City, and Big Rapids area. She was a loving and devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, and  Her faith and her family were foremost in her life.

Through her first marriage to David “Dave” Slusher, they had a son Loren, and she became a stepmother to David Slusher, Jr.  Dave’s untimely death would precede her eventual marriage to William “Bill” Smith, who would adopt Loren as his own son.  Bill and Pat then welcomed their daughter Laurie into their family. Her ultimate joy, following raising her children, was watching her grandkids grow. She would call these years “the happiest of her life” and document them well with many, many pictures, which became among her most prized possessions. Following Bill’s death, Pat moved back to Big Rapids where she married  Donald Ward, and they lived together in her childhood home until his death in 2010. Pat remained in the Big Rapids area and would eventually remarry for a fourth time to Harold “Harry” Michael, of Big Rapids.

Pat was a woman of strong Baptist faith, and was an active member of the Charity Baptist Church in Paris, where she volunteered many hours and was involved with the Mary- Martha Women’s Group. She had a standing commitment to visiting the senior center every Friday and was a frequent patron at her favorite restaurant, Bob Evans. Pat will be remembered for her fondness of the holidays, snowmen, sending cards to loved ones, and a profound love of animals. Throughout the years she had pet dogs, cats, chickens, ducks, rabbits, and various kinds of birds and fish, and loved to watch her bird feeders.  

Pat is survived by her husband Harry; her daughter Laurie Smith Agar; six grandchildren, Loren Jr., Jennifer, Lenore, Carolyn, Leah, and Rebecca; 13 great grandchildren; stepchildren, David Slusher Jr., Glen and Gary Ward, and Sally and Gail Michael; brother Mike Voss; and many nieces and nephews. Pat was also preceded in death by her son Loren Smith Sr. on October 6, 2022.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 21, 2022, at the Charity Baptist Church in Paris, with Pastor Dave Westover officiating. Burial will follow in the Ashton Cemetery. Her family will greet friends at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Friday. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions in her name may be made for Charity Baptist Church.  Pat’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the caring team at Spectrum Health Hospice. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

 Marc Christopher DeGeorge, 52, of Paris, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, October 12, 2022, at his residence.

He was born April 17, 1970, in Detroit, the son of M. Christine Hamilton, and graduated from Reed City High School in 1988.

Marc was an avid NASCAR fan, and enjoyed kayaking and riding motorcycles.  Most of all he loved spending time with family, especially his son whom he loved beyond measure.

He is survived by his son Michael (Miranda) of Paris; his significant other Karen Declan and her children, Ryan and Nicole; his brother Matt Hamilton of Luther; two nieces, Stacey Adams and Stephonya Hamilton; aunts and uncles, Ed (Patty) Hamilton of Lennon, and Harmey (Laura) Hamilton of Highland. Marc was preceded in death by his mother Christine.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 20, 2022, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids with burial to follow in the Hersey Village Cemetery.  Marc’s family will greet friends at the funeral home beginning at 10:00 a.m. Thursday.  Memorial contributions in his name may be made for American Cancer Society.  Share a memory or express condolences at www.mohnkefuneralhome.com. 

Dr. Vincent M. King, 80, of Big Rapids, passed away Sunday, October 9, 2022, at Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital.

He was born March 23, 1942, in Charlotte, the son of H. Ivan and Winifred (Sanford) King, and graduated from Charlotte High School in 1959. Vincent attended Central Michigan University for his pre-optometry degree, and earned his PhD in Optometry from The Ohio State University.

For several years, Dr. King taught at the Pennsylvania School of Optometry. In 1975, he moved to Big Rapids, and was one of the original three professors to begin instructing at the newly created Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University. His passion for teaching continued after his retirement in 2002, by guiding his children and grandchildren into lifelong learning. In his spare time, Dr. King enjoyed camping and flying model airplanes, and later in life he took up golfing.

On September 2, 1961, he married Shirley Ann Miller, who survives. Also surviving are two sons, Steve (Luella) of Big Rapids, and Kevin (Cheryl) of Oxford; four grandchildren, Brianna, Marissa (Mary), Alexander, and Christopher; two great-grandchildren, Ellery and Jude; his brother Thomas (Sharon); and several nieces and nephews. Dr. King was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Ivan, Richard, and Robert.

Private family services will take place at this time, and his remains will be laid to rest in the Pine Plains Cemetery in Big Rapids. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to the Michigan College of Optometry. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com

Christina Ann Jorgensen, 41, of Howard City, passed away Tuesday, September 20, 2022.

She was born December 26, 1980, in Lansing, MI, the daughter of Ned and Marriane (Houghton) Jorgensen, and attended Tri County High School. Christina earned her associates degree from Baker College, and had worked as an EMT for Montcalm County for several years.

Christina enjoyed reading and horseback riding.

She is survived by her father Ned; her uncles Bob Houghton and Bill (Clara) Jorgensen; and several cousins. Christina was preceded in death by her mother Marriane.

There are no services planned at this time.  Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids.  Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Janice Marie Winget, 88, of Big Rapids, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 1, 2022, at home surrounded by loving family members.

She was born July 31, 1934, in Pontiac, the daughter of Clifford Lee and Goldie May (Sawyer) Derevage, and moved to Hersey with her family as a child.  Janice graduated from Hersey High School, and on June 25, 1955, she married Donald K. Winget.  The couple lived in Hersey for several years until settling in Big Rapids to raise their family.

For a short time, Janice worked at Wolverine World Wide in Big Rapids.  She then began Day Care in her home, and for many years was “Grandma Jan” for numerous area children.  Janice and Don were also longtime members of the Rogers Heights Christian Church, where Janice was active with the Women’s Group. 

Her husband Don preceded Janice in death on May 16, 2009.  She is survived by four children, Lisa (Doug Lake) Gregory of Big Rapids, Daniel (Julie) of Remus, Scott (Ellen) of Reed City, and Kerri (Ron) Sarns of Morley; 15 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; 3 great great-grandchildren; her special niece Darcy Fox of Big Rapids; her brother Larry (Marilyn) Derevage of Kentucky; and several other nieces and nephews.  Janice was also preceded in death by her brother Elde and infant brother Jerry Derevage.   

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 7, 2022, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Pastor Scott Davidson officiating.  Burial will follow in the Highland View Cemetery. Janice’s family will greet friends at the funeral home beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Friday.  Memorial contributions in her name may be made for Hospice of Michigan.  Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.