Murlin Esther (Serrell) Martz, 91, of Big Rapids passed away Monday, October 31, 2022, at Spectrum Health Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids.

Murlin was born February 18, 1931, in Pontiac, MI, the daughter of Donald and Joye (VanAuken) Serrell. She lived in Big Rapids her entire adult life. Murlin graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1948. Murlin met her future husband Robert (Bob) Martz in 1946 and they were married on June 30, 1950.

She was a longtime member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. For several years, Murlin worked as an election official for the City of Big Rapids and did volunteer work with Area 5 Special Olympics. She was employed by Hanchett Magna Lock and various other positions in Big Rapids before her retirement from Opinions Press in 1992. Murlin enjoyed bowling and golfing and was the Treasurer of the Wednesday Morning Ladies Golf League at Falcon Head Golf Course for many years.

Murlin is survived by her son, Steve (Diane Frumveller) Martz; her grandchildren Marissa (Rick Ganzi) Martz and Nicholas (Michelle) Martz; first great-grandchild being born in March 2023; brother Van (Janet) Serrell; brother-in-law Allen Hales; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Bob, her daughter Jane Martz, brothers-in-law and sisters-inlaw John and Velma Martz, Harold and Marjorie Martz, Fern and Harvey Henrikson, Grace and Russ Dunkel and Esther Hales.

Murlin’s family would like to thank The Brook of Big Rapids for their care over the last 8 years. In addition, many thanks to Blodgett Hospital for the expert and tender loving care they gave to Murlin over the last week.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Pastor John Bookshaw officiating. Burial will follow in the Highland View Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Murlin’s name may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.  Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Timothy Gene Weaver, 66, of Mecosta, died peacefully at his home and went to be with his Lord on October 28, 2022.

He was born May 26, 1956, in Muskegon, MI, the son of Chester and Patricia (Boertman) Weaver. Tim graduated from Muskegon High School in 1974 and moved to the Big Rapids area in the early 1980’s where he worked for the family business as a painter.

His faith in God and his family were so important to him as were his two cats Charley Boo Boo and Sharkey, who he called his boys. Tim loved to watch western movies, fish, hunt and working in his beautiful yard.

He is survived by his twin daughters Melissa (Scott) Stahl and  Kiersten (Paul) Whiting; four grandchildren; stepchildren Jeremy Mitchell and Danny (Casey) Wert; three step grandchildren; his two brothers Terry (Liedewey) Weaver of Bellaire and Tom (Sue) Weaver of Big Rapids; his Aunt Karin and Uncle Chuck Carlson; and many nieces and nephews. Tim was preceded in death by his parents, brother Todd Weaver, sister Tammy Ringnalda, and his grandparents Burley and Esther Boertman and Earl (Buck) and Irene Weaver. Also, his beloved cats Bubba, Porky & Misty.

No services are planned at this time. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to Spectrum Health Hospice (Spectrum Health Foundation, 100 Michigan St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503). Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

 Janet Mae Parker, 76, of Big Rapids passed away Monday, October 31, 2022, at Pineport AFC Home in Big Rapids.

She was born July 22, 1946, in Mt. Pleasant, MI, the daughter of Emery and Stella (Quillen) Parker.

In 1992, Janet came to live at the Big Rapids ALS, later known as Pineport AFC. She was not only the matriarch of Pineport home, she was a beautiful spirit that loved to observe the world and everything and everyone in it. Janet was a lady who talked with her eyes, and would let very few people touch or hold her hand, but loved when you would talk to her. She hated water touching her, but loved to be clean and nicely fragranced after getting through a shower. Janet also loved wearing fancy hats and sunglasses when out and about enjoying a day of shopping or going to a restaurant. She didn’t smile much, but when she did, it lit up the whole room.

Janet will be dearly missed by her Pineport family, Linda, Sharline, Maureen, Myra, Mary, her guardian Lois VanOrden, and all of the Pineport AFC staff.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, November 3, 2022, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Pastor Ron Witbeck officiating. Burial will follow in the Pine Plains Cemetery.    Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Our beloved Brija Mei Keusch, 19, of Big Rapids, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 25, 2022. 

Brija was a 2021 graduate of Big Rapids High School, where she was a talented drummer in the BRHS Marching Band. She was an avid gamer and also loved animals, who seemed drawn to her soft spoken, gentle way. Brija was also fond of a good game of euchre, a strong cup of coffee, and home-baked cookies.

She is survived by her parents Kris and Andria Keusch; her sister Allison (and Allison's partner Lewis); her grandparents, Ken and Ginny Keusch and Bob and Jane Hendrickson; aunts and uncles, Laura and Carl Brown, Stephen and Sadie Hendrickson, Cary Hendrickson and Patrick Hendrickson; and cousins, Cadence and Adelyn Brown and Hazel, Meta, and Desmond Hendrickson.

The family plans to have a private memorial at a later date. Memorial contributions in Brija’s name may be made to the Trevor Project (http://give.thetrevorproject.org/BrijaMeiKeusch). Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.