Lucille Marie Fredrick, 81, of Big Rapids, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at Evergreen Terrace, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born April 28, 1941, in Big Rapids, the daughter of Joseph and Leona (Heckathorn) Cousineau, and graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1959.

For several years, Lucy worked in the meat department at Giant Super Market in Big Rapids.  Later on, she earned her Respiratory Therapy Degree from Ferris State University, and worked in that field at Mecosta County General Hospital until retiring. 

Lucy was a longtime member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, and also volunteered many hours at Eastwood Elementary School.  She also enjoyed travelling, but family time always came first.   

Lucy is survived by her son Rodney and his wife Erika of Big Rapids; granddaughter Leah and her husband Justin Sims; grandson Zac; honorary granddaughter Paris Curtiss; 2 sisters, Barbara Whipple and Betty (Thurl) Hartman; sister-in-law Maxine Cousineau; and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her brother Jim Cousineau.   

Lucy’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at both Evergreen Terrace and Elara Caring for the loving care that was given to her!

Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 29, 2022, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Big Rapids, with Pastor Adrian Eising officiating.  Friends may call at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday.  Memorial contributions in her name may be made to Elara Caring.  Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Neal Leonard Ensing, 80, of Big Rapids passed away Monday, December 19, 2022, at Altercare of Big Rapids.

He was born June 21, 1942, in Big Rapids, the son of Gilbert “Skid” and Carol (Williams) Ensing, and attended Big Rapids Public Schools.

In 1959, Neal married the “love of his life” Sandra Mae Thebo. A butcher by trade, he also owned Neal’s Refuse Service for many years, and most recently owned Neal’s Sandy Sweep. Together, they opened their home to numerous foster children over the years.

Neal was an avid hunter and fisherman. In his spare time, you could find him in the woods deer hunting or in Ontario, Canada trolling for walleye.

He is survived by his children, Kurt (Nancy) of Wyoming, Kelly Ross of White Cloud, Kam (Robin) of Big Rapids, Kip of White Cloud, and Ron Huey (Tina) of Morley; 15 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; his sisters, Eloise (Tom) Fairman, Connie Thompson, and Josie (Dave) Conley; his brothers, Richard (Marian) Ensing, Mike (Pat) Ensing, and Howard (Linda) Ensing; in-laws, Evelyn Ensing, Sharyn (Scott) Vanderkolk, Diane Thebo, and Mary Thebo; and several nieces and nephews. Neal was preceded in death by his wife Sandy in 2017, son-in-law Sam Ross, grandson Kyle Ensing, brother Pete Ensing, and sister JoAnne Maguire.

Private family services will be held at the Goodwell Township Cemetery where Neal will be laid to rest next to Sandy. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to the Evergreen Terrace Activities Department. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

 Bruce D. Rose, 69, of Evart, passed away Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at his residence.

He was born April 3, 1953, in Lansing, the son of John A. and Margaret (Beery) Rose, and graduated from Waverly High School in 1972.  Bruce then moved to Big Rapids, and attended Ferris State College. 

For many years, Bruce and his wife Elaine owned and operated the Wild Rose Cafe in Big Rapids.  He loved to decorate for the holidays, turning the restaurant into a “mini Frankenmuth”.  Bruce was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish, and also enjoyed riding his Harley.  He was also a member of the Old Country Church in Grant Center.

Bruce is survived by his wife Elaine Sanford; two daughters, Angela Sanford of Rodney and Beth Sanford (Brian Johnson) of Big Rapids; five grandchildren, Alexis (Fiancée Ethan), Logan, Phoenix, Carter, and Gabriel; his brother Ron Rose of Saginaw; sister-in-law Cheryl Rose of Hudsonville; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his stepson Kim Wilmer, brother David Rose, and sister-in-law Sandy Rose.

A Celebration of Bruce’s life will be at 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 9, 2023, at the Old Country Church, with Pastor Eric Stadtfeld officiating. Bruce’s family will greet friends beginning at 10 a.m. Monday at the church. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Amy Lynn Schlaupitz, 50, of Rodney, passed away Wednesday, December 14, 2022, surrounded by her family.

She was born February 11, 1972, in Big Rapids, the daughter of Sally Gacek, and graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1990. Amy worked at Independent Bank for many years before her health began to decline.

Amy loved spending quality time with family. Traveling with her kids and grandkids was one of her favorite activities, as they were her entire world.

On August 27, 1993, she married Scott Schlaupitz who survives. Amy is also survived by their children, Megan (Josh) Tollenaar, Emily (Donny Wright) Schlaupitz, and Annika (Mikey Malcolm) Schlaupitz; her grandchildren, Carlie, Wyatt and Lukas Cook, Realynn Bleeker, and Blake Tollenaar; siblings, Roy (Ellie) Thebo, Ellen Drake, Barbara Thebo, and Mary Thebo; her mother-in-law Daryl Ann Moon; sisters- and brothers-in-law, Cassandra (Mike) Roberts, Melanie (Matt McCallahan) Schlaupitz, Amber Moon, and Joel Moon; son-in-law Andy Cook; and many extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents Ed and Sally (Gacek) Thebo, and brother Ed Thebo Jr.

There are no services planned at this time. Those desiring may direct memorial contributions to Amy’ 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.