Joan Elaine Olson, 82, of Hersey, passed away Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at her home.

She was born November 11, 1940, in Grand Rapids, the daughter of Roy and Rachael (Scott) Jacques, and graduated from Reed City High School in 1958. Joan married James Olson, and together made their home in Hersey.

For many years Joan worked as a reading instructor at the Reed City Elementary Schools. She enjoyed sewing, and not one to be idle, Joan liked to be busy.

She is survived by her two sons, Michael and Mark Olson; two grandchildren; five great grandchildren; two sisters and two brothers; and many nieces and nephews. Joan was preceded in death by her husband James, her parents, and two brothers.

No services are 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.

Frances F. Ward, 95, of Big Rapids, passed away Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at Meceola Currie Comfort Home in Reed City.

She was born December 17, 1927, in Big Rapids, the daughter of Charles E. and Helen (Carr) Fairman. Frances married Jerry G. Ward on May 14, 1948. Together they had four children. Frances was a lifelong resident of Big Rapids.

She is survived by her children, Kathy (Ed) Straley, Joe (Muggs) Ward, Beth Ranger and John (Janette) Ward; eight grandchildren, Leslie (David) Archer, Patrick (Tiffanie Soller) Robison, Emily Robison, Laura (Bobby) Kaska, Molly (Chad) Lincoln, Elizabeth (Ryan) Croote, Charles (Bekah) Ward, and Sam (Samantha) Ward; five great grandchildren, Corbin Robison, Leah and Liam Kaska, Mason and Audrey Lincoln; her sister Helen Gingrich; sisters-in-law, Helen Fairman and Nancy Fairman; and several nieces and nephews. Frances was preceded in death by her husband Jerry; her parents, her brothers Charles and John Fairman, brother-in-law Elton Gingrich, and son-in-law Art Ranger.

No services are planned at this time. Memorial contributions in Frances’s name may be made to the Meceola Currie Comfort Home or Corewell Hospice. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Andrew Thomas Case passed away unexpectedly on September 3, 2023. 

Although he was born in northern Michigan, Andy spent his childhood growing up in Bloomington, Indiana. In his teenage years, he was motivated by his passion for playing the trumpet in the marching band and in jazz ensembles. Andy completed an Associate’s Degree in Computer Animation at Full Sail University. A true artist, he pursued his love of animated movies through this degree. When the recession hit and he lost his job as a result, Andy moved up north to Traverse City, MI, where he met the love of his life, Sasha. They moved to Escanaba in the Upper Peninsula and brought their precious daughter, Mena, into the world. 

When Andy’s mom retired from teaching and moved to Lansing, he decided it was time to be closer to his family. He moved from a management position at Wal-Mart to a position at EcoLab in pest control in Big Rapids, where he spent making new memories with his family for the last two years. 

Andy had a personality that words simply can’t capture. Having fun always came naturally to him. Andy always saw the world with a sense of humor behind it, and he could make his family laugh until they were in stitches. His love of comedy, magic, trickery, hide-and-seek and 90’s television sitcoms only begin to describe how his bright smile and laughter brought a room alive. He was an incredible cook, and could whip up a meal from the pantry with no recipe. Andy loved to play catch - you could always find him throwing a football in the yard, seeking connection with those who would engage with him. Above all else, Andy was the best daddy. His daughter was the light of his life. He found a new purpose in fatherhood and was truly happy as a father. He will be missed beyond measure. 

He is survived by his partner Sasha Crum and his eight-year-old daughter Mena Case;  his mother Diane Case; his sister Beth (Dan) Wizner; his niece and nephews, Izzy, Will and Abe; and by a loving and supportive extended family including his grandma, aunts, uncles and cousins. He is preceded in death by his father Daniel Case. 

Funeral arrangements, as well as memorial contributions, will be made and shared soon. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Janet Elise (Olsson) Davison, 103, of Big Rapids, passed away Sunday, July 9, 2023, in Bluffton, SC.

She was born April 25, 1920, the daughter of Fred and Gladys Olsson. Janet was an accomplished artist and eggery art was her specialty.  She decorated and painted all kinds of waterfowl eggs.

Janet is survived by her children, Tom Davison, Sue Carbaugh, and Marilyn (Phillip) Kallaugher; six grandchildren, Michael (Lisa) Davison, Nicole (Sean) Hylton, David (Stacey) Davison, Bryan (Lori) Kallaugher, Danica (Scott) Goldie, and Kaila (Dean) Grafft; and 19 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband William “Bill” Davison, son William “Buck” Davison, grandson Justin Carbaugh, and daughter-in-law Marilyn Davison.

Memorial services will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 23, 2023, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Janet will be laid to rest next to William in the West Cemetery in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Randolph Lee Scott, 57, of White Cloud, passed away Friday, September 1, 2023, at his home. 

He was born December 8, 1965, in Grand Rapids, the son of Richard and Carolyn (Young) Scott.  As a younger man, Randy moved to Newaygo County, and worked as a carpenter in the area.  He loved the outdoors, especially being in the woods. He enjoyed riding motorcycles and horses, and collecting anything made before the ‘60’s. But most of all, loved spending time with family.

Randy is survived by his three sons, Randy (Rachel) Scott, Jr. of Big Rapids, Brad (Nicole) Scott of Grant, and Tyler ( Kate) Scott of Grant; his daughter Corley Scott of Big Rapids; seven grandchildren, Gracen, Keegan, Brayden, Hudson, Charleigh, Layla, and Mila; his significant other Katie Swales of White Cloud;  his father Richard of Newaygo; two brothers Chuck (Lori) Scott of White Cloud and Jay (Monique) Scott of Nashville, MI; his sister Becky Kuter of Newaygo; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his mother Carolyn.

No services are 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.

Winthrop W. (Woody) Wood, 85, passed away Thursday, August 31, 2023, at his home. 

He was born September 8, 1937, in Ann Arbor, MI, the son of Robert G. and Elnora M. (Wahl) Wood.  Woody grew up in Morenci, Michigan, where he also attended school. Upon graduation, he joined the US Army and served from 1957-1958. 

He started his career at United Parcel Service in 1960, where he progressed from package delivery to driving semis to regional supervisor. He retired in 1991 to Big Rapids to enjoy the nature and serenity of his beloved property. Woody loved to watch his regular visitors of birds, deer, turkeys, and the occasional bear. Some of his hobbies included maintaining his property, hunting, NASCAR, visiting Las Vegas, and driving his motorcycle and Corvette.

Woody’s journey through life instilled in him a profound commitment to Alcoholics Anonymous and he maintained his own sobriety one day at a time by working the steps for over 37 years. He supported many in his AA family on their own journeys through counseling at the local jail each week, attending many meetings and gatherings, and being a mentor and sponsor to those on the road to recovery.

Woody was especially proud of his children, and he loved his family without reservation. He is survived by his sons, Brad Wood of Hudson, MI, and Bruce Wood (Elena) of Plainwell, MI; his daughter, Julie Wetherby (Larry) of Brooklyn, MI; four granddaughters, Angela Wetherby (James), Bethany Dunigan (Charlie), Emily Wood, and Sheridan Wood;  four great grandchildren; and his sister, Janice Grob of Wayne, PA. He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Hazel Neblo, Mary Miron, and Gladys Bauer. A special thanks to Robert, who was a treasured friend who helped him for many years.

Per Woody’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral. Instead, please consider donating in his memory to the Mecosta-Osceola United Way. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.