Class of 1976
This list of the graduates from the Class of 1976 who have passed was compiled from information that was discovered through Internet searches. We are sure there are others we have missed that need to be added to this list. If you know of any graduates who have passed who are not listed here please email the information, including the year they passed, the date, and for the women their maiden name to:
[email protected] We are only looking "online" for information because we have hundreds of obituaries to research. We realize that there are other resources we could use to look up this information in libraries in electronic or paper format but we do not have the time to dedicate to that. If you have information for someone who has passed please let us know and we will make any changes to information we have previously posted. If we have no other information we will just list “NO INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE” as part of their listing. The obituaries, or other information if it was available for the graduates that have passed, follow the listing. Thank You! |
Martin Lee Babbitt ( 2015 -- 6/9/2015 )
Peter M. Baker ( 2014 -- 4/21/2014 )
Rebecca Lee BURNS Goerge ( 2022 -- 1/2/2022 )
David E. Dixon ( 2011 -- 6/25/2011 )
Richard Donovan Doxsie ( 1983 -- 8/27/1983 )
Richard "Rick" Ewing ( 2022 -- 1/27/2022 )
Robert Byrne Finkbiner ( 2015 -- 1/17/2015 )
Denise June “Muzzie” GIDLEY Shepard ( 2003 -- 12/24/2003 )
Randall “Randy” Bruce Harlow ( 2022 -- 2/15/2022 )
Randal Scott Howard ( 2021 -- 9/21/2021 )
Diane M. HUNTER Bailiff ( 2011 -- 7/18/2011 )
Kathleen M. JOHNSON Hacker ( 2018 -- 11/26/2018 )
Irvin E. Kebler ( 2013 -- 6/2/2013 )
John "Jay" J. Kotlark III ( 2021 -- 3/9/2021 )
Thomas G. Marsh ( 2015 -- 10/14/2015 )
Craig Lee Martin ( 2024 -- 4/14/2024 )
Dennis Wayne Myers ( 2018 -- 6/16/2018 )
William M. "Bill" O'Connor ( 2001 -- 10/14/2001 )
Shari L. SMITH Dean ( 2014 -- 4/27/2014 )
James Mathew Thayer ( 2021 -- 1/13/2021 )
Peter M. Baker ( 2014 -- 4/21/2014 )
Rebecca Lee BURNS Goerge ( 2022 -- 1/2/2022 )
David E. Dixon ( 2011 -- 6/25/2011 )
Richard Donovan Doxsie ( 1983 -- 8/27/1983 )
Richard "Rick" Ewing ( 2022 -- 1/27/2022 )
Robert Byrne Finkbiner ( 2015 -- 1/17/2015 )
Denise June “Muzzie” GIDLEY Shepard ( 2003 -- 12/24/2003 )
Randall “Randy” Bruce Harlow ( 2022 -- 2/15/2022 )
Randal Scott Howard ( 2021 -- 9/21/2021 )
Diane M. HUNTER Bailiff ( 2011 -- 7/18/2011 )
Kathleen M. JOHNSON Hacker ( 2018 -- 11/26/2018 )
Irvin E. Kebler ( 2013 -- 6/2/2013 )
John "Jay" J. Kotlark III ( 2021 -- 3/9/2021 )
Thomas G. Marsh ( 2015 -- 10/14/2015 )
Craig Lee Martin ( 2024 -- 4/14/2024 )
Dennis Wayne Myers ( 2018 -- 6/16/2018 )
William M. "Bill" O'Connor ( 2001 -- 10/14/2001 )
Shari L. SMITH Dean ( 2014 -- 4/27/2014 )
James Mathew Thayer ( 2021 -- 1/13/2021 )
Martin Lee Babbitt
March 21, 1958 -- June 9, 2015 (Aged 57)
Martin Lee Babbitt, 57, born March 21, 1958, son of Larry and Joann (Scott) Babbitt, passed away June 9, 2015 in Lansing, MI. Martin was a pipefitter for Ford Motor Company Sterling Heights Transmission Plant for 15 years; previous employee of the former Olofsson Tool & Die, Lansing, and a Grand Ledge High School Graduate of 1976. Also, his involvement and passion for racing earned him the Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club Honoree Award and Two Time Track Champion of Owosso Speedway in the Late Model Division. Marty loved his family and friends, whom will greatly miss him.
Marty is survived by his wife of 34 years, Kelley; son Justin (Chrystal), and granddaughter, Clara; mother, Joann Babbitt; brother Douglas Babbitt; and sister Terri Hovey-Randall. He was preceded in death by his father, Larry.
A Memorial Service will be held Friday, June 12, 2015 - 2:00 p.m., with receiving of friends at 1:00 p.m. at the Bretton Woods Covenant Church, 925 Bretton Road, Lansing, MI 48917. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Marty's grandchildren's college fund, c/o of Kelley Babbitt or Bretton Woods Covenant Church. Online condolences may be shared at www.petersandmurrayfuneralhome.com.
March 21, 1958 -- June 9, 2015 (Aged 57)
Martin Lee Babbitt, 57, born March 21, 1958, son of Larry and Joann (Scott) Babbitt, passed away June 9, 2015 in Lansing, MI. Martin was a pipefitter for Ford Motor Company Sterling Heights Transmission Plant for 15 years; previous employee of the former Olofsson Tool & Die, Lansing, and a Grand Ledge High School Graduate of 1976. Also, his involvement and passion for racing earned him the Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club Honoree Award and Two Time Track Champion of Owosso Speedway in the Late Model Division. Marty loved his family and friends, whom will greatly miss him.
Marty is survived by his wife of 34 years, Kelley; son Justin (Chrystal), and granddaughter, Clara; mother, Joann Babbitt; brother Douglas Babbitt; and sister Terri Hovey-Randall. He was preceded in death by his father, Larry.
A Memorial Service will be held Friday, June 12, 2015 - 2:00 p.m., with receiving of friends at 1:00 p.m. at the Bretton Woods Covenant Church, 925 Bretton Road, Lansing, MI 48917. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Marty's grandchildren's college fund, c/o of Kelley Babbitt or Bretton Woods Covenant Church. Online condolences may be shared at www.petersandmurrayfuneralhome.com.
Rebecca Lee Burns Goerge
December 25, 1957 - January 2, 2022 (Aged 64)
Rebecca “Becky” Goerge passed away January 2, 2022, at the age of 64. She was born in Edmore, MI on December 25, 1957, to Leo and Bessie (Lewis) Burns, the second of five children. She was a graduate of Grand Ledge High School before marrying Richard “Dick” Goerge, of Fowler. She was the manager of Admiral Gas Station in Eaton Rapids where she retired in 2018. She enjoyed crafting, painting rocks and statues, and traveling to coastal areas to spend hours walking the beaches and collecting seashells. Her proudest accomplishment was being mom and stepmom to their 4 children and grandma to their 16 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
Becky is preceded in death by her husband Richard Goerge, parents Leo and Bessie Burns, brother George and sister-in-law Bonnie Burns and their daughter Melissa, and sisters Donna Burns and Dawn Guenther. She is survived by her children Christopher (Shelby) Gombosi, Shantana (Eric) Simmon, Amanda (Benjamin) Schartow, Richard “Rick” (Heather) Goerge, 16 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, sister Penny (Arnold) Hale, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 am Saturday, January 8, 2022, at the Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, Grand Ledge with visitation beginning at 10:00 am. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Morgan’s Hugs in memory of Rebecca Goerge https://m.facebook.com/MorgansHUGS/. To share condolences or memories please visit, www.petersandmurrayfuneralhome.com.
Peter M. Baker
August 24, 1958 -- April 21, 2014 (Aged 55)
Peter M. Baker, of Delta Twp. a loving husband, father, brother, uncle and friend passed away unexpectedly as a result of an automobile accident on April 21, 2014. Pete was born in Lansing, MI on August 24, 1958. He was a Grand Ledge High School graduate Class of 1976, received a Bachelor's in Forestry from Michigan Tech and worked for Lansing BWL as a Utility Forester for the past 13 years. Pete was a long-time member of the Arboriculture Society of Michigan (ASM) and was elected as their second Board President in 2007 and continued to serve in various leadership roles. He was an active faithful member of St. Gerard Parish where he served as an usher, in the finance council and the Knights of Columbus Richard Council #788. He was also actively involved in coaching his children's sports teams and serving as Cub Scout leader. Pete is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Anne M. (Hehl); children, Laura and Zachary; mother, Frances Baker; siblings, Mary Jo (Gary) Kast, Jean (Joe) Chapman, Charlie (Rochelle) Baker and Sara Caswell; mother-in-law, Mary Hehl; brothers-in-law, Tony (Amy) and John Hehl; sisters-in-law, Sharon Hartwick and Mary Beth Yokabitus; numerous nieces and nephews and his dog, lizzy. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father John Klein at St. Gerard Catholic Church, 4437 W. Willow Highway, Lansing, MI 48917 on Friday, April 25, 2014 at 4 PM. The family will receive friends at the church Thursday from 4-8 PM and Friday from 3 PM until the time of Mass. Memorial contributions may be given to Cub Scouts Troop 121, C/O St. Gerard Catholic Church. Arrangements by the Holihan-Atkin Funeral Home, Grand Ledge. Share your memories and condolences online at www.holihanatkin.com.
David E. Dixon
June 1, 1958 -- June 25, 2011 (Aged 53)
David E. Dixon, age 53, of Kingsley, previously of Kalkaska, passed away on Saturday, June 25, 2011. He was born on June 1, 1958 in Lansing to Bruce and Beverly (Janes) Dixon.David is survived by his mother, Beverly Dixon of Grand Ledge; the mother of his children, Susan Dixon and their three children, Anna (Matt) Doyle, Tom Dixon, and Tim Dixon; his wife Cindy Dixon, and her children, Heather (Josh) Stepke and Terry Parsons; and his brother Jon (Linda) Dixon of Grant.He was preceded in death by his father Bruce who passed away June 14, 2010. David was a graduate of Grand Ledge High School. He worked for Grand Traverse Diesel Service in Traverse City. He was a member of the Lansing Motorcycle Club.Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 29, 2011 from 5-8 p.m. at Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home. The funeral will be at the funeral home on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. with visitation 2 hours prior to the service. Pastor Charlene Minger will be officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery.Condolences may be left online at www.wolfeoneill.com. Arrangements were made by Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home, our family serving yours.
Richard Donovan Doxsie
August 29, 1957 -- August 27, 1983 (Aged 25)
The Sunfield Sentinel
Sunfield, Eaton County, Michigan
September 1, 1983
SUNFIELD MAN DIES IN CAR ACCIDENT
Richard Donovan Doxsie, 25, of 111 Logan Street, Sunfield passed away August 27, 1983 as a result of injuries from an automobile accident that occurred in Roxand Township.
He was born August 29, 1957 in Lansing, the son of Donovan and Elaine Doxsie. He was an employee of the Oldsmobile Co., a graduate of Grand Ledge High School Class of 1976 and a member of the NRA. Survivors include his wife Cyndi; two sons, Brian and Bradley, both at home; his parents, Donovan and Elaine Doxsie of Grand Ledge; two sisters, Mrs. Cindy Snyder of Allegan and Patricia Doxsie of Grand Ledge; grandmother, Mrs. Frances Butler of Lansing. Funeral services were held Tuesday, August 30, at 1 p.m. from the Peters & Murray Funeral Home, Grand Ledge with interment in the Sunfield Cemetery, Sunfield.
Richard "Rick" Ewing
DATE OF PASSING: January 27, 2022 (Aged 63)
Rick Ewing, 63, passed away Jan 27, 2022 in Lansing MI succumbing to Alzheimer's. He was a graduate of Grand Ledge where his cross-country track record was held for many years. Rick's enjoyment of golf was surpassed only by fishing. He was a union electrician. A memorial service is planned in the spring at Palmer Bush & Jensen, Lansing.
Robert Byrne Finkbiner
November 11, 1957 -- January 17, 2015 (Aged 57)
Robert Byrne Finkbiner, age 57, of Mt. Morris, died Saturday, January 17, 2015. Funeral services will be held 10:30AM Friday, January 23, 2015 at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Road, Holly, Michigan. Pastor Ted J. Stephen officiating. Funeral arrangements provided by Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Robert was born November 11, 1957 in Flint, Michigan the son of Paul C. and Charlotte W. (Hoover) Finkbiner. Mr. Finkbiner graduated from Grand Ledge High School in 1976. He served his country in the U.S Air Force. Robert worked for Rolm and Xerox telecommunications and enjoyed fishing and remote controlled airplanes. Robert was a friend of Bill W. Surviving are; mother Charlotte Finkbiner of Mt. Morris; daughter; Autumn Martin of Grand Ledge; step children, Sherri and Lloyde; sisters, Wendy (John) Gonstad of AL, Paula (John) Cole of FL, Anne Barker of IL; special friend, Laurie Ryder, Ron J. and Terrie; several nieces, nephews and lots of friends. He was preceded in death by his father Paul Finkbiner. Online condolences may be posted on the obituaries page of www.sharpfuneralhomes.com
Denise June “Muzzie” Gidley Shepard
July 6, 1958 -- December 24, 2003 (Aged 45)
Birth: Lansing, Ingham County, Michigan, USA
Death: Grand Ledge, Eaton County, Michigan, USA
Burial: Oakwood Cemetery
Grand Ledge, Eaton County, Michigan, USA
( NO OTHER INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE.)
Randall “Randy” Bruce Harlow
October 12, 1958 — February 15, 2022 (Aged 63)
Randall “Randy” Bruce Harlow of Lansing, passed away February 15, 2022, at the age of 63. Randy was born on October 12, 1958 in St. Johns, son of Bruce and Betty (Cressman) Harlow. He worked for IMPCO as a machinist for 42 years and retired from there in October, 2021. Randy enjoyed anything to do with the outdoors such as hunting, fishing, and taking the grandkids on car rides looking for deer. He was a beloved father, brother, grandfather, and friend whom loved his family more than anything.
Randy is survived by his children: Jesse (Jennifer) Harlow, Zack Harlow, and Emily (Dean) VanHoogstraat; grandchildren: Jackson Harlow, Ella Harlow, and Baby VanHoogstraat; brother Rolland (Linda) Harlow; sister Rhonda Nickoli. He is preceded in death by his parents.
A celebration of life gathering will be held Friday, February 25, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, Grand Ledge. The family has entrusted arrangements to the Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, Grand Ledge. Online condolences may be placed at www.millsfuneral.com.
Randal Scott Howard
November 29, 1957 – September 21, 2021 (Aged 63)
Randal Scott Howard was born in South Bend, Indiana, November 29, 1957 and passed away in Lansing, Michigan, September 21, 2021 at the age of 63.
Randal was born to Ivan and Patricia (Sandusky) Howard and grew up in the Lansing area. Randal went to Grand Ledge High School, Class of 1976. From high school, Randal got a job at General Motors without having a diploma or GED and worked there for 30 years until his retirement at the age of 48.
Within those years he met the love of his life, Sandra (Cochran) and had three children. The two were married March 20, 1985 until Randal's passing. The things Randal loved the most was spending time with his family, traveling, listening to music, anything to do with cars or motorcycles, football...especially the Michigan State Spartans and Detroit Lions, watching boxing and MMA, movies, good food, and just having a good time.
Randal is preceded in death by his brother, Ronald Howard; his parents, Ivan Howard and Patricia Rinck (Sandusky); and his sister, Cheryl (Howard) Bolt.
He is survived by his wife, Sandra (Cochran) Howard; his three children, Michael (Saundra) Howard, Randal Howard Jr., and Jeri Howard; his grandchildren, Hanna and Hailey Howard. And his sister Kathy (Todd) Verhage, his brother Reginald Howard (Linea) along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family would like to give a special thanks to everyone who has supported him during his battle with cancer. It meant the world to him and his family.
Diane M. Hunter Bailiff
October 30, 1957 --July 18, 2011 (Aged 53)
Diane M. Hunter Bailiff, age 53, of Lake Odessa, passed away Monday, July 18, 2011. She was born October 30, 1957 in Lansing the daughter of Alfred Eugene and Janet Marie (Laing) Hunter. Diane graduated from Grand Ledge High School in 1976. She was preceded in death by her father and husband, Brian Silverthorne. Surviving is her husband, William Baliff; daughters, Shellie Silverthorne, Nicole Silverthorne and Jamie Silverthorne; step children, Duane (Carla) Bailiff and J.J. Bailiff; six grandchildren; her mother, Janet Hunter; brother, Brian Hunter and sister, Beverly (Roy) Scott. Visitation with the family will be held from 6 – 8 p.m., Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at Koops Funeral Chapel – Lake Odessa. Funeral services for Diane will be conducted at 1 p.m., Thursday, July 21, 2011 at Koops Funeral Chapel – Lake Odessa.
Kathleen M. Johnson Hacker
October 14, 1958 -- November 26, 2018 (Aged 60)
Kathleen M. Hacker (Johnson), 60, of Shelbyville, MI, formerly of Grand Ledge, passed away on November 26, 2018. She was born October 14, 1958 in Bad Axe, MI, daughter of the late Richard and Lucretia (Shuart) Johnson. She was retired from the State of Michigan and graduate of Grand Ledge High School, Class of 1976; she enjoyed traveling, cooking, spending time with her family, and weekends at Rainbow Lake. Kathleen was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She will be truly missed by many people. She is survived by her husband John, of 42 years, sons Brandon (Destiny) and Blake Hacker, daughter Tara (Adam) Harris; 8 grandchildren: Gabe, Austin, Quentin, Taylor, Mataya, Dominic, Jaxsyn, and Amariah; 7 sisters and 2 brothers: Terry (Bob) Suchowesky, Barb Sutton, Rhonda (Randy) Clandening, Andrea (Pat) McNeil, Brenda Johnson, Margie Johnson, Julie VanDenDriessche, Richard (Jen) and Robert (Wendy) Johnson. Kathy is also survived by her in-laws Jack and Arvilla Hacker, brothers-in-law Jeff and Steve Hacker and sister/brother-in-law, Devery and Terry Beals. In honoring Kathleen request, cremation has taken place and no services will be held. For those wishing, contributions can be made to Henry Ford Allegiance Health “Cancer Wing”, 205 N. East Ave., Jackson, MI 49201 or Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research, Dept. 41831, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265. The family has entrusted arrangements to Peters & Murray Funeral Home, Grand ledge. Online condolences may be shared atwww.petersandmurrayfuneralhome.com
Irvin E. Kebler
May5, 1958 -- June 2, 2013 (Aged 55)
Irvin E. Kebler, age 55, passed away on Sunday, June 2, 2013 after a courageous battle with cancer. Irvin was born May 5, 1958 in Lansing, Michigan, to Howard and Donna Kebler of Eagle, MI.
Irvin is remembered as a great husband, father, brother and friend. He graduated from Grand Ledge High School in 1976 and from Michigan State University in 1981 with a degree in Finance. He enjoyed a long career in banking before becoming Chief Operating Officer of the Eyde Company. Irvin had a wide variety of interests including motorcycles, skiing, airplanes and golf. In addition to his range of hobbies, he was a self-proclaimed “project guy”, which included activities around his mother’s farm, and his home. Irvin’s greatest passion was his family. His two children, Stephanie and Michael, were a source of incredible joy and pride. Whether it was academics, motocross, or athletics, following Stephanie and Michael’s careers from grade school through MSU, he was always there to give his unconditional love and support.
He is survived by his wife, Susanne, and June 19 would have marked their 31st wedding anniversary; children Stephanie and Michael; mother, Donna Kebler; father-in-law, Mert Mills; three brothers Kevin (Kim), Curtis, and Leslie (Jennifer); many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Irvin is preceded in death by his father, Howard, mother-in-law, Mary Mills and brother-in-law Rod Mills. He leaves behind a loving family and many friends to enjoy a lifetime of cherished memories.
The memorial service will be held Thursday, June 6, 11:00 a.m. at Peoples Church, 200 W. Grand River Ave., East Lansing with Rev. Andrew Pomerville officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday, June 5, 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing.
Donations may be made to Ele’s Place, 1145 W. Oakland Avenue, Lansing, MI 48915, or Hospice of Lansing, Stoneleigh Residence, 4052 Legacy Parkway, Ste. 200, Lansing, MI 48911, in memory of Irvin.
The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing. On line condolences may be made at: www.greastlansing.com
John "Jay" J. Kotlark III
January 3, 1957 -- March 9, 2021 (Aged 64)
John loved antique cars, especially Oldsmobile and loved to attend car shows. He enjoyed reading books; laughing at the Three Stooges; had a great love for animals and his pets, and loved spending time with family at Horse Head Lake.
He is preceded in death by his parents, nephew-in-law Douglas Beutler, father and mother-in-law Gleason and Evelyn Williams. John is survived by his wife of 36 years Glenda Kotlark; children, Adam (Chrissy) Kotlark and Amanda Kotlark; longtime family friend James Abfalter; sisters, Julie (Tom) Fonger and Karen (Doug) McKee; in-laws: Cathy (Bob) Beutler, Randy Williams, JoAnn Bellet, and many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, March 18, 2021 at Peters & Murray Funeral Home, Grand Ledge with visitations from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Covid 19 protocols requiring masks at the visitations and funeral service along with social distancing will be observed. Memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society, American Diabetes Assoc. or American Heart Association. Online condolences can be shared at www.petersandmurrayfuneralhome.com
Thomas G. Marsh
May 26, 1958 -- October 24, 2015 (Aged 57)
Thomas G. Marsh of Grand Ledge passed away October 14, 2015 in Lansing. Tom was born May 26, 1958 in Lansing, Michigan to the late Max D. and Elizabeth A. (Dart) Marsh. He graduated from Grand Ledge High School Class of 1976 and formerly worked as a tool designer for TRW in Portland, Michigan. When he was younger Tom loved riding motocross. He enjoyed working with computers and was quick to share his knowledge and expertise. Most recently Tom cultivated an interest in nature while riding his bike in and around the Grand Ledge area.
He is survived by sons, Matthew (Danielle) Marsh and Joshua (Trisha) Marsh; grandchildren, Waylan and Wrenna Marsh; siblings, Timothy (Debbie) Marsh, Jody (Chris) Klaver, and Karen Gurtler; nieces and nephews, Todd (Erin) Marsh, Andy (Mandy) Marsh, Amy (Tony) Heriford, Dan (Val) Wheeler, Marc (Stephanie) Wheeler, Bryan (Andra) Wheeler, Ryan Bowser, Evan Bowser, numerous grand nieces and nephews along with his very special friends Scott (Mary) Stevens.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by The Reverend Fr. Robert Irish on Monday, October 19, 2015, 11:00am at St. Michael Catholic Church, Grand Ledge. Visitation will be Sunday from 2-5:00pm at the Holihan-Atkin-Barclay Funeral Home, Grand Ledge. Memorial contributions may be given to the Capital Area Humane Society, 7095 Grand River Ave., Lansing, Michigan 48906 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial and Honor Program, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.
Craig Lee Martin
November 7, 1958 — April 14, 2024 (Aged 65)
AIKEN, SC - Mr. Craig Lee Martin, 65, beloved husband of Lynn C. Martin, passed away Sunday, April 14, 2024.
Craig was born in Lansing, MI to the late Jack and Gloria Martin. He attended high school in Grand Ledge, MI, and received a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University. To pay his way through college, he worked in apple orchards in Grand Ledge, MI, a K-Mart in E. Lansing, and Co-op with General Motors.
Craig's professional journey began in 1981 when he joined DuPont at SRP as an entry-level engineer. Throughout his career, he took on ever-increasing responsibilities in various areas such as Human Resources, Safeguards and Security Management, DOE Audits, Tiger Teams Oversight, and Site Maintenance and Operations. His talents led him to become the plant manager of the Plutonium 239 Production Line, where he played a crucial role in supporting US National Nuclear Weapons Defense Programs. Under his leadership, metric tons of weapons-grade plutonium 239 were produced and transferred to the Rocky Flats Defense Engineering Site for fabrication into "pits," a key compound for US nuclear weapons.
With the end of the Cold War came new challenges, and Craig rose to the occasion. He oversaw the Production and Finishing Operations for Plutonium 238, supporting NASA's mission. His exceptional leadership in this endeavor earned him the Department of Energy's Outstanding Achievement Award for the production of PU238 isotopes utilized in the Cassini mission to Saturn.
After these successes, Craig shifted his focus towards providing operational planning and mission development for SRS.
Aside from his illustrious career achievements, Craig had a deep-rooted passion for outdoor activities. Upon retiring from SRS in 2010, he devoted his time to pursuing hobbies such as hunting, fishing, camping, and other outdoor pursuits.
He is survived by his beloved wife Lynn C. Martin, two sisters Katherine Haines and Debra (Ray) Swiderski, brother-in-law Lee (Amy) Haines, numerous nieces and nephews, as well as an aunt by marriage Jacqueline Greene. He was preceded in death by his parents Jack and Gloria Martin.
A private Inurnment will be held at St. Johns Methodist Church Columbarium.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. John's Methodist Church, PO Box 809, Aiken, SC 29802 or to FOTUS, PO Box 2207, Aiken, SC 29802.
SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC 29801.
Dennis Wayne Myers
February 9, 1958 -- June 16, 2018 (Aged 60)
Dennis Wayne Myers, 60, of Fort Dodge passed away Saturday, June 16, 2018.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 23, 2018 at Iowa Central Community College's Decker Auditorium with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. A visitation will be 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday at the auditorium. Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home is serving the family.
On March 21, 2013, Denny was united in marriage to Pasca Jerono. Denny is survived by his wife, Pasca; siblings, Diane Fisher (Ted) of Beaver Falls, PA; April Lynn (Melvin) Babbitt of Grand Ledge, MI; Rick Myers (Ida) of Nashville, MI; nieces and nephews, Jody Barnes; Tina Myers; Greg Fisher; Tammi Myers; Lucas Babbitt; and Lori Perry.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Ettie (Sullivan) Myers.
Denny Myers was born February 9, 1958 in Lansing, Michigan. He graduated from Grand Ledge High School. He then attended Lansing Community College and Sienna Heights College. Following his education Denny began his successful career as a Cross Country and Track and Field coach. Myers' coaching experience dates back to 1979 as he was a coach at Lansing Community College from 1979-2000 . After a successful tenure at Lansing, he moved on to State University of New York Plattsburgh from 2000-2001 . From there he moved to Vincennes University where he served as the Head Cross Country and Track and Field Coach in addition to the Athletic Director from 2001-2005 . His next move was to Rend Lake College where he spent three seasons, 2006-2009 .
In 2009, Denny began his Iowa Central career. The ICCC team dominated Region XI under Myers. The women have claimed five indoor team titles and four outdoor team titles since 2010 and the men have won five Indoor and five outdoor team titles. He made the program one of the elite teams in the nation. Not only was he a coach but he was also a member of the academic staff at ICCC.
Last season, Iowa Central produced ten individual national champions at the NJCAA Outdoor Championships, 22 All-Americans and set six school records.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the ICCC Track and Field Program through the Denny Myers Scholarship. Checks may be made payable to Iowa Central Community College Foundation. In the memo, indicate "Denny Myers Scholarship".
William M. "Bill" O'Connor
September 3, 1958 -- October 14, 2001 (Aged 43)
William M. O'Connor, (Bill) of 315 E. Crescent Street, Marquette, died peacefully at home Sunday morning, October 14, 2001, after his second battle with cancer. He was 43 years old.
Bill was born on September 3, 1958 in Grand Ledge, Michigan. He attended Grand Ledge High School, where he excelled in wrestling and football. Following graduation, Bill attended Central Michigan University, but soon grew restless with school. In 1977 he took a job at the Fischer Body plant in Lansing, Michigan, and proceeded to save enough money to see the world. Over the next several years, Bill traveled extensively, wandering, working, and mixing with the people of Australia, China, the Far East, India and Europe. In 1985, he earned a degree in History, Philsophy, and International Studies from Northern Michigan University, and went on to pursue Graduate Studies in International Aide and Development at Stockholm University, before returning to the states in 1989 to get his teaching certificate from Northern Michigan University. In 1994, Bill accepted a teaching position at Marquette Senior High School. He also served as the student council advisor, was an active member of the teacher's union, served on the Renaissance Committee, and as an advisor for Odyssey of the Mind. On July 26, 1996 Bill maried Kristina Barber.
Bill was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother and friend. He is survived by his wife, Kris, his daughter, Riley, and his sons Rory and Sean; his parents, Katie and Jack O'Conner of Grand Ledge, brother, Pat and sister-in-law Jackie of Victor, Idaho, nephews Will and Ryan of Laramie, Wyoming, and brother Jay O'Connor of Champaign, Ilinois; mother and father-in-law, Gary and Sandra Barber of Saginaw, and Marva and Robert Ittner of Skandia.
Bill was collector, and took great pleasure in "treasures" both rare, exotic, and beautiful. He was a certified diver, and accomplished sailor, and a man capable of holding and audience spellbound while he spun tales of adventure, hardship, and joy. He loved life and took great pleasure in watching it unfold.
Services will be officiated by the Reverend Doug Paterson at the Masonic Center, 128 W. Washington, Marquette, on Tuesday, October 16, at 4:00p.m. Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are asked to please direct memorials to: The William O'Connor Benefit Fund, First National Bank of Negaunee, 250 N. McClellan, Marquette, MI 49855.
Shari L. Smith Dean
DATE OF PASSING: April 27, 2014 (Aged 63)
Shari L. Dean, Delta Township, Age 63, passed away April 27, 2014. Shari was preceded in death by her husband, David R. Dean, and her mother, Carmi E. Smith. Shari is survived by her her father, William B. Smith and step-mother, Dolores (Dee) Vanneste-Smith; sisters, Toni L. Combs, Cindi L. (Jim) Webster, Robbi L. (Tom) Goodine, and Tiffani L. (Miro) Copic; brother, Bryan (Ingrid) Smith, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Per Shari's wishes, there will be no visitation. Private family services and burial will be held. Contributions may be made to the Capital Area Humane Society in memory of Shari. Arrangements by Tiffany Funeral Home, Lansing.
James Mathew Thayer
December 7, 1957 - January 13, 2021 (Aged 63)
Grand Ledge - James Mathew Thayer, 63, born December 7, 1957, of Grand Ledge, Michigan, died peacefully on January 13, 2021, from chronic health issues.
Jim was predeceased by his parents, James and Janice of Grand Ledge. He is survived by his son Mathew of Jackson, grandsons Nikolas and Seth, brother John (Mary Jo) of Grand Rapids, sisters Janece (Tim) Clark of Petoskey and Julane (Bruce) Underhill of Williamsburg, and several nieces and nephews.
Jim graduated from Grand Ledge High in 1976 where he was a pitcher with two no-hitters. He enjoyed woodworking, home projects, camping, and morning walks on Island Park.
Private services will be held. Memorial contributions may be made to Grand Ledge Parks and Rec, 310 Greenwood, Grand Ledge, MI 48837.