Obituary for Barbara Murbach

5/23/36 – 8/14/2016

Barbara Rich Murbach of Crooked Lake in Alanson, Mich., and Chagrin Falls, Ohio, passed away in Petoskey, Mich., on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2016.

Barbara was born May 23, 1936, in Archbold, Ohio, to Vivian Frey Rich and Lester Rich. She grew up in Archbold and attended Earlham College and Bowling Green State University, earning a B.A. in music.

Barbara was predeceased by her husband of 34 years, Edwin Andrew Murbach, also of Archbold.

Barbara had many passions, including her family, music, gardening, playing bridge, and sharing her gifts and vitality with others as an active community volunteer.

A piano teacher for more than 35 years, Barbara nurtured the talents of, and shared the joy of music with, hundreds of young people — many of whom went on to further musical study. It was not unusual for former students to send her letters in their adulthood, letting her know they’d just bought their first pianos.

A vivacious, outgoing and caring person, Barbara made friends easily and never missed a chance to help someone in need. Barbara was a member of the Bay View Association in Petoskey, the Chagrin Valley Women’s Club and Epworth United Methodist Church in Toledo, Ohio. She began attending the Federated Church in Chagrin Falls when she moved there in 2011.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Barbara’s memory to the Bay View Music Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 583, Petoskey, MI 49770, or to Hiland Cottage Hospice Center, 1 Hiland Drive, Petoskey, MI 49770.

Barbara is survived by her brother, John Rich of Bluffton, Ohio; and by her two daughters and their families, Debra and Mitch Howell of Plano, Texas, and their daughter, Katelin, 23, of Chicago, Ill.; Julia and Jeff Healy of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, and their children Andrew, 18, and Emma, 15.
 

Obituary for William DeRoo

  1/22/1925 - 8/26/2016

WILLIAM "BILL" August 26, 2016 in Boca Raton, Florida. Bill is survived by his loving wife Sue to whom he was married for 65 years. He is also survived by children, Sarah Houck (Kenneth), Deborah Geraci (Gerard), David (Susan) and Bethany Obrochta (David), as well as nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Bill was born to Frank and Marguerite DeRoo on January 22, 1925 in Flint MI and predeceased by this sister Marjorie. During WWII, he fought with the US Army in Italy and the south of France where he was wounded and awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He attended General Motors Institute and worked for General Motors for 42 years where he retired as a Manager of Corporate Service. Bill was a faithful member and Elder of the University Presbyterian Church. He loved to renovate his homes and tinker in the basement. Bill was a soft-spoken man of integrity, kindness and generosity. He is loved by family and friends and will be greatly missed. A funeral service will be held at 11a.m., September 12 at University Presbyterian Church in Rochester Hills, MI. Memorial contributions should be made to Community Presbyterian Church in Deerfield Beach, FL or Vitas Healthcare, in Delray Beach FL
 

Obituary for Constance Grob

 4/26/1926 - 9/6/2016

Constance “Connie” H. Grob (nee Parrish), 90, of Lebanon, died Tuesday,
Sept. 6, 2016, at Mar Ka Nursing Home in Mascoutah.

She was born April 26, 1926, in Chester. 

Connie met her late husband, John, while attending McKendree College. They were married Aug. 7, 1953, in the United Methodist Church in Chester.

Connie graduated from McKendree College in 1953 Suma Cum Laude, Degree in Religious Studies. She served on the Board of Trustees from 1975 to 1991 and on the Alumni Board from 1989 to 1999. In 1985, Connie and her husband, John, earned the Peter Akers Award for service to McKendree College.

Mrs. Grob was a homemaker and a Methodist minister’s spouse for more than 40 years. Connie was involved in many church and civic activities, and a variety of other voluntary functions. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Lebanon since 1986, and a life-time member of the United Methodist Women. She was involved in the local PEO for over 15 years.

She is survived by her sons, John Andrew Grob of St. Louis, and Paul (Becky) Grob of Lebanon; two grandchildren, Zachary and Parker Grob; sister, Linda Lindenberg of Statesville, North Carolina; nieces, Connie Jones of San Diego, California, Jyl Longtin of Fountain Hills, Arizona, Pam (Rick) Dishman of Statesville, North Carolina; nephews, Pat (Jenelle) Knowles of Chester, and Jason Parrish of Chester; eight great-nieces and nephews; and eight great-great-nieces and nephews; and cousin, the Rev. Ted Hartley.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Claudia (nee Johnson) Parrish; husband, John W. Grob (Dec. 19, 2011); brothers, Benjamin Parrish, McKinsey Parrish; and sister, Annebelle Parrish.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Lebanon.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, in Meyer Funeral Home in Lebanon. Private family burial will be in Hug Cemetery in Millersburg. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
 

Obituary for Jack Benish

  12/12/1923 - 9/26/2016

John L. “Jack” Benish passed away peacefully at age 92 on September 26, 2016 in Cleveland Heights, Ohio surrounded by his wife Betty and children Bill, Lisa, and Nancy. Born December 12, 1923 to Arthur F. and Amy (Stephens) Benish in Detroit, Michigan, he attended Pattengill School and then Mackenzie High School. At MacKenzie, Jack was active in the Radio Unit where he met his future wife, Betty Armstrong. Jack attended Wayne State University and as a sophomore enlisted in the US Army. He was sent to the Citadel Military College in South Carolina for one year ann to Europe with the Engineering Corps. Upon his return, Jack and Betty were married at Nardin Park Methodist Church in 1947. He completed his degree at Wayne State in 1949, obtaining a BS in Electrical Engineering.

Jack’s first position was at the KaiserFrazer plant near Detroit producing Flying Boxcars. When the company moved to California, he took a sales position at American Standard in Detroit working for Lester Lee. Encouraged to start his own business, Jack launched Hydronic Supply and Engineering in 1958 with partners Bob and Mike Belenky, operating from a small warehouse in Berkley, Michigan. In 1964, Jack moved the growing company to larger quarters in Troy, MI. In 1991, he sold the company to his trusted associate, Mike Mauer.

As a small boy, Jack attended Rotary Club Christmas parties with his Uncle John Stephens and in 1956 became a Rotarian himself. Jack was very active in the Berkley Rotary Club and when his business moved to Troy, joined the Birmingham Rotary Club, playing piano for his fellow Rotarians. Jack had 58 years of perfect attendance in Rotary and was also a member of the Rotary Club in Petoskey, Michigan where he and Betty spent their summers since 1972 in nearby Bay View.

In retirement, Jack enjoyed playing tennis, taking organ lessons, working on their cottage (The Old Rooming House) in Bay View, and most of all, enjoying the many friends he loved in Bay View, lifelong friendships made in Rosedale Park, in hometown of Bloomfield Hills, at The First United Methodist Church in Birmingham as well as the many classmates and associates he maintained since childhood. Jack also enjoyed organizing all of the Mackenzie High School reunions over many years until his last, their 70th, in 2011.

He was a lifelong and devoted member of the United Methodist Church. Jack and Betty were married for 69 loving and joyful years; they had three children, Bill Benish (Janet), Lisa Wadsworth (Tom) and Nancy Foster (Jim). Jack is much beloved by his grandchildren and will be deeply missed by Rachel Benish (Joe), Amy Wadsworth (David), Will Benish (Carly), Rebekah Benish (Peter), Rebekah Wadsworth, Lydia Benish, Hannah Foster (Ian), Laura Wadsworth, Jack Foster, and Peter Foster. Donations in memory of Jack to Hopital Bon Samaritain (http://www.hbslimbe.org ) in Haiti would be most appreciated and gratefully received.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, November 19 at Church of the Saviour, 2537 Lee Road thed, Cleveland Hts., OH 44118. Interment, Bay View, MI.
 

Obituary for Bishop Emerson S. Colaw

   11/13/1921 - 10/11/2016

Bishop Emerson S. beloved husband of the late Jane E. Colaw, passed away on October 11, 2016 at the age of 94. Cherished father of Prudy (Larry) Klinger, Deb Colaw Peterson, Marcie (Michael) Vilardo, David (Jill) Colaw, proud grandfather of Jeff, Kristy, Andrew, Christopher, Laura, David, Joshua, Rachael, and the late Robert, also survived by 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter and dear brother of Marjorie Nell Jantz (Verdean) Owens. Visitatiopn will be held Saturday, October 15, 2016 from 12-1:30 p.m. at the Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church, 1345 Grace Avenue, Cincinnati , OH 45208 followed by funeral service at 2:00 p.m. A live stream version of the service will be available at www.hydeparkchurch.org Sympathy may be expressed by a memorial contribution to Twin Lakes Benevolent Care Fund, 9840 Montgomery Rd. Cincinnati, Ohio 45242 or Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church Endowment Fund, 1345 Grace Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45208. Gwen Mooney Elden Good Chapel in charge of arrangements.

Methodist Bishop Emerson Stephen Colaw had a knack for taking a familiar Bible story and reframing it in a way that challenged and inspired listeners.

In one sermon titled If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat, Colaw recounted the story of the apostle Peter walking on water toward Jesus and said that, like Peter, Christians must take risks to live out their faith.

Colaw, who served as bishop for the United Methodist Church in Minnesota from 1980 to 1988, died Oct. 11 in Cincinnati of complications from pneumonia. He was 94.

He could be what I call spellbinding. When you were listening to him, he had such a command of the language, said the Rev. Bruce Ough, Methodist bishop of the Dakotas-Minnesota. He understood the importance of presenting the word of God in a way that was accessible to people.

People responded to his preaching, said the Rev. Patricia Toschak, a superintendent in Ough’s cabinet who also worked under Colaw. He always rounded in stories about real-life situations, she said.

Known for his impeccable dress and formality, Colaw was warm and welcoming when he stepped away from the pulpit, Ough said.

Whenever you were in his presence, you had the feeling you were the only thing that mattered to him at that time,€� Ough said. He was not distracted. He took great interest in you as an individual and your family and what was happening in your life and your soul.

Colaw, who was born in Chanute, Kan., began his ministry serving three congregations in New York and northern Illinois. In 1961, he was appointed to Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church in Cincinnati, where he remained until he was appointed bishop in 1980.

During his tenure in Minnesota, Colaw appointed Toschak to serve as the first female district superintendent in the bishop’s cabinet. The bishop showed her the same respect he gave her male peers, she said.

He was very willing to learn from my experiences as a woman clergyperson, Toschak said. A new day was dawning for women in the church, and he opened his heart to it.

Many pastors recall Colaw taking the time to call or visit when their families experienced an important milestone, such as the birth of a child or the death of a loved one. And he readily accepted invitations to preach at local churches. He loved to be out among the people and finding out what was going on in their churches and their lives, Toschak said. He really wanted to Learn.

The Rev. Richard Harper, who also served as a district superintendent in the bishop’s cabinet, said Colaw was a talented speaker. He had a lot of very good ideas. He was well organized and well prepared, Harper said.

After retiring as bishop in 1988, Colaw taught homiletics and Christian ministry at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, and continued in that role until 1999. He was the seminary’s acting president in 1995-96.

During that time, Ough, who was then a bishop in western Ohio, developed a bond with Colaw. Colaw would offer Ough words of encouragement and praise. It was meaningful, in large part, because he had walked in those shoes,€� Ough said.

Colaw wintered in Florida and served as bishop-in-residence at North Naples United Methodist Church. He returned to Hyde Park church in Cincinnati, where he was an active member until his death.

Colaw was preceded in death by his wife, Jane, and his grandson, Robert. He is survived by his daughters, Deb Colaw Peterson and Marcie Vilardo, both of Cincinnati, and Prudy Klinger of Waterloo, Iowa; a son, David, of Cincinnati; and eight grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter.
 

Obituary for Jack Edman

John R. Edman "Jack," 89, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016, in Petoskey, Mich.

He was the widower of Betty Bailey Edman. They shared 64 blessed years of marriage.

Born in Brighton, Mich., he was the son of Martin and Elizabeth Edman. He graduated from the University of Michigan earning both bachelor's and master's degrees in business administration.

He retired as chairman of GMAC in 1992 after a successful 41-year career in finance with GM.

He was a member of numerous organizations, including Sigma Chi Fraternity, many programs through the University of Michigan, U of M Business School, the Detroit Athletic Club, Rotary, FEI, Bay View Association and various churches.

He and Betty enjoyed traveling and spending time with their six children and families.

Jack will be remembered for his leadership and dedication to improving his community and churches.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Jeanne; and his loving wife, Betty.

He is survived by their six children Jill Petro, Tim Edman (Deb), Jody Maurer (Keith), Tracy Katlein (Glen), Julie Mindel (Dave) and John Edman Jr.
(Maureen); 12 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Jack Edman will be held in Bay View in the summer of 2017.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Bay View Association in memory of the Betty Bailey Edman Lectureship.

 This appeared in the Petoskey News-Review on October 24, 2016
 

Obituary for Beverly J. Ragland

BEVERLY J. died November 12, 2016. She is survived by her husband, James (54 years of marriage), daughter Stacy, daughter Leslie (Troy) Bryan, son Craig (Cynthia) Ragland, son Jim (Tanya) Ragland, son Brian (Kelly) Ragland, son David (Tiffany) Ragland, nine grandchildren, three brothers, Mark, John, James (their spouses), Aunt Shirley, numerous nephews and nieces. She was the founder of Child Culture which she led for 30 years. Beverly was a wonderful teacher and mentor. She loved her friends and family dearly. As a niece said, she "had a big heart". A classy beautiful lady that will be missed. Service will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2016 at Orchard United Methodist Church, 30450 Farmington Road, Farmington Hills MI 48334. Visitation from 1-2pm with service at 2pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the following in her honor: Orchard United Methodist Church, (www.Orchardumc.com) or Bay View Association,
(www.bayviewassociation.org).
 

Obituary for Jonathan Amy

3/3/1923 -  12/4 2016

Jonathan "Jon" W. Amy, 93, of West Lafayette, beloved husband, father, and "Grandpa" died Sunday, December 4, 2016 at St. Elizabeth East Hospital. He was born in Delaware, OH on March 3, 1923 to Ernest and Theresa Amy who preceded him in death along with an infant brother.  Jon became an avid reader as a young man. He was surrounded by books at home as his father was an English professor.  His love of learning continued up until his death. He was attending Ohio Wesleyan University when he entered the U.S. Maritime Service during World War II where he served as a communication officer. When the war ended, he returned to Ohio to finish his Bachelor's degree at OWU. He grew up with Ruthanna Borden and they married on December 20, 1947.  She preceded him in death in 1999.  In 1948 Jon and Ruthanna moved to West Lafayette so he could attend Purdue for graduate studies in chemistry. Jon completed a Master's degree in 1950. When he had trouble finding employment, it was suggested he stay at Purdue to help in setting up a structural spectroscopy lab. This was the start of the instrumentation facility that would later become the "Jonathan Amy Instrumentation Facility" on the Purdue Campus.  Jon completed his PhD at Purdue in 1955.  During his time leading the facility, Jon worked closely with many leaders in the world of instrumentation. He remained in the Chemistry Department retiring in 1988.  After retiring from Purdue, he continued to consult with Finnigan Instruments working well into his 80's.  Jon was recognized for his many contributions by the American Chemical Society through its Chemical Instrumentation Award.

 In the early 1950's Jon and Ruthanna developed a subdivision they called Ravinamy which became a community. Jon was part of a group that started the Wabash Volunteer Fire Department and he was recognized for his efforts and other community service with the George Award as well as named a Sagamore of the Wabash by the Indiana Governor Frank O'Bannon. 

Jon met Betty MacDonald Flood in Bay View, Michigan and married her on July 2, 2000 in Petoskey, MI. She survives along with his three children, sons, Joseph "Bur" Amy (wife Jennie Lou) of Charleston, SC, and James "Jim" Amy (wife Janet) of Cary, NC and his daughter, Theresa Amy of Sunland, CA.  He has 4 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren.  Betty's children are Joy Flood, Paul (wife Rebecca) Flood, Thure (wife Veronica) Flood, Todd (wife Bonnie) Flood, and Joseph (wife Dawn) Flood.  Betty has 7 grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, December 10, 2016 at St. John Episcopal Church, 600 Ferry St. Lafayette, IN 47901.The family will receive friends and relatives at the church immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wabash Township Volunteer Fire Department, 51 S. Neuman Rd. West Lafayette, IN 47906 or Bay View Association, P.O. Box 583, Petoskey, MI 49770 or St. John's Episcopal Church. You may sign the guest book and leave pictures and condolences for the family by visiting www.soller-baker.com

Published in the Journal & Courier on Dec. 7, 2016
 

Obituary for John Martsolf

10/30/1918 - 1/25/2017

Dr. John Martsolf, 98 of Sebring, passed away Wednesday, Jan 25, at Copeland Oaks Assistant Living Center. Born in North Ridgeville, on Oct. 30, 1918, he was the son of the late Philip and Aleda (Hier) Martsolf. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Jean Clifton Henley Martsolf, sister, Margary Krieger, and In Laws RB and Una Henley. Dr. Martsolf was a Physician that specialized in General Surgery. He was an Intern Resident at Alantic City Hospital from 1944 -1946, Poly Clinic Hospital in Harrisburg, PA (1950-1952). He also served at Beaver Valley General Hospital, Providence Hospital, Rochester General, and Medical Center of Beaver County. He graduated from New Brighton High School in 1936. He went on to graduate from Oberlin College in 1940; Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA in Jan. 1944, and University of Pennsylvania Graduate School in 1949. He served in the United States Army from 1942 till 1948. From 1942 till 1943 he was an ASTP at Jefferson Medical, and a Captain of the Medical Corp from 1946 till 1948, and European Theater of Operations (ETO) Dr. Martsolf belonged to Beaver County Medical Society, PA State Medical Society, AMA, Diplomat American Board of Surgery, American College of Surgeons, President of Beaver County Medical Society in 1956, President (At Various Times) staffs of Beaver Valley Hospital, Providence Hospital Chief of Staff and Hospital Board of Directors from 1965- 1982. He was the First President of New Brighton Library Board, started New Brighton Historical Society, with Liberian, Mrs. Stafford, Daugherty Township and New Brighton School Board Member, AFS Committee, Beaver Falls for 25 years, Pittsburgh Council of International Visitors, American Host Program and Travelogue Committee for 15 years. He was a Session Member of Presbyterian Church of Beaver Fall. He served on the Board of Trustees and very active as a choir member. Dr. Martsolf is survived by his daughter, Margery (Michael) Willson, Son; Dr. John (Cathy) Martsolf, Esq. Fredrick (Nancy) Martsolf and Dr. Robert (Donna) Martsolf. He has 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by Special Friends, John and Gertrude Reed and Family. Memorial Service will be held Saturday, Jan. 28 at 11 a.m. in the Chapel of Copeland Oaks with the Pastor David Parry officiating. There will be a reception following the service. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Bayview Association or Copeland Oaks. Funeral Arrangement are by Dean’s Funeral Home, Sebring, Ohio. Friends and Family may sign the guest book and send condolences to our website at www.deansfuneralhome.com

Obituary for Ruth Crist Dyer

11/28/1917 - 2/10/2017

Ruth Crist Dyer, 99, of Chicago and long-time resident of Petoskey/Bay View and Wequetonsing, passed away on February 10, 2017 at her daughter’s home in Petoskey, surrounded by all of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.              

Ruth was born on November 28, 1917 in Chicago, the daughter of Robert Charlton Crist II and Ruth Elizabeth Victoria Wilhemina Olson. She grew up in Chicago, IL where she attended the University of Chicago Laboratory School in Hyde Park. After completion of high school she attended the University of Arizona, where she majored in science and excelled in athletics, becoming the diving champion of the Southwest. There, she met the love of her life, John W. Dyer.

Ruth was a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority and subsequently hosted an annual panhellenic luncheon at her home in Bay View. Ruth loved nature, always leaving it better than she found it. Her love for nature is preserved in her photographs and stationery as well as in the appreciation she passed down.

Ruth was preceded in passing by her husband of 69 years, John W. Dyer, who passed away on February 8, 2012, her brother Robert Charlton Crist III who passed away September 25, 1995, and an infant great granddaughter Grace June Duran.

She is survived by 2 children, John Christopher Dyer of Chicago, IL and Jennifer Ruth Drinkall of Petoskey; 5 grandchildren, Elsa (Sekhar) Chandra, Debbie (Gil) Duran, Rev. Mark (Tanya) Drinkall, Scott Drinkall, and Roger Drinkall; 6 great grandchildren, Naathan, Mackenzie, Gavin John, Brielle, Charlotte, and Sophia.

A memorial service celebrating Ruth’s life will be held on Monday February 13 at 11 a.m. at the Emmanuel Evangelical Church in Petoskey with Rev. Mark Drinkall officiating. The family will receive friends at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. 

Contributions in memory of Ruth may be made to the Little Traverse Conservancy or Emmanuel Evangelical Church of Petoskey. 
 

Obituary for Carol Parker

Carol Parker, 72, passed away at Midland Care Hospice in Topeka on May 4, 2017.

She was born in Delaware, OH to Margaret and William Russell.
After graduation from Stephens College in 1967, Carol worked as a flight attendant for American Airlines. Based in New York, Carol was able to schedule trips to Texas to carry on a courtship with her future husband, Dave, who was an Air Force social worker in Wichita Falls, TX. Shortly after marrying Dave, the couple moved to Topeka in 1970 where Dave took a position with the Menninger Foundation.

In her early years in Topeka, Carol was active in the Winter Women, Junior League, Minerva Club, Performing Arts for Children, and The Federated Doll Club. Music was an important part of Carol’s life. As a soprano, Carol took pride in her ability to hit the high notes. She was an original member of Topeka Festival Singers. Carol sang for several years in the choir at Grace Episcopal Cathedral and served for a brief time as a paid soloist at First Presbyterian Church. In recent years, Carol’s love for animals resulted in her fostering newborn kittens for the Humane Society.

Colorful in both personality and dress, Carol was known for her bright clothes, earrings and eye wear. Among her many interests were travel, cooking and reading. Dinners with friends and her monthly book discussion group were special to her. Carol was a third generation member of the Bay View Association in Bay View, Michigan. Carol relished spending summers at the family cottage in Bay View where she enjoyed attending lectures and concerts, taking cooking classes and serving on committees.

She is survived by her husband, Dave; two children, Mark (Sarah) Parker of Holland, MI and Lynette (Chris) Palmer of Topeka; granddaughters, Maura, Jillian, and Suzy Parker; grandsons, Nick, Jack, and Bradley Palmer. Carol is also survived by her older brother Bill (Judi) of Indianapolis, IN.

Carol is preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Ann.

Visitation is scheduled at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel on Thursday, May 11, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. with a memorial service to follow at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Helping Hands Humane Society or the Women’s Fund Endowment in care of the Topeka Community Foundation.
 

Obituary for John Walton

8/14/1926 - 5/26/2017

John was born in Chicago August 14th 1926 to DeForrest D. and Amelia Louise (Potter) Walton. He moved with his family to Hastings in July of 1929 when his father began practice as an Optometrist a practice John later assumed. During his High School years, he worked at Hastings City Bank and Hodges Jewelry. Upon John’s graduation from Hastings High School in 1944, he enrolled in the University of Michigan to study pre-med. However, he soon heard a rumor that the Navy was re-opening enlistment, so without informing his roommate or his parents, he took the train to Detroit to enlist in the reserves for the duration of the War plus six months. He served as a signalman in the Pacific aboard the USS Auriga. After an honorable discharge, John attended the Northern Illinois College of Optometry on the G.I Bill and then joined his father’s practice.

He made his first home on ten acres off of River Road where he lived on July 5th, 1958 when he was married Esther May Summerlott Sugden in the presence of witnesses at the Friends Meeting House in Kalamazoo, Michigan. From there the family moved to a house on Gun Lake and later to the current residence on Green Street where they raised five children (Kim, David, Ruth, Martha, and Mary) and fostered several nieces and a nephew.

In the 1970s he served on the School Board and during his career, John maintained membership in Rotary where he was once President and was a lifelong member of the American Optometric Association. Jack had deep interest in photography and SCUBA diving and was certified by NASDS and checked out in cave diving, ice diving, night diving, wreck diving and deep-water diving. Travels in pursuit of his hobbies included trips across the Great Lakes, Caribbean, Florida Keys, Grand Cayman, and the Republic of Grenada. He served on the Barry County Search and Recovery team, and he had his last dive at age 59.

In their over fifty years of marriage, Jack and Esther traveled to Europe and Mexico and made yearly pilgrimages to Petoskey’s Magnus Park enjoying activities in Bay View where John was a Life Member of the Campus Club.

He was preceded in death by both parents, four brothers, his wife and one grandchild, John.

He is survived by two brothers, George and Victor, several nieces and nephews; five children, Kim Walton and Darryl Tietz; David Walton; Ruth and Gary Abbott; Martha and Fred (Fritz) Bowerman; Mary Walton and Bryan Dipp; and his grandchildren: Lander, Mariah, Katy, Elizabeth, Alexandra, Christopher, Stephen, Sadie, Joshua, Tucker, Bryce and Nikki; and ten Great-grandchildren: Lauren and Katherine, Gabryel and Bennett, Claira and Anthony, John (Jack) and Eleni, Ivy, and Raelynn Jo; and his good cat Mabel.

He and his mischievous sense of humor will be greatly missed by his whole family both the official and the multitude of close friends who formed his unofficial family. Special thanks to Todd Hebert and Great Lakes Hospice for the care they provided.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hastings Community Music School, 200 S. Boltwood St., Hastings, MI 49058

A Memorial visitation will be held on Friday, June 2, from 2-4pm at the Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. A Memorial Service will follow the visitation period at 4:00 pm. To leave online condolences visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.
 

Obituary for Stephan J. Smith

6/14/1924 - 6/10/2017

On Saturday evening, June 10, Stephen Judson (Steve) Smith passed away peacefully at his family home in Boulder, CO, at the age of 92. Steve is survived by his wife of 66 years, Joyce; three sons: Douglas of Arlington, Virginia; Gordon of Boulder, CO; and Philip - also of Boulder, CO; and four grandchildren - Benjamin, Bonnie and Amy of San Rafael, CA; and Savannah of Boulder, CO; all of whom he loved deeply. Steve is preceded in death by his eldest son David, and second son Jeffrey. Steve was born June 14, 1924 in Fairfield, IA. He spent his teenage years in Waukesha, WI. After graduating from Waukesha High School in 1942 and attending a semester of college, Steve enlisted in the Army Air Corps, where he served as a navigator in the air transport command in both Europe and Asia during World War II. At the end of the war, Steve received an honorable discharge as a first lieutenant, and moved to Kalamazoo, MI, where he attended Kalamazoo College, majoring in physics (B.A. 1949), and earning a varsity letter in cross country. It was in Kalamazoo where Steve met his future wife - Joyce Rickman. Joyce and Steve were married in 1951. After college, Steve attended Harvard University, where he earned his M.A. in 1950 and Ph.D. in 1954, both in physics. Upon earning his Ph.D., he embarked on a life-long commitment to serving the public interest as a research scientist with the federal government. In 1954, Steve started his career as a physicist at the National Bureau of Standards (NBS, now NIST). He was Chief of the Atomic Physics section at NBS from 1960 to 1962. In 1962, he moved from Washington, DC, to Boulder, CO, with a team of ten scientists and support staff, whose mission was to found the Joint Institute for Laboratory Astrophysics (JILA) on the CU Boulder campus. Steve was a JILA Fellow from 1962 through his retirement, and he served as Chairman of JILA in 1971-1972. In addition, he was Deputy Chief, and then Chief, of the Laboratory Astrophysics Division of NBS from 1966 to 1977. He also served as an Adjoint Professor of Physics at the University of Colorado from 1966 thru 1995. In 1976, as a Department of Commerce Science and Technology Fellow, and again from 1989 to 1991 as a Visiting Scientist with the National Science Foundation, Steve served as the Program Officer for the Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics Division. Throughout his career, Steve served on a variety of editorial boards, including Metrologia; Advances in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics; and Physical Review-A. Steve was a Fellow of the American Physical Society (APS), and served in a variety of roles with the APS throughout his career, which culminated in his role as Chairman of the APS division of Electron and Atomic Physics in 1977. Notable honors and awards include the Department of Commerce Gold Medal Group Award in 1970, and the Humboldt Senior U.S. Scientist Award in 1978. The Humboldt award allowed Steve to pursue research as a visiting scientist on numerous occasions in both Munich and Kaiserslautern, Germany. By the end of his career, Steve had published 86 refereed journal articles on the subject of atomic, molecular, and optical physics. On a personal note, Steve served as a Boy Scout leader for Troop 75. He enjoyed climbing and hiking - he was in charge of the Brainard Lake Cabin for the Colorado Mountain Club for a number of years. Steve was also a member of the First Congregational Church, serving in various leadership roles. He and Joyce enjoyed spending summers in Bay View, MI, playing croquet, and enjoying their grandchildren. Steve's departure is a great loss and he will be missed. Funeral Arrangements are being made by M.P. Murphy & Associates Funeral Directors. A memorial service will be held at First Congregational Church of Boulder on Saturday, August 5th, at 10 AM. Donations "In memory of JILA fellow Stephen J. Smith" can be made to the JILA scholarship fund via the internet (https://giving.cu.edu/ fund/jila-fund) or by mail (JILA Fund, c/o The CU Foundation, 1800 Grant Street, Denver, CO 80203).