Bernice “Bunny” Lynne Voss, 69, of Lake, MI, went to be with her Lord, Wednesday, June 21, 2023, with her family by her side. 

She was born January 22, 1954, in Big Rapids, the daughter of Lewis and Irma (Ford) Deacons. Bunny attended Morley Stanwood Public Schools and graduated from Grand Rapids High School. 

She was well known for her loving, caring, and giving nature, and was one of the founders of the Twelve Baskets Food Pantry in Stanwood. Bunny enjoyed going to the casino, traveling, bird watching, and was an avid photographer. Going to the UP was one of her most favorite places to travel to. Most importantly to Bunny was that she loved spending time with family. Whether playing games or just sitting and watching the birds, having family around was her greatest joy,

On August 1, 1981, she married Michael Voss, the love of her life. Bunny is survived by her husband; children, Laurie Ann (Tim) Kohn, Jason (Christy) Barker, and Angela Suzanne Voss; nine grandchildren, Miranda, Emily (Jon), Kayla, Timothy (AnaPaola), Michael (Kourtney), Aren (Toni), Curtis, Anthony, and Aleah; two great grandchildren Ezekiel and Olive; her sisters, Lois Brooks and Elaine (Ruben Curiel) Crawford; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Leanore “Pudge” Canfield and Joanne Turner, her in-laws John Doyle and Opal Voss, and many brothers- and sisters-in-law. 

A Celebration of Bunny’s life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to Twelve Baskets Food Pantry, c/o The Woods Free Methodist Church, 7486 Stanwood Dr., Stanwood, MI 49346. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com

Robert Edsel Friar, 89, longtime resident of Big Rapids, passed away on Friday, June 16, 2023, at Corewell Health in Clawson, Michigan, attended by family and loved ones.

He was born December 30, 1933, to Ralph Victor and Reathel Faye (Gentis) Friar on the family farm in Jackson Township, Wells County, Indiana. Growing up on the farm during the Great Depression and World War II, Robert remained forever a proud “farm boy” who had plowed fields with a horse-drawn plow. He graduated from Jackson Township High School in 1952. Well into his 80’s, Robert would show off his basketball lay-up to the grandkids, regaling them with stories from his high school playing days. With a graduating class of nine, and only two other guys in his class, playing on the basketball team was almost compulsory, even though he had blown off several fingers with a dynamite cap as a child.

Robert pursued a lifetime devoted to academics. His proud association with Purdue University began with a BS in Agricultural Education in 1956, resulted in a total of 3 degrees, and culminated in a Purdue University Distinguished Alumni Award in 2016. Robert taught for 2 years at Flint Creek High School in Steuben County, Indiana before returning to Purdue for a Masters in Biological Sciences. Upon completion in 1959, he taught science at Clay Township High School in Indiana. His fellow teacher, Frances Anna Urban, captured his heart with her spirited personality and intelligence. Her nice legs, perfectly shown off by fashionable high heels, and pretty green eyes clinched the deal. They wed on August 12, 1961, in South Bend. As “the cool young teachers” and senior class advisors, they built friendships with their students that lasted a lifetime.

 As Robert worked on his PhD at Purdue, they welcomed three children. He was very proud that they all continued his legacy of academic achievement in the sciences: Ken (Mary) Friar, MD of Traverse City, David (Susan) Friar, MD of Traverse City, and Debra (John) Hibbeln, DDS of Rochester, MI. Juggling toddlers and research, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Illinois. Over the years, summers were spent packing the clan into the station wagon and traveling the country with first tent and then pop-up camper, weaving between national parks. Robert ran over Ken’s foot in Rocky Mountain NP, David fell into prickly pears in the Badlands, Debra plummeted down a glacier, and fabulous family memories were made.

Upon completion of his PhD in Animal Physiology in 1967, the family moved to Big Rapids, Michigan for a life-defining position at Ferris State University. As a professor and researcher in Anatomy, Physiology, and Human Sexuality, and longtime Head of the Biology Department, Robert had a positive influence on generations of students during his 49+ years of teaching. He was truly an extraordinary teacher, using every conversation to encourage, empower and educate. Among his many honors at Ferris were: Educator of the Year Award, Distinguished Teacher Award, and Homecoming Parade Grand Marshall. Robert was a director of the Ferris Foundation, served on presidential and faculty search committees, and numerous other committees. Coming from humble beginnings themselves, Robert and Frances were dedicated and generous contributors who created endowed scholarships for needy students at Ferris State. He attained international prominence in the field of human sexuality. He was very active in the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality, honored by their Distinguished Service Awards in 1993 and 1998. Robert was a two-time Fulbright Scholar Award recipient, at that time an unprecedented achievement. Upon receiving the award, he asked the US State Department, “Where am I needed most in the world?” That simple question led the family to live in Khartoum, Sudan while he taught at the University of Khartoum. Living in Sudan during a famine and amidst political turmoil, colleagues became friends and then family, with relationships that lasted a lifetime and spanned the globe. This experience, and the people he shared it with, were among the most precious of his life. As in his entire life, Robert always went where he was needed most, to help those who he could help the most.

There was no greater joy for Robert than his grandchildren. Every day was a science lesson with Grandpa! He loved every moment with them: hiking, traveling, working in the garden, fixing something mechanical, giving a piggyback ride, discussing future plans, arguing big topics. Robert was an excited and attentive listener. He was the grandpa most likely to lead them into some crazy adventure that was laced with a whiff of danger. Because he knew “something about everything”, Grandpa was always up for a good conversation. And oh golly, the tales he did tell! Robert loved nothing more than hearing about the grandkids’ adventures and achievements, and treasured every photo and note they texted him. Carrying on his legacy of adventure, excellence and service are Alison (Ben) Thompson, Jonathan (Gabriella) Friar, Victor Hibbeln, Benjamin (Ky) Friar, Alexandra Friar, Henry Hibbeln, Nicholas Friar, and Ethan Friar.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances, on March 11, 2001. For the last 13 years of his life, Robert found joy with his partner, Anita, of Birmingham, Michigan. Together, they enjoyed extensive travel, the arts, adventures, laughter, and a vibrant community of friends. Anita and her family enlarged the circle of people who loved him, and greatly enriched his life.

Brilliant, eccentric, hardworking and independent, Robert dearly loved the people he gathered around him: family, students, colleagues, friends. Robert was a stand-in father and grandfather for anyone who needed someone like him in their lives. Right up until his last day, he walked several miles daily and exercised at the gym. Robert left this world exactly the way he would have wanted, suffering a fall while racing off on foot into an oncoming storm to buy ice cream and oatmeal (which he deemed essentials of life).

Robert will be honored with a private family burial at Highland View Cemetery in Big Rapids. His life will be celebrated with a private memorial service on July 14 with his extensive family in Indiana, presided over by his brother Donald Friar. Memorial contributions in Robert’s name may be made to the Friar Family Foundation of scholarships at Ferris State University (igfn.us/form/kAQr6Q). Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Big Rapids - Sally Josephine Gibson, 83, of Big Rapids, passed away Friday, June16, 2023, at her home.

She was happy to be able to stay in her home and we are thankful this could happen with the loving care she was given by daughter Debbie, home health care givers and respite care givers Kathy and Karen.

 Sally was born July 6, 1939, in Big Rapids, the daughter of Otto and Flossie (Carlton) Franck. She attended St. Peter’s Lutheran School and graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1957.

 Sally was a lifelong resident of Big Rapids and a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. She worked as a secretary at Big Rapids Public Schools until her retirement. Sally enjoyed playing cards and a good game of scrabble, reading, camping, hand sewing, and especially loved spending time with family.

 On August 3, 1957, Sally married Jim Gibson, and celebrated 55 years of marriage until his passing on May 20, 2012. She and Jim were blessed with three daughters who survive:  Debbie Gibson of Big Rapids, Cindy (Walt) Lutzke of Big Rapids, and Carol (David) Bradshaw of Dexter, MI; five grandchildren and nine great grandchildren, whom she loved very much, Jim (Maggie Ryan) Lutzke and Flossie of Portland, OR, Jennifer (Randy) Riddle and Logan and Quinn of Hamburg Township, Alex (Madie) Lutzke and Oliver, Margot, Josie, and August of Indianapolis, Heather (Ricky) Sherrer and Hayden and Hailey of Dexter, and Michael (Reagan Maisch) Bradshaw of Chicago: and many nieces and nephews and their families. Sally was also preceded in death by her parents, her brother Jim Franck, and sisters MaryAnna Waldron, Marge Meador, Joan Waldron, and Lois Kiaunis.

 She is free from her pain and struggles.

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4 

 A Memorial Service will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, July 6, 2023, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church  with Pastor Tyson Bentz officiating. Burial will be in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Stanwood. Sally’s family will greet friends beginning at 10 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers please consider memorial contributions in her name to St. Peter’s Lutheran School. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Stanwood – Marlene Joan DeLuca, 90, of Stanwood, passed away Wednesday, April 26, 2023, while wintering in Mexico. 

She was born July 16, 1932, in Bad Axe, the daughter of Ernest and Violet (Eddy) Gilbert. Marlene graduated from Detroit Denby High School in 1950.  On August 27, 1955, she married John J. DeLuca. For many years they lived in the Detroit area and later moved to Mecosta County. 

For several years, Marlene was an office manager/bookkeeper at Ferris State University.  She and John then owned and operated State Electric until retiring. Marlene was into organic gardening before it was a trend, she passed that knowledge onto her children, who had to weed and pick bugs off plants. 

Marlene wintered in Mexico – her home away from home – and was beloved by the community there. She also loved to travel and took many world cruises.

Her husband John preceded Marlene in death on November 15, 2007.  She is survived by her children, Bob (Kathy) Ike of Ann Arbor, Jolene DeLuca of Grand Rapids, Diane DeLuca of Lansing, and John (Karen) DeLuca of Clearwater, FL; her grandson Ian; and brother Larry Gilbert of Pt. Austin. She was also preceded in death by her daughter Amy on March 17, 2022.

A Celebration of Marlene’s life will begin at 2 p.m., Sunday, July 16, 2023, at the DeLuca Family Farm, 8315 195th Ave., Stanwood, MI 49346. In lieu of memorial contributions, Marlene always said to “take yourself on a trip and see the world”.  Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Big Rapids – Margaret Ellen (Cook) Johnson, 95, of Big Rapids, passed away Monday, June 12, 2023, at Mission Point of Big Rapids.

She was born October 20, 1927, in Goodwell Township, the daughter of Franklin and Margaret (Jacoby) Waldron. When Margaret was a young girl, the family moved to Big Rapids, and she graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1945. 

Margaret worked in retail at Vaughns Department Store, the Parker/Ryan Store, and the Ferris Bookstore. She then worked as a legal secretary for Peter Jordan, and later in semi-retirement for Bill and Joe Harper. Margaret was a Cub Scout leader, and was very active in her children’s activities. She enjoyed quilting and travel, but especially loved spending time with family.

She is survived by her children, David (Marge) Cook, Beth (Paul) Everin, and Steve (Pamela) Cook; seven grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren. Margaret was preceded in death by her husband Harold Johnson, son Lynn Cook, her parents, three sisters, and a brother.

Private family burial will take place in the Pinora Cemetery in Osceola County. Memorial contributions in Margaret’s name may be made for Hospice of Michigan. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Big Rapids – Natalie N. Kelsh, 90, of Big Rapids, passed away Monday, June 12, 2023, at Meceola Currie Comfort Home.

She was born November 26, 1932, in Creighton, NE, the daughter of George and Frances (Lambright) Nicholaisen.  As a young woman, she met George L. Kelsh at a church function, and they were married on August 16, 1950.  In 1963, they moved to Rodney after George accepted a teaching position at Ferris State College.  

Natalie adored her family, raising her 6 children to learn proper etiquette and manners.  She was a 4-H leader for many years, enjoying crafts and sewing.  Natalie  loved her garden, canning the fruits of her labors, and was always making meals for family and friends.  She had a wonderful voice, loved to sing and dance, and her laugh would make one smile.  

Natalie was also a longtime active member of St. Mary/St. Paul Catholic Parish.  

Her husband George preceded Natalie in death on Feb. 8, 2002.  She is survived by her children, Kathleen “Kit” (Mark) Brenner of Muskegon, Frances Kelsh of Greenville, SC, Maureen (Mike) Baldwin of Greenville, SC, Patricia (David) Parcheta of Lake Zurich, IL, and Daniel (Mercy) Kelsh of Ostego; 13 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.  Natalie was also preceded in death by her son and daughter-in-law, G. Laurence “Larry” and Teri- Lyn Kelsh, infant son Kevin, her brother George Nicholaisen Jr., and sister Joyce Turk.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m., Thursday, June 15, 2023, at St. Mary Catholic Church, with Father Jegar Fickel as celebrant.  Burial will follow in the Mt. Carmel Cemetery. Natalie’s family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, June 14, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with the Rosary Service at 7:00. Memorial contributions in her name may be made for Meceola Currie Comfort Home or Spectrum Health Hospice. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Big Rapids – John Edward Foust, 91, of Big Rapids, passed away Thursday, June 8, 2023, at Mission Point of Big Rapids. 

He was born and raised in Big Rapids, the son of Willard and Anna (Zimmer) Foust. John was the oldest of eleven children.  After graduating from Big Rapids High School in 1950, John joined the Air Force and was stationed in San Antonio, TX. Barbara Middleton joined him, and they were married there. 

After the service, they returned to Big Rapids where he worked and raised their family. John retired from Michigan Consolidated Gas Company in 1992. He was a member of the National Guard for 20 years, retiring at the rank of Captain. John was a former president of the Lions Club and the Big Rapids Alumni Association. He volunteered at many organizations. In his younger years John was on the sidelines at the local football games as part of “The Chain Gang”. He enjoyed woodworking, golfing, and traveling.

John is survived by his wife Barbara; son Michael;  daughters Teri and Pat (David) Waters; two grandchildren, Tim (Jeannie) Waters and Julie Foust; three great granddaughters, Kaelyn, Emma, and Rosalie Waters; his siblings, Ann (Frank) Johnson, Frank (April) Foust, and Don (Jane) Foust; sisters-in-law Joyce Foust, Sharon Foust, Sharon Foust, Diane Foust, and Irma Middleton; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, Willard, Kenneth, Theresa, Richard, Roy, Charles, and infant sister Barbara Foust, his in-laws, James and Viola Middleton, Harry Middleton, and Pauline Hicks.

Per John’s request there will be no service, but there will be a gathering of family and friends at a later date. He will be laid to rest in Pine Plains Cemetery in Colfax Township. Memorial contributions in his name may be made for the BRHS Alumni Association (as he was one of the founding fathers) or a charity of your choice. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Big Rapids - Rita Ann Barnes, 62, passed away Sunday, June 4, 2023, at her home.

She was born March 19, 1961, in Pulaski, TN, the daughter of Fred and Bernice (Barnett) Barnes. They later moved to southeast Michigan, and Rita attended Pontiac schools. 

She met her husband, Heinz Pross, and they were married on July 4, 1987.  They lived in Novi, MI until he retired in 2001, and then moved to Green Twp. Rita was an avid reader, and loved to watch movies. She loved the outdoors, and was known to bike, camp, and fish. Rita enjoyed road trips and all bodies of water. She was a proud mom and an adoring MeMe. Rita loved spending time with family, friends and her Beloved John Ray. 

Rita is survived by her daughters Julia (Chris) Barker and Desirae (Donald) Lesnau; four grandchildren, Bali, Vivian, Barek and Bishop; her sister Myrna (Dave) Frisch; niece Georgia Frisch; nephews David Frisch, Freddie (Hannah) Frisch, and Bobby Barnes; and great nephew Fred Frisch.  She was preceded in death by her husband, oldest sister Myra (Tim) Chappell, older brother Dave Barnes, and younger brother Kevin Barnes. 

A celebration of life will be hosted by her daughter Julia in the coming months. Cremation & celebration donations will graciously be accepted online @ https://gofund.me/d33d963a. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Marguerite Elizabeth Wolfram, 83, of Big Rapids, passed away Sunday, June 4, 2023, at Corewell Hospital of Big Rapids. 

She was born November 11, 1939, in Dearborn, MI, the daughter of Richard and Emma (Stevens) Mock, and graduated from Harvey H. Lowrey High School in 1957.  Marguerite attended nursing school and worked for the Henry Ford Hospital System for several years, and then enlisted in the US Air Force in 1962.  She earned the rank of Captain in the 11th USAF, and served in Vietnam as a flight nurse during the Tet Offensive.

While stationed at Travis AFB in California, Marguerite and Raymond Wolfram reconnected, and the couple were married on August 14, 1970.  Shortly thereafter, she was honorably discharged, and in 1971, they moved to Lakeview, MI. 

Marguerite earned her Master’s Degree in Nursing from Wayne State University, and taught Nursing to students at Ferris State University for over 20 years until retiring.  In her spare time, she enjoyed knitting hats and scarves, many of which she donated to the Salvation Army. Marguerite lived a Christian life, one we all can aspire to.

Marguerite is survived by her husband Ray, of 52 years; their daughters, Elaine Price of Shelby Township and Cindy Seybold of Davison; seven grandchildren, Andrea, Justin, Emily, Dylan, Jessica, Shaunna, and Kyle; two great grandchildren, Dominic and Alyse; her sisters Muriel (John) Gilbert and Laina Larabee; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son Daniel in 2020.

Private family services will take place.  Memorial contributions in Marguerite’s name may be made for the Salvation Army.  Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids.  Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com. 

It is with deep sadness that we mourn the passing of Coltrane Kane Groves, Lee, Jong Won, on May 16, 2023, at the age of 25. He was a beloved son, grandson, cousin, friend, and physician in training. Coltrane was born in Pohang, South Korea and grew up in Big Rapids, Michigan before beginning his undergraduate and medical education in Ann Arbor and Detroit.

As an honors student at Big Rapids High School, Cole's passion for learning and science led him to pursue college courses throughout his junior and senior years. Fascinated by the intersection of physiology and philosophy, he earned Bachelor of Science degrees at the University of Michigan in Neuroscience and Philosophy. Cole was not only an academic and aspiring physician, but he was also a researcher and contributed to groundbreaking studies on the neuroscience of addiction. Cole was in his third year of medical school at Wayne State University with aspirations of becoming a practicing neurologist. He was fascinated by the world around him. His deep knowledge of scientific and social issues led to many extended conversations that would leave you having learned something new by the end of it. This is not just a loss to Cole's family and friends, but the world also lost someone who would have been a star clinician who would have saved countless other lives.

In addition to being an excellent student, Cole took to music just as his father did and was a fine percussionist, both at BRHS and at University of Michigan as a member of The University Band, U of M's most advanced band for non-majors. He was an accomplished timpanist and mallet player. As a Korean adoptee, Cole was very interested in Korean culture and studied the Korean language for two years while at U of M. Outside of the classroom, Cole surprised his family when he joined the ballroom dancing team, which was a favorite hobby. In addition to his many talents, Cole was a servant leader; he made time to work with many charitable organizations, including Hospice of Michigan and The Huron Valley Habitat for Humanity, a club for which he served as president in 2020. He was also an avid video gamer and enjoyed playing them with a group of good friends. He was kind and compassionate, with an amazing sense of humor that never failed to make his mom laugh. He will be profoundly missed.

Cole loved deeply and was deeply loved. He will be lovingly remembered by his parents, Randy Groves and Lynette Vought; his aunts and uncles, Kevin and Terry Groves, Laurie and Lil Goff, Diane and Wayne Witte, David and Diana Vought and Stephen and Virginia Vought; his cousins, Taylor and Keenan Noyes, Alex and Carly Groves, Nick Groves and Jill Johnson Groves, Ben Groves, David and Susana Goff, Jason Goff, Rob Goff, Rob and Johanna Kleeman, Andy Kleeman, Erin and Dennis Dietrich, Kim Witte, Becky and Jim Wonch, Amber and Steve Taylor, Jamie Vought, Stephanie Vought, and Corey Vought; his cats Nala and V; as well as many friends from Michigan and beyond.

A celebration of life service will be held June 11 at The Blue Cow in Big Rapids, from 11am to 1pm, and a vigil in his honor will be held by Wayne State University on May 31, 2023, at the Wayne State University School of Medicine at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorial donations in Cole's honor to Hospice of Michigan. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Jeffrey Bruce Proctor, 67, of Big Rapids, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at his home in Norwich Township surrounded by loving family members. 

He was born March 2, 1956, in Grand Rapids, the son of Bruce and Betty (Houghland) Proctor, and graduated from Ottawa High School in 1974.  On July 21, 1978, he married Lorraine “Lorrie” May Reed.

Jeff worked for General Motors in Grand Rapids for close to 30 years. In 2001, after retiring he and Lorrie moved to Norwich Township.  Lorrie was the love of his life, but a close second was his Harley. Jeff enjoyed nothing more than wrenching on his motorcycles. He also liked to hunt and fish.  In his later years Jeff turned to Jesus, was baptized at the Croton Community Church, and started a ministry “Disciples of God”. He was an extremely generous man and would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need.

Jeff was preceded in death by his wife Lorrie on October 3, 2022.  He is survived by their children, Jason Proctor and his fiancée Elizabeth Sullivan, and Lisa Proctor, both of Big Rapids; four beloved grandchildren, Lucious, Lillith, Mason, and Addison; his sister Amy (Robert) Wilkins of New Mexico; his mother-in-law Gail Reed of Newaygo; and numerous worldwide friends. Jeff was also preceded in death by his parents and sister, Doreen Joy Grant.

A Celebration of Jeff’s life will be held Saturday, June 17, 2023, beginning at 3:00 p.m. at Hungerford Hills Farm & Campground, located on the east side of Hungerford Lake in Norwich Township.  A time of remembrance will begin at 4:00 p.m., with food and fellowship to follow.  Memorial contributions in his name may be made for Croton Community Church, 8198 Croton-Hardy Dr., Newaygo, MI 49337. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids.  Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.