Jowett Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service

Norman J. Toppen, of Mesick passed away on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at his son's home in Mesick. During his last hours he was surrounded by loved ones who had been caring for him during this difficult time. He had just turned 87 years old the week prior. Norm was born on September 24, 1937, to John Toppen and Gertrude Toppen (Star) in Pierre, South Dakota. On April 3, 1958, he entered into marriage with the former Joan Mae Wright, after their marriage they lived in Grandville and in Jamestown before moving to Mesick in 1988; Where Norm stayed throughout his wife's passing in June of 2003 and remained there until the last weeks of his life. Norm had many occupations throughout his time, but...

Vicki Jean Wagner, age 61, of Frankfort, passed away June 21, 2024. She was born on December 8, 1962, in Troy, Ohio, to Thomas E. and Linda L. Wagner. Vicki was a beloved mother, grandmother, daughter and friend. She loved working with her hands and being outdoors. She loved connecting with people and could be found brightening their day at the Mayfair Burger Bar in Elberta. Vicki was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Wagner; her daughter, Katlin Crawford; and grandson, Keegan Mowry. She is survived by her mother, Linda Wagner; her children, Nicholas Crawford and his wife Natalie, Elizabeth Knick and her husband Cory, and Robert "Cole" Spitler; her grandchildren, Carson and Samuel...

James Gregory Polise, age 81, of Sarasota Florida and Beulah, Michigan passed away on June 19th, 2024, after a brave and hard-fought battle with cancer. He was born January 31, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois to the late Sam and Elsie (Littner) Polise. Jim graduated from Fenger High School in Chicago, Illinois in 1961. He then graduated from Northrup Aeronautical Institute in Los Angeles, California in 1963 with a degree in aviation maintenance. He honorably served in the United States Army as a helicopter mechanic from 1963 - 1966 including an extended deployment in Korea. Jim's first love was aviation and he always said he could not believe someone would pay him to fly around the world....

Albert William Brown left this world holding his wife's hand on April 4, 2024. He was born April 17, 1952, to Evelyn and William Brown in Sturgis MI. Al developed a strong work ethic on the family farm in Copemish, MI. From an early age, he knew that he had a lot to share with the world, which led him to pursue a teaching degree at Jackson Community College and later Central Michigan University. Although he never formally used his degree, he spent his life learning from the smartest people in the room and took every opportunity to share his abundance of knowledge with the people closest to him. AL was a businessman. Where others saw challenge, he saw opportunity. He was most proud of the...

Paul Winkleman Jr. of Sturgis, MI passed away in Benzonia, MI on February 4, 2024, at the age of 57. Paul was an auto body painter most of his life; he started at Grumon Olsen and finished his career at Frohriep Auto Body in Sturgis, MI. He loved sports, especially football and basketball. He had many memorabilia of the rock band KISS. He was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Louise Winkleman; Earl and Willa Hahn; siblings Norman, Winkleman, Ron Jorden, Paul Hagen and Kevin Hahn, Paula Donges, Brend, Winkleman and Sherri Kauffman. Paul is survived by his children Emily Kershner, Chelsea Wood an Vincent Bystry; four grandchildren Brooklyn, Bristyn, Kristian and Lennox; siblings Vicky...

Isaac Troyer, 46, of McBain, MI, died at Henry Ford Healthcare in Detroit, MI, on February 2, 2024. He was born March 18, 1977, at Norfolk, NY, to John H. and Lydia S. (Peachey) Troyer. Isaac was a member of the Old Order Amish Church. He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Daisy Ilene (Brenneman) Troyer, and six children: Martha Ann, Aaron Leroy, Joshua John, Rachel Elaine, Rebekah Rose, and Josiah David; his parents, seven brothers, eight sisters and many nephews and nieces. A service will be held Tuesday February 6th at 9:00 am at his residence. Interment will be at The McBain Amish Cemetery. Arrangements by Jowett Family Funeral Home of Benzonia, Mi.

Darlene Frost of Frankfort (formally of Midland) passed away January 29, 2024 at the age of 91. Darlene was born in Waterford, Mi to Nick and Dorothy Becker. She married Donald Frost in 1955 and together had 4 daughters. Darlene enjoyed fishing and gardening and was always crocheting or knitting something. Any spare time left in the day was used for crafts. Spending time with her daughters and grandchildren was the highlight of her life. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Donald Frost , daughter Diane, son in law Donald Lovley, and 2 grandchildren. Darlene is survived by daughters Barbara (Tim Abbott) Williams of Bay City, Karen (Andy) Achtabowski of Barton City, Dawn...

James Richard Sheets, 86, of Benzonia, passed away November 1, 2023, at The Homesteader Assisted Living Facility. The family wishes to thank Kate Loney and the staff for the love, kindness, and excellent care Jim received while in residence. Jim was born on August 4, 1937, in Blanchard, MI, the eldest son of Vernon and Mabel (Dawes) Sheets. As a young child, the family moved to Marion, MI where Jim attended Marion Public Schools. Jim excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. In addition, he played saxophone in the high school band. During his high school years, Jim worked for the local funeral director, Howard Fosnaught. Howard served as a mentor and taught Jim about service to his...

Linda Ruth Sweeney, 70, A longtime resident of Charlevoix went to be with her Lord on Wednesday September 6, 2023, in Traverse City after a long illness. Linda was born in Battle Creek, MI, January 12, 1953, to Erwin Smalley and Barbara Ledyard. She married Peter Sweeney on March 16, 1974, in Colorado and after having her oldest son, Jasper, moved her family back to Michigan to spend her life with her family in Charlevoix. Linda graduated from Charlevoix High School and spent most of her career working as a waitress at various restaurants in the area. She was well known in the community and spent the last 10 years of her career working at Boulder Park as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Linda...

Mary Walston, 83 years of age and a resident of Frankfort, Michigan passed away recently from a stroke. Mary was born in a small town near the Cedar Rapids, Iowa area. She had her BSN from the University of Iowa and worked in various states as a nurse in hospitals and other health settings. Mary had a masters in Psychology and had obtained hours in higher education to be used for a doctorate. Mary retired from Central Michigan University in 1999, after 15 years as a professor in the Health Profession area of CMU. Mary married Sydney Walston in 1962 and they have 2 children; Jeff Walston of Traverse City, MI and Lisa Shaffer of Westminster, Maryland. Mary and Sydney have two grandchildren...

John Shannon Lewis of Honor, MI passed away on April 8th, 2023. Born in Lakeland, Florida on January 19, 1932, John valued his family, hard work and responsibility; he was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army and a cherished husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. After an early childhood in Florida, John's family moved back to Michigan where he was a paper delivery boy, soda jerk, worked at his dad's country store and installed lightning rods on barn roofs. As a student at Owosso High School, John met a kind girl named Carolyn and they shared their lives together for the next 70 years. John was a football player and senior class president, earning a football scholarship to MSU where...

Mattie (Miller) Keim, died on Sunday, December 11, 2022, at 5:10 p.m. at home in care of her husband, Roy. She was born on March 9th, 1948, to John and Anna (Yoder) Miller. On May 1, 1969, she married Roy A. Keim, and were blessed with 53 years together. Survivors in addition to her husband Roy, are her children Duane (Ruth Ann Miller), Anna Marie (Edwin Hochstetler), Edwin (Arlene Yutzy), Mary (Lavern Coblentz), Ruth (Henry Mast Jr.) and Racheal (John Mark Petre). Also 53 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Surviving siblings are Ada (Bill Hostetler), Susie (Ben Troyer), Amanda (Robert Raber), Edwin (Mary Ann Nisley) Miller, along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in...

Gordon William Danke, 90, died peacefully at home on Friday, September 17, 2021. He was the loving husband of Patricia (Pat) Kay Danke (nee Dolph) for 65 years, who predeceased him in February of this year. He was always smiling and telling jokes, but was also very serious about his relationship with God, faithfully reading the bible every night, attending church regularly and praying for the people God put on his heart. Gordon was born in Appleton, Wisconsin, on January 18, 1931, the son of Edwin and Esther Danke (nee Klemp) and grew up in Readfield, Wisconsin. After his military service in Korea, he met his future wife while visiting his best friend from Korea, Duane Dolph, who was...

Laske-Mr. Stephen V. Laske, Elberta, age 83, born April 2, 1938 - died August 21, 2021. Mr. Laske spent 11 years at St. Martin's School in Detroit; before graduating from Pittsford High School, in Pittsford, MI; also, a graduate of Adrian College, Class of 1963, as well as Michigan State University (Masters' Degree). He also spent two years at Notre Dame University in the Holy Cross Seminary. Mr. Laske taught and was a principial at Concord Middle School in Concord, MI. He also coached football (10 years) and wrestling (16 years). He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years the former Mary Louise Graessle, whom he married on April 4, 1961: their children Stephen T. (Deborah), Timothy G....

Chad Eric Ferrill Jr., of Cadillac, passed away on August 1, 2021 at the age of 24. Chad was born on November 3, 1996 in Traverse City, MI to his parents, Chad Ferril Sr. and Joyce Stevens. Chad lost his life-long battle with an addiction, but he will forever be remembered for his wide smile and a giggle that was contagious. He always looked at you with a suspicious look of mischief. He had many friends and lots of family. He had his favorite spot at Aunt Jenny's house. His cousins were his best friends. He loved his daughter, Melody, with his whole heart and wanted the world for her. His Grandma, Grandpa, Mamaw, and Papaw always made sure he was spoiled and taken care of. He will forever...

Penelope "Penny" Ann Schepers, 62, passed away on April 30, 2021 at her home in Manistee, MI. Penny was born on February 5, 1959 in Cadillac, MI to her parents Maurice and Phyllis Peterson. Penny was a loving mother and grandmother. Her family meant everything to her, and she will be deeply missed by all. She was passionate and proud to work at Munson Hospital as an ultrasound technician, helping others. She loved to take walks and work in her yard, planting and tending to her flowers. She is survived by her daughters, Misty and Casie Schepers; grandchildren, Brie, Jadyn, and Sophia; brother, Jack (Susan) Peterson; and her sisters, Maureen (Craig) Lamphere and Tammy (Jamie) Ewalt....

Patricia Kay Dolph Danke passed away on February 4, 2021, with her family by her side. Pat was born on May 20, 1933 to Norris and Frankie Dolph in Homer, Michigan. A few years later the family relocated to Benzie County, Michigan. Her father built a house to raise Pat and her three brothers (Kenneth, Douglas and Duane, who pre-deceased her) and two sisters (Maude Dolph Anderson and Sanda Dolph Willsey, who survive her). Pat graduated from Frankfort High School in 1951 and attended the County Normal School to obtain her teaching certificate, She taught for 2 years before she met the love of her life, Gordan Danke. Gordon loves to tell the story of how they met. Ask him about it if you see...

Bonnie Jean Forbes lit up the world with her spark of life on October 13, 1942 in Caro, Mi. The only daughter of Walter and Marion (Kidd) Palmer, she set out to change the world with her younger brothers, Wally and Ron. Bonnie graduated high school in 1961 and set out to make the world a better place. In school, she brought joy as a cheerleader and reveled in life! Bonnie met the love of her life, Mathias (Mick) Forbes, in Breckenridge, MI and they were soon married on Feb. 19, 1961. Marriage brought the necessities of family and home. Bonnie and Mick made their home with their two daughters, Kimberly, born in 1961 and Kristine, born in 1967. They spent a majority of their family...

Dale Eugene Boughner, Benzonia, passed away on January 1, 2021 at the age of 88. Dale was born on October 23, 1932 in Cadillac, MI to his parents Ralph and Cecila Boughner. After graduating high school, Dale served in the National Guard, starting in December 1955. He was ranked specialist first class and was honorably released in November 1957. After serving, Dale met and married the love of his life, Roselle Boughner, in Cadillac, MI on September 26, 1959. They moved to Traverse City and had four children. Later they moved to Frankfort to raise their family. There, they established and ran D&R Automotive for many years. He was also an avid Panther fan, going to any and every game he...

2020, at his Michigan home, surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife, Carol; children, Anne (Joe Gibson), Dave (Belinda) and Betsy; grandchildren Elias Bacon, Marcus and Alex Mendoza, Shannon and Joe Schneider, and 5 great grandchildren.