Penzien Funeral Homes

Thomas "Tom" Lee Repichowski, 80, of East Jordan, Michigan, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2025. A devoted husband, brother and friend, Tom will be remembered for his ambition, kindness and dedication to helping others. Born on May 22, 1945, in Lansing, Michigan, Tom was the son of the late Stephen G. Repichowski and Doris Margaret (Platte) Repichowski. He grew up in Holt, where he attended Holt High School. During those years, Tom's natural leadership and charm shone brightly - he played football for four years and was honored as Homecoming King and class president. After high school, Tom continued his education at Michigan State University, where he laid the foundation for a...

Thomas "Tom" Lee Repichowski, 80, of East Jordan, Michigan, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2025. A devoted husband, brother and friend, Tom will be remembered for his ambition, kindness and dedication to helping others. Born on May 22, 1945, in Lansing, Michigan, Tom was the son of the late Stephen G. Repichowski and Doris Margaret (Platte) Repichowski. He grew up in Holt, where he attended Holt High School. During those years, Tom's natural leadership and charm shone brightly - he played football for four years and was honored as Homecoming King and class president. After high school, Tom continued his education at Michigan State University, where he laid the foundation for a...

Jerry Clark Strejc, 82, of Cadillac, Michigan passed peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, September 6, 2025, after an extended struggle with dementia and cancer. Jerry was born in Coloma, Michigan on June 29, 1943, the son of Edward and Iona (Clark) Strejc. He married Mary Sue Bender on February 26, 1965. Mary Sue preceded Jerry in death on July 4, 1982. He married Jean Graham (DuFresne) on April 26, 1986, in Stevensville, Michigan which began a nearly forty-year adventure. Jerry graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in Health Science with an emphasis in radiological technology. His professional career included developing Western Michigan University's...

Patricia Horton Ruhlman Messink, 90, of East Jordan died on Monday, September 1, 2025, in Charlevoix. She was born on March 24, 1935, in North Branch, Michigan the daughter of William and Jean (Borowski) Horton. She married Robert Ruhlman on January 16, 1954, in North Branch, and they moved to East Jordan in 1962. He preceded her in death on May 31, 1989. She married Roy Messink on July 8, 2000, in East Jordan. He preceded her in death on June 27, 2025. She was also preceded in death by her parents, sister, Virginia Cecil, brother, Claude Horton; step son, Christian Bruce Messink; two step grandsons, Michael Messink and Kyle Symonds; one step daughter-in-law, Pam Messink. Pat...

Dr. Jerry Evert VanKuiken, 78, of East Jordan and formerly of Grand Haven, died on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at his home near East Jordan. He was born on November 26, 1946, in Grand Rapids, the son of Frank and Edith Mae (Swart) VanKuiken. He graduated from East Kentwood High School in 1964 and Calvin College in 1968. He served in United States Army during the Vietnam Conflict from 1969 to 1972. Upon return, he received his medical degree from Wayne State University in 1978. He married Sharon Kay Nysson on September 6, 1968, in Grand Rapids. As a pediatrician, Jerry spent more than forty years taking care of kids. He retired in 2015. He then moved to East Jordan and graciously...

Carolyn Marie Trumble, 62, of Dafter, Michigan, died on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. She was born on March 2, 1963, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the daughter of Bryan R. and Jacqueline L. Williams. Carolyn graduated in 1981, from Sault Ste. Marie High School, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada and received her Bachelor's degree in 1989, from Lake Superior State University, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan Carolyn married Glenn Martin Trumble on August 9, 1996, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. She worked as a cost accountant for R&B Electronics, Inc., Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Carolyn enjoyed a number of crafts including tatting, spinning and quilting. ...

Jodi "Joy" Saganek, 68, died Saturday, February 15, 2025, at her home in East Jordan. She was born on November 20, 1956, in Grand Rapids, the daughter of James and Rita (Benzevicz) Kujawa. Jodi loved music, her dogs, being outside and writing cards. She is survived by her husband, Sid Saganek of East Jordan; one step daughter, Lynsey Saganek of Grand Rapids; one grandson, , Bailey Vand Berg of Grand Rapids; two granddaughters, Olivia Vand Berg and Autumn Neumann, both of Grand Rapids; one great granddaughter, Tatym Leigh Sheteron; two sisters, Pan Elwood Grand Rapids and Toni (Art) Barajas of Grand Rapids; five brothers-in-law, Steve Litzan, Don (Kris) Saganek of East Jordan, Rick...

Jodi "Joy" Saganek, 68, died Saturday, February 15, 2025, at her home in East Jordan. She was born on November 20, 1956, in Grand Rapids, the daughter of James and Rita (Benzevicz) Kujawa. Jodi loved music, her dogs, being outside and writing cards. She is survived by her husband, Sid Saganek of East Jordan; one step daughter, Lynsey Saganek of Grand Rapids; one grandson, , Bailey Vand Berg of Grand Rapids; two granddaughters, Olivia Vand Berg and Autumn Neumann, both of Grand Rapids; one great granddaughter, Tatym Leigh Sheteron; two sisters, Pan Elwood Grand Rapids and Toni (Art) Barajas of Grand Rapids; five brothers-in-law, Steve Litzan, Don (Kris) Saganek of East Jordan, Rick...

Marie Shepard 88 Edna Marie Shepard of East Jordan, passed away on Tuesday February 4, 2025, at Grandvue Medical Care Facility in East Jordan surrounded by her family. She was born on November 13, 1936, Edna Marie Nielsen the daughter of Ole Edward and Edna Edith (Cunningham) Nielsen. On February 16, 1957 in Charlevoix she married James Stephen Shepard. Marie is survived by her husband of 67 years, James Stephen Shepard of East Jordan, four children, Donna Makara of Lansing, Sandi (John) Whiteford of East Jordan, Jim (Anita) Shepard of Hudsonville and Debbie (Tim) Schroeder of East Jordan; Grandchildren Jeremy (Brandi) Girven, Josh (Jen) Girven, Kyle (Heather) James, Patrick (Malena)...

Marie Shepard 88 Edna Marie Shepard of East Jordan, passed away on Tuesday February 4, 2025, at Grandvue Medical Care Facility in East Jordan surrounded by her family. She was born on November 13, 1936, Edna Marie Nielsen the daughter of Ole Edward and Edna Edith (Cunningham) Nielsen. On February 16, 1957 in Charlevoix she married James Stephen Shepard. Marie is survived by her husband of 67 years, James Stephen Shepard of East Jordan, four children, Donna Makara of Lansing, Sandi (John) Whiteford of East Jordan, Jim (Anita) Shepard of Hudsonville and Debbie (Tim) Schroeder of East Jordan; Grandchildren Jeremy (Brandi) Girven, Josh (Jen) Girven, Kyle (Heather) James, Patrick (Malena)...

Howard Holmes Ellis, Jr. passed away peacefully with his sister, Mary Anne Rivers-Friese, at his side on January 22, 2025, in Bellaire, MI after suffering from a long illness. Howard was born on February 10, 1937, in Ann Arbor, MI to Howard "Holmes" Ellis, Sr. and Mary Virginia (O'Brien) Ellis. He graduated from East Grand Rapids High School in 1954, and from Aquinas College in 1958, with a degree in English Literature. He received his MSW Degree in Social Work Family Counseling In 1963, from Michigan State University. Howard served in the Air Force as a Language Specialist from 1958-1960. Through the Air Force, he was trained in Chinese at Yale University and he maintained a...

It is with sad and heavy hearts we announce the passing of Gilbert Loring Fox, 93, on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at his home in East Jordan surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 29, 1930, in Gaylord, Michigan, the son of William Henry and Rueybell (Barber) Fox. He served in the Army from 1951-1953 and upon completion of his service he then attended Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa and received his B.S. in Biology from San Jose' University in San Jose', California. He married Bonnie Anderson on July 27, 1957, in San Leandro, California. Gilbert was a pastor at Community of Christ Church for many years and also started a youth group called the Mini Saints and planned...

Russell Loren Hughes, 92, died peacefully Friday, May 17,2024, surrounded by family at his home on the South Arm of Lake Charlevoix in East Jordan, MI He was born on September 4, 1931 in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Russell Lowell and Marie (Omland) Hughes. He moved to East Jordan with his parents in 1947 and worked the family farm on M66 in the Jordan River Valley. He graduated from East Jordan High School in 1948, at the age of 15. He then attended Michigan State University and graduated with a degree in Business in 1952. He started his career at General Motors as a cost accounting clerk in Saginaw, MI in 1952 and progressed through many roles retiring after a 40+ year career as a...

Matthew Theodore Walton, 56, died Saturday, May 4, 2024, in East Jordan, Michigan. He died unexpectedly but peacefully in his sleep at his home on Lake Charlevoix in the cottage built by his father. The night before, he enjoyed the beautiful weather with a bonfire, music and the company and goodwill of loved ones. He had a good last day! Matt was born at St. Joseph Hospital in Flint, Michigan on February 12, 1968. He grew up in Grand Blanc, Michigan and graduated with the Class of 1986. He studied Education at Eastern Michigan University and Geology at Michigan Technological University. But before he attained a degree, Matt headed off to Alaska. Matthew met his future wife,...

Matthew Theodore Walton, 56, died Saturday, May 4, 2024, in East Jordan, Michigan. He died unexpectedly but peacefully in his sleep at his home on Lake Charlevoix in the cottage built by his father. The night before, he enjoyed the beautiful weather with a bonfire, music and the company and goodwill of loved ones. He had a good last day! Matt was born at St. Joseph Hospital in Flint, Michigan on February 12, 1968. He grew up in Grand Blanc, Michigan and graduated with the Class of 1986. He studied Education at Eastern Michigan University and Geology at Michigan Technological University. But before he attained a degree, Matt headed off to Alaska. Matthew met his future wife,...

Glenda Fay Ferguson, 77, of Charlevoix, died on Friday, April 19, 2024, at Grandvue Medical Care Facility in East Jordan. She was born on December 23, 1946, in Charlevoix, the daughter of Douglas and Thelma (Hudkins) Knudsen. She graduated from East Jordan High School in 1965, and then from Muskegon Business College in 1967. Glenda married John Ferguson in March 31, 1967, in East Jordan. They made their home in Charlevoix. She worked doing secretary jobs while raising two children before being hired by the Charlevoix Public Schools as a secretary in the counseling office where she impacted and influenced numerous students. Glenda loved to golf, go camping and picking...

Darrell J. LaBeau, 56, passed away April 17, 2024, at his home near East Jordan. He was born on August 13, 1967, in Charlevoix, the son of James H. and Nancy E. (Bennett) LaBeau. He grew up in East Jordan and graduated from East Jordan High School in 1985. He worked 17 years for the East Jordan Iron Works, now know as EJ, USA. After leaving EJ, he worked in the lawn care business, maintaining cemeteries for Banks Township, and working at John's Complete, Cottage Care in East Jordan for the last six years. Darrell enjoyed all sports he especially enjoyed following the University of Michigan Wolverines and Detroit Lions. He played baseball and softball in his younger years,...

Heaven gained an angel on Monday, March 25, 2024, Paula Marie Sweet, 80 of East Jordan, Michigan. She was born on July 16, 1943, in Alba, Michigan. Paula Marie Goodenough married Sanford "Sandy" H. Sweet on January 29, 1966. Paula had worked many years at Dura, previously known as Gulf & Western, Wickes Mechanical Company and Mount Clemens Metal Products, in East Jordan. She was a member of the Lighthouse Missionary Church in East Jordan and previous member of the V.F.W. in East Jordan. She loved to be with her family, knitting, crocheting, quilting, music, camping, bowling and attending the fly-ins at Oshkosh, Wisconsin. She loved her family and friends enormously, and...

Dennis "Denny" Jason, 83, formerly of East Jordan, died Monday, March 4, 2024, at his home in Boyne City. Survived by his wife, Mary Porter Jason of Boyne City; four children, Nate (Deb) Jason of Boyne City, Amy (David) Boal of Charlevoix, John (Fran) Jason of Traverse City and Michael Jason of Boyne City; five grandchildren; one great grandchild; and one sister, Kathleen (Larry) Rittenberg of Wisconsin. A memorial service will be held on March 12, 2024 at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, East Jordan. Memorial contributions may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church or the Charlevoix County Community Foundation. Arrangements by Penzien Funeral Homes, Inc., East Jordan.

Dennis "Denny" Jason, 83, formerly of East Jordan, died Monday, March 4, 2024, at his home in Boyne City. He was born on October 10, 1940, in Lansing, Michigan, the son of Herman M. "Monk" and Olga (Engdal) Jason. After graduating High School in Okemos, Denny traveled to Wrangle, Alaska to work with his Uncle Ben in the fishing industry. Upon his return to Michigan, he attended Michigan State University where he met Mary Elizabeth Porter, received his bachelor's degree and became an avid life-long MSU fan. He continued his education by pursuing his MBA from Lake Superior State University. On July 9, 1966, Denny and Mary Porter were married and moved together to East Jordan, where they...

Reginald "Reggie" C. Sapp, 66, of Petoskey, died on Saturday, March 2, 2024, in Charlevoix. He was born on January 19, 1958, in Durrand, Wisconsin. He moved to Michigan when he was very young. His family made their home in West Branch, Michigan. He graduated from Ogemaw Height High School. He is survived by his wife, Jill, many nieces, nephews and cousins. Reggie was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Marie Sapp and three siblings, Larry, Richard and Patrisha. He worked as a dairy farmer, truck driver and in the logging industry. He enjoyed fishing, camping and spending time with family and friends. A memorial Mass will be held on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 12:00...