KARRAR, J. Arthur Sr.
Posted By: Mary Dennison
Date: Thursday, 5 April 2001, at 7:38 a.m.
Lake Odessa, March 15 -
J. Arthur Karrar Sr., 76, a retired farmer who lived all of his life in this area, died tuesday at his home on R. 1 after a long illness. He is survived by the widow, Clarisse; four daughters, Mrs. Allen Senters, Mrs. Ronald Wildman and Miss Caroline Karrar, all of Lake Odessa, and Mrs. Albert Blaine of Freeport; Four sons, Vernon and Harold both of Lake Odessa, Lyle of Hastings, and Arthur Jr. of Kalamazoo; one stepdaugher, Mrs. Ralph Bowerman of Lake Odessa; two stepsons, William Marratt of Montana and James Marratt of Nashville, 17 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. The body is at the Pickens funeral chapel where services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday. Burial will be in Clarksville cemetery.
Christian Mother leaves a sad home
Posted By: Mary Dennison
Date: Thursday, 5 April 2001, at 7:08 a.m.
In Response To: J. Arthur Karrar Sr. (Mary Dennison)
A sad home is the one left motherless by the death of Mrs. Emma Karrar who passed away last week Wednesday. She leaves four children, one, Miss Margaret Karrar in high school in Lake Odessa, the others are at home. Thus a home without a mother to growing children is one bereft of a wonderful influence. But her Christian influence will be an inspiration to them.
The funeral was held at the church and conducted by Rev. Peter Messner, an old friend of the family. Burial was in Clarksville cemetery.
obituary -
Emma Brooks Karrar, Daughter of William and Margaret Brooks, was born in Carlton Township July 15, 1886, and departed this life December 3, 1930 at the age of 44 years, four months and 18 days.
She was united in marriage to Arthur Karrar, June 28, 1905. To this union five children were born, Ivan, who died at the age of 2 1/2 years; Vernon, 18; Margaret, 16; Lyle, 13; Irene, 10 years.
She was baptized into the membership of the Campbell Bretheren church in 1905.
She leaves to mourn their loss besides her husband and children, her mother, four sisters and five brothers.
She was a kind and loving mother and will be missed by a large circle of relatives and friends.
KARRAR, John (with note from me)
Posted By: Mary Dennison
Date: Thursday, 5 April 2001, at 8:44 a.m.
Before I type this next one, which is rather long, I wish to inform anyone reading that it is a bit graphic. John Karrar comitted suicide, and I am typing this as it was written in the paper, and they told everything. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
John Karrar Suicides -
John Karrar, an old and highly respected resident of Campbell township shuffled out of this world of trials and troubles rather unexpectedly last Saturday morning by an old rifle route. No one saw him do it, and no one had an inkling that he was dissatisfied with life, no one had a thought but that the old gentleman was perfectly satisfied with his existance.
The deed came as a tremndous shock to his family and relatives, and an unexplained and mysterious surprize to his neighbors and friends.
That he had given the matter of self-destruction some previous thought could not be disputed as one looked over the carefully devised plan he had taken to make the job unfailing.
He alone slept downstairs in the house that had been his home for the past score and more years; the rest of the family, of five members, slept upstairs.
Saturday morning at about 4:30 o'clock, when all were asleep about the home, Mrs. Karrar was suddenly awakened by Mr. K calling to her. She was barely awake yet, when he called to her saying "Ma, Goodbye to you all." This of course startled the mother and she had not had time to spring from the bed until the report of a gun was heard below. This awoke the whole family, and all hastened downstairs to find the husband and father laying upon the floor of the sitting room in a pool of blood, with blood still oozing out of a hole in his forehead, while the rifle, with a thin curl of smoke issuing from it's muzzle, lay on the table. Word was at once dispatched throughout the neighborhood and to Clarksville and Lake Odessa.
Undertaker Weed and a reporter for the Wave immediately proceeded to the scene from Lake Odessa. Upon arriving there, Justice Scoville, of Clarksville, had summoned a jury, composed of messers, John Kauffman, Joseph Knettle, Sam Blough, Jonah Blough, Rant Egerman, and Norman Champlan. The jury looked over the circumstances and with the testimony taken returned with a verdict that he "came to his death by his own hand, etc.".
No word was left why the old gentleman would take such a course to end his days.
He was possesser of a good farm of 80 acre, entirely out of debt, his home relations were of the pleasantest, both according to the report of his family and near neighbors. Some years ago his health was not of the best, but for the last two years has enjoyed the best of health.
The first that anything was wrong was noticed by his family on Wednesday before he committed the deed, on that day he told his son, who was working the farm, what he should do if he should ever happen to die suddenly, he also intimated to others of the family that he may some time pass away unexpectedly, but nothing was ever thought of these remarks, as they were made in a way that would lead them to believe he was just a little thoughtful as to their future welfare. Friday morning, as his younger son, a boy about 13 years old, was leaving for school, he called him back, kissed him and gave him 35 cents. This was an unusual occurance, and the boy came back home and did not go to school. That day the old gentleman acted tired all day and part of the afternoon laid in the hay at the barn and slept.
The gun with which he did the job was an old fashioned muzzle-loading rifle. The rifle he had laid along the outer edge of a table, and tied a heavy cord to the trigger, then bringing the cord back and around the trigger guard so it could be pulled off as he sat in front of the muzzle of the weapon on a low stool; the muzzle evidently was too high and he stooped over the muzzle so the gun nearly touched the center of his forehead, and pulled the string. A hole about an inch long was made as near the center of his forehead as could be measured, and around this ugly wound for about an inch and a half the flesh was burned brown and crispy. The ball and charge took a downward course in his head and did not come out, but the inside of the head appeared to be one mass of broken bones and flesh.
The funeral was held on Monday afternoon at 10:00 o'clock from the Congregational church in Clarksville, and was attended by a big crowd of people. The remains are interred in the Clarksville cemetery.
Mr. Karrar leaves a wife and three children besides a host of near relatives. Mrs. Arthur Terry, of this village, being a stepdaughter. He was born in Canada on March 1, 1840, and was married in November 1870.
KAUFFMAN, Amy Lenore
Clarksville - Amy Lenore Kauffman, 97, of Clarksville, died Tuesday, February 9, 1988 at the Provincial House, Hastings.
Mrs. Kauffman was born on February 25, 1890 in Santa Ana Calif., the daughter of Julius and Alida (Gilbert) Kaufman. She attended schools in Santa Ana and Los Angelos.
She was married to John Kauffman on May 18, 1914 in Santa Ana. They moved to Clarksville in 1916 and purchased the Clarksville Garage in 1918.
Mrs. Kauffman was preceded in death by her husband, John in 1960; a sister, Stella; and a brother, Lloyd.
Mrs. Kauffman is survived by several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Friday, February 12, at Koops Funeral Chapel, Clarksville, with the Rev. Arthur Ruder officiating. Burial was in Clarksville Cemetery.
Contributed by: Sandy Heintzelman
Elizabeth Kauffman
Posted By: Mary Dennison
Date: Thursday, 5 April 2001, at 6:31 a.m.
Elizabeth Kauffman was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, Dec. 7, 1844, and departed this life Oct. 11, 1918 at her home in Campbell at the age of 73 years, ten months and four days.
She has lived in Campbell about 42 years, coming to Michigan from Pennsylvania with her parents about 50 years ago.
She was married to John Karrar in Caledonia, Nov. 10 1870, her husband preceding her in death about 18 years ago. To this union were born two sons and one daughter : Jacob Arthur of Clarksville; Michael Joseph of Lake Odessa; Mrs. Walter Shepard of Clarksville.
Those who remain to mourn their loss are two sons and two daughters: Michael Joseph of Lake Odessa, Jacob Arthur of Clarksville, Mrs. Clara Scott of Belding, Mrs. Walter Shepard of Clarksville; Two Brothers : John and Jerry Kauffman of Clarksville, and two sisters : Mrs. Hiram Livingston and Mrs. Mooney Custer of Clarksville, besides many other relations and a host of friends.
The deceased was a faithful wife and devoted mother, self sacrificing in the interest of her children. Although in very poor health for a year past, she accepted her lot with patience, and was ever ready with a smile and a pleasant greeting for all.
She was a devoted and faithful member of the Mennonite church of Bowne township for several years. Funeral services were held from the home Sunday, The Revs. Brackbill and Messner officiating. Burial was made in the Clarksville Cemetery.
KAUFFMAN, Ruth E.
Posted By: Sandy Heintzelman
Date: Wednesday, 1 August 2001, at 4:01 p.m.
Ruth E. Kauffman, 82 of Freeport passed away May 9, 1997. Surviving are one daughter Sharon (Earl) Harig of Freeport; 4 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren. Funeral services were held May 13 with burial in Bowne Mennonite Cemetery. Arrangements by Koops Funeral Chapel in Clarksville.
KEISTER, C. B. “Bill”
Source Unknown.
Headline: C.B. “Bill” Keister, Owner of “Middleville Sun,” Dies Suddenly on Wednesday. Brother of “County News” Publisher Was Stricken While at Sun Office
C. B. “Bill” Keister, 51, editor and publisher of the Middleville Sun and the Caledonia News, and a brother of Fred D. Keister, Jr., publisher of the Ionia County News, died suddenly Wednesday afternoon at Middleville.
He had suffered for some time with a coronary ailment. Wednesday afternoon he suffered an attack while at his newspaper’s office and was taken to a nearby doctor’s office where he died. He had suffered a coronary attack last November but was considered will on the road to recovery.
Although he had been engaged at times in other selling activities, the newspaper business had a lifetime attraction for him.
As an editor, Bill’s strong editorial policy was always for the best interests of the community as he saw them. His fighting spirit for these goals took its toll of him.
His father, Fred D. Keister, had published the Ionia County News and the Pewamo News. It was in Pewamo that Bill was born on September 7, 1903. His mother was Norah Henry Keister. Both parents preceded him in death. He attended school at Pewamo, and then at Ionia High School, after the family moved to Ionia in 1918. He was a graduate of the Ionia High School, and attended Michigan State College and Olivet.
Keister worked for a number of years for the Michigan State Highway Department and for the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.
He founded the Hazel Park Palladium, a weekly newspaper at Hazel Park, Michigan, publishing the first edition on January 19, 1939. Keister continued the publication of that paper for eleven years.
On May 18, 1950, he suffered a coronary attack, and at that time decided to move to a quieter community. He negotiated the sale of the Palladium, and the Madison News, which he had started in August of that year, turning the business over to the purchasers on January 1, 1951.
Four years ago this month he purchased the Middleville Sun and the Caledonia News and moved to Middleville.
Keister was married on November 10, 1934 to the former Ruth Campau, daughter of Supervisor and Mrs. Dan Campau, of Ionia. They have one son, David, who is 14 years of age.
Keister was a director of the Ionia County News, Inc., a member of the Middleville Rotary Club and the Hastings Country Club. Throughout his life he was active in civic and school affairs in the communities in which he resided.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth, and son David, a brother, Fred Jr., and a sister, Mrs. D. W. Cox, of Feasterville, Pennsylvania.
Funeral service will be held Saturday afternoon t 2:00 at the Methodist Church in Middleville.
Graveside services will be held later that afternoon in Ionia.
Writer’s note: No mention of the source for this obituary is indicated or from what
publication it was copied. No date is mentioned, however there is a
handwritten date of January 1955.
Contributed by: Marilyn Ransom
KEISTER, David Peter
The Clinton Republican, St. Johns, Michigan, 20 April 1905
Pewamo – David Keister died at his home Saturday night after a prolonged illness.
B. N. Keister of Sparta, and Mrs. C. M. Rice, of St. Johns, are in town to attend the funeral of their father.
Contributed by: Marilyn Ransom
KEISTER, Fred D. Jr.
Ionia County News, Thursday, 26 June 1958
Headline: Fred. D. Keister Jr., ‘County News’ Publisher, Dies Suddenly Here
Wednesday Morning
In Memoriam:
The passing on of Fred Keister Jr. is a tragic blow to all who knew and appreciated his friendliness, his service and his enthusiasm for principle.
For many years, with the Republican Party, he has been considered a leader who stood unwaverlingly for the convictions of our party. He did not stumble, was always there to be counted on, whether that responsibility carried work or money.
His leadership went above his party obligations, however, and he continually worked for a better Ionia County, a better Ionia.
What we remember him most for was his ability to bridge a gap between differences of people. He had a rare gift for finding solutions to difficult situations.
We express our regrets to his family in their hour of sorrow.
Emerson McCarty
Ionia County Republican Chairman
Headline: Courthouse to Close Honoring Fred Keister Jr.
It was announced Wednesday, June 25, by the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, John Lawless, Jr., that the Ionia County Courthouse will be closed Friday noon, in memory of Mr. Fred D. Keister Jr.
Fred D. Keister Jr., 728 Branch Street, Ionia, publisher of the Ionia County News for the past 22 years, died suddenly about 1:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 25, after a brief hospitalization at the Ionia County Memorial Hospital.
He suffered a respiratory ailment, complicated by pneumonia, and had been hospitalized since Sunday morning.
Fred. D. Keister, Jr. was born October 22, 1900, at Pewamo, the eldest son of Fred D. Keister Sr. and Nora Henry Keister. Commuting from Pewamo to Ionia, he graduated from the Ionia High School in 1919. A year later the family moved to Ionia.
Mr. Keister started in the printing industry after his graduation from high school, and was employed for a brief time by a Grand Rapids printing firm. In 1927 he joined with his father in the founding of the Ionia County News, and was actively associated with this paper until his death.
Active throughout his life in Republican politics, both on the local and state level, Mr. Keister was elected to the Ionia County Board of Supervisors, representing the second ward of Ionia since 1931. He served on the board until his death, holding the position of chairman at one time.
Mr. Keister was extremely active in community affairs, serving on the Board of Directors of the Ionia Chamber of Commerce for several years until his death, and was a member of the Ionia Rotary Club.
He had been a member of Ionia B.P.O. Elks Lodge No. 548 for 37 years, a member of Ionia L. O. O. M. No. 998, Ionia Legion of the Moose, Ionia County Fishing and Hunting Club, and the Ionia Country Club.
Mr. Keister was active in Michigan newspaper circles as a member of the Michigan Press Association. He recently served on an MPA committee coordinating a state industrial development publicity program.
He is survived by his wife, Katherine G. Keister; his son, Fred D. Keister III; his sister, Mrs. Dail W. Cox of Feasterville, Penn.; and four grand children. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, C. B. “Bill” Keister.
Until time for services, the body will repose at the Boynton’s Funeral Home.
Funeral service will be held Friday, June 27, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Methodist Church in Ionia. Rev. Heath Goodwin will officiate. Burial will be in Highland Park.
Contributed by: Marilyn Ransom
KEISTER, Fred D. Sr.
Ionia County News, Thursday, 25 June 1936
The high esteem in which Fred D. Keister, Sr., was held by his fellow publishers and associates was reflected in the tributes and condolences received by the family this week from prominent individuals throughout the commonwealth of Michigan.
The following tributes sent to Mrs. Keister and sons and daughter in their hour of bereavement were noteworthy:
The untimely passing of Fred D. Keister, Sr. is a great blow to Michigan’s newspaper fraternity. Undoubtedly Mr. Keister exerted an influence upon his profession surpassed by none in this commonwealth. His great kind heart always beat in sympathy for the underprivileged and the unfortunate. His editorial service constantly breathed of hope and optimism.
During the dark days experienced during the past few years he kept the faith and encouraged multitudes to keep on fighting to preserve the principles that have made this nation great. He was even generous in his political views and possessed a religious faith that heartened a host. The newspaper boys and girls of Michigan as well as those of other states always enjoyed his delightful humor and his keen wit.
His fine family has lost a loving and indulgent father. “Pa” Keister’s passing in a similar sense bereaves the whole newspaper crowd in Michigan—J. B. Haskins, Director Building and Loan Division, Department of State.
Mr. Keister entered the ranks of Michigan’s great during the first five years of the News’ existence. His unusual sense of humor and keen sympathy for human misfortune marked him an outstanding success as a newspaper editor.
His first column printed in the News—“The Single Top Trail” was soon widely read throughout the state, because he possessed a style of writing that was peculiarly his own. His humorous and serious writings were widely enjoyed and quoted.
A few years ago, Mr. Keister created “The Village Lamplighter” column which enjoyed equal fame. He was a prolific writer and conducted a newspaper column service that was syndicated to 350 newspapers and publications in Michigan.
Mr. Keister took an active part in civic and political affairs, although he sought but one elective office. This post as justice of the peace was gained in his youthful days in his native village of Pewamo.
In 9101 he was appointed postmaster of Pewamo when he was but 24 years of age and was one of the youngest postmasters in the nation at that time.
Mr. Keister was a loyal Republican and carried the standard of that major political party through many vigorous campaigns.
He was active in the campaigns of Former Governor Fred W. Green. During the Green administration, Mr. Keister was employed n the publicity bureau of the State Conservation Department.
He also served on a commission chosen by Former Governor William A. Comstock to draft the present state liquor control law.
At the time of his death, he was active in the Public Relations Department of the State Liquor Control Commission.
Deeply interested in Michigan journalistic circles, Mr. Keister was at one time president of the Michigan Press Association and had just returned from the Annual Summer Meeting of the group at St. Joseph when he was stricken with heart trouble.
He was a member of the Rotary Club of Ionia and the Country Club. He had also been a member of the Luoullus Lodge--Knights of Pythias and the Elks Lodge No. 548.
Surviving him are his widow, two sons, Fred D. Keister, Jr., Ionia, and Clemence B. Keister, of Royal Oak; one daughter Mrs. Thelma Keister Cox, Richmond, Indiana; one brother, David P. Keister, Grand Rapids, three sisters, Mrs. George Miller, Ionia; Mrs. Stella Trask, Jacksonville, Illinois, and Mrs. E. P. Bradstrum, Sparta, and four grandchildren, Fred D. Keister, III, Ionia; Carol Marcelene, Candace Mary and David Keister Cox, all of Richmond, Indiana.
The following state officials attended the funeral services for Fred D. Keister, Sr., Wednesday afternoon. Governor Frank D. Fitzgerald, Lansing; Hon. Fred L. Crawford, Eighth District Congressman, Saginaw; Hon. Howard C. Lawrence, State Banking Commissioner, Lansing; Hon. James B. Haskins, Director Building and Loan Division, Department of State; State Senator Don Vanderwerp, Fremont; State Representative Vern Brown, Mason, and the Hon. John W. Blodgett, Grand Rapids.
Contributed by: Marilyn Ransom
Keister, Norah Olive
Newspaper source unknown. Sunday, 19 March 1944
Headline: Ionia Editor’s Widow Passes
Mrs. Norah Olive Keister, 66, widow of Fred D. Keister, Sr., widely known western Michigan weekly newspaper publisher, died Friday at Ionia County Memorial hospital after an illness of one week.
Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Keister had been president of Ionia County News which he founded. She had left active operation of the weekly to her son, Fred D. Keister, Jr., chairman of the Ionia county board of supervisors.
Mrs. Keister had maintained at the newspaper’s quarters a branch auto-license sales office of the state department and had been in active charge of that for six years. She was a life member of the Michigan Press association of which her husband once was president.
Born near Fowler, the daughter of Michael and Anna Currie Henry, she was married Aug. 1, 1898 at Pewamo to Fred D. Keister, Sr., who was then editor of the Pewamo News. She and her husband moved to Ionia in 1918 when her husband founded the Ionia County News. He died in 1936.
Mrs. Keister was also a member of the Rosary society of SS. Peter and Paul’s church and a member of the Ionia circle of the Daughters of Isabella.
Surviving besides Fred are one other son, C. B. Keister, a weekly publisher at Royal Oak; one daughter, Mrs. Dale W. Cox, of Richmond, Ind., who is a writer for several nationally circulated women’s magazines; one sister, Mrs. Charles Brown of Fowler, and six grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Monday at 9:15 at SS. Peter and Paul’s church with burial in Mt. Olivet cemetery.
Contributed by: Marilyn Ransom
Kelsey, Levi "Tip" Martin
Posted By: LaVonne I. Bennett
Date: Wednesday, 11 August 2004, at 4:24 p.m.
THE IONIA SENTINEL, MICH.; October 28, 1886: "Sudden Death of L. M. Kelsey. Saturday morning while L. M. Kelsey was working in a field on his farm he felt something within him give away, and immediately his breathing became labored and very difficult. Dr. Allen was summoned, and the patient was soon relieved and felt much better in the afternoon, but did not go out. In the evening several neighbors called at the house and a pleasant social evening was spent. They finally left, but his brother, who lives only a few rods distant, had hardly reached his home, when he was overtaken by a servant, who informed him that "Tip" was dying. The brother turned back, and the doctor was again sent for, but "Tip" breathed his last, before he arrived, at about 9 o'clock. Mr. Kelsey's brother "Treat" had died of the same (heart) disease in 1863, falling dead in the road; and one sister and his father died in a similar manner. Several days before his death Mr. Kelsey had premonitions of it and many times expressed a desire to talk with his brother on the subject. The surviving daughter, and other members of the family, have the sympathy of the entire community in their sad bereavement.
Levi Martin Kelsey, familiarly known as "Tip", was born in Monroe county, N. Y., February 16, 1840, during the famous "Tippecanoe and Tyler too" campaign. He was the fourth son of Levi Kelsey, and came to Michigan in 1854, and settled on the homestead with his father's family. He was a successful farmer, a kind and indulgent husband and father, and a neighbor who enjoyed the respect and good will of all who knew him. His only daughter, Agnes, survived him.
KEMP, Frances (KRUPP)
Posted By: Leora Slosser
Date: Monday, 2 April 2001, at 9:06 a.m.
MIRIAM WOMAN RESIDENT DIED. The death of Mrs. Joseph Kemp, aged 75 and a life-long resident of the Miriam district, south of the city, took place at St. Mary's hospital in Grand Rapids, a few minutes after midnight, Thursday, death was caused by pneumonia brought on by a complication of other diseases and a long period of ill health. Mrs. Kemp had been brought in from her home to the local hospital, but late Wednesday was transferred to the hospital in Grand Rapids, where, soon after arriving, she passed away. Mrs. Kemp was until the time of her marriage, Miss Frances Krupp and was a sister of George Krupp of Miriam and Mrs. Charles Byrnes of Smyrna, who are left to survive. Mrs. Kemp had been a life-long member of St. Mary's Catholic church at Miriam and on Sunday evening members of both St. Mary's and St. Joseph's parishes gathered at the Fales Funeral home, where the body was brought after death at Grand Rapids, for the recitation of the rosary. Funeral services were held at 9 o'clock Monday morning at St. Mary's church, Miriam, with Rev. Fr. Ralph V. Kelly officiating and burial was in the cemetery at Miriam.
Source: The Carrie Ayers Scrapbook collection - Obituaries 1936-1949. The original scrapbook and a copy are located at the Boston-Saranac Historical Society Depot Museum in Saranac, MI. Another copy is available at the Ionia County Genealogical Society library located at the Lake Odessa Area Historical Society Depot Museum, Emerson Street, Lake Odessa, MI.
KENDALL, Elsie V. (GRISWOLD)
Ionia - Elsie V. Kendall, 82, of Ionia died Friday at Ionia County Memorial Hospital.
She was born the daughter of Eli and Edith Dudhope Griswold in Montcalm County on Feb. 5, 1906.
She was graduated from Palo High School and was married to Jesse Kendall July 3, 1924, in Ionia.
She taught school for 47 years in Palo and Ionia schools, retiring in 1971. She was a member of Palo United Methodist Church and the Michigan Education Association.
Surviving are her husband Jesse; three sisters, Eulah Rowley of Orleans, Eunice Blank of St. Johns and Esther Cunningham of Fenwick; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by five brothers and two sisters.
Funeral services will be Monday at 2 p.m. from the Palo United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Jim Cook officiating.
Burial will be in Palo Cemetery.
A memorial has been established for the Palo United Methodist Church Memorial Fund.
Arrangements were made by Cook Funeral Home, Ionia.
Contributed by: Sandy Heintzelman
KENNY, Bertha Elizabeth (SYKES)
Posted By: Sandy Heintzelman
Date: Wednesday, 1 August 2001, at 7:21 p.m.
Ionia Sentinel, Saturday, April 18, 1931
Funeral Services for Ionia Woman to Be Held Tuesday.
Mrs. John Kenny, 63, died in St. Lawrence hospital Saturday morning at 9 o'clock following a long period of ill health, having been in the hospital since two weeks ago Wednesday where she had been taken for diagnosis and treatment.
Before her marriage she was Bertha Sykes, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Sykes, pioneers of Lyons township. Mrs. Kenny was born three and one-half miles north of Muir on the farm recently purchased by Chester Ostrander. She was reared in that community and lived there until she came to Ionia to make her home a little over 20 years ago. She was a paintaking seamstress and followed her calling until compelled to give it up because of illness a few months ago. She had often remarked that no matter how tired she might be it always rested her to sit down to the sewing machine.
She enjoyed the visits with her patrons who were urged to remain while a seam was being changed or alterations were being made to a garment. No matter who might be the subject of discussion, Mrs. Kenny could point out their good qualities.
Surviving is the husband; a son, Foster Kenny, superintendent of Vandalia schools; three grandchildren, whom she loved and worked for; two brothers, William Sykes, of Muir, and Jack Sykes of Portland, and a sister, Mrs. Helen Hines, of Pasadena, Cal.
Her marriage to Mr. Kenny took place in February, 1893
The funeral services will be held {This article stops here.}
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Ionia, April 20 - Funeral services for Mrs. John Kenny, 63, will be held Tuesday morning at the church of SS. Peter and Paul, with interment in North Plains cemetery.
Mrs. Kenny, descendant from Pioneer parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Sykes, was born in North Lyon township and had spent her entire life in Ionia county. Surviving are the husband; one son, Foster Kenny, superintendent of the Vandalia school; three grandchildren; two brothers, William Sykes of Muir and Jack of Portland, and one sister, Mrs. Helen Hines of Pasadena, Calif.
KENNY, Charles Edward
Posted By: Sandy Heintzelman
Date: Wednesday, 1 August 2001, at 7:15 p.m.
Ionia Sentinel, Friday, January 31, 1958
Charles Edward Kenny, 69, of route 2, Ionia, died early Friday morning after several years illness.
He was born June 8, 1888, in Alpena, to David and Margaret Mead Kenny. On May 5, 1937 he was married to Hazel Birch. They have lived near Ionia all their married life.
Mr. Kenny enlisted in the Army May 2, 1917 during World War I and served until the end of the war.
He is survived by his wife Hazel, a daughter, Mrs. James (Betty) Williams of Eaton Rapids and two grandchildren.
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Prayer service for Charles E. Kenny, 69, of route 2, Ionia, who died Friday at the nursing home, was held Monday at 7:30 a.m. at Myers funeral home. Requiem high mass was at 8 a.m. at SS. Peter and Paul church in Ionia, the Rev. Fr. Raymond Sonefeld sang the mass. Interment was in Mt. Olivet cemetery.
Bearers were Dan Bowerman, Jack Bowerman, Jerry Kenny, James Kenny, John Kenny and James Barna.
KENNY, David Francis
Posted By: Sandy Heintzelman
Date: Wednesday, 1 August 2001, at 7:16 p.m.
Ionia Sentinel, Monday, January 3, 1938
David Francis Kenny, 78, died suddenly Sunday evening, January 2, at 11:05 o'clock at the home of his son, James Kenny, 126 Tower street, after an illness of the past week.
He was born in Hartford, Conn., June 25, 1859. At the age of four he came to Ionia, where he had been a resident since. When he was 18 years of age he was employed at the old car shops in Ionia in the boiler maker trade. He was an active member of the SS. Peter and Paul church, Knights of Columbus, Holy Name society, and a member of the Modern Woodman. In 1882 he was married to Margaret Mead in Ionia, who died in October, 1916.
Survivors are two sons, James Kenny and Charles Kenny, of Ionia; two brothers, John E. Kenny, of Ionia, and William H. Kenny, of Detroit; two sisters, Mrs. William Patterson, of Orange township, and Mrs. Frank Wirtz, of Ionia, and seven grandchildren. Two sisters, Mrs. Margaret Bowerman and Sister Fredelina, of St. Joseph order, of Kalamazoo, preceded him in death.
Funeral services will be held form the SS. Peter and Paul church Wednesday morning, January 5, 9 o'clock.
KENNY, Eliza Catherine
Posted By: Sandy Heintzelman
Date: Wednesday, 1 August 2001, at 7:12 p.m.
Ionia Sentinel, Thursday, November 12, 1903
Mrs. Eliza Kenny died Nov. 10, at 5:50 p.m. at her home, 345 South Jefferson street, after an illness of several weeks, the sufferings of which she endured with great patience and fortitude, and during which everything possible was done for her comfort.
She was the widow of Frank Kenny, the well-known tailor who worked for R.Hudson & Son and also for Mr. Mabley. He preceded her to the better world on March 8, 1880. Mrs. Kenny was born in County Clare, Ireland, in October, 1840, and came to this country at the age of 13 years. She was married in 1855 at Norwalk, Conn. They came to Ionia in 1863, where she resided to time of her death. To them were born eight children, six of whom survive: David F. Kenny, Mrs. Sarah J. Dillenbeck, John Kenny, Mrs. Frank Wirtz, William Kenny, and Mrs. Wm. Patterson. Two children preceded her to the other side: Charles J. and Mrs. Mary E. Longe. She also leaves a sister, Mrs. Mary O. Day, and thirteen grandchildren to mourn her death.
She was always a very devout Catholic. Her kind and jovial manner won many friends, by whom she will be greatly missed. Her life was one continual round of good deeds.
{NOTE: A handwritten note on the obituary indicates that her maiden name was McNerney.}
KENNY, Elizabeth (CONROY)
Posted By: Sandy Heintzelman
Date: Wednesday, 1 August 2001, at 7:14 p.m.
Ionia Sentinel, Sunday July 22, 1934
Mrs. Elizabeth Kenny, wife of James Kenny, died at her home, 126 Tower street, Sunday morning at 3 o'clock, from a long illness. Besides her husband, she leaves five children at home, Hugh, Aloyse, Gerald, Catherine and John; two sisters, Mrs. Mary Powels, of Detroit, and Mrs. Clara Higgins, of Roseville, and two brothers, John P. Conroy, of Clare, Ill., and Thomas Conroy, of Traverse City.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock from SS. Peter and Paul church, with R. V.J. Coyle officiating.
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Funeral services for Mrs. Elizabeth Kenny were held Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock from SS. Peter and Paul church with Rev. Fr. R. J. Kelley officiating. Bearers for the services were Thomas Duffy, Peter O'Connor, Michael Feeney, Glenn Thorpe, Ralph Blessing and Arthur Kauffman. Interment was at Mt. Olivet cemetery.
Relatives from out of town attending the services were Mr. and Mrs. William Powers, Mrs. Rose Thomas and Mr. and Mrs. William Kenny, of Detroit, and Charles Dillenbeck and son Frederick, of Grand Rapids.
Mrs. Kenny died at her home, 126 Tower street, early Sunday morning, following a long-standing illness. She was born near Haynor, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Conroy. She moved to Ionia with her parents when she was very young, and has resided here since then. She was married to James Kenny April 23, 1907.
KENNY, Foster John
Posted By: Sandy Heintzelman
Date: Wednesday, 1 August 2001, at 7:17 p.m.
Ionia Sentinel, Saturday, July 9, 1960
Former Official of County Dies
Foster J. Kenny, 54, former Ionia county register of deeds, and sports enthusiast, died early Saturday morning in a Lansing hospital.
Word of his death was received in Ionia by relatives Saturday morning who were informed he died of a heart attack.
He was graduated from the Ionia high school with the class of 1924 and following graduation from college taught school several years. He also served as a high school superintendent.
He was a well-known athlete during his high school days and was an ardent follower of sports in all forms. He headed the recreation program in Ionia city during the early 1930 depression years. Included among his accomplishments was an inside ice skating rink in the automobile building at the fairground and the organization of the former softball league which operated in Ionia several years.
He later was recreational director at the Michigan Reformatory and served as coach of the athletic teams.
In 1932 he was elected Ionia county register of deeds and served one term.
Funeral arrangements will be announced later.
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Service for Foster J. Kenny, 55, who died Saturday morning in a Lansing hospital, will be held at Palmer-Bush funeral home on Mt. Hope avenue Tuesday at 1 p.m. Graveside service will be at Clear Lake cemetery near Fenwick at 3 p.m.
He was born in Muir May 1, 1905, the son of John and Bertha Kenny.
Survivors include his wife, Athleen; four daughters, Mrs. Bert (Dorothy) Bennett of Orleans, Josephine R. Kenny of Greenville, Mrs. Dale (Patricia) Vowels of Anaheim, Calif., and Mrs. Harry (Marjorie) Orr of Montville, N.J.; two sons, Robert J. Kenny of Belding, and James D. of Fenwick; 12 grandchildren; three step-sons, Richard, Lee and William McCrimons of Lansing; one step-daughter, Mrs. Norma Stout of Lansing; six step-grandchildren, and several cousins in the Ionia area.
Clear Lake cemetery is located nine and one-half miles north of Ionia and one mile west of M66 on Jenks road.
KENNY, Gerald Francis
Posted By: Sandy Heintzelman
Date: Wednesday, 18 July 2001, at 5:39 p.m.
Gerald Francis Kenny, 80 of Ionia passed away March 19, 1997. Surviving are wife Jewell; one son James (Judy) of Lansing; brother, John Kenny of Ionia; sister, Cathrine Kenny of Ionia; one brother-in-law, Bob and Wilma Brown of Kalamazoo; 4 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held March 22 with burial in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Arrangements by Lake Funeral Home in Ionia.
KENNY, Gerald Francis
Posted By: Sandy Heintzelman
Date: Wednesday, 1 August 2001, at 7:17 p.m.
Ionia Sentinel, March 1997
IONIA - Gerald Francis Kenny, 80, of Ionia died March 19, 1997 at his home.
He was born Aug. 12, 1916 in Ionia, the son of James and Elizabeth Conroy Kenny. He was a WWII veteran of the Army, member of the Knights of Columbus of Ionia, Member of the Ionia VFW, Life Member of SS. Peter and Paul's Catholic Church. He married Jewell Brown on Oct. 7, 1939 in Ionia.
He is survived by his wife, Jewell; one son, James and Judy Kenny of Lansing; one brother, John Kenny of Ionia; one sister, Cathrine Kenny of Ionia; one brother-in-law, Bob and Wilma Brown of Kalamazoo; four grandchildren, David and Angela Kenny of Mass., Brian Kenny of Calif., Debbie and Kris David of Mason and Roger and Julie Kenny of Grand Ledge; seven great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by one brother, Hugh in 1977 and one sister, Aloyse Dixon in 1967.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 11 a.m. at the SS. Peter and Paul's catholic Church in Ionia with Father Charles Hall as celebrant. Interment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Lake Funeral Home in Ionia where a Rosary will be recited at 8 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the SS. Peter and Paul's Church or Ionia Helping Hands. envelopes are available at the funeral home.
KENNY, Guy R.
Posted By: Sandy Heintzelman
Date: Wednesday, 1 August 2001, at 7:18 p.m.
Greenville Daily News, Friday, September 11, 1992
BELDING - Guy R. Kenny, 40, of 121 Jacklyn St., Belding, died Thursday, Sept. 10, 1992, at Metropolitan Hospital, Grand Rapids.
He was born March 3, 1952, in Ionia to Robert and Dolores Park Kenny.
Former owner of Kenny's Collision Shop in Belding, he was a member and past commander of Sons of the American Legion.
On April 18, 1969, in Grand Rapids, he married the former Judy Bishop, who survives.
Also surviving are a son and his wife, Mark and Heidi Kenny, stationed with the U.S. Navy at Whidbey Island, Oak Harbor, Wash.; his parents of Belding; his grandparents, Charles and Helen Selleck, Ionia; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Kathy Tripp, Gaylord, Nancy and Richard Rice, Belding; two brothers and their wives, Ronald and Sharee Kenny, Greenville, John and Kelly Kenny, Belding; a granddaughter, Andrea Kenny.
Funeral services are 2 p.m. Sunday at Johnson Funeral Home, Belding, Pastor Ken Harger officiating. Interment is in Clear Lake Cemetery.
Visitation at the funeral home is Saturday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or Ionia Area Hospice.
KENNY, Hazel J. (BOWERS)
Posted By: Sandy Heintzelman
Date: Wednesday, 1 August 2001, at 7:19 p.m.
Ionia Sentinel, Friday, November 2, 1984
IONIA - Hazel J. Kenny, 73, formerly of 5880 North State Road, Ionia, died Thursday morning at the Brown Convalescent Home, Middleton.
She was a lifelong resident of the Ionia area.
Born April 30, 1911, in Ox Port, N.Y., the daughter of Levi and Mary Carter Bowers. She was married to Charles Edward Kenny, who died in 1958.
Surviving are: a daughter, Betty Williams of Eaton Rapids; two brothers, Charles Bowers of Trufant and John Bowers of Orleans; one sister, Bernice Bogert of Orleans; two grandchildren and two great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be Saturday at 3 p.m. from the Roetman Funeral Home. Burial will be in Tuttle Cemetery.
The family will be at the funeral home Friday from 7 to 9 p.m.
KENNY, Hugh J.
Ionia Sentinel, Tuesday, 22 March 1977
Hugh J. Kenny, 65, of 126 Tower Street, died at his home Monday morning.
He was born in Ionia December 2, 1911, the son of James and Elizabeth Conroy Kenny.
He attended Ionia schools and graduated from SS Peter and Paul academy. Mr. Kenny was employed by Ypsilanti-Reed for 14 years and at the Cadillac Motorcar company in Detroit for 30 years, retiring in 1969.
He was a member of SS Peter and Paul church and the Knights of Columbus.
Survivors include one sister, Catherine of Ionia; and two brothers, Gerald and John, both of Ionia.
One sister, Aloyse, preceded him in death in 1966.
Services are Thursday at 10 am from SS Peter and Paul church with Rev. Father Edward Orlowski officiating. Burial is in Mt. Olivet cemetery.
Parish rosary will be recited Wednesday at 7:30 pm at the Leddick funeral home followed by K of C rosary at 8 pm.
The family will receive friends and relatives at the funeral home Tuesday 7 to 9 pm and Wednesday 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm.
Contributed by: Marilyn Ransom
KENNY, James Francis
Posted By: Sandy Heintzelman
Date: Wednesday, 1 August 2001, at 7:19 p.m.
Ionia Sentinel, Friday, May 10, 1957
James F. Kenny, 74, of 126 Tower street, Ionia, died Friday afternoon at the Ionia County Memorial hospital, where he was admitted two days prior. He was ill for six months.
Born in Ionia, January 21, 1883, he was a son of David and Margaret Kenny and on April 23, 1907, was married to Elizabeth Conroy, who died in 1934.
Mr. Kenny worked for 42 years at the Ypsilanti Reed and Ionia Mfg. Co. until his retirement.
Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Charles (Aloyse) Dixon and Catherine, both of Ionia; six grandchildren and one brother, Charles Kenny of Ionia.
Remains are at the residence, 126 Tower street. Funeral services will be held Monday morning at 9 o'clock at SS. Peter and Paul church and interment will be in Mt. Olivet cemetery. Rosary will be said Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the residence. Funeral arrangements are in care of the Stone-Kauffman funeral home.
KENNY, John Edward
Posted By: Sandy Heintzelman
Date: Wednesday, 1 August 2001, at 7:20 p.m.
Ionia Sentinel, Wednesday, May 8, 1946
John Kenny, 76, died Tuesday evening at his home, 227 Union street.
He was born August 29, 1868, in Saranac, and was a cigar maker by trade. He later worked for years for the Ypsilanti Furniture company, in the Pere Marquette car shops, and for Ionia City at the water works.
He is survived by a son, Foster Kenny, of Ionia; six grandchildren, two sisters, Mrs. Frank Wirtz and Mrs. Katherine Ann Patterson of Ionia, and a brother , William Kenny, of Detroit.
The body will be at the Myers funeral home until Friday morning. Funeral services will be held at 9:00 o'clock from SS. Peter and Paul church, and interment will be at the North Plains cemetery. Rosary will be recited at the Myers funeral home Thursday evening at 7:30 o'clock.
KENNY, William Henry, Sr.
Posted By: Sandy Heintzelman
Date: Wednesday, 1 August 2001, at 7:22 p.m.
Ionia Sentinel, Wednesday, April 11, 1956
Funeral services for William H. Kenny, who died Friday at his home at Crystal, were held Monday morning with a prayer service at the Boynton funeral home at 8:30, followed by a Requiem High Mass at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic church at 9 o'clock with the Rev. John S. Fons officiating. Interment was in the family lot at Palo.
Bearers were Frank Frost, Gerald Kenny, John Kenny, William Longe, Jr., Lee Stalter, Robert Steere, William Steere and Clarence Cornwall.
Attending from out of town were Mr. and Mrs. William H. Kenny Jr. and William Kenny III of Indianapolis, Ind., Mr. and Mrs. Ellis MacDowell of Roseville, Mr. and Mrs. Glen Sanborn of Ferndale, Mr. and Mrs. William Steere and Robert Steere of Crystal and Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Cornwall of Lansing.
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Carson City paper, April 1956
Friends were shocked Friday morning to hear of the death of Wm. H. Kenny, 76, retired businessman of Detroit and Ionia, after a very brief illness. Dr. B.M. McBride was in attendance, as was also the Rev. Fr. Kelley of Carson City. Funeral services were in Ionia Monday morning, with the Rev. Fr. Fox singing the requiem high mass. Interment was in the Palo cemetery, the Rev. Fr. Kelley reading the service. Mr. Kenny is survived by the widow, the former Bessie Steere of Palo, a daughter, Mrs. Ellis McDowell, of Roseville, a son, Wm. Kenny, Jr., and grandson, Wm. Kenny III, of Indianapolis. Also a sister and several nieces in Ionia. Besides the immediate family and relatives here and in Ionia, Mr. and Mrs. Glen Sanborn, sister and brother-in-law of Mrs. Kenny, of Ferndale, and Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Cornwall of Elsie, the latter a niece, attended the funeral. Mr. and Mrs. Kenny celebrated their golden wedding anniversary last May.
KERNEN, Ralph Ely
Posted By: Sandy Heintzelman
Date: Wednesday, 1 August 2001, at 7:23 p.m.
Ionia Sentinel, September 5, 1950
Ralph Ely Kernen, 59, died Monday morning at the Ionia County Memorial hospital.
He was born July 5, 1891 in Alma the son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Kernen. He was employed for 29 years at the Ionia reformatory.
Survivors are his wife, Lena; three sons, Kenneth, Frederick and Robert and two daughters, Kathryn and Joan; a stepdaughter, Beryl Talcott and a stepson, Herbert Talcott and 10 grandchildren. Also surviving is an aunt, Mrs. Dudley Hoyt of Alma.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 1 p.m. from the Myers funeral home. Interment will be in Saranac cemetery.
KILDUFF, Edward D.
Ionia Sentinel, Monday, 5 February 1973
Edward D. Kilduff, 79, of 648 Hackett, a retired lieutenant of Michigan reformatory, died Sunday afternoon at Ionia County Memorial hospital following a lengthy illness.
Born in Mecosta county, May 23, 1893, he was the son of Edward and Sara Hogan Kilduff. He spent his early life on a farm in Mecosta county. In 1923 he came to Ionia and was employed at Pere Marquette car shops for seven years. In 1930 he accepted a position at Ionia reformatory where he worked until his retirement after 32 years as a lieutenant. He also served as deputy sheriff under former sheriff Peter VanVleck.
He was married June 4, 1918 to Lilly Carroll at St. Mary’s church in Carson City and they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1968. He was a member of St. Peter and Paul church, Knights of Columbus and a former member of Ionia Fishing and Hunting club.
Surviving besides the wife Lilly are three sons, retired marine major Carroll Kilduff of Santa Ana, Calif; Robert of Muir; William of Ionia; two daughters, Mrs. Thomas Read of Palo and Mrs. Richard Shook of Mt. Pleasant; 22 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
The body is at Leddick funeral home where prayers will be said at 7 pm Tuesday evening. Funeral services will be at 10 am Wednesday at St. Peter and Paul church with Rev. Msgr. Edward Jaworowicz officiating. Interment will be at Mt. Olivet cemetery. Family will be at the funeral home Monday and Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9 pm.
Contributed by: Marilyn Ransom
KILDUFF, Lillie L.
Ionia Sentinel Standard, Wednesday, 22 July 1987
Lillie L. Kilduff, 92, of 368 Hackett Street, Ionia, died at Ionia Manor early Tuesday.
She was the daughter of Seymour J. and Jenny Rich Carroll and was born in Montcalm County Jan. 27, 1895. She attended schools in Montcalm county and was graduated from Carson City High School. She taught rural school at Castle School and Bloomer Township.
She was married to Edward D. Kilduff June 4, 1918, at Carson City. She was a member of S.S. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and the Altar Society of the church.
Surviving are two daughters; Mary Genevieve Read of Fenwick and Mrs. Richard (Patricia) Shook of Mt. Pleasant; three sons, Carroll Kilduff of Santa Ana, Calif., Robert Kilduff of Saranac, and William Kilduff of Ionia; 22 grandchildren, several great grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Howard (Donna) Dick of Muir; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward D., in February 1973, one grandson, James Kilduff; and three brothers, Harry, William and Donald Carroll.
Funeral mass will be conducted from S.S. Peter and Paul Church Friday at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
The family will be at the Rich Street chapel of Montgomery Funeral Home Wednesday and Thursday, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 8:30 p.m. Rosary will be at 8 p.m. Thursday.
Contributed by: Marilyn Ransom
KILDUFF, Martin
Ionia Daily Standard, Wednesday, 18 July 1906
Headline: Martin Kilduff, Pioneer Pere Marquette Employee, Passes Away
Martin Kilduff, for nearly half a century, a well known and esteemed citizen of Ionia, died at 11:30 last night at his home on East Lincoln avenue. His death came after two years of suffering from paralysis, the last stroke coming about three weeks ago. He was about seventy years of age and leaves a wife and two children, Martin and Mrs. Ed. Haight, both of Ionia. The funeral will be held at 8:30 Friday morning at the church of SS. Peter and Paul.
Mr. Kilduff was born in Oldtown, county Roscommon, Ireland, and came to America at the age of nineteen years. After a short residence in the east he came west and forty-five years ago took up his residence in Ionia. At about the same time he married. When he first came here Mr. Kilduff went to work for the D. G. H. & M. railway and when the Ionia and Lansing road was started he was employed by that company. He worked at fencing the right of way and was thus one of the first men employed by the present Pere Marquette. He worked in the Ionia shops after several years on the section, being in the blacksmith shop and afterward in the paint shop where he worked until forced to retire two years ago.
Mr. Kilduff has long been a resident of the Fourth ward and numbered many friends among his acquaintances and fellow workmen. At the time of his death his family were all at his bedside and until almost the last he recognized them and his friends.
Contributed by: Marilyn Ransom
KILDUFF, Mathilda
Ionia Sentinel, Thursday, 7 December 1911
Mrs. Mathilda Kilduff, for many years a resident of Ionia, died this morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Edward Haight, 342 Baldie street. Mrs. Kilduff was the widow of the late Martin Kilduff for many years employed at the Pere Marquette shops and was formerly a resident of the Fourth ward. Her death occurred at the age of seventy-seven years and was caused by chronic bronchitis.
Ionia Sentinel, Saturday, 9 December 1911
The funeral for Mrs. Mathilda Kilduff was very largely attended this morning by relatives and friends of her lifetime who have become acquainted with Mrs. Kilduff during her residence here, and who gathered to pay their last respects to her memory. The services were at nine o’clock at the church of SS. Peter & Paul, with requiem high mass, Rev. H. D. McCarthy officiating. Many beautiful floral offerings were received from friends.
Among those who attended from out of the city were Mr. and Mrs. E. Kilduff of Butternut, Mrs. Thomas Grace of Carson City, Mrs. and Mrs. Wm. McGunn of Palo, Roger Battle of Shepherd, Mrs. W. Vizard and Frank Vizard and Martin Kilduff of Chicago.
Many of these were here but a few days ago to attend the Beahan-Haight wedding and had scarcely arrived home when they were called again by the death of Mrs. Kilduff.
The bearers who carried the remains to the grave were Anthony and James Scully, Wm. McAlary and Joseph Poole.
Card of Thanks: We wish to express our heartfelt thanks for the many kindnesses shown us during our late bereavement.
Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Haight and Martin Kilduff
Contributed by: Marilyn Ransom
KILLEBREW, Tom B.
Posted By: Sandy Heintzelman
Date: Wednesday, 1 August 2001, at 3:55 p.m.
Tom B. Killebrew, 81 of Ionia passed away June 3, 1997. Surviving are three daughters: Linda (Chuck) Uber of Pinckney, Dora (Doug) Dingwall of Holly, Nancy (Jim) Huskinson of Hartland; one son Craig (Lynne) Killebrew of Ionia; 9 grandchildren; one brother John Killebrew of Arizona; one sister Ruth Whaley of Livonia. Funeral services were held June 7. Arrangements by MacDonald's Funeral Home in Howell.
KINNEY, Charlie
Posted By: Sandy Heintzelman
Date: Wednesday, 1 August 2001, at 7:24 p.m.
Ionia Sentinel, Friday, May 28, 1875 and Friday June 4, 1875
As we go to press, we learn of the drowning of a boy of Frank Kinney's; thirteen years of age. He and other lads were swimming near the upper bridge, and the little fellow got into deep water and sunk. His body has not yet been found.
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The body of little Charlie Kinney, who was drowned by the upper bridge last week Thursday, was recovered Friday forenoon, after a protracted search. It was found under a boom but a short distance below where the accident took place. The exact circumstances of his drowning can't be ascertained. He was enticed away from home by two other little boys of his age. It appears that they, some how, got Charlie to undress himself and wade out into shallow water. At this point the bank suddenly breaks into a very deep hole a few feet from shore, and into this the little fellow was pushed or urged to go. When he sank he called for "help" and "ma, ma." The other boys, who had not taken their clothes off, upon seeing that the little fellow had sunk and did not rise, ran to their homes. They told their parents what had happened, and very strangely no steps were taken to inform Mr. Kinney's people of the circumstances or to begin a search. The drowning occurred at a little past 11 A.M. Mr. Kinney's people came home at noon and ate their dinner, after which an older son was sent to call Charlie, who was supposed to be playing in the lumber yard. Hearing that the boy had gone to the river, the lad went there to look for him and found his clothes upon the bank. This was the first intimation the family had that an accident had befallen Charlie. An alarm was given, when the fact of his drowning was first made known. The whole affair is very strange and unsatisfactory to Mr. Kinney's people and to the public.
KINNEY, Frank
Posted By: Sandy Heintzelman
Date: Wednesday, 1 August 2001, at 7:25 p.m.
Ionia Sentinel, Thursday, March 11, 1880
Coroner Johnson yesterday caused the following jury of inquest to be impaneled to inquire into the death of Frank Kinney: J.L. Yates, E. Sprague, A.G. Benedict, Mark Shannon, E. Raby and J.C. Taylor. Drs. Hammond, Thomas, Barnes and Long gave their testimony from a professional view of the case, and Daniel Lyon, yard master, Mr. Hughes, engineer, who were on the ground at the time of the accident and conveyed Mr. Kinney home, and Mrs. Col. McGill, who was present and assisted the doctors at the time of the operation, were examined as to their knowledge of the same. While there will be a general opinion that there was no substantial cause for calling an inquest, it was perhaps due to the feeling of the friends and to the physicians that irresponsible gossip in relation to it should be at once thoroughly sifted. The testimony showed conclusively that Mr. Kinney could not have survived had his foot not been amputated, the main artery being torn apart, and five of the seven dorsal bones fractured, some of them being splintered into small pieces. It also showed that the treatment was skillful and proper, as was to be expected from the reputation of the attending surgeons. The jury returned a verdict, of which the following is the essential part:
"That said Frank Kinney came to his death by injuries received on the track of the D., L, & N. R.R., in the city of Ionia, by being run over by a locomotive and cars of said road, on Saturday, the 6th day of March, 1880. And we find that neither the R.R. Co. nor any of its employees were to blame for said accident. We also find that he received all proper treatment and care by the physicians and surgeons called to attend him, and that his death was the result of the shock and hemorrhage caused by injuries received by said accident."
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The funeral of the late Frank Kinney will take place this morning, at ten o'clock, from St. Peter's (Catholic) Church.
KINNEY, Margaret (MEAD)
Posted By: Sandy Heintzelman
Date: Wednesday, 1 August 2001, at 7:26 p.m.
Ionia Sentinel, Saturday, October 28, 1969
Mrs. Margaret Kinney, wife of David Kinney of Ionia township, died at 8:20 Sunday night after an illness of about four years. The funeral was held at 9:00 o'clock Tuesday morning at the Church of SS. Peter and Paul. Mrs. Kinney leaves, besides her husband, three children, Mrs. Clint Bowerman, James and Charles Kinney. Mr. and Mrs. Kinney have lived here for about fifty years. Mr. and Mrs. James Mead of Grand Rapids are at the home. Mr. Mead is Mrs. Kinney's brother.
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The funeral for Mrs. David Kinney was held Tuesday at the Church of SS. Peter & Paul, with burial at Mount Olivet. The bearers were F. M. Wirtz, Joseph Poole, F.A. Chapman, Fred Longe, Dr. J.J. McCann and Richard Todd.
KLAHN, Alton F.
Lake Odessa - Alton F. Klahn, 88, of Lake Odessa, died March 17 at Pennock Hospital in Hastings.
He was born Dec. 27, 1899 in Lake Odessa, the son of John and Wilhelmina (Christie) Klahn.
He attended Lake Odessa schools and graduated in 1920. He was the star player on one of Lake Odessa’s Ionia County Championship football teams.
He married Marion Perkins of Lake Odessa in 1923.
They had lived in Detroit for several years where he was employed in the contracting business.
They moved to Lake Odessa in 1930 and began farming.
He and his brother, Ernest Klahn, were co-founders and builders in Klahn Brothers Construction firm.
He became a charter director of the Ionia County Soil Conservation District.
He received an award in recognition of 40 years activity in the Clarksville Tri-County Conservation District.
Surviving are his wife, Marion; one son, Gordon, of Lake Odessa; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; nieces, one nephew, cousins.
Three brothers, Howard, Arthur and Ernest, and one sister, Gladys, preceded him in death.
Funeral services will be Monday at 1 p.m. at the Koops Funeral Chapel in Lake Odessa, the Rev. Ward Pierce and the Rev. Ross Weber officiating.
Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery.
Friends may visit the family Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Lake Odessa Ambulance Service.
Contributed by: Sandy Heintzelman
KLINE, William Daniel
Posted By: Sandy Heintzelman
Date: Wednesday, 1 August 2001, at 4:08 p.m.
William Daniel Kline 59 of Ionia passed away March 1, 1997. Surviving are his parents John & Hattie (Badder) Kline of Ionia; sons Timothy of Lansing; Roy of New York, Michael of Grand Rapids; daughters Heather, Robin and Amy all of Ionia; brothers Robert (Barbara) Kline of Sydney, Larry (Bea) Kline of Lyons, David (Lynn) Kline of Ionia, Richard (Barbara) Kline of Diamondale; sister Joyce Bailey of Arizona. Funeral services were held March 6 with burial in Balcom Cemetery. Arrangements by Hull Memorial Chapel in Muir.
KORTES, Mary M.
Posted By: Sandy Heintzelman
Date: Wednesday, 1 August 2001, at 4:15 p.m.
Mary M. Kortes, 99 of Sunfield, formerly of Portland passed away May 11, 1997. Surviving are one daughter Jean M. (Richard) Dawdy of Trufant; one daughter-in-law Winifred Kortes of Florida; one son Howard (Irene) Kortes of Ark.; 7 grandchildren; two step grandchildren and 5 step great grandchildren; many cousins and friends. Funeral services were held May 15 with burial in Riverside Cemetery in Langston. Arrangements by Gorsline-Runciman Co. Neller Chapel in Portland.
KOLE, Esta J. (SLATER) (STUART)
Posted By: Sandy Heintzelman
Date: Wednesday, 1 August 2001, at 3:47 p.m.
Clarksville - Esta J. Kole, 94, of Clarksville died Saturday, June 7, 1997 at the Laurels of Kent Nursing Home in Lowell.
She was born Dec. 30, 1902 in Campbell Township, Ionia County, the daughter of Garfield and Cassie (Rensch) Slater.
She graduated from Clarksville High School in 1920 and from Butterworth Hospital School of Nursing in 1922. She worked at Butterworth Hospital for a time before getting married to Lester Stuart in 1923 in Lake Odessa. He preceded her in death in 1957. She was married to Andrew Kole in April of 1959 in Clarksville. He preceded her in death in Dec. 20, 1988.
She lived all her life in the Clarksville area except for 11 years (1959-1970) when she lived in Fremont. She was a member of the Clarksville Bible Church, the Church Ladies Christian Fellowship and the Farm Bureau.
She is survived by four sons, Hillis (Marjorie) Stuart of Portland, Lester "J.D." (Norma) Stuart of Clarksville, Richard (Marion) Stuart of Lowell and Donald (Leahbelle) Stuart of Lowell; one daughter, Lois (Donald) Willison of Saranac; two step-children, Robert (Ruth Ann) Kole of Fremont and Betty (Phillip) Shetterly of Lake Odessa; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by one son, Wayne; two brothers, Elwin and Ivan Slater; and one sister, Marion Howlett.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 10, 1997 at the Clarksville Bible Church with Rev. Troy Rininger officiating. Burial will be in Clarksville Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Koops Funeral Chapel in Clarksville.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Gideons Living Memorial Plan.
Arrangements by the Koops Funeral Chapel in Clarksville.
KORTES, Mary M.
Posted By: Pam Swiler
Date: Saturday, 3 February 2001, at 10:57 a.m.
Dated in ink May 14, 1997. Not sure of what newspaper it was in. Age 99, died Sunday, May 11, 1997. Mrs. Kortes was born March 7, 1898 in Langston, MI to Will and Mabel (Sayles) Force. She along with her late husband John, owned and operated the Sun Theatre and Kortes Reality in Portland for 25 years. Mrs Kortes was a member of the First Congregational Church of Portland, where she was ocasionally the church organist. She was a member of the Portland Bicentennial Committee, the Kitchen Band in Fort Myers, FL; and Mary was the last surviving member of the Lakeview High School Class of 1915. Mrs. Kortes was preceded in death by her husband, John (1971); son, Russell; and grandsons, Russell Jr and Richard Dawdy Jr. She is survived by her daughter, Jean(Richard) Dawdy of Trufant, MI; son, Howard (Irene) Kortes of Hot Springs, AR; daughter-in-law, Winifred Kortes of Ft. Myers, FL; 7 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, 5 step-great-grandchildren, and 2 step great-great-grandchildren. Many cousins and friends also survive. Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 15, 1997, 11 a.m. at the Gorsline-Runciman Co. Neller Chapel, 210 Bridge Street, Portland, with the Rev. Robert C. Nixon Pastor Emeritus of the First Congregational Church officiating. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Langston, Michigan. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. at the Chapel. For those desiring, contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church of Portland, 421 Bridge St, Portland, MI 48875 or Eaton County Hospice in memory of Mrs. Kortes. Active pallbearers will be her grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be Richard Derby, Guy Jones, Clayton Kokx, William Pryer, Melborn Sandborn and Arthur Scott.
KRONEWITTER, Brian Jason
Posted By: Sandy Heintzelman
Date: Wednesday, 1 August 2001, at 4:15 p.m.
Brian Jason Kronewitter 23, of Howard City passed away May 12, 1997. Surviving are wife April; one son Vincent Kronewitter at home; biological father David (Linda) Kiste of Florida; biological mother Evelyn (Gary) Lilly of Clarksville; one biological brother David (Sarah) Kiste; three biological sisters: Connie (Doug), Brenda, Penny (Tim); grandmother Thelma Leslie of Lowell; adopted father Harry Kronewitter of Saranac; adopted mother Esther (Ron) White of Belding; three adopted brothers: Don, Wayne and Eddie; two adopted sisters: Tammy (Al) and Jody (Harold); grandmother Patsy (Richard) Howard of Marshall, Funeral services were held May 15 with burial in Parkview Cemetery. Arrangements by McKinley Funeral Home, in Grant.
KRAUSE, Harriet (FREITAS)
Ionia Sentinel Standard, 16 Apr 2002
Harriet Krause, 85, of Lyons, passed away on Sunday, April 14, 2002.
She was born on Oct. 23, 1916 in Honolulu, Hawaii, the daughter of John and Pauline (Gorda) Freitas. Mrs. Krause was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Portland.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard in 1981.
She is survived by daughters, Patricia (Marvin Esham) Krause-Esham and Joni (Andrew) Robinson of Lyons; son, David (Judy) Krause of Cedar Springs; grandchildren, Richard (Janette) Krause of Greenville, Bradley Krause of Gowen and Tony Krause of Cedar Springs, Sarah Robinson and Calista Robinson, both of Lyons; sister, Eleanor McDonald of Derby Kan. and Adeline Freitas of Honolulu, Hawaii; brothers, David (Laura) Freitas of Honolulu, Hawaii and Walter (Violet) Freitas of Honolulu, Hawaii; brother-in-law, Lloyd (June) Krause of Milwaukee, Wis.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Shamaun Beas, Associate Pastor at 11 a.m., Thursday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Portland, with Rite of Committal following at Keefer Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday with rosaries prayed at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in memory of Mrs. Krause.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Schrauben-Lehman Funeral Home, Portland.
Contributed by:Sandy Heentzelman
KRUPP, John H.
Posted By: Leora Slosser
Date: Monday, 2 April 2001, at 11:07 a.m.
JOHN H. KRUPP. By a shocking accident another of Otisco's old and most highly respected residents came to his death. Mr. John H. Krupp, who resided a short distance west of Smyrna, west out to his barn Sunday morning, to get ready to attend the funeral of Mrs. Gardner, when he was kicked in the abdomen by one of his horses, from the effects of which death ensued that evening. Mr. Krupp had resided in Otisco for many years, and was a man recognized and respected for his ability, honor and integrity. For fifteen years he had been a member of the board of directors of the Farmer' Mutual Fire Insurance Company. He leaves a wife and two adopted children who have the heartfelt sympathy of a large circle of friends. The funeral services, which were largely attended were held Wednesday morning from the Miriam Catholic church of which he was a member. Rev. Fr. Muer officiating and the burial was in the Miriam cemetery. He lacked two days of being fifty-five years of [the copy ends here]
Source: The Carrie Ayers Scrapbook collection - Obituaries 1936-1949. The original scrapbook and a copy are located at the Boston-Saranac Historical Society Depot Museum in Saranac, MI. Another copy is available at the Ionia County Genealogical Society library located at the Lake Odessa Area Historical Society Depot Museum, Emerson Street, Lake Odessa, MI.
Re: KRUPP, John H.
Posted By: Andy Olson
Date: Saturday, 7 April 2001, at 3:14 p.m.
I have photos of John H. Krupp, his wife (Susan Kohn) and his two children, Mary Agnes and Franklin.
Copies are available to those interested.
KRUPP, Mary Catherine
Posted By: Leora Slosser
Date: Saturday, 31 March 2001, at 2:33 p.m.
Mary C. Krupp. Mrs. Mary Catherine Krupp, 76, died Friday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Eugene Birdsall.
Mrs. Krupp was born in Ontario, Canada, April 12, 1864, and came to Michigan at an early age with her parents who settled at Smyrna. She is survived by two sons, Dr. Christian G. Krupp of Grand Rapids and Frank Krupp of Ionia; three daughters, Mrs. Eugene Birdsall of Saranac, Mrs. Rufus Waldron of Flint, and Mrs. Dorothy Bristol of Orleans; two brothers, John and Frank Carter of Ionia; two sisters, Mrs. Katherine Watcha of Orleans, and Mrs. Ella Sumners of Detroit; and 18 grandchildren.
Funeral services were held in St. Mary's church of which she was a member, Monday morning at nine o'clock, and burial was made in Miriam cemetery. [handwritten notation - 1940]
Source: The Carrie Ayers Scrapbook collection - Obituaries 1936-1949. The original scrapbook and a copy are located at the Boston-Saranac Historical Society Depot Museum in Saranac, MI. Another copy is available at the Ionia County Genealogical Society library at the Lake Odessa Area Historical Society Depot Museum, Emerson Street, Lake Odessa, MI.
KYSER, Bruce A
Lake Odessa - Bruce A. Kyser, 49, Laingsburg, died Thursday in Owosso Memorial Hospital.
He was born Sept. 23, 1933 in Ionia County, the son of Leo and Letha Heffelbower Kyser.
He attended Saranac schools and graduated from Houghton Technological University.
He married Louise Stine Sept. 19, 1953 in Imlay City.
He was employed by the State Highway Department and attended Laingsburg Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Louise; five sons, Carl of Vernon, Myron and Leo of Oklahoma City, Ralph of Owosso and Kevin at home; two daughters, Darla Weir of Oklahoma City and Bonnie Smith of Lansing; and three grandchildren.
Also surviving are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Leo Kyser of Hastings; one brother, Wayne of Greenville; three sisters, Juanita Sprague of Saranac, Norma Bean of Howard City and Darlene Kyser of Grand Rapids.
One daughter, Lauretta, preceded him in death in 1963.
Funeral services will be today at 1 p.m. from the Pickens-Koops Funeral Home in Lake Odessa, with the Rev. Larry Pike and the Rev. Terry Stitchler officiating.
Burial will be in the Clarksville Cemetery.
Contributed by: Sandy Heintzelman
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