John Wright

Fowlerville, Michigan

His Legacy… John Leonard Wright, 81, passed away January 28, 2026. He was born on August 21, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan to Harry and Devis (Jackson) Wright. John enjoyed 61 wonderful years married to the love of his life, Mary (Risdon) Wright. He spent many years taking care of his beloved grandmother, Edna Gardner, until she passed peacefully at the age of 108. He will be remembered as a man of quiet strength, full of love and compassion for his family and everyone, and for always whistling while he worked.

In his younger years, John was an avid traveler – taking the motorhome road tripping and camping across the country. He worked as a carpenter and built many homes throughout Livingston County, eventually becoming Head of the Livingston County Building Department. Known for his neighborly compassion, you could often catch John plowing the whole block when it snowed. If you didn’t see him there, you could find him getting breakfast at The Feed Bag Café each and every morning.

John’s passion for carpentry was followed by a transition into firefighting. He worked for the Fowlerville Fire Department for a total of 50 years, spending 34 as the Fire Chief. He also served as the Head of the Livingston County Arson Investigation Team. Even late into his retirement, you could expect to hear “How are you, Chief?” and “Hey, Chief Wright!” when he walked by. John will be remembered by his community and family as a man of positivity, strong work-ethic, and integrity.

His Family… John will be missed by his wife, Mary Wright; his children, Joann (Todd ) Schaefer, Gloria (James) Wright Cook; siblings, Elizabeth, Alan, Benny, Jeff, Edgar; grandchildren, Joshua (Lauren), Abi (Ben), Josiah, Greg; great grandchildren, Levi John, Clara, Henry (coming soon); and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Devis Wright, and his grandma, Edna.

His Farewell… John’s family and friends will gather 4:00-8:00pm, Friday February 13 at Borek Jennings Funeral Home, in Fowlerville, Michigan. Gathering will continue at Fowlerville United Brethren Church at 10:00am on Saturday, February 14. His community farewell will follow immediately at 11:00am. Pastor Tiffany Rhine will serve as celebrant. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Fowlerville Fire Department. Please leave a message of comfort for John’s family at 1-877-231-7900, or sign his guestbook at www.borekjennings.com.

 William ‘Bill’ Bugard Jr.

February 14, 1938-January 27, 2026

    His Legacy… William “Bill” Ellsworth Bugard Jr, 87, of Webberville passed away on January 27, 2026. He was born on February 14, 1938, in Plymouth, Michigan, to William Sr. and Ruth (Wollenhaupt) Bugard. On February 12, 1966, Bill married Dorotha Patrick, the love of his life, at Trinity Methodist Church in Fowlerville, Michigan.

    A farmer and electrician by trade, he developed a wide range of mechanical, electrical, and practical skills over the years and was described as a ‘jack of all’ trades. He took pride in understanding how things worked and was always willing to share that knowledge with others.

    He especially loved tractors, and orange Allis-Chalmers models were his favorite. He collected and restored them, using them for daily tasks like baling hay, plowing snow, and mowing the lawn. He also brought many of his tractors to shows, where he enjoyed sharing his passion with others.

    Bill and Dorotha enjoyed traveling together, often by motorhome, eventually visiting every state in the United States. He also traveled to Ireland and Scotland, trips that were especially meaningful to him. Wherever he went, Bill took care to document life’s moments, enjoying photography, recording family memories with his camcorder, and keeping track of details large and small.

    Throughout his life, Bill served as a mentor to many, sharing not only his mechanical and electrical knowledge but also practical lessons learned through experience. Above all, he valued his family and friends deeply. Bill believed that acquaintances became friends, and friends became family, and he lived that belief every day.

    Bill will be missed by his loving wife, Dorotha Bugard; his children, Michael Bugard and Michelle Barker; his sister, JoAnn Windsor; his sister-in-law, Nancy Yarsevich; his brother-in-law, Ed Haller; his grandchildren, Brooke Bergstrom and Benjamin Bergstrom; and his great-grandchildren, Evelynn Bergstrom and Cooper Bergstrom. He will also be missed by the many people whose lives he touched and who became part of his extended family.

    He was preceded in death by his parents, William Sr. and Ruth Bugard; his sister, Irene Haller; his brother-in-law, William Windsor; and his granddaughter, Lexus Bergstrom.

    His Farewell… William’s family and friends gathered on Friday, January 30th, 2026, from 4 PM - 7 PM at Borek Jennings Funeral Homes, Fowlerville, Michigan. A gathering was preceing the Community Farewell on Saturday, January 31st, 2026, beginning at 10:00 AM at Borek Jennings Funeral Homes in Fowlerville, Michigan. The Community Farewell was to follow at 11:00 AM at the same location. Chaplin Adam Doyle was serving as the celebrant. Memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice House of Shiawassee. Please leave a message of comfort for William’s family at 1-877-231-7900, or sign his guestbook at www.borekjennings.com.

 Jacqueline Hunt

Fowlerville, Michigan

    Her Legacy... Jacqueline Sue Sherwood Hunt was born October 7, 1960. She passed away on January 23, 2026 at the age of 65. Jackie spent the vast majority of her life on the Sherwood Farm, located in Conway Township north of Fowlerville, Michigan.

    Jackie” was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Lucy Sherwood, who instilled a love of farm life and community in their daughter. She was raised in a loving and affectionate home where everyone was welcome. Neighbors became friends and friends became family. At the hands of her mother, Jackie became an excellent cook and baker, something later in life she enjoyed sharing with her own grandchildren. Holiday preparation included various breads, pies, cookies and a flurry of activity. The tradition continued; there was always room for one more at the table.

    Jackie graduated from Fowlerville High School in 1978. She earned her Associates Degree at Lansing Community College in 1980 and followed by earning her Registered Nursing Degree. She was a skilled and compassionate nurse for 30 years and held her nursing license until her death. Nursing was a profession she was proud to be part of. Her

    Family... She is survived by her sons, Travis (Nicole) and Dylan Hunt; grandchildren, Ayden and Aliana; brother Dana (Ellen) Sherwood; and two nephews, Brian (Jackie) Sherwood and Cody (Shannon) Sherwood, who also survive her. They all brought joy and smiles to her life. She was immensely proud of each of them.

    Her Farewell... A private family service will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Kidney Foundation. Messages of comfort may be shared with the family by calling 1-877-231-7900 or by signing the guestbook at www.borekjennings.com.

 Thomas “Tom” Earl Oliver

Williamston, Michigan

    His Legacy… Thomas “Tom” Earl Oliver, 83, passed away on January 24, 2026, in Williamston, Michigan. He was born in December 1942, in Fowlerville, Michigan, to Ivan and Rosa Oliver. Tom graduated from Fowlerville High School in 1960 and went on to complete a General Motors apprenticeship program as a tinsmith. Upon completion of the program, he was drafted into the United States Army and served his country during the Vietnam War. After returning home, Tom resumed his career at General Motors, where he worked as a tinsmith and later served as a UAW Union Representative until his retirement in 2000.

    In addition to his full-time work at GM, Tom was a dedicated farmer, cultivating approximately 300 acres of crops across three farms throughout Livingston County. Tom cherished his family deeply and will be remembered for his strong work ethic, devotion to those he loved, and the life he built through years of dedication and service.

    His Family… Tom will be missed by his loving children, Stephanie (Martin) Hinkle, Bradley (Rose) Oliver, Karah (Kyle) Wakeman, and Gregory (Stacey) Oliver; his grandchildren, Tayler (Cleveron) Dunckel, Parker Dunckel, Madison (Cory) Davis, Wyatt (Maddie) Wakeman, Emma (Boston) Wakeman, and Ada Oliver; his great grandchildren, Everleigh Davis and Oakleigh Davis; his brother, Robert Oliver; his sister, Janet (David) Short; and many loving nieces and nephews.

    He was preceded in death by his parents, Ivan and Rosa Oliver; his brother, Larry Oliver; his sister-in-law, Gloria Oliver; his sister-in-law, Janice Oliver; and his niece, Sonya Embury.

    The family would like to extend a special thank you to Wendy Witchell for the care and compassion shown to Tom during his battle with dementia.

    His Farewell… Per Tom’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and a memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Disabled American Veterans or the Dementia Society of America. Messages of comfort may be shared with the family by calling 1-877-231-7900 or by signing the guestbook at www.borekjennings.com.

 Ronald W. Howard

April 4, 1954-January 21, 2026

    Ronald W. Howard, age 71, was born on April 4, 1954 and died on January 21, 2026. He lived in Fowlerville and was formerly from Byron. Ronnie was a farmer and was retired from hauling milk for Jack Gantz.

    He is survived by his partner of 30 years, Cheryl Donal-Stevens, daughter Paige (Travis) Foreman-VanWyek, grandkids Harper and Zoey, sisters Nancy (Don) Springs, Trudy (Dan) Tacey, Deanna (Bill) Bacigal and Wendy (Ron) Driver. He was also loved by many nieces and nephews. Ronnie will be greatly missed by the Donal family. He also will be missed by his longtime friends Ralph Turner, Greg Frazier and the Cole family.

    He is preceded in death by his parents Wayne and Elizabeth Howard. His sisters Lori Howard and Vickie Badour.

    A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

 Fowlerville Family Fair: It’s a Year-Round Thing

By Dawn Bhajan,

Fowlerville Family Fair Open Class Coordinator

    This may seem like an odd time of year to be writing about an event that takes place in the blazing heat of Summer – when shorts, sno-cones, and shade-hopping top the to-do list – but the reality of Fair is this: it’s a year-round thing.

    NOW is the time that animals are being nursed and nurtured into future champions. NOW is the time that agricultural planning is underway for prize-winning crops. NOW is the time that creative skills are being honed, recipes tested and refined, collections expanded, classes taken, and projects undertaken… all in pursuit of that coveted blue ribbon.

    Behind the scenes, your Fair team is also pushing the accelerator – planning, researching, brainstorming, connecting, scheduling, promoting. 2026 marks our 140th celebration, after all, so this year’s Fair (running July 27th-August 1st) needs to be something special.

    Participants have already been making waves in our Open Class program, which forms the competitive exhibition portion of Fowlerville Family Fair that’s open to ALL Michigan residents (ages 5+, no membership required) with an art, craft, canned or baked good, collection, design, photograph, video, crop, or animal to show. Last year, Open Class Exhibitors doubled their entries and packed the Grandstand tunnel with a treasure trove of sights, sounds, smells, and demonstrations to entertain, educate, and inspire the thousands who poured through. It’ll be no small feat to top 2025’s triumphant expansion.

    But we’re not ones to rest on our laurels! We’re introducing a slew of intriguing new competitive Classes to springboard off the latest interests and trends. For example, in this year’s Open Class, you’ll be able to enter 3-D printed projects, seed art, pet costumes, stop-motion animation videos, pop-up cards, group-made afghans, painted rocks, graphic mini-novels (à la “Captain Underpants”), video clips of homemade Rube Goldberg (chain reaction) machines, homegrown geraniums, and hair breed sheep… just to name a few.

    And this year, we’re making it even easier for your kids to participate with a new Open Class Home Arts Youth entry structure broken down by age in every Department. No more pitting your 5-year-old’s projects against an 18-year-old’s creations! These age breakdowns group youth into Classes with similar ages, meaning clearer judging and more chances to win ribbons and cash prizes!

    The Open Class Home Arts exhibit area is even enjoying a refresh, with further renovations and new interactive exhibits being added.

    If you’ve been on the fence before about entering in Open Class, make this your year! There are more Classes, more activities, more prizes, and more glory than ever before.

    Best of all, you’re currently in the prime season for planning and creating your entries! To learn more about Open Class and view its list of Classes, visit www.fowlervillefamilyfair.com/fair/open-class. Registration won’t open until June 16th, so you have plenty of time to pour over the options, get your family and friends involved, and get a leg up on your next Fair project.

    NOW is a great time to seek out inspiration, learn skills, and ask questions via our “Fowlerville Fair Open Class Home Arts” Facebook group. We also encourage you to get involved in helping out! Open Class is 100% volunteer-run and opportunities to help and shape the evolution of Open Class abound NOW. This may be a year-round kind of thing, but Fair week will be here before we know it!

    If you have questions or would like to sponsor or volunteer, please contact Open Class Coordinator, Dawn Bhajan, at (810) 923-4582 or dawnbhajan@gmail.com.

 Fowlerville High School Class of 1976 planning 50th year reunion on June 5th

    Attention Fowlerville High School 1976 classmates, it’s been 50 years since our graduation! We have been busy planning a reunion for us! We have booked Oak Lane Golf Course in Webberville for Friday, June 5th.

    For those of you who golf, we will have a best ball scramble planned for 1 p.m., with a dinner following at 6 p.m. Total cost will be $75 per person. For those of you who just wish to attend the dinner, the cost will $30 per person.

    Dinner will be your choice of steak or chicken on a buffet with mashed potatoes, a vegetable, salad and a roll.

    The following day is the annual FHS Alumni Banquet. Contact Nancy Meyers for reservations and tickets at her email: nancm@ameritech.net

    For the class reunion, make the check out to: Oak Lane Golf Course and mail to: Roy Witt, 9730 Cooper Ridge Drive, Fowlerville MI 48836. Please write down whether you will be bringing a plus 1 and if you want chicken or steak.

    Hope to see you on the 5th of June. Go Glads!