Saturday, March 16, 2024

 Melody Rae Canfield

A Memorial Luncheon and Gathering in honor of Melody Rae Canfield will be held on Saturday, April 6, from 1 to 4 p.m. at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Fowlerville.

Melody was born on June 13, 1953 and passed away Oct. 16, 2023. She is survived by her husband Gordon Canfield and other family members. Her parents were the late Ralph and Mel LaMar. She and her mother owned and opearated Mel’s Auction for many years—both in Fowlerville and later in Stockbridge. She also wrote the column Grandma’s Attic for a number of years in the ‘Fowlerville News & Views’ which focused on antiques. She was a resident of Handy Township.

 Mary Margaret Snyder

Mary Margaret (Wendt) Snyder of Howell, Michigan passed away at home on March 9, 2024 at 86 years of age.

Mary, or Mitzy as she was also known was born January 4, 1938 to Roland and Grace (Cadwalk) Wendt in Highland Park, Michigan.

Preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Patricia (Patty ) Roberts, and lifelong partner, Ralph Snyder.

Survived by her niece, Debra Robillard, and longtime friends, Rex Hall, and Pat and Ron Drinkert, and her Godchildren, Susan Drinkert-Kern, and David, Ronnie, and Steve Drinkert.

She was brought up in the Catholic faith, however was more recently a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Fowlerville, Michigan.

Mary had a marvelous capacity for being loving and caring for others, whether human or animal, and was known to have taken in and nurtured a number of stray dogs. She had a fondness for children and was a wealth of knowledge for younger people. Though she had no children of her own, she was exceptionally Motherly.

Following graduation from Redford High School in 1955, Mary worked for many years at Michigan Bell during which she met and married Ralph Snyder. Together, their entrepreneurial spirit prompted them to purchase and operate Ace Transformer Service Company. The company was successfully profitable and the pair sold Ace Transformer in 1997 with the prospect of retiring.

Even during her working years, Mary often would spontaneously pack a suitcase and embark on a travel adventure. The destination was not always the more important part of the trip rather it was the experiences along the journey.

Mary will certainly be well-remembered for her straightforward and unapologetic honesty. Often her sage advice was not necessarily what one wanted to hear, yet it was what needed to be heard.

Visitation took place from 3-7pm at Herrmann Funeral Home, Fowlerville, Michigan on Wednesday, March 13, 2024. The funeral service was held at 11am on Thursday, March 14, 2024. Interment was in the chapel at Glen Eden Memorial Park, Livonia, Michigan.

Mary would be appreciative of memorial contributions to Habitat for Humanity.

Arrangements entrusted to Herrmann Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed at pjherrmannfuneralhome.com

Harold Kuehn Canfield

Harold Kuehn Canfield, (97) formerly of Fowlerville and Sebewaing, Michigan, after a very long and full life, died in the early hours of March 7, 2024, with family at his side.

Harold was born in Fowlerville, Michigan on June 27, 1926, to Howard Albert Canfield and Hazel Mae (Kuehn) Canfield. A 1944 graduate of Fowlerville High School, he grew up on the farm and loved farming with his father, Howard. After a short three-month courtship, he married the love of his life, Dorothy Jean Gentry, on June 11, 1949.

Harold and Jean began their long life together on a small farm in Fowlerville, where they quickly expanded their family, adding six children in seven years. While farming was Harold’s occupation of choice, with an expanding family he supplemented his income by working outside the farm. He worked early on as a lumber jack for Monroe Brothers, and then as a factory worker at Ruland Electric Co. Later, because all farmers love moving dirt, he spent many years working for the Livingston County Road Commission as a heavy equipment operator. He had moved dirt and/or snow on most of the roads in Livingston County.

Upon retiring from the Road Commission, Harold and Jean sought a way back to fulltime farming and they bought a 160-acre farm in Leslie, Michigan, where he said he “never worked another day in his life”. After several years they sold the farm and moved to Perry, Michigan. When health issues made it clear that he and Jean would need more help, they moved closer to family in Sebewaing, Michigan, where he loved to watch the crops grow and the beet trucks pass by his window.

Harold was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved all things outdoors. He flew small airplanes early on, but having kids ended that risky pursuit. He had an expansive Indian arrowhead collection only eclipsed by his stamp collection. He loved playing cards. He was a member of the Perry United Methodist Church. Harold was a great father and mentor to his six children, but his greatest love was for his wife of just short of 70 years “Jeanie”, who preceded him in death on April 20, 2019. This along with the death of his oldest child, Susan (Canfield) Dana, left a great hole in his life.

Harold is survived by his other five children: Michael (Carla Slatten), Tom (Becky Goodimote), John, Edward (Cheryl Barker), and Keith (Carrie Rostar) as well as many grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Dorotha (Canfield/Brown) Knodle. His other sister, Margary (Canfield) Perkins preceded him in death.

Please join us in celebrating a life well lived on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 11 am in Howell with a light luncheon to follow the service. Details regarding location will be forthcoming. There will be a short graveside service after the luncheon at the Sanford Cemetery in Howell.

The family would like to thank Toni and Trish House and My Michigan Hospice for their great care in Harold’s final days. Memorials can be made to the Toni and Trish House for the Care of the Terminally Ill, PO Box 125, 4699 Eleven Mile Road, Auburn, Michigan, 48611.

Arrangements handled by Juengel-Mellendorf Funeral Home, 538 S. Beck St., Sebewaing, MI 48759. Share a memory at www.jmfuneralhome.com 

 St. Agnes Catholic to offer ‘Journeying Through Grief’ support process

We will be offering this six-week grief support process at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Fowlerville on Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m. The dates will be April 8, 15, 22 and 29, May 6 and 13.

This process was created by Stephen Ministries and covers the topics:

     -A Time to Grieve, Experiencing Grief,

     -Finding Hope and Healing

     -Rebuilding and Remembering

All our welcome—there is no cost. For questions or to register contact the parish office at 517-223-8684 or email Marie Sheridan at msheridandre@gmail.com

 Fowlerville District Library

Upcoming Events

Monday – Wednesday: 9:30 am to 7:00 pm

Thursday: 9:30 am to 8:00 pm

Friday: 9:30 am to 6:00 pm

Saturday: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Sunday: Closed

For any questions, or to register for programs, call us at 517-223-9089

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STORYTIMES

Family Storytime (Ages 1-5)

Have fun singing songs, reading stories, dancing, and playing!

Tuesdays & Wednesdays ● 10am

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PJ Storytime (Ages 1-5)

Wear your pjs for an evening storytime. We will have snacks & crafts. Bring a blanket and stuffie to be extra cozy. Mon, Apr 8 ● 6pm

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KIDS & FAMILY

First Friday Performance (All Ages)

Join us for a live performance by IndieBoy. Bryce will be here April 5 between 5 & 6 pm to get your weekend off to a great start. You can head over to Good Deeds afterwards for an art show.

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Perler Bead Party (Ages 7-12)

Join Storm to make your own Perler Bead creation.

Friday, Apr 12 ● 4 – 5pm

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Chess Club

Join the Chess Club! The Mid-Michigan Jr. Chess Club will meet. All levels are welcome from beginner to advanced! Please note, there is no meeting on March 23. Tournament play April 6.

Saturdays ● 1-3:30pm

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Kids Krafternoons (Ages 7-12)

Drop in and get crafty with a new and exciting craft each month! Supplies provided.

Monday, Apr 8 ● 4-5pm

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Lego Club (Ages 7-12)

Build your own Lego creations and complete challenges Thursdays ● 4pm

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My First Escape Room-Bluey (Ages 5-9)

Bring the family together! No prior knowledge of Bluey is required. Register for a time slot. Friday, Mar 22 ● 3:30pm, 4pm, 4:30pm, 5pm Saturday, Mar 23 ●10:30am, 11am, 11:30am, 12pm

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Crochet Kits

Stop by the library on the 15th of the month to grab a themed crochet amigurumi kit. Provide your own hook and everything else is included. While supplies last.

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Cozy Crafting by the Fireplace

Join Mary to work on your craft or learn to knit and start a beginner project. Help is also offered for the aforementioned crochet kits. Monday, Mar 18 ● 3-5pm

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Homeschool Social

Meet for learning, fun and snacks. Mondays ● 12-1:30 pm

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New Graphic Novel Club (Ages 7-12)

Join Storm for a discussion on The Magic Treehouse #1 by Mary Pope Osborne, Monday, Mar 25 ● 4-5pm

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Author visit – Caroline Kerfoot

Meet author Caroline Kerfoot! She will read one of her children’s picture books, ADVENTURES OF FOX. There will be a Q&A, craft and book signing. Thurs, Mar 28 ● 10 am

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Book Boxes (All ages)

Fill out the online form by visiting the events page on our website. Let the librarians pick a surprise selection of books for you. Register the first two weeks of every month to get next month’s box, which will be ready to pick up the first of the following month.

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TEENS

Teen Crafting (Teens)

Join Mary and drop in to make crafts such as sewing, resin jewelry, bow making, diamond painting, and much more!

Wednesdays ● 2:30-4:00 pm

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Twitch Streaming (All Ages)

Join Connor and Tally and get sneak peeks of new games! twitch.tv/fowlervillelibrary

Mondays ● 3:30-4:30pm

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Board Games with Connor (Age 10+)

Join Connor and friends for some after school fun.

Tuesdays ● 3-5pm

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Dungeons & Dragons (Ages 12-18)

Come play D&D 5th Edition! No prior experience needed.

Wednesdays ● 2:30-5pm

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Switch Free Play (Ages 10-18)

Open gaming time with the library's Switch.

Fridays ● 2:30-5 pm

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ADULTS

Yoga with Vanessa (Adults)

Join Vanessa Duke for yoga class, no cost, just bring your mat or use one of ours. No class Mar 27, program runs thru April.

Wednesdays ● 5pm

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Jam Session

Join Mr. Damerow for some musical collaboration. Bring your horn, keyboard, harmonica, or whatever you have and join the fun. Tues, Mar 19 & Apr 16 ● 5:00 – 7:30pm

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Cardmaking

Join Mary to make 4 greeting cards with the theme of “Spring”. Registration is required. Thurs, Mar 28 ● 6:30 pm & Fri, Mar 29 ● 11am

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Scrapbooking (Adults)

Join Mary to scrapbook your favorite photos. Stay the whole time or for just a few hours. Everyone gets their own table. Registration is required. Sat, Apr 20 ● 10:30 – 3:30

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Shelf-Indulgence Book Group (Adults)

This is a traditional book discussion group. You can get a copy of the book at the front desk. Next meeting, we will discuss EMILY WILDE’S ENCYCLOPEDIA OF FAERIES by Heather Fawcett, Thurs, Mar 28 ● 2 pm

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Beyond the Book Discussion Group (Adults)

Book discussion plus movie or documentary. Books are available at the front desk. Next meeting, we will discuss MRS. HARRIS GOES TO PARIS by Paul Gallico Fri, Apr 12 ● 6:00 pm

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Sewing with Patty (Adults) 

Fri, Apr 12 ● 10 am & Apr 17 ● 6:00 pm

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Gardening Series (Adults)

Join Master Gardener, Nan Marie for this special series that will have us dreaming about Spring planting. Please note this date change. Thurs, Mar 28 ● 3:00 –3:45 pm

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FDL Oral History Project

Record your history with us as we capture the memories and stories of our residents. Call to schedule an audio interview, which can be done by a family member or staff member and can include video.

Recordings will become part of the FDL historical collection.

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The Library will be closed on Saturday, Mar 30 in observance of the holiday weekend.

Saturday, March 9, 2024

Charles ‘Chuck’ Epley

Charles Robert “Chuck” Epley (73) of Sun City, AZ, passed Wednesday, February 28th, surrounded by his family at Hospice of the Valley in Surprise, AZ. Chuck was born August 14, 1950 in Howell, MI, to Robert & Margaret (Witt) Epley.

He grew up on the family farm and attended school in Fowlerville, graduating with the Class of 1968. Later that fall Chuck enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving honorably, with two tours in Vietnam, until 1972. The exposure to “Agent Orange” while serving led to health issues that plagued him later in life. After his discharge, he returned home to work on the family farm.

On December 21, 1974, Chuck married Kathleen Patricia Grund of Baltimore, MD. Chuck was later trained and licensed as a heavy equipment mechanic and moved his family to Yuma, AZ, securing employment with the Department of Army at the Yuma Proving Grounds. After 17 years Chuck retired for health reasons.

The Yuma home was open to friends and family as Chuck and Kathy’s children grew up in the beautiful resort town along the Colorado River. Chuck loved his wife, children, and grandchildren very much, sharing many adventures with each.

Chuck is predeceased by his parents Robert and Margaret Epley, son Matthew Epley (1992), and nephew Troy Recker (2006). He is survived by his wife Kathy; daughter Kelly (Mark) Wennsman of San Jose, CA, son Christopher (Heather) of Jacksonville, FL, daughter Meghan of Yuma, AZ, and daughter Erin (Davina) Epley-Shoemake of Surprise, AZ.; 12 grandchildren; siblings Judy Recker, Jack Epley, Mary Donohue, Peg (Bob) Smith, and Mark (Julie) Epley all of Michigan; aunt Nelly Epley Shirley of Florida and aunt Frances (Bernard) Bessert of Michigan; plus many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The Marine Corps volunteers at Hospice of the Valley held a ceremony at Chuck’s bedside before passing. A private Memorial was held at his daughter’s home in Surprise, AZ. Further arrangements are pending. Memorial contributions can be sent to Hospice of the Valley 14066 W Waddle Road, Surprise, AZ 85379 or to the family for future designation. 

 Robert T. Krichke

Robert T. Krichke went to be with his Lord and Saviour on March 4, 2024, surrounded by his family. Bob was born to Otto and Jean Krichke in Detroit where he graduated from Cody High. He joined the Detroit Police where he spent 12 years including a few years with the mounted police. He moved his family to Fowlerville to raise horses and live in the country.

He was the Police Chief of Fowlerville for 10 years and then became Police Chief of Hamburg Township for 21 years. After retirement he moved to Crossville, Tennessee. He enjoyed being on the golf course, singing gospel music and watching his son show Arabian horses.

He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara of 52 years and his brother Ralph. He is survived by his children Kathy, Keith (Maureen) Diane (Ronald Hicks), grandchildren Amy, Amanda, Nicolas, Faith and Hope and several great grandchildren. He is also survived by his beloved partner Faye Bockhausen and his brother Ken.

Visitation was held Thursday, March 7, 3-7 pm. Funeral service took place on Friday, March 8, 11 am at Herrmann Funeral Home in Fowlerville with Pastor Jeff Howard officiating. Burial followed at Greenwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to: Wounded Warriors, Tunnels to Towers, or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.