Ronald Bruce Helzerman

Pastor Ronald Bruce Helzerman went home to be with the Lord on January 29, 2021. He was born on August 15, 1943 in Highland Park, Michigan. He was reunited with his Father, Theodore Helzerman, his Mother, Ruth Helzerman, and his sister in law, Ruth (Tremble) Helzerman who had gone on before him. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 55 years, Jane Helzerman, who diligently and faithfully cared for him through the end of his journey.

He will also be remembered by his brothers: Richard (Brenda) Helzerman, Edward (Diann) Helzerman, Raymond (Karen) Helzerman, Douglas (Sandra) Helzerman, Larry (Debby) Helzerman. A sister: Marjory (David) Smith. An uncle: Robert (Audrey) Lucks. His sons: Timothy (Karen) Helzerman, Mark (Christi) Helzerman, David (Hannah) Helzerman, Stephen (Samantha) Helzerman. His daughters: Christy (James II) Dare, Amy (Dan) Navalta. Also, 32 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews

Ron was a humble servant of the Lord. He was a bold witness, faithfully involved in full-time ministry for 45 years. He also served as pastor of Lighthouse Baptist Church for the past 23 years. His greatest passion and what motivated him the most was the publishing of scriptures. His work in the Bearing Precious Seed ministry was his driving force. “By love serving one another.” He was interested in getting the Word of God into the hands of people separated by language, miles, and culture. S.O.S. was his motto representing Souls Over Seas. He loved to take mission trips to Mexico and Canada, visiting many churches to encourage pastors and congregations to get involved in this monumental undertaking. He had a gentle, meek, and quiet spirit. He would often say, “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” He was a loving husband and dedicated father. He worked hard to provide for the family and put other’s needs before his own. Dad, you will be greatly missed!

Our family is thankful for the Angela Hospice staff who made his final days peaceful. Also, we are deeply grateful to Pastor Chris Staub and his dear wife Pam for their support. Mrs. Staub was there for us morning and evening every day graciously serving and helping.

A visitation and funeral service for Ron was held Thursday, February 4, 2021 at Silvery Lane Baptist Church.

A burial took place Friday, Feb. 5, 2021 at 3:00 PM at Greenwood Cemetery in Fowlerville.

 Robert E. Smith

Robert Enoch Smith of Fowlerville, better known as Bob, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2021.

Bob turned 101 years old on December 27, 2020!

Bob was born to Temple and Julia Smith in his family’s farmhouse. He achieved many accomplishments in his life.

The short list is working on his family farm that he owned after his father died. He then was married and started a family. He served as the Senior Legislative Counsel for Michigan Farm Bureau for 28 years before retiring and was known as “a legislative whirlwind.” Prior to that he was an officer for the Livingston County Farm Bureau and then Michigan Farm Bureau.

Bob was a member of the Livingston Intermediate School District’s board of education for 35 years, with 27 of them as the president. He also served on the Blue Cross Blue Shield board and the SEMCOG (Southeast Michigan Council of Governments) board.

In his younger years, he served as the supervisor for Handy Township and was a member of the Fowlerville Fair Board. In addition, Bob was a life member and Past Master of Fowlerville Masonic Lodge #164, a member of the First United Methodist Church of Fowlerville, and belonged to the Fowlerville Rotary Club.

Bob enjoyed public speaking, social events, dancing, music, and chocolate. Every morning he would say, “It’s going to be a great day.”

He is survived by his daughter, Julie Miller, and his granddaughters, Kati Venturato and Angie Venturato. He was preceded in death by his parents, Temple and Julia Smith; his wife of 65 years, Joan; and his daughter, Connie Venturato.

The visitation took place at Herrmann Funeral Home on Thursday, Feb. 4, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon, prior to the service. Funeral services began at 12 noon, with Pastor Tom Tarpley officiating. The Fowlerville Masonic Lodge conducted a special service at 12:45 p.m. Burial followed at the Greenwood Cemetery in Fowlerville.

Memorial donations can be made to: the FFA, Fowlerville Masonic Lodge #164, Fowlerville First United Methodist Church, the Order of the Eastern Stars, or The Guest House of Fowlerville.

Arrangements were handled by Herrmann Funeral Home of Fowlerville.

 Robert Hart Ruttman

Robert Hart Ruttman, known as Bob, was born January 16, 1926 to August Ruttman and Mary (Hart) Ruttman on the family farm in Iosco Township, Mi. Bob passed away January 27, 2021 in Fowlerville, at the age of 95. He married Lydia Bowers on June 1, 1946 and had three children: Cindy (Fred) Krebs, Becky (Harold) Browning and Mark (Kate) Ruttman. They also have an honorary daughter Kathy (Dennis) Graves.

Bob was a dairy farmer until 1974. That year, he and Lydia joined the Peace Corps and traveled to Kathmandu, Nepal, where he worked as an agricultural consultant.

Upon return to the US, the couple purchased a cabin in Lewiston, Mi and made this their permanent residence in 1985. While living in Lewiston, Bob worked as a real estate agent and as a sanitation attendant at the township “dump”. The couple returned to Fowlerville in 2015 to be closer to their family.

Bob was a member of the Fowlerville Masonic Lodge, the Michigan Farm Bureau, the Michigan Milk Producers Association and the American Holstein Friesian Association. He served as Iosco Township Superviser, was on the Fowlerville Fair Board, was a director of the Livingston County Soil Conservation, and was also an avid hunter and fisherman.

Bob loved his newspaper puzzles, visits from family, playing euchre, indulging in a big bowl of butter pecan ice cream, making his renowned peanut brittle and his trademark Toast Lifters.

Bob is survived by his wife, Lydia, of 74 years; children, Cindy, Mark and Kathy; grandchildren, Dianne (J), Jodi (Jamie), Pete (Amber), Shawn, (Perry), John (Jessica), Elizabeth (J.R.), Nancy, Bobby, Rick, Mary (Matt), Martha (Luke), nineteen great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and extended family. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Becky; brother, Frank (Betty); and sisters, Celia (Hollis) Lounsbury, and Ruth (Leslie) White.

Due to Covid, a private funeral service was held at Herrmann Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 3rd at 11am. Bob’s family then invited friends join them for memorial service and luncheon held at Krebsview Farms at 12:30pm.

Monetary contributions can be made to Bob’s church in Lewiston—the Congregational Church of Christ—or the The Guest House, in Fowlerville. Online condolences may be expressed at pjherrmannfuneralhome.com

 Pamela Lynn Madura

Pamela Lynn Madura gained her wings and went to be with our Heavenly Father on January 29, 2021. Pamela was born on August 29, 1960 to Michael and Dixie James in Detroit, Michigan. She married her ray of sunshine, Robert Madura, on July 11, 2008.

Pam had a green thumb and loved gardening. She could make any plant beautiful—both indoors and out. She also loved making "hillbilly" heating pads, and video calling her great niece and nephew. Her favorite vacation spot was home with her husband, Bob, where he would serenade her on the porch with his guitar. Pam was proudly Baptized into the Catholic Church on Easter Sunday in 2008.

Surviving Pam is her loving husband, Bob of Buffalo, MO. Her sister, Sherrie Myshock of Fowlerville (Michael), as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, great nieces and great nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, Cory Scharp, and her mother, Dixie Brayman.

Family and friends celebrateed Pam's life on Saturday, February 6, 2021 at 10:00am at St. William Catholic Church in Buffalo, MO.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Pam's name to St. William Catholic Church.

1 Peter 5:10 ESV

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

 Eric Dean Spencer

Eric Dean Spencer, 53, of Owosso, passed away on Saturday January 23, 2021 at his home with pancreatic cancer. Cremation has taken place and a private family memorial service to honor his life will be at Cedar River Chapel in Beaverton MI and Metal Night in Owosso MI, further details will be announced by his family and Watkins Brothers Funeral Home, Jennings-Lyons Chapel.

Eric was born in Detroit MI, on December 5, 1967 to Gladys Smith and Danny Spencer. He graduated from Owosso High School in the Class of 1986. Eric briefly went to Great Lakes College to become a minister but moved on working for the auto industry for many years at LDMI Technologies for 13 years as Process Auditor and Ventra 10 years as Quality Control Inspector, both in Fowlerville MI. Eric and Kim met in Fowlerville the year of 1998 and on August 7, 2011 Eric married Kimberly Sue Croslin in Owosso MI.

Eric is survived by his mother Gladys Smith of Owosso MI and his father Danny (Jane) Spencer of Beaverton MI. His wife, Kimberly, their children, Timothy (Jackie) Guldi, Karlene Guldi, and Catheryne Guldi, his grandson Benjamin Clark, and one on its way this Summer (Tim n Jack). Also his siblings, Michael Banas, Michelle Conger, and Eric has several step siblings, nieces and nephews that he DEARLY LOVED. Forever Soulmate Friend Ricki Jacobs and Jacobs Family. Special Loving Family Friends, Dankert, Dice, Hall, Hickmott, Laube, Pitt and Wiedmyer families, Ceder River Chapel And Best Mother in law Clara Binetti.

 Valentine’s Day is a time for ‘giving’

Valentine’s Day is a time for giving candy, flowers, cards, and other gifts to those special loved ones in our lives. Shown here, outside Sweet Sensations in Downtown Fowlerville, is four-year-old Raelyn Coyne with a pretty red, heart-shaped box of chocolates. The young lady attends New Creations Pre-School at the United Brethren Church and is the daughter of Corey & Amanda Coyne. Amanda is the owner of Massage Rehab in Fowlerville.

With the holiday coming next Sunday, Feb. 14, there’s still plenty of time to buy something special for your loved ones at area businesses. Also, with the restaurants re-opened, although at restricted capacity, there’s an opportunity to go out for breakfast, lunch, or dinner next weekend or, if you choose, order ‘take out’ and celebrate at home.

 Fowlerville District Library News

Upcoming Programs

All programs are intended for Fowlerville School District residents. Call (517) 223-9089 for more information, or checkout our Facebook Page.

All programs will be held virtually via Zoom, Facebook Live or YouTube unless otherwise indicated .Program descriptions, locations, and details on how to register for each program are below.

All programs require registration and is done by sending a Facebook Personal Message to the Library or by emailing to info@fowlervillelibrary.org, unless otherwise indicated. Zoom invitations will be sent out the day before the program date.

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From A to Z with Mrs. D – ongoing through Zoom

There are a limited number of spots currently open in our early literacy and social development program for children ages 2 1/2 through 4 years old. If you’re interested in more information, please call Mrs. D at the Library, or email us for details.This group meets weekly through April.

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Virtual Community Mosaic Board: ongoing

The mosaic project is available through Letsticktogether.com so there is no need to leave the house on a cold winter’s night to participate because it is all online. You may visit every day and can place up to 75 pieces per visit. There is a total of 3996 digital stickers in this project and everyone helps on the same board. With the help of the community the final picture will be revealed when it is done. Theproject link is: https://letstick.to/session/17ca1579 and the link can also be found on our Facebook as well as on our website.

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Phone a Story and First Chapter Fridays: Available 24/7

Preschool - 12th Graders -Call 517-858-2700 anytime to hear a full children's story, or a sample of a J Fiction/Chapter book or YA/Teen novel. Recordings are changed every two weeks.

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MiLibraryQuest: January 1th – February 14

6th - 12th Graders - An anonymous tip has come in that a thief will steal an iconic Michigan landmark on Valentine’s Day. We’re recruiting teenage private detectives to stop the heist! Figure out who the thief is and what they’re stealing to prevent the crime and you’ll be entered to win a reward.The Mi Library Quest challenge is made up of public libraries across Michigan and is supported in part by the Library of Michigan. Open to Fowlerville Teens. No registration is required. Learn more about the Quest at mililibraryquest.wixsite.com/quest1.

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Study Bunny Craft: Tuesday, February 16th, at 5:30 PM

Teens - Break up your studying and join us on Zoom to make this cute bunny craft. Supplies are limited. Kits are available for pickup starting Feb 11. There are many colors available.

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Livingston County Libraries Virtual Yo-Yo Trick Workshop: Saturday, February 20th, 2020 at 11 AM or 12 PM via -Zoom

Kids Ages 7 and Up. – Please join the Livingston County Libraries in a live online Yo-Yo Workshop. Watch instructors from Yo-Yo Tricks.com show off their moves and learn some moves of your own. Registrants can pick up a free Yo-Yo from Fowlerville District Library beginning Saturday, February 13 through Friday, February 19. Registration begins February 6, 2021 at 10:00 am and is done through the Cromaine Library.

This program is paid for by Sport Port, an initiative of Project Play: Southeast Michigan in partnership with the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation and Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan.

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Winter Wreath: Thursday, February 18th, at 5:30 pm via - Zoom

Adults – Gather on Zoom and let Crafty Cindy show you how to put together a snowflake wreath. A glue gun is required for this project. If needed, there will be glue guns available to checkout. Supplies are limited. Kits are available for pick up starting Feb 15.

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Beyond the Book Series: The Hate U Give: Thursday, February 25th, at 6:30 pm via—Zoom

Adults – February’s selection in our "Life From Another Perspective Theme" for our Beyond the Book Group is The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. Please read the book and watch the movie at home, then meet up with friends on Zoom to discuss them both. Everyone who signs up will get an opportunity to check out the movie and watch it on their own. Registration is required. Sign up with a valid email address to receive a book and a Zoom link. Registration is done in person inside or through curbside service at the Library. Books are limited and only available to one per household.

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FDL Response to New COVID Emergency Order

In response to Emergency Order MCL 333.2253 issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Fowlerville District Library will be open by appointment only and will continue to offer curbside service during our regular hours. The use of our curbside is encouraged. Each appointment will be limited to thirty minutes by one household at a time and can be arranged by calling or emailing the library. Masks will be required. We will also be offering print by email which can be picked up through curbside or in our Entryway. Your first ten copies each day are FREE. Internet is always available for patron use in our parking lot and side yard. Please continue to use the book dropbox outside the building or leave your items in the library lobby, when available.

Monday-Thursday

9:30am – 7pm

Friday

9:30am – 5pm

Saturday

10am – 2pm

How to Use Curbside Service

Step 1: You can make requests: by calling the Library directly, emailing us or make your holds through the FDL’s card catalog (Max 10 items) –Not sure what you would like to read? Use our reader’s advisory at the desk, they can help! All you need is to give them a subject, author, or genre, and they will do the rest.

Step 2: One hour after your request has been made, please come to the Library and park in the curbside pickup designated parking located in front of the side yard.

Step 3: From your car, call the Library and someone will come out with your requested materials.

Step 4: Please present your library card or driver's license and your materials will be given to you.

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Follow us on Facebook: @fowlervillelibrary or visit our website at www.fowlervillelibrary.org. Email any questions to:info@fowlervillelibrary.org