All Obituaries

 John L. McLaughlin, age 97 of North Branch, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at the Lapeer County Medical Care Facility. John was born on January 20, 1923 in North Branch, MI. He was the son of William and Evelyn (Law) McLaughlin. John grew up in the North Branch area and graduated from North Branch High School in 1940.  John proudly served in the U.S. Army. John retired in 1980 as a tool and die maker from General Motors.   On September 2, 1950, John...

Gloria Susan  Elwart, age 93, of Lum,  MI. passed away on Monday, March 16, 2020 at the Marlette Extended Care Facility. Gloria was born on June 3, 1926, in Capac, MI.  She was the daughter of John and Eva (Keller) Klein. Gloria grew up in the Capac area and attended Capac schools.  She retired as a housekeeper from Marlette Regional Hospital. Gloria was the “Best Mom in the World.”  She enjoyed crocheting, puzzles and caring for her children and...

Dennis Mersino age 82 of Fostoria, passed away Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at his home with his family at his side.  Dennis was born January 29, 1938 in Oxford, the son of Mathew and Gladys (Barber) Mersino. He attended Oxford High School. Dennis proudly served his country in the U. S. Army. Dennis married Laura French on March 1, 1957, she preceded him in death on September 28, 2018. They were members of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and the 40/8 Voiture Club #1536. ...

Dan Hart, age 73, of Kingston, passed away peacefully  on Sunday, March 8, 2020 at  Autumnwood in Deckerville, MI. Dan was born on July 22, 1946, in Brown City, Mi, the son of Clinton and Grace (Sholes) Hart. Dan grew up in the Oxford area and was a 1966 graduate of Oxford High School. On June 24, 1966, he married Maxine Arms  in Lum. MI.  Dan attended barber college. He worked as a barber in the Holly and Ortonville area.  He retired as a custodian after 36 years...

  Kirk Finkbeiner, age 68, of North Branch, passed away on Monday, March 2, 2020 at McLaren/Lapeer Regional Hospital with his family by his side. Kirk was born on May 15, 1951, in Detroit, MI. the son of Leslie and Nellie (Stringer) Finkbeiner.  Kirk grew up in the Garden City area and moved to the North Branch area when he was a junior in high school. Kirk was a 1969 graduate of North Branch High School. He was a star basketball player for the North Branch Broncos. Kirk proudly...

Paul F. Fike, age 87, of North Branch/ Attica passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 25, 2020  at Stonegate Health Campus, Lapeer, MI. Paul was born on January 28, 1933, in Flint, MI , the son of Francis and Helen (Hutchins) Fike. At the age of 5, the Fike family moved to North Branch.  Paul grew up on the family farm on Lake Pleasant Road in North Branch. Paul was a 1950 graduate of North Branch High School. Paul proudly served in the U.S. Army where he was stationed 2 years...

Cynthia Elaine Helzer, age 63, of Fostoria, passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2020, at her home with her family by her side.  Cindy was born on November 23, 1956, in Ralla, Missouri. She was the daughter of Rebul  Arminta Carroll  and Joseph Pat Kingston.  On June 23, 1983, Cindy married Ronald Helzer in Pontiac, MI.  She was a homemaker. Cindy loved crafts of all types, camping, and going to garage sales.   Cindy is survived by her husband, Ronald, her...

Jean M. “Twigs” Ragatz, age 81, of North Branch, passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2020 at her home with her family by her side. Jean was born on August 26, 1938  in North Branch, MI.  She was the daughter of Edward and Lucille (Rosolowski) Fricke.  Jean grew up in the North Branch area and was a 1956 graduate of North Branch High School.  On June 30, 1956, Jean married the love of her life, Walter Ragatz, at the First United Methodist Church in North...

Eleanor Mae Diller, age 93, of North Branch passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at the United Hospice House in Marlette, MI. She was born on October 30, 1926, in Ann Arbor, Mi, the daughter of Walter and Dora (Downing) Eberle.  She married George Diller on November 20, 1954 in North Branch, MI. He preceded her in death on May, 8, 2011.  Eleanor grew up in the Pontiac, MI. area and graduated from Pontiac High School.  She went on to receive her diploma in...

Kevin Deaton. Age 54, of Brown City, passed away on February 2, 2020, at Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital with his family at his side. Kevin was born on August 21, 1965 in Pontiac, MI, the son of William and Norma Jean (Cooper) Deaton. Kevin grew up in the Almont/Dryden area. On October 26, 1996, Kevin married the love of his life, Denise Smith at the family home in North Branch, MI.   Kevin worked for Boddy Construction building roads around Michigan.  When he...