Can't find something?

We're here to help.

Send us an email at:

contact@michiganumc.org

and we'll get back with you as soon as possible.

Category: Obituaries

How to share a loss with the Michigan Conference. 

Death notices will be sent on behalf of the Michigan Conference by the Communications Staff via e-blast for active and retired clergy, clergy spouses, clergy dependents and members to the annual conference when requested.  Recipients are local churches and anyone who has subscribed to the death notice/prayer request database. Anyone can join this database at http://eepurl.com/dcxvn5

Read More

Announcements include:

  • Clergy, including part-time and full-time local pastors.
  • Retired clergy as defined above.
  • Spouses and surviving spouses of active and retired clergy.
  • Dependent children of clergy [this includes stepchildren] still living in the parsonage.
  • Diaconal ministers.
  • Lay members of the previous annual conference.
  • Laypersons of the conference support staff and ministry team, past or present.
  • Missionaries related to the conference.

When death of a person in one of the above categories is known: 

  • The person reporting the death should provide the information to the district office where the deceased resided or attended a local church if known or provide the information to the to the conference office
  • Information must include
    • the name of the individual
    • date of death
    • relationship to the conference/clergy member
    • history when available
    • visitation and funeral information
    • where condolences can be sent
    • photographs are appreciated
  • Death notices for extended relatives (parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.) will be sent out as a monthly summary by the Communications Office and may be posted immediately by any individual on the Michigan Conference Facebook group page
  • We encourage these types of announcements also be sent out by district email when deemed appropriate.  Please note, there is a formatted design for these announcements in the MailChimp system that can be adapted and utilized.
  • Death notices for any immediate or extended family of a staff member will be sent to the All Staff e-blast list and also included in the month summary e-blast sent to the death notice database. 

Have more questions?

Please contact Kristen Gillette

Diane J. Chisholm

Diane Jo Chisholm of Saginaw, Michigan, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Wednesday, June 9, 2021, at New Hope Valley Memory Care. She was 84 years old. Diane Jo Smith was born on September 26, 1936, in Clare, Michigan to Burr and Eva (Underwood) Smith. She was… Continue Reading Diane J. Chisholm

Rev. Martha G. Ball

Martha Gregg Ball (née Curtis) of Chelsea MI died in her sleep on June 3, 2021 after a long illness. She was 83.   Martha Jo Curtis was born in Toledo, Ohio on January 25, 1938, where she grew up in a family of civil servants, teachers, and librarians. A gifted student, musician, and athlete,… Continue Reading Rev. Martha G. Ball

Rev. Harold F. Filbrandt

Rev. Harold F. Filbrandt, 89, of South Haven, passed away Friday, April 9, 2021 at River Ridge Retirement Community in South Haven. He was born July 13, 1931 to Albert and Leah (Abbott) Filbrandt, Sr. in South Haven. Harold graduated from South Haven High School with the Class of 1949. He continued his education, graduating… Continue Reading Rev. Harold F. Filbrandt

Patricia J. Keller

Patricia Jane (Reppert) Keller, age 81, a committed follower of Jesus Christ all her life, died on April 9, 2021. She was born November 13, 1939, to Theo G. and Twila (Shoup) Reppert in Morenci, MI. Her father died in a car accident when she was seven years old; her mother then married Herbert Marks… Continue Reading Patricia J. Keller

Rev. David M. Liscomb

Rev. David McCall Liscomb of Crystal Falls, MI passed away at the age of 88 on April 6th in Glendale, AZ after gallantly battling a long, debilitating illness. David knew “whose he was and where he was going” and passed from this earth with grace and peace to the arms of his Lord. David was… Continue Reading Rev. David M. Liscomb

Rev. Robert L. Kersten

Robert L. Kersten peacefully took the hand of Jesus and entered heaven on April 10, 2021. Robert was born in St. Clair, Michigan, to Clarence and Juanita Kersten and grew up in Marysville, MI, in a loving and caring Christian home. He was in the marching band at Marysville High School, where he graduated in… Continue Reading Rev. Robert L. Kersten

Rev. Eric S. Hammar

The Rev. Eric S. Hammar went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, February 23, 2021. He was 91 years old.   Rev. Hammar was preceded in death by his beloved wife Florence L (nee. Anderson) Hammar and they have now been reunited with all the great saints of light. He is survived… Continue Reading Rev. Eric S. Hammar

Doris L. Crotser

Doris L. Crotser, age 90, passed away peacefully Wednesday evening, February 17, 2021 following a lengthy illness. Doris was born in Abilene, Kansas on October 30, 1930, the daughter of the late Harold and Margaret (Arnold) Machmer. She and her family lived through the challenges of the Great Depression and the Second World War. Her… Continue Reading Doris L. Crotser

Rev. Gordon E. Spalenka

Rev. Gordon E. Spalenka, age 89, of Wyoming, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 30, 2021. Gordon was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a retired United Methodist pastor and served at many United Methodist churches in West Michigan including Holton/Twin Lake; Muskegon: Lake Harbor; Boyne galls/Boyne City; Ovid; Leslie/Felt Plains; Bronson/Snow… Continue Reading Rev. Gordon E. Spalenka

Dorothy M. Snow

Dorothy M. Snow, age 92, passed away Thursday, January 28, 2021 at the Poppen Residence of Harbor Hospice.  She was born April 25, 1928 in Muskegon to John and Minnie (Lulofs) Hyma, Sr. On October 19, 1950, she married Rev. Kenneth L. Snow in Muskegon and he preceded her in death on June 8, 2002.… Continue Reading Dorothy M. Snow