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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

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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

Mary Lou Jury

Age 98, died Saturday, September 1, 2018 at Chelsea Retirement Community. She was born March 15, 1920 in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Fred Palmer & Mary (Costello) Todd.  Mary Lou taught Church school, sang in the choir, led small exercise & discussion groups. She worked on many committees in the minister’s wives groups.  She worked… Continue Reading Mary Lou Jury

Marge J. Dahringer

Marjorie J. Dahringer, age 83, passed away, September 6, 2018, surrounded by her family. Marge was a member of Howell First United Methodist Church and was married to the late Rev. Ed Dahringer. Marge was born August 23, 1935 in Bad Axe, MI. Her obituary may be found here.  Visitation will be held on Sunday… Continue Reading Marge J. Dahringer

Rev. Susan Bennett Stiles

Rev. Susan Bennett Stiles, 66, passed away on August 31, 2018. Born in Michigan, Susan attended Fenton High School, graduated from Michigan State University and from Garrett Theological Seminary. She served Halsey Mt Bethel UMC, Owosso FUMC, Algonac UMC, Redford Lola Valley UMC, Waterford Central UMC, Flint Lincoln Park UMC, Saginaw Kochville UMC, and Montrose… Continue Reading Rev. Susan Bennett Stiles

Marilyn Joyce Ackerman

Marilyn Joyce Ackerman of Wixom, formerly of Clawson and Frankenmuth, passed away on August 22, 2018 at the age of 82. Mrs. Ackerman is the beloved wife of 60 years to Reverend Gordon Earl Ackerman. She is the loving mother of Kim (Michael) VanErp, Lisa Ackerman and the late Cheryl (the late Scott) Schlosser. Grandmother… Continue Reading Marilyn Joyce Ackerman

Rev. Rex E. Bean

Rev. Rex E. Bean, age 95, passed away on Sunday, August 19, 2018, at the Clark Retirement Community. A memorial service was held on August 25, 2018 in Grand Rapids.  Rex was born on August 8, 1923 to Clarence and Lucy (Losey) Bean in Hillsdale, MI. After high school, he enrolled at Western Michigan University… Continue Reading Rev. Rex E. Bean

REV YOUNG BONG YOON

Rev Young Bong Yoon, 93, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2018 in his room in West Hills, California. His funeral services were held on Wednesday, August 1 at 6 pm and Thursday, August 2 at Church of the Recessional in Forest Lawn, Glendale, California. He was born on December 29, 1924 in Korea. He… Continue Reading REV YOUNG BONG YOON

Rev. Harold M. Taber

Rev. Harold M. Taber died on August 18, 2018, in Grand Rapids. He served the West Michigan Conference as pastor at Shepherd/Pleasant Valley/Chippewa Indian Mission; Wacousta Community; Casnovia/Kent City; Houghton Lake Parish; Middleville/Freeport; Jackson: Trinity; and Kalamazoo: Lane Blvd and Scottville.  He retired in 1980.   While serving pastorates he introduced the West Michigan Conference to… Continue Reading Rev. Harold M. Taber

L. Blanche Taylor

L. Blanche Taylor, surviving spouse of Rev. Lawrence R. Taylor, passed away on August 7, 2018.  She was born on June 22, 1926 in Columbus, Ohio.  She is survived by her children, Daniel (Karen) Taylor, Susan (Larry) Sugarbaker, and Annette (Rev. Mark) Erbes; four grandchildren, one sister, and many nieces and nephews.  Blanche served faithfully… Continue Reading L. Blanche Taylor

Morris C. Taber

Morris C. Taber died on August 3, 2018 at his home in Ann Arbor. He was an active member of First UMC Ypsilanti and for many years lay delegate to the Detroit Annual Conference, where he also served on mission boards. He and his wife, Ann, for many years led and coordinated mission projects to… Continue Reading Morris C. Taber

Rev. Douglas K. Olsen

Rev. Douglas K. Olsen We extend our condolences to the family and friends of Rev. Douglas K. Olsen, retired Detroit Annual Conference clergy who died on July 15, 2018. Douglas served congregations in Detroit, Ferndale, Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor and finally as the pastor of the Dundee United Methodist Church until his retirement in 2015. He was active in… Continue Reading Rev. Douglas K. Olsen