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 and with permission from a family member. Recipients are local churches and anyone who has subscribed to the death notice/prayer request database. To subscribe, go to the Subscription page.
The annual conference memorial service honors those who we have lost up to March 1st and for whom we have received notice by March 13th. Anyone received after the March 1st deadline will be recognized the following year at Annual Conference.
Read MoreAnnouncements 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
Karen B. Poole
September 22, 1942 – October 22, 2024 Rev. Karen Beth Poole, age 82, of Big Rapids, Michigan, formerly of Farmington Hills and several other locations in southeast Michigan, passed away… Continue Reading Karen B. Poole
Paul L. Hartman
February 15, 1944 – October 18, 2024 Paul L. Hartman, 80, of Okemos, Michigan, died at home on Friday, October 18, 2024. Paul, the husband of Rev. Jeanne M. Randels,… Continue Reading Paul L. Hartman
Donald W. Joiner
October 7, 2024 Rev. Donald W. Joiner was a dedicated husband, proud grandfather, committed servant, and an accomplished author. He was an ordained minister, certified financial planner, and planned giving… Continue Reading Donald W. Joiner
John M. Brooks
July 25, 1956 – October 4, 2024 John Marshall Brooks of Summerville, SC, passed away on Friday, October 4, 2024, in Charleston, SC, surrounded lovingly by his wife and daughter.… Continue Reading John M. Brooks
William M. Biergans
July 20, 1930 – September 29, 2024 William “Bill” Martin Biergans, 94, of Eagle, husband of retired elder Rev. Betty A. Smith, passed away peacefully with his family by his… Continue Reading William M. Biergans
Margaret E. Wilson
April 18, 1944 – September 24, 2024 Rev. Margaret Wilson, age 80 of Battle Creek, passed away Tuesday evening, September 24, 2024. Meg was born in Flint, MI on April… Continue Reading Margaret E. Wilson
Robert V. Marston
January 13, 1933 – September 20, 2024 Robert (Bob) Vincent Marston, age 91, went to be with his Lord on Friday, September 20, 2024 with his wife, Ardath, holding his… Continue Reading Robert V. Marston
Virginia A. Robinson Anderson
November 19, 1931 – September 13, 2024 Wife of Rev. Richard R. Anderson, Virginia Ann Anderson, 92, of Grand Rapids, died peacefully on September 13, 2024. She was born on… Continue Reading Virginia A. Robinson Anderson
Robert J. Sielaff
April 1, 1947 – September 7, 2024 Rev. Robert John Sielaff, retired elder, passed away on September 7, 2024. Bob was a larger-than-life man who had a very kind heart… Continue Reading Robert J. Sielaff
Lewis F. Tibbits
August 28, 1942 – September 2, 2024 Lewis F. Tibbits a faithful servant of God, left his earthly home Monday morning, September 2, 2024. A singspiration service will be at… Continue Reading Lewis F. Tibbits