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 31st and for whom we have received notice by April 5th. Anyone received after the March 31st deadline will be recognized the following year at Annual Conference.
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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
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Jack E. Giguere

August 31, 1937 – February 3, 2025 Jack Eugene Giguere, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, died on February 3, 2025, under the care of hospice. Jack was born in Flint, Michigan, on August 31, 1937, the son of Everett and Noreen Giguere. He was a graduate of Albion College and Wesley Theological Seminary in… Continue Reading Jack E. Giguere
Dorothy J. Smith

September 8, 1929 – February 2, 2025 Wife of Rev. Dr. Rev. Dr. Robert Charles Smith Jr. , with heartfelt admiration and deep respect, we remember the life of Dorothy Jane Smith, fondly known as “Dot,” who was born on September 8, 1929, and departed this life on February 2, 2025. Dorothy was a beacon… Continue Reading Dorothy J. Smith
Donna L. Bement-McNaughton

February 21, 1937 – February 2, 2025 Wife of Rev. John W. McNaughton, Donna Lee Bement-McNaughton passed away on February 2nd, 2025, at the age of 87. She brought immeasurable joy and light into the lives of everyone she met. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend who was always there when… Continue Reading Donna L. Bement-McNaughton
Catherine W.J. Hiner

May 27, 1940 – January 28, 2025 Rev. Catherine W. J. Hiner, affectionately known as Cathy, departed from this world on January 28, 2025, leaving behind a profound legacy woven through the lives she touched. Born on May 27, 1940, in Mt. Clemens, MI, Cathy was the daughter of the late August and Norma (MacNamara)… Continue Reading Catherine W.J. Hiner
Marian S. Filbrandt

July 30, 1930 – January 22, 2025 Wife of retired elder Rev. Harold F. Filbrandt, Marian S. Filbrandt, 94, of South Haven passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. Marian was born July 3, 1930 in Kohler, Wisconsin to Anton and Vera (Schuchardt) Opgenorth. She was united in marriage to Harold Filbrandt on August 11,… Continue Reading Marian S. Filbrandt
Linda Omansiek

January 19 ,2025 Wife of Rev. William W. Omansiek, Linda Omansiek died on January 19, 2025.
Ellen Young-Yul Shin

September 7, 1944 – January 10, 2025 Ellen Young-Yul Shin, wife of retired pastor Rev Isaac Shin passed away on January 10, 2025 in New Brighton, Minnesota. She was 80 years old. Rev. Shin and his wife served Ann Arbor Korean UMC from 1992-2010. The funeral service will be held 11:30 AM, Saturday, January 18,… Continue Reading Ellen Young-Yul Shin
Larry L. Dickens II

November 19, 1997 – January 10, 2025 Larry L. Dickens II passed away on January 10, 2025. He was a lay supply pastor (DSA) working on completing his requirements as a local pastor when he died unexpectedly.
Dorothy J. Thon

March 29, 1955 – January 1, 2025 Reverend Dorothy Jean Thon of Davison, age 69, died Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at her residence. Dorothy was born in Flint, Michigan , on March 29, 1955, the daughter of the late Johnnie and Mary Mulherin. She married Reverend Duane Thon on September 23, 1993, and he preceded her… Continue Reading Dorothy J. Thon
Gordon B. Boyd

March 28, 1953 — December 29, 2024 Gordon Boyington Boyd died peacefully on December 29, 2024. Gordon had a variety of interests that filled his days with light. He found joy in gardening and had a particular fondness for tomatoes, which he tended with great care. Gordon was an astute scholar whose life ambition was… Continue Reading Gordon B. Boyd