Obituaries

Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home Obituaries

Local obituaries for Rose City, St. Helen, and West Branch, MI Areas

Sherman Louis Kutchin

Sherman Louis Kutchin

May 4, 2026

Sherman Louis Kutchin, affectionately known as Sherm, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 4, 2026, at his home in Rose City, MI at the age of 71.

He was born on January 2, 1955, in Flint, MI, to Jack and Vicky (Bottoms) Kutchin. He lived in Rose City since 1980, formerly of New Lothrop, MI.

A proud graduate of New Lothrop High...

Patricia Ann Sweet

Patricia Ann Sweet

May 3, 2026

Patricia Ann Sweet, age 76, passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at the Medilodge in Sterling, MI. She was born on November 24, 1949, in Flint, Michigan to Chester and Pearl (Vunck) Buys.

Patricia graduated from high school in Grant, MI at the age of 17, stepping into the world with a determined spirit. After graduation, she devoted two years...

Geneieve Flinn

Geneieve Flinn

May 3, 2026

Geneieve Flinn, née Story, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at her home in West Branch, Michigan. Born on January 30, 1926, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, Geneieve's remarkable life spanned an incredible one hundred years filled with love, nurturing, and a deep connection to the natural world.

Geneieve was a woman whose heart belonged...

Edwin Dale Ostrander

Edwin Dale Ostrander

May 2, 2026

Edwin “Ozzie” Ostrander, age 90, of West Branch, Michigan, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2026, in the community he called home throughout his life.

Ozzie was born on October 7, 1935, in West Branch, Michigan, to Edgar and Mary Ostrander. He grew up in the West Branch area and was a proud graduate of West Branch High School, Class of...

James Robert Brewer

James Robert Brewer

May 2, 2026

James “Jim” Robert Brewer, age 65, from West Branch, Michigan, passed away May 2, 2026, at his home, surrounded by family, after a courageous four-year battle with cancer. Born January 14, 1961, to Robert “Bob” and Karen Brewer, Jim dedicated his life to his family, a 30-year career in petroleum engineering, farming, and solving seemingly unsolvable problems.

His entrepreneurial spirit began...

Wayne Arthur Williams

Wayne Arthur Williams

April 28, 2026

Wayne Arthur Williams, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and brother, passed away on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at The Brook in West Branch, Michigan at the age of 86. Born on December 29, 1939, in Humeston, Iowa, Wayne lived a life marked by dedication to his family and his many passions.

Wayne was known for his love of the outdoors and...

Shelley Renae Holko

Shelley Renae Holko

April 27, 2026

Shelley Renae Holko, age 59, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 27, 2026, at MyMichigan Medical Center in West Branch, Michigan. Born on September 24, 1966, in Lakewood, California, Shelley lived a life marked by dedication, warmth, and a deep commitment to her community and family. She lived in the West Branch/Clear Lake area for the past 35 years, formerly...

Joseph Frank Otto

Joseph Frank Otto

April 23, 2026

AuSable Lake lost another resident yesterday, April 23. Rest in Peace, Joe Otto! Condolences to Chris, Leslie,(John) & Erin (Joe's Shining Star)! Joe Loved AuSable Lake and always wanted the best for the Lake. His knowledge about the Lake was priceless! If you needed a tool, he was the guy to see, which he had available in his perfect organized...

Rebecca Ann Goward

Rebecca Ann Goward

April 20, 2026

Rebecca Ann Goward, age 64, passed away peacefully, at her home, on Monday, April 20, 2026, in Hale, Michigan. She was born on February 22, 1962, in Flint, Michigan to Clifford and Sondra (Jean) Bortle. Rebecca’s life was a beautiful tapestry of love, adventure, and devotion to her family and faith.

Rebecca was a cherished member of the Zion Church of...

Raymond John Bedtelyon

Raymond John Bedtelyon

April 19, 2026

Raymond John Bedtelyon, age 86, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 19, 2026, in his beloved hometown of West Branch, Michigan. Born on April 12, 1940, Ray’s life was a testament to steadfast dedication, faith, and an enduring spirit of service.

Ray’s early years saw him embracing the hard work and rhythm of rural life, beginning as a farmhand—a foundation that...

Heather C. Kearns

Heather C. Kearns

April 18, 2026

Heather Corene Kearns (née Bergwall), born August 22, 1972, passed away Saturday morning, April 18, 2026, surrounded by family, leaving behind a legacy of generosity and deep devotion to the people and community she cherished most.

A graduate of Tawas Area High School, Heather continued her education at Ferris State University. She went on to become a member, and eventual president,...

Robert Edwin Hude

Robert Edwin Hude

April 17, 2026

Robert (Bob) Hude, age 74, went to heaven on April 17, 2026, a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. He was born June 10, 1951, in Gladwin, Michigan to Edwin and Leola Hude. Bob was preceded in death by his stepdaughter Christine Jackson, his stepson Michael Jackson, and sisters Rosemary Hude, Ruth Warren-Hude, Alma Dowis and Verna...

Barbara Mary Sobel

Barbara Mary Sobel

April 16, 2026

Barbara Mary Sobel, age 81, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at The Brook in West Branch, MI. She was born in born in Willmar, MN to Paul and Ruth (Goldstein) Sobel.

Dr. Sobel was predominantly raised in Iron Mountain, MI, residing there until she graduated from high school. She was a highly motivated child, sensitive, perceptive, insightful and intuitive...

Lyle Gordon Johnson

Lyle Gordon Johnson

April 9, 2026

Lyle Gordon Johnson passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in West Branch, MI at the age of 93. He was born in Lansing, MI on July 21,1932 to the late F. Oscar and Ethel M. (Stephens) Johnson. His father died when Lyle was an infant. He and his brothers spent their summers, along with their cousins, on their grandparents’...

Jacqueline Martha Johnson

Jacqueline Martha Johnson

April 7, 2026

Jacqueline “Jackie” Johnson of West Branch, MI passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the age of 96. She was born on August 2, 1929, in Conneaut, OH. The family moved to Lansing, MI where she spent her childhood until the family relocated to Standish, MI. Her high school education was at Michigan Lutheran Seminary in Saginaw.

The former...

Larry Lynn Howard

Larry Lynn Howard

April 7, 2026

Larry Lynn Howard, a devoted family man and respected community member, passed away peacefully at his home in West Branch, Michigan, on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the age of 82. Born on Monday, April 3, 1944, in St. Johns, Michigan to Harold and Rose (Devereaux) Howard. Larry lived a full life marked by intelligence, hard work, and a love...

Alvin George Marshall

Alvin George Marshall

April 4, 2026

Alvin George Marshall, age 93, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at his home in St. Helen, Michigan. He was born on April 15, 1932, in Flint, Michigan to John and Rachel (McLaren) Marshall. Alvin lived a life marked by dedication to his craft, deep family ties, and a zest for the outdoors and community engagement.

Alvin devoted more...

Barnett (Barney) Ellis Merrell

Barnett (Barney) Ellis Merrell

April 4, 2026

Barnett (Barney) Ellis Merrell, a cherished husband, father, papa, great papa, and veteran, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on April 4, 2026, at his home. Born on September 20, 1931, in Freeland, Michigan, to Medford and Julia (Barko) Merrell, Barney lived a full and meaningful life marked by dedication, service, and love.

A proud veteran of the United States...

Michael D. Van Wormer

Michael D. Van Wormer

April 4, 2026

Michael Dee Van Wormer, a devoted family man, dedicated community servant, and respected business owner, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2026, at The Brook of West Branch, Michigan. Born on October 24, 1942, in Flint, MI, to Austin and Olive (Uren) Van Wormer, Michael's life was characterized by an unwavering commitment to hard work, family, and community.

Michael attended St....

Carol Jean Kerby

Carol Jean Kerby

April 2, 2026

Carol Jean (Keith) Kerby, age 90, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at MyMichigan Medical Center in Midland, MI. She was born on March 7, 1936 at her grandparents’ farmhouse in Eldorado, MI to Ben and Henrietta (Hartman) Keith.

Carol lived a short time in Weidman, MI before moving to West Branch in 1938 when her parents purchased the...