Autumn waack
in Memoriam
Autumn J. Waack, age 19, passed away October 24, 2022. She was born January 1, 2003, in Flint, Michigan, daughter of Denise Urban and Travis Waack. She graduated from Charyl Stockwell Preparatory Academy where she received her varsity letter in Volleyball. Autumn was known for her kind, loving and compassionate spirit. She was caring, creative, funny and loved to help others. Autumn wanted to pursue a career where she would help guide children through difficult health care procedures. She will always be remembered for her love of nature and her family. She will be deeply and sadly missed by those who knew and loved her. Autumn is survived by her mother, Denise (Michael Authier) Urban; her father, Travis Waack; her brother, Bailey Waack; her grandmothers: Carole Urban, and Nancy Waack; her boyfriend, Gabriel Novak; her uncles and aunts: Tony (Danette) Urban, Ginger (John) Reining; her cousins: Ethan (Catherine) Forys, Genevieve, Zander, Sawyer, Zachary, Kaleb (Sarah) Reining, and Sierra. Autumn was preceded in death by her grandfathers: Frank Urban, and David Waack; and her uncle, Jon Waack. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 28 from 2:00PM-8:00PM at PHILLIPS FUNERAL HOME, 122 West Lake Street, South Lyon. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 29 at 11:00AM with final visitation beginning at 10:00AM at First United Methodist Church of Brighton, 400 East Grand River Ave., Brighton. She will be laid to rest in Fairview Cemetery in Brighton. Memorial donations may be made to Ucancervive or Shedneck Foundation.
hunter smith
in memoriam
Hunter Scott Smith, age 24, of Addison, passed away Saturday, July 13, 2024, at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Hunter was born on April 12, 2000, to Scott Smith and Amy Esterline in Adrian, Michigan. Hunter was a 2018 graduate of Addison High School.
After High School, Hunter attended Northwood University in Midland, Michigan where he pursued his passion for marketing and business. Transferring later to be closer to home, he attended Jackson College.
Hunter was a member of the Addison Gun Club. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and traveling around the state, especially up north. You never knew where he would pop up next. He was also a member of the Michigan Elk Foundation where he helped his friends guide hunting parties and he was also a proud member of the Vanderbilt Boys. Hunter loved spending his summers on Devil's Lake; he was an avid slalom skier and would spend summer days as a teenager with the "New Yorkers and lake family." He also enjoyed going to the casino and traveling to different wineries throughout the state. He had a passion for doing taxidermy, as well. Hunter touched everyone's life that he knew. Hunter was not a member of a group, but you were a member of his group. He never met a stranger. People from all over the country knew him from his travels and adventures.
Hunter is survived by his parents; Amy (Wynn) Esterline and Scott (Abbie Armstrong) Smith; siblings; Jett Esterline and Allison Armstrong; aunts and uncles; Shannon Lewis, Shane Clark, Dane Esterline, Bonnie Newton, Lisa and Destry Dunlap, Chris and Tonie Luma; maternal grandparents; Ed (Carol) Clark, paternal grandparents; Ed (Thelma) Smith, grandpa Bill Meyer, Don (Katy) Esterline; many Cousins, and friends, and especially the Knieper Family, who was a second family to Hunter. Hunter is preceded in death by his uncles, Louie Lewis, and Jim Newton.
Cremation has taken place, and a Memorial Visitation will be held at the Brown-Van Hemert Funeral Home – Addison on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, from 2:00 to 7:00 pm. A Memorial Service for Hunter will be held Thursday, July 25, 2024, at the White Birch Event Center 11000 Briggs Hwy., Cement City, MI 49233 at 11:00 am with Pastor Cory Doiron officiating. Memorial contributions for Hunter may be made to the family for future designation to the different foundations that supported Hunter. The family would like to thank the Bone Marrow Transplant Team on 7 East, his clinic nurses, and the team from infusion, with special thanks to Dr. Kelly Walkovich. We also want to thank Addison Community Schools for opening their facilities for Hunter's bone marrow drive and Be the Match organization for their facilitation and support of the event. We also want to thank the Shedneck Foundation and the many families who have supported Hunter over the years.
olivia Geisthardt
in memoriam
Olivia Rose Geisthardt, 22, was a bright light in the world. She is already deeply missed by family and friends. Olivia was an outgoing, kind, compassionate, creative, and energetic person who loved meeting new people and making new friends. She always saw the good in people. Even in her darkest days, Olivia brought immense joy into the lives of those lucky enough to know her and her smile brightened the world around her. She loved her family and friends, travel, music, dance, theater, crafting, and her pets. She was also passionate about social justice and making the world a better place for all.
Following high school graduation, Olivia traveled to Germany through the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) program. There, she lived with a wonderful host family: Thomas, Ulrike, and Alina Regener. Although her 10-month program in Germany was cut short when she was diagnosed with cancer 4 months after she arrived, she loved her time in Germany and frequently shared memories of the friends she made and the experiences she had traveling around the country. She especially enjoyed the Christmas Markets and was grateful she was able to visit several before her diagnosis. In December 2021, Olivia returned to the U.S. For the next 3 ½ years, she lived her life with unwavering positivity and determination. Despite enduring many extensive and difficult cancer treatments, Olivia managed to attend college, build relationships, be involved in her community at school and beyond, travel, attend numerous shows and concerts, speak up for what she believed in, and bring endless joy to others.
Olivia leaves behind family who love her dearly, including parents Paul and Cheryl (Winkleblack) Geisthardt, siblings Abigail Geisthardt and Lee Geisthardt, grandparents Alice Geisthardt and Joseph and Donna Winkleblack, and many aunts, uncles, cousins as well as friends from around the world, all of whom she loved deeply.
She was preceded in death by her Grandfather Gerald Geisthardt, her Uncle Andrew Geisthardt, and many beloved friends she met throughout her cancer journey.
Olivia had big plans for exploring the world and for a career planning events to bring people joy. She attended Central Michigan University (CMU) throughout her cancer treatment, majoring in event management and German. To honor Olivia’s wish of helping other students pursuing these majors, two CMU scholarship funds, one for each major, are currently being established in her memory, https://give.cmich.edu/olivia. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Olivia’s memorial scholarships, C.S. Mott Children’s Pediatric Oncology Unit 7E (c/o Julie Juno Nurse Director of Patient/Family support), or C.S. Mott Pediatric Oncology Research (c/o Rajen Mody, MD).
On behalf of Olivia, we would like to extend a special thank you to the University of Michigan’s C.S. Mott pediatric oncology physicians and staff, Immanuel Lutheran Church Mt. Pleasant, Rainbow Connections, Shedneck Foundation, Maggie’s Wigs for Kids of Michigan, and the many many family and friends that provided support and brought joy to Olivia’s life during a very challenging time..
leah pomeroy
in memoriam
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved daughter, Leah, after her courageous battle with cancer. Leah touched so many lives with her kindness, strength, and vibrant spirit. She was a beacon of love and positivity, even in the face of immense challenges.
Leah’s final wish was for us to celebrate her life with joy, love, pink and pastels—a reflection of the way she lived. She wanted her friends and family to come together, sharing memories, laughter, and stories that will keep her light shining in our hearts.
Cherished daughter of Josh and Tracie Pomeroy. Loving sister of Hailey Pomeroy. Dear granddaughter of Poppa Jim and the late Donna Lovett. Dear great-granddaughter of Great-Nanny Jean Lovelace, G.-G. Ma Anna Martin, and the late Great Grandma Mertle.
Leah was honored and supported by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and very many friends.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 22nd, 2025 from 2 - 6 PM at Bavarian Inn, One Covered Bridge Lane, Frankenmuth, MI 48734. For those wishing to stay at the hotel, there is a block of rooms reserved, please mention the event at the time of booking.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for supporting our family during this time. Leah believed in spreading love and kindness, and we know she’d be deeply moved by the outpouring of compassion in her honor.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Gilda’s Club, 3517 Rochester Road, Royal Oak, MI 48073; or to the Shedneck Foundation, online at shedneckfoundation.org.
joe burr
in memoriam
Joseph Alexander Burr of Wolverine Lake was born September 29, 2002, in Santa Catarina Pinula, Guatemala. He died on November 25, 2024, at the age of 22.
He is the beloved son of Lee Ann Burr. Dear grandson of Richard (Barbara) Burr and Margo. Dear nephew of Debbie (Tim) Ericksen and Brian Kuretich. Cousin of Sarah Ericksen and Kevin Kuretich. Great nephew of Carole Shereda. He is also survived by numerous dear friends.
Joe was born in Guatemala and was adopted at 8 months old by his loving mother Lee Ann, it was love at first sight. He attended Walled Lake Schools and graduated from WLC in 2020 where he played baseball and soccer. He also played travel baseball for the Legends in Commerce. He went on to attend MSU and was pursuing a degree in Communications. He loved his friends, sports, and spending time with family. He had a big smile and was well-loved by everyone.
A memorial gathering will take place at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 340 North Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake (3 Blks. S. of Maple Rd.) on Tuesday 2-8 PM. In lieu of flowers memorials to the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor appreciated.
shane ryan
in memoriam
Shane Michael Ryan, 20, of Lapeer, passed away Thursday, May 1, 2025, due to cancer. Shane was born in Lapeer September 26, 2004, to parents Kris Gleason and Tonya June.
Shane graduated from Lapeer High School, class of 2023. He worked at Kroger as a meat clerk. He loved his job, due in large part because that’s where he met Marisa Tindale, who would become his fiancé.
Shane loved gaming. He actually built several computers on his own. He also loved motorcycles, dirt biking and riding four-wheelers at home.
Shane had an easy-going, calm temperament that made those around him feel supported. Like a teddy bear. He prioritized saying “I love you” and giving the best hugs. His smile was infectious, and he looked out for his family and friends. His famous phrase was “It’ll be OK,” which he reassured to people whenever they were upset.
Shane is survived by his fiancé, Marisa, his mom, Tonya June, of Lapeer, his dad, Kris Gleason, of Lapeer, and brother, Jacob (Taylor) Ryan, of Lapeer. He is also survived by grandparents: Cliff and Natasha June, Carolin and Mark Lang, Janet Martin and Judy Dalgleish. Lastly, he is survived by his Aunt Trudy (Fred) Hawley, Uncle Ryan (Melissa) Fisher, Aunt Nicole Gleason as well as several beloved cousins. He is preceded in death by his grandfather, Tom Dalgleish.
A memorial service for Shane has been scheduled for Friday, May 9, 2025, at 11 AM at Muir Brothers Funeral Home in Lapeer. Pastor Curtis Suuppi will officiate. Shane’s family will receive friends from 10 AM to 11 AM Friday. Cremation will take place prior to the service. Memories and condolences may be left at MuirBrothersLapeer.com
jonah roelofs
in memoriam
Jonah Roelofs, age 21, of Holland went to be with his Lord and Savior after a 15-month battle with Burkitt’s Lymphoma on Monday, March 31, 2025.
He is survived by his parents Mike and Betsi Roelofs; his siblings: Nate and Hannah Roelofs (Belle & Sofia), and Beka Roelofs and her fiancé Nick Oostra; his grandparents: Alysce Roelofs, and Al and Muriel Brower; his aunts and uncles: Beth and Scott Roede, Amy and Brent Dreyer, and Todd Brower, and several cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandpa Stan Roelofs.
Jonah attended Zeeland Christian School, Holland Christian High School and the Careerline Tech Center plumbing program, he graduated from Holland Christian High School in 2022. After graduation Jonah worked as a pipefitter at Cutting Edge Excavating. Jonah enjoyed hunting, fishing, working on trucks, his large friend group, and dogs.
Visitation will be 5-8 pm Thursday, April 3, 2025, and 5-8 pm Friday, April 4, 2025, at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 South State Street, Zeeland. The celebration of life to honor Jonah will be held at 10 am Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Engedi Church, 710 Chicago Drive, Suite 100, Holland. Interment will be in West Drenthe Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to Paws With A Cause, Sportspersons Ministries International, or Van Andel Cancer Institute.