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Jowett Family Funeral Home and Cremation, 7223 South Street, Benzonia, MI (2025)

11/05/2025

Bert Junior Philley, age 77, passed away on October 24, 2025.

Born on December 12, 1947, in Michigan, he was the beloved son of Grace (Helms) Philley and Bert Philley. Bert grew up in Athens, Michigan, where he met the love of his life, Lynn S. (Alexander) of the Leonidas area. The two married and soon began a life of adventure together when Bert enlisted in the United States Army. While stationed in West Germany, they welcomed their first child, Chris A. Philley, in 1968.

Following his service, the young family returned to Michigan and made their home in Union City, where their daughter Veronica L. Philley was born in 1970. Union City remained home for many years, filled with family life, hard work, and familiar community ties. Once their children were grown, Bert and Lynn moved to Colon, Michigan in 1989, later settling in Beulah, Michigan in 2010 to be nearer to their children and growing circle of grandchildren whom they dearly loved.

Bert was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Lynn, in 2014. Their bond and shared journey remain a cherished part of their family’s story.

At this time, no services are planned. Arrangements by Jowett Family Funeral Home of Benzonia, Mi

11/01/2025

December 26th, 1958 – October 30th, 2025
Dennis Eugene Heniser 66 of Frankfort, Michigan, passed away on October 30th 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.
Dennis lived a life filled with love, laughter, and the great outdoors. He was happiest with a fishing pole in hand or sitting quietly in the woods, listening to the world around him. Dennis was an avid hunter and fisherman who found peace at his hunting cabin and pride in his family farm. Those places weren’t just pieces of land they were parts of who he was.
Dennis’s heart was at home with his family. He shared his life with his girlfriend, Jeanne Fewins, and was a proud dad to Justin (Julie) Heniser, Kate (Caleb) Gilbert, and Amy (Bryce) Robison. His role as Papa D was one of his greatest joys — cheering on and telling stories to Caroline, Annie, Hattie, Owen, George, Lachlan, and Clayton who knew him as Papa D, the storyteller, teacher, and gentle soul who always had time for one more laugh.
He is also survived by his brother Mark (Tammy) Heniser and his sister Cindy Kohn, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss his warmth, wit, and many jokes.
A true outdoorsman, Dennis found peace and happiness in nature. He loved hunting, fishing, and spending time at his beloved cabin and family farm. He loved to cook and share meals with those he cared about, often turning ordinary days into cherished memories and parties. His warmth, humor, and generosity left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.
Dennis’s passion for the outdoors took him far beyond Michigan. He loved to travel hunting big game and was fortunate to share many of those incredible adventures with his son Justin and close friends. He loved fishing in Islamorada and Canada, Moose and Bear hunting in Alaska and the Yukon, Whitetail hunting in South Dakota and Texas, Red Stag and Fallow Deer hunting in New Zealand, and Elk hunting in New Mexico, Colorado, and Montana We all know that he hunted locally too, but those spots are just as secret as his mushroom spots. Coming home from trips was just as special; he took great joy in preserving the meat from his hunts and experimenting in the kitchen, creating recipes and meals that brought everyone together. He was famous for his 5 star breakfasts served out of his ice shanty on Crystal Lake. Corned Venison Hash and eggs over easy that had to quickly before it all cooled. His generosity was often shown through giving away his famous smoked fish wrapped in newspaper and sometimes “fresh out of the smoker.”
Dennis loved to cook whether it was a hearty breakfast at the cabin or a big family dinner and he never failed to make sure everyone was fed and smiling. His meals, like his stories, were seasoned with care and a touch of humor.
At home, Dennis loved tending his garden, especially his prized tomatoes. He took and found satisfaction in preserving his bounty through canning. Whether he was lining up freshly sealed jars on the counter or sharing them with loved ones, his garden was another reflection of his generosity and care, always giving and always shared.
This time of year was especially meaningful for Dennis. As autumn settled over northern Michigan, he could be found preparing his deer blind, readying for hunting season, and planning deer camp with friends and family. He looked forward to Thanksgiving, always a time for good food, laughter, and stories shared around the table and also the excitement of the big hunt that followed. Those traditions brought him joy year after year and connected him to the land and the people he loved most. Although he loved hunting season he always looked forward to winter months and loved ice fishing. He enjoyed the quiet of winter, sitting on the frozen waters of Crystal Lake or Betsie Bay, enjoying the peace of being snowed in.
He taught his family to appreciate the quiet beauty of nature, the importance of hard work, and the joy found in simple moments. His spirit will forever live on in the woods, fields, and waters he loved, and in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know him.
He shared his life with his beloved girlfriend Jeanne, who loved him deeply and stood faithfully by his side, especially during his courageous battle with Metastatic Melanoma Cancer. Jeanne cared for Dennis with endless devotion, never leaving his side. Together they found joy in the simple things: quiet mornings, shared meals, drives through the countryside, and the comfort of just being together.
Dennis enjoyed and believed in giving back to his community through the Frankfort Eagles. His latest mastermind was the Wild Game DInner to raise money for the Frankfort Arie. In future the event will be named The Dennis Heniser Sportsman's Dinner.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 7th at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church of Frankfort, visitation will be one hour prior to the service, followed by a celebration of life at the Eagles Club.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Dennis Heniser Scholarship Fund, checks sent to 557 Thomas Rd. Frankfort, MI 49635.

10/31/2025

PHYLLIS ANN NEFSEY of South Boardman, born on May 22nd, 1939, passed away peacefully on October 3rd, 2025
surrounded by family in her home.

During her life on earth, she enjoyed working in her yard and painting picturesque scenery.
She leaves behind children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Knowing how she loved Jesus and that she accepted Him as her savior, we are assured that she's resting in His arms
in heaven. Arrangements by Jowett Family Funeral Home of Benzonia.

10/30/2025

Richard "Dick" Eckels
Arcadia, MI
09/08/1940 - 10/23/2025
Richard Walter Eckels died in the predawn hours of October 23, 2025.
Born on September 8, 1940, in Arcadia, Michigan, Richard was the fourth child of Olan and Nora (Kelsey) Eckels. Known fondly as "Dick", he grew up in Arcadia, attended Arcadia School, and remained in the town he loved for his entire life.

In 1962, he married Marilyn Reed, and together they raised two children, Mark and Melanie.
A talented carpenter by trade, he was well known throughout the community for his craftsmanship, whether building new homes in his younger years or working alongside his friend Rick Jones on remodeling projects after retirement.

Dick was an avid outdoorsman and especially loved deer hunting season into his early 80s, when he hung up his bow, put away his guns, and gave his hunting gear and self-built shanty to his "honorary" granddaughter, Heather Atkinson, to carry on his love of hunting in his favorite hunting spot. Although his health kept him from having a dog of his own in later years, Dick "adopted" Asher, Melaine's little Chiweenie, who brought him joy with every visit.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Olan and Nora; his siblings, Robert, Katherine, Margaret, Sandra, Wayne, and Dorothy; as well as his second wife, Margaret Lako Eckels.

He is survived by his children, Mark Eckels and Melanie (Mike) Cederholm, his grandchildren, of whom he loved so much and was so proud of, Richard Cederholm, Corey Eckels, Ryan Cederholm, and Amira Eckels, and his only great-grandchild, Daxton Cederholm. Dick is also survived by three of his sisters, Barbara Rennie, Susan McPherson, and Carol Matthews, along with his “Bonus Daughter” (lifelong friend to daughter Melanie), Nancy Messer Snider, who was very dear to him.

While raising his family, Dick fished, hunted, snowmobiled, and continued to be an all-around outdoorsman. He even remodeled a few campers and camped with his family all over Northern Michigan and the U.P.
In later years, Dick spent several winters in Florida with his lifelong friend, Emilia Rennie, traveled to Tennessee to see his Cederholm grandchildren, and visited Arizona to see his son, Mark, and his family.

His other hobbies kept him close to home. Dick was a 40-year member of the Arcadia Lions Club. He helped with many projects throughout his time of service. He was chairman of the Arcadia Daze Saturday Pancake Breakfast crew for 20+ years, he religiously helped with completing setup and tear down, as well as serving throughout the entire Arcadia Daze weekend, until his health prevented it. He helped for many years hauling, installing, and removing the telescopes at Inspiration Point on the top of the North Hill, and he was the primary builder of the Grebe Park pavilion. He found an outlet by being a member of the "Table of Truth" and later "Thirsty Thursday" crews and spent time solving the world's problems with friends and fellow Arcadians.

Special thanks to Kelly, Steve, and the girls at Frankfort Senior Care for taking such wonderful care of Dad, and to his special Frankfort Fire friends of the weekend breakfast crew for making his final year special; he adored you all!

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Arcadia Lions Club where he served half his life, or to the "Frankfort Volunteer Fire Department" where his beloved son-in-law, Michael Cederholm, is Fire Chief, and his fire friends treated him as one of their own.

A celebration of Dick's life will be held a 2 p.m., Saturday, November 8, at the Arcadia Community Center, with a luncheon immediately following. Arrangements by Jowett Family Funeral Home, Benzonia.

10/30/2025

John Thomas Tatterton
November 14, 1945 – October 26, 2025

John Thomas Tatterton, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and neighbor, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2025, at the age of 79.

Born on November 14, 1945, John grew up in Detroit, Michigan, and graduated from Cooley High School in 1963. He studied for two years at the Detroit Business Institute and went on to
build a successful career in the logistics industry, working for several automotive manufacturers throughout his career.

John was married for 49 years to the love of his life, Marilyn Tatterton. Together they raised two children, Jason (Bonnie) Tatterton and Caryn (Rob) Ellis, who were his greatest pride.

John was a devoted and extremely proud “Papa” to his four grandchildren — Paige Ellis, Grace Tatterton, Griffin Ellis, and Graham Ellis — who were truly the light of his life. He loved spending time with them, whether it was watching their games from the sidelines, attending school events, or simply sharing stories and laughter together. He celebrated every accomplishment with genuine pride and enthusiasm, and his grandchildren always knew how deeply he loved and believed in them. Being “Papa” was one of the greatest joys of his life, and the bond he shared with his grandchildren will be treasured forever.

An athlete at heart, John had a lifelong love for sports. He excelled in many different sports and played softball for years as an adult, where camaraderie and competition became a big part of
his life. Sports were not only a passion but also a social outlet - a way for him to connect with others and build lasting friendships. Later in life, he continued to enjoy watching his favorite teams on TV, cheering them on with the same enthusiasm he had as a player.

John was also deeply knowledgeable about boats and cars, and he loved sharing that expertise with others. His favorite place was on the water — cruising Lake Erie or Lake Michigan on his boat with friends, or laughing as he tried to toss his grandkids off the tube trailing behind.

A lifelong animal lover, John shared his home with many cherished pets over the years, especially his dogs, who were constant companions and a great source of comfort and joy. He had a special bond with animals and always showed them the same kindness and loyalty he offered everyone in his life.

Dependable, trustworthy, and always willing to help others, John could be counted on for anything, without expecting anything in return. His kindness, reliability, and good humor touched everyone who knew him.

In retirement, John found peace and happiness in Arcadia, Michigan, a small town whose quiet beauty matched his love for the outdoors and being on the water. He enjoyed taking people out on his boat, fixing things around the house and socializing with his neighbors. John made many lasting memories with his family when they visited Arcadia throughout the summer.

John is survived by his children Jason (Bonnie) Tatterton and Caryn (Rob) Ellis; his grandchildren Paige Ellis, Grace Tatterton, Griffin Ellis, and Graham Ellis; and his sister Kathleen (Gordon) Schilling, along with many special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in
death by his wife Marilyn Tatterton, his parents William and Lillian Tatterton, and his sister Marnie Brennan.

John’s family is extremely thankful for the wonderful neighbors of Valleywood Cove and the compassionate caregivers at The Maples of Benzie County, who treated John like family and provided exceptional care and kindness when he needed it most. Their friendship, support, and love brought him great comfort and dignity, and meant so much to those closest to him.

John will be remembered by all for his wonderful sense of humor and sharp wit that could brighten any moment, leaving family, friends, and caregivers smiling no matter the circumstance. He will also be remembered for his warmth and his unwavering devotion to his family. Our hearts are broken, and we will miss him dearly.

A memorial celebration of John’s life will be held in northern Michigan next summer, where family and friends will gather to share stories, laughter, and memories in the place he loved
most.

10/29/2025

Jack Calvin Holtrey, of Elberta, Michigan, passed away on October 7, 2025. He was the beloved son of the late Jason and Helen Holtrey.
Jack earned his teaching certificate from Olivet, but his lifelong dedication was to hard work and community. He proudly spent more than thirty years with Smeltzer Orchard, where he served as a foreman, respected for his steady leadership and kind heart.
In his younger years, Jack was a Boy Scout, learning lessons of integrity and service that stayed with him throughout his life. He enjoyed the simple pleasures — a good game of Bingo, peaceful walks, and the company of those he loved.
Jack is survived by his devoted wife Gloria, his children Jeremy and Kristy, and his cherished grandchildren Sasha, Austin, JayJay, Ryan, Kaylee, and Alison Holtrey. He is also survived by his sister Mary Garber, who shared a lifetime of memories and laughter with him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers William and Chuck Holtrey, and his son Michael.
Jack will be remembered for his gentle spirit, strong work ethic, and quiet warmth that touched all who knew him. His life was one of quiet strength, steady faith, and love for family that will be deeply missed and forever treasured.
A burial will take place at Crystal Lake Twp Cemetery, North Friday, October 31, at 11:00 am.
Arrangements with Jowett Family Funeral Home, Benzonia.

10/27/2025

Mark Shane Bradley, of Honor, Michigan, passed away on October 20, 2025, at the age of 71.
Born in Indiana on December 3, 1953, he was the beloved son of Woodroe and Oma Jean (Prater) Bradley. Mark married the love of his life, Pamela L. (Holler) Bradley, on January 19, 1973, and together they built a life filled with love, hard work, and family.
Mark was the proud father of Nicole Bradley and the adoring grandfather of Anthony Bradley, who was the light of his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Janet Ambrose, his brother Woodroe Jr., and his beloved son Ryan M. Bradley.
After moving to Michigan in 1973, Mark worked in maintenance at Pet Milk, as a welder at Actron Steel, and later at Kasson Sand and Gravel. In July 1991, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening Bradley Sand and Gravel, which he owned and operated with pride and dedication until his passing.
Mark was known for his strong work ethic, generosity, and loyalty to those he cared about. He loved spending time with his family and friends, and his grandson brought him endless joy. When he wasn’t working, Mark enjoyed unwinding at the casino, sharing stories, and laughing with those around him.
He will be remembered for his kindness, his steady presence, and the deep love he had for his family and community.
A memorial gathering will be held Friday October 31, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Jowett Family Funeral Home in Benzonia. He will be buried in Benzonia Twp Cemetery. Arrangements with Jowett Family Funeral Home.

10/24/2025

Phillip Ray Stoops

Phillip Ray Stoops took his last breath here on Earth Wednesday afternoon October 22, 2025. Phillip was born to Ray Ronald Stoops and Phyllis Mary Stoops (nee Cady) on April 23, 1950, at Anna Markham Hospital Frankfort, Michigan. He grew up in the family home his father built on Benzie Highway in Benzonia with his siblings: Ronald Stoops (Susan), Craig Stoops (Gail), RaeAnn Tanner (Donald), and Mary Hill (Michael).

He started working with his father as a proprietor in Ray Stoops & Son Sand and Gravel at a young age. When his father died in April 1974, Phillip took over as sole operator of the excavation company. Due to unforeseen circumstances, he was forced to sell most of the company assets in 1990 and started to drive semi for his brother Craig at Craig’s Salvage.

Through this job he developed a deep relationship with the owners of Kalamazoo Metal Recyclers. Phillip went to work for them for the rest of his working life as an over-the-road semi driver hauling scrap metal where he was liked so much, he could get away with almost anything.

At one point he ended up rolling his semi due to a mechanical failure on an S-curve earning him the nickname Phlip Up. If you are looking for another fun story, corner Don Tanner and ask him
how his record ride from Cadillac to Beulah was in the corvette. He also dabbled in other investments including building a few spec houses throughout the years.

His favorite hobbies were fishing, hunting, watching movies, listening to music, and driving his 1966 corvette, spoiling his dogs, and talking. He was one that by the time you left a conversation you probably said goodbye 5 times. There was no such thing as a quick trip to the store as he would inevitably run into someone, he knew that would require a minimum 45-minute conversation with groceries in hand.

He loved hanging out with the family, especially the grandkids. Nothing would beat a Wesco coffee mug in one hand, a cigarette in the other, grand kids playing on the floor while a movie was playing in the background.

He was preceded in death by his father Ray Stoops, his mother Phyllis Stoops, his brother Ronald, his niece Julie Stoops, and his niece Abigail Hill.

His survivors include his daughter Tammy Hankins, his daughter Angela Bhuyan (Shanti), his daughter RaeMandra Kramer (Thomas), his stepdaughter Katie Metcalf (Joshua), his step-daughter Heather Ross (Curtis), brother Craig Stoops (Gail), sister RaeAnn Tanner (Donald), sister Mary Hill (Michael), and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, November 1, 2025 at Jowett Family Funeral Home, Benzonia. Friends are welcome to visit before the service starting at 12:00 pm. Burial at Benzonia Twp Cemetery. All are welcome to join us at the funeral home for an outdoor Stoops family fish fry immediately following the burial.

10/24/2025

Rae Harfst (Asel), of Williamsburg, Michigan, passed away at her home on October 22, 2025. She was dearly loved by her family and is now reunited with her husband, Dan Harfst, her partner in faith, family, and service.

A proud lifelong educator, Rae spent her extensive career as an elementary school teacher in Essexville-Hampton school district. A longtime and active member of her church, she served in leadership roles, sang in the choir, and showed up wherever help was needed. She was selfless almost to a fault, always putting others before herself — yet anyone who knew Rae would tell you she was no pushover. She was tough. Whether it was caring for her home, tackling a project, or speaking her mind, Rae did it with conviction and heart. Beneath her grit was a deep well of compassion and an unwavering sense of responsibility for the people she loved.

Above all, Rae was the matriarch of her family — the steady hand, the moral compass, and the heart that held everyone together.
Rae’s life was a testament to purpose, faith, and family. She gave more than she took, stood firm in what she believed, and left the world better than she found it.

Rae is survived by her sons Craig (Kristi) Harfst, son Curt (Barb) Harfst, grandson Jeffrey (Andrea) Harfst, granddaughter Sarah (Sean) Goheen, grandson Tyler (Jana) Harfst, grandson Mathew Harfst, as well as six great-grandchildren. Rae was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel Edward Harfst.

Visitation will be held at the Elk Rapids First Presbyterian Church on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 10:00 -11:00am, with the funeral service immediately following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Arrangements being handled by Jowett Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Benzonia.

10/19/2025

Patricia Ann Burchett, 76, of Frankfort, Michigan, entered into Heaven, peacefully surrounded by family, on October 15, 2025. Patricia fought a long, difficult battle with Alzheimer's before being welcomed into Heaven by her son, Jack Coleman.

Patricia was born on October 13, 1949, to Ottis and Catherine (Borne) Burchett in East Detroit, Michigan, who she joins in Heaven along with many siblings and their spouses.

Patricia is survived by her daughters, Charlotte (Mike) LaPan, Bridget (Jamie) Sibary, and grandchildren, Charlie (Kristen) LaPan, Bailey LaPan, Brook (Eric) McLaren, and Jacqueline Coleman. Patricia also leaves behind two sisters, Mary Barnowske and Julie Menovcik, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Pat was a spitfire; she gave Alzheimer's "a run for its money". She was lovingly referred to by her daughters as a "spicy little meatball". She was small but mighty and had a love for the lord unmatched. She loved to sing, dance, draw, and paint, but most of all she loved dogs (maybe more than many people).

Pat’s daughters have worked hard to honor her wishes the last few years; therefore, there will be no service at this time.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Jowett's Funeral Home. The family would like to extend thanks to the staff of the Maples for assisting in providing excellent end-of-life care to Patricia.

10/19/2025

Douglas Darwin Holmes, 70, passed away on October 11th, 2025 at home surrounded by his family. He was born September 7th, 1955 to Kenneth and Lois Holmes.
Doug graduated from Frankfort-Elberta Area High School in 1973. During his high school years he held his first job at Thrifty Foods in downtown Frankfort. Shortly after graduation he started at the Elberta Fire Department as a volunteer fire fighter, later becoming the chief for many years. Around 1977 Doug began his career in emergency medical services for the county as an EMT. After 15 years in EMS Doug switched roles in the medical field and in March of 1992 started in the respiratory therapy department at Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital in Frankfort. Eventually Doug’s office moved to Traverse City to an off-site medical building. During his 33 years at Munson he had many acquaintances, and a few special colleagues. Known to grumble around the office, over the years, Doug acquired the nickname “Oscar”. All joking aside, Doug’s commitment to his patients was clearly visible through his daily actions. He demonstrated his devotion not through grand gestures, but through consistent, everyday efforts and the quality of his care as an HME Operations Lead.
Doug also took interest in local politics, serving on various boards throughout the decades.
His life consisted of hard work, but also hard play. He enjoyed playing golf, taking his boys and grandkids fishing, and doing anything with flowers/plants. Just like his mother, Doug had quite the green thumb! Occasionally Doug would enjoy a cigar on the deck while he basked in his floral oasis.
Doug took great pride in his kids and grandkids. Being close with his grandmother as a young boy, it was important to him to establish and maintain those relationships with those closest to him.
Doug is survived by his father Kenneth Holmes, children, Erin (Louis) Johnson, Brody and Braylen Holmes, sister, Debbie (Mickey) Bredbanner, brother, Dean Holmes, grandchildren, Tyler, Emily, Madisyn and Payton, uncle Larry (Marie) Olsen, cousins, Alan Parsons, Eugene Hendershott, Lisa Duncan Hendershott, Terri Rigstad, Mathew Olsen and many nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.
Doug was proceeded in death by his mother, Lois Holmes, aunt, Judith Hendershott, cousin, Kenneth Parsons. Maternal grandparents; Theodore and Winifred Olsen. Paternal grandparents; George and Edna Holmes.
A funeral will be held at 12pm, Friday, October 24th at Trinity Luthern Church (Frankfort) with Pastor Rick Stieve officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.
If you knew Doug well, you knew he loved the color purple. His daughter would like to invite everyone to wear a piece of purple on Friday if you feel so inclined, otherwise, please just come as you are!
Jowett Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Benzonia

Jowett Family Funeral Home and Cremation

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