Obituary
Susan L.W. Anderson
Susan L.W. Anderson, 83, of Rapid City, Michigan, passed away on May 20, 2026.
Susan was born on September 28, 1942, to Thomas and Iva George in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. She and her mother moved to Michigan when Susan was about five years old. Susan met her husband, Ronald Anderson, when she and her mother moved to Williamsburg in the late 1950s. They became high school sweethearts and married in the summer of 1961. Together they had five children: sons, John (Susan), Bill (Christine), Nick (Amy), and Neil (Sandy), and daughter Jessica. Susan was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald, in 2004. She was also preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, and one sister. Susan is survived by her children and several nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Susan will always be remembered for her sense of humor, quick wit, wisdom, and her love of family and friends. Please join us in celebrating Susan’s life at the pavilion in Barnes Park, Eastport, MI, on September 5, 2026 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Jeffrey P. Burton
It is with deep sadness and profound love that we announce the passing of Jeffrey P. Burton. He passed away surrounded by the love of his family and friends. He was a devoted husband, proud father, cherished grandfather, loyal brother, loving uncle, and trusted friend. He was a man whose life was defined not by accolades or attention, but by the quiet and constant way he cared for the people around him.
Family was the center of his world. He believed that love was best shown through presence, sacrifice, hard work, and unwavering support. Whether through a reassuring conversation, a helping hand, or simply being there when he was needed most, he made certain his family always knew they were loved beyond measure. Jeff also had a deep love for the outdoors and a passion for exploring the country with those he loved. While he enjoyed traveling throughout many parts of the United States, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan always held a special place in his heart. He found peace and happiness in its beauty, especially if it included a fishing pole, one of his favorite pastimes. Some of his most treasured memories were made on the water and in the quiet moments spent outdoors with family and friends. He also loved spending time on the golf course with friends and family, where the laughs, stories, and companionship meant just as much to him as the game itself. Whether fishing on a quiet lake or golfing with the people he loved, Jeff treasured the simple moments that brought everyone together. He will be remembered as a kind and generous man with a steady heart and a selfless spirit. He found his greatest joy in time spent with those he loved most, especially his two grandsons, who brought endless pride and happiness to his life. His guidance, humor, strength, and unconditional love created a foundation his family will carry forward forever. Jeff is survived by his loving wife, Carole Burton; his son, Brad (Julie) Burton; his two beloved grandsons, Cameron and Brennan; and his brother, Robert Burton, along with extended family and friends who were fortunate to know his warmth and generosity. He was preceded in death by his father, Hubert Burton; his mother, Alyce Burton; and his brother, James Burton, all of whom he carried in his heart throughout his life. Though his absence leaves an immeasurable void, the love he gave so freely will continue to live on through the family he treasured and the countless lives he touched. He will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always loved. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jeff’s honor are suggested to PKD Foundation, https://pkdcure.org/give/. A gathering to celebrate Jeff’s life will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at Edgewood Country Club, 8399 Commerce Road, Commerce, Michigan. Family and friends are invited to come together to honor Jeff, share memories, and celebrate the life he lived. A special time of sharing will take place at 2:00 p.m., where stories and memories of Jeff will be welcomed and cherished. Please share a condolence or special memory of Jeff with his family on his guestbook page. Rev. Kenneth H. Lein1938 – 2026
Rev. Kenneth H. Lein, 87, of Kewadin, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 22, 2026 at Meadow Brook Nursing Facility in Bellaire.
Ken was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 30, 1938 to Harold and Lucille Lein. He graduated with honors from Rufus King High School in 1956, furthering his studies at Wartburg College in Iowa and Capitol University in Columbus, Ohio. Ken earned his master’s degree at the Lutheran School of Theology (University of Chicago) in 1964 and was ordained into the Lutheran Church (LCA/ELCA) as a Pastor, recently celebrating 62 years in the ministry. Ken’s love of music began at age four with the accordion, followed closely by the bassoon, piano, and organ. While attending Capitol, his love of music brought him “true love,” when he met his beloved wife, Suzanna. Both sang in the choir at Broadstreet Presbyterian Church in Columbus. The couple was married a year later and spent the next 63 years side by side until Suzanna’s death in 2023. Together they served churches in Illinois, Pennsylvania and Michigan. The couple was blessed with two sons, Johnathan (Amy) of Altamonte Springs, Florida, and David of Elk Rapids, Michigan. They also served as foster parents throughout their ministry. Ken and Sue were proud and loving grandparents to NoahDavid (Natalie), Joshua (Alyssa) and Olivia Suzanna (Darrius), and great-grandparents to Vienna, Samuel, Ezekiel, Zarielle, and Jasper. Ken was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Suzanna; and sister, Janet Ehn. He is survived by his sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, along with his nieces Becky, Wendy (Patric), and Amy (Tait). Throughout his life, Ken served on numerous boards but was most proud of his appointment as Chaplain for the Friends of The Wannamaker Organ. His musical talent entertained hundreds of people from young children to senior citizens over the course of his life and ministry. Ken could easily switch from playing “A Mighty Fortress” on the pipe organ while immediately transitioning into “The Beer Barrel Polka” or “When Irish Eyes are Smiling” (always for mom). He and Sue felt blessed to be called to their vocation of serving others, following the example of Christ and loving everyone no matter who they were. They were not perfect, but as Sue would say, “We always gave it our best.” The family would like to thank all staff at the Villa in Traverse City, Meadow Brook, and Heartland Hospice for the exceptional care they provided to Ken. Kenneth’s Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 30, 2026 with visitation one hour prior to the service at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 403 Traverse St. in Elk Rapids. A short graveside service at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Kewadin and luncheon (at St. Paul’s) will follow. Memorials may be directed to Calvary Lutheran Church, 10180 Elk Lake Road, Williamsburg, MI 49690. Beacon Cremation and Funeral Service, Covell-Traverse City Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. |
Dianna Louise Brumer
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