Obituary
Marlene Kay Clemenshaw
Marlene Kay Clemenshaw, age 89, of Elk Rapids, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 25, 2026.
Marlene was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a skilled and compassionate orthopedic nurse for many years, a job she truly loved. Marlene was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Elk Rapids. She cherished her family and was the happiest when spending time on the lake or traveling together with them. Marlene is survived by her children, Carl (Regina) Clemenshaw, David (Shannan) Clemenshaw, Yvonne Clemenshaw (Forest Benaway); grandchildren, Brian Clemenshaw, Khyl (Stephanie) Clemenshaw, Jennifer (Adam) Prewitt, Kristy Schou, Amanda Clemenshaw, Jayme Tryon; sister, Donna Stremple; and many beloved great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale Clemenshaw; son, Duane Clemenshaw; twin grandsons, John and Joseph; grandson-in-law, Hans Schou; parents, Lyle and Eleanor Van Wagoner; and brothers, Jim Van Wagoner, Dale Van Wagoner. A memorial service honoring Marlene will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church in Elk Rapids in the late spring. Interment will take place at Crestwood Memorial Cemetery in Grand Blanc, MI. Memorial contributions in Marlene’s honor may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association or the National Humane Society. To leave a message for the family, please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. Scott Allen Jantz
Scott Allen Jantz, age 63, passed away unexpectedly on January 1, 2026, in Traverse City, Michigan. Scott was born on July 14, 1962, in Elyria, Ohio, to Carl and Loretta Jantz. He spent his life rooted in Michigan, calling both Clarkston and Elk Rapids home.
Scott was devoted to his family above all else. He was the loving husband of Jennifer Bantien Jantz, with whom he shared his life for over 40 years. Together they built a life centered on love, support, and unwavering commitment to one another and their family. He was a proud father to Scott Jantz Jr. (Amanda), Kristin Aniszczyk (Joe), and Brian Jantz (Chelsea), and an incredibly proud grandfather to Camden, Ella, Carter, Corbin, and Tyler. Scott took great pride in each of his children and grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to support, encourage, and care for them. Known for his generosity and selflessness, Scott was always willing to help in any way he could. His greatest joy came from being there for his family, and his legacy will live on through the love, strength, and pride he instilled in them. Scott is survived by his wife, three kids, five grandchildren, mother Loretta, brother Mike (Lisa), sister Debbie (Tim) Bantien, along with in-laws, brother and sister in-laws and numerous nieces and nephews. Scott is preceded in death by his father, Carl Jantz. In honoring Scott’s wishes, no services will be held. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. |
Gaylord Lawrence Forward
Gaylord Lawrence Forward, 86, of Elk Rapids, Michigan, passed away peacefully at his home on December 27, 2024. He was born on April 14, 1938, in Sherman, Michigan, to the late Gilbert and Claudia (Hulett) Forward.
Gaylord proudly served his country in the United States Army, enlisting in 1958 and dedicating more than 20 years of service, primarily as a Military Policeman, specializing in corrections in Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas and Mannheim, Germany. After retiring from the military, he worked at Burnette Foods for 30 years. Those who knew him fondly referred to him as “Sarge” or “Pops.” He kept a close circle of friends and would do anything for those he cared about. An avid golfer, Gaylord especially enjoyed time on the course with his long-time golfing companions, Ed and Rick. He started out as a member of Mitchell Creek Golf Course and then became a long-time member of A-Ga-Ming. Those closest to him knew he was a true teddy bear at heart – deeply devoted to his family and treasuring every moment spent with them. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Gaylord is survived by his wife, Gudrun “Terry” Forward; daughters, Angie (Jim) Ross, Joann Forward, and Claudia (Mark) Daniels; grandsons, Mark and Grante Daniels; many great-grandchildren; his brother, Lynn (Linda) Forward; his brother-in-law, Heinz; and his four-legged kids Sasha and Twiggy. He was preceded in death by his parents and stepmother, Jesse Pearl (Reed) Forward; siblings, Sam Forward, Roy Forward, Bernetta Hoyt, and Sue Forward; and brothers-in-law, Hans and Horst. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kalkaska Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Mark William Simpson
Mark William Simpson, age 72, of Rapid City, Michigan, passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
Mark was born October 31, 1953, in Flint, Michigan, and later moved to northern Michigan in 2004. He worked as a Certified Optician for many years before becoming a familiar and friendly face at Gilroy’s in Elk Rapids, where he worked weekends for 20 years and made countless friends. Mark truly enjoyed being part of the Elk Rapids community and cherished the relationships he built there. He married the love of his life, Terry M. Stanton, on October 20, 1984. Mark adored his wife and shared a close bond with his daughter, Jenna. Mark loved hockey, fishing, skiing, and spending time at Torch Lake with family and friends. He was known for his warm laugh and kind, humble spirit. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Terry Simpson; daughter, Jenna M. Simpson Evans (Brenton); and his cherished cousin, who was like a sister, Susanne Ness. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Friday, January 16, 2026, at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, Swartz Creek, with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. The service will be live streamed and can be viewed via Mark’s obituary page at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com |