Obituaries

Mardy Ann (Pfeil) Janisse

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Mardy Ann (Pfeil) Janisse, 47, of Elk Rapids, Michigan, passed away on Friday, August 16, 2019 at home with her family and loved ones by her side. Mardy was born February 15, 1972 in Mount Clemens, Michigan.

Mardy grew up in Dundee, Michigan, where she excelled in swimming and track, which earned her a scholarship at Siena Heights Community College. Her love of nature led her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Natural Resources from Michigan State University. Her career path paved her way to the Michigan State Police, graduating out of the 115th Trooper Recruit School where she served the Traverse City community as a Trooper for five years. Mardy then transferred to the Social Security Division as a Disability Examiner.

Mardy loved all living things. She spent hours in the garden, bird watching, and painting – never missing a single detail. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend who cherished her family. With her family, Mardy spent time traveling the country with Jim and “The Boys,” where they treasure many memories.

Mardy married James (Jim) Janisse on February 29, 2004, who survives her along with her children: Philip Janisse, James (Rachel) Janisse of Grandville, Patrick (Kacie) Janisse of Rapid River and Byron Janisse of Grand Rapids; her parents: Phillip (Carol) Pfeil, Janice Jones (Nelson Evers); her sister Bristolyn Lamar, stepbrother Kirk (Rose) Beach, stepsister Kristina Carlson, her many nieces and nephews, and her beloved granddaughters, Vera and Cora, who brought a gleam of pride and joy to her always. 

Mardy stood up to cancer for a decade and a half. Since 2004, she never defined her life by the prognosis she received, but by the time she had spent with her beautiful family. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that individuals consider donating to the American Brain Tumor Association. 

Visitation took place on Monday, August 19, 2019 in the social hall at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, followed by a Rosary and Vigil in the church. A Mass of Christian burial was held on Tuesday, August 20, 2019 at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church.

Please sign her online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com
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Arrangements have been handled by the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.

Ruth Klein

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Ruth Klein, 98, passed away peacefully April 23, 2019 at Samaritas Senior Living, Williamsburg, Michigan surrounded by her family.  She was born January 17, 1921, the only child of Dorothy and Ralph Bieser. She attended schools in Chicago graduating from Parker High School in 1938 and the University of Chicago in 1943. In 1924, her parents started vacationing in Elk Rapids where she spent summers and met her future husband, Leonard Klein. In 1945 they were married in the chapel at the University of Chicago.

Ruth’s great joys were raising her daughters, entertaining, maintaining close friendships, traveling with Leonard and friends, and playing a good bridge game. She always believed there was no better classroom than exploring the world.

In 1965, the family moved to Northville where Ruth became involved in the Northville Questers and Northville Women’s Club, becoming president of both. Upon retiring, she and Leonard moved to Elk Rapids where she joined the P.E.O., became an accomplished watercolor artist, and continued with her loves of travel, entertaining, bridge and reading. She was a life-long learner with particular interest in architecture and design and was always a lively conversationalist.

Preceding her in death were Ralph and Dorothy Bieser, her parents; Leonard Klein, her husband of 65 years; and her son-on-law, Lee Welch. She will be greatly missed by her daughters Ellen Welch of Elk Rapids and Betty (Fred) Becchetti of Ann Arbor, Michigan; grandchildren Jonathan (Mary Kate) Welch of Largo, Florida; Michael Welch of Seattle, Washington; Marc Becchetti of Ann Arbor, Michigan and Thomas Becchetti of Ann Arbor, Michigan; great grandchildren Jefferson and Alexander Welch.

The family wishes to thank Samaritas and Heartland Hospice staffs for the care given Ruth. If desired, consider a memorial to Parent Project for Muscular Dystrophy (401 Hackensack Ave., 9th Floor, Hackensack, New Jersey 07601), Elk Rapids District Library (300 Isle of Pines, Elk Rapids, Michigan 49629), Cottey College (1000 W. Austin Blvd., Nevada Missouri 64772) or a charity of your choice.

Visitation for Ruth will be held Friday, August 30, 2019 at Covell Funeral Home, Elk Rapids from 3 to 6 p.m. with a memorial service to follow on Saturday, August 31 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Elk Rapids at 11:00 a.m.