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RACE, HERBERT D.

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Tuesday, June 29, 1999
Greenville - Herbert D. RACE, 85, of Greenville, passed away Friday evening, June 25, 1999, at Metron of Belding.

The son of Albert and Maggie SOMMERLOT RACE, he was born Feb. 26, 1914, in Belding.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Mary RACE, Rena REER, Clela TOW; and one brother, Howard RACE.

Mr. RACE served with the Civilian Conservation Corps during World War II in northern Michigan. He enjoyed spending his time in the woods with nature.

Surviving are four daughters and two sons-in-law, Dorothy MARCELLUS of Smyrna, Tenn., Marilyn BEILFUSS, Julie and Earl LINDERMAN, all of Greenville, Sharon and Carlo SPARTO of North Muskegon; three sons and one daughter-in-law, Herbert "Dale" and Marge RACE of Crystal, Carl RACE of Montana, George RACE of Butternut; 22 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be Friday at 1 p.m. at the Brown-Teman Funeral Home, Greenville, with Pastor Gerald Johnston officiating. Burial will be in River Ridge Cemetery, Belding.

The family will receive relatives and friends Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Contributed by Linda Johnston

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RACKLIFFE, DAVID A.

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Thursday, May 6, 1999
Greenville - A quiet man of many talents, interests and contributions to this life left the Greenville community Tuesday, May 4, 1999, when David Adams RACKLIFFE accepted his promotion to glory at his home.

A 45-year resident of Greenville, he was born March 29, 1918, to Alfred E. and Sarah ROBBINS RACKLIFFE in East Orange, N.J., where he spent his school years. A youthful interest in building model airplanes led to studies at Casey Jones School of Aeronautics in Newark, N.J., after graduation from East Orange High School in 1934.

His first job was in Buffalo, N.Y., in the loft of Curtis Wright Corp. Two years later he went to Bell Aircraft at Niagara Falls, N. Y., where he stayed throughout World War II. RACKLIFFE was pleased to do his share for the war by working on the famous War Hawk, Airacobra, Airaconda fighter planes, the first jet-propelled fighter and the first supersonic jet -- the Bell X1.

During his first working years, he spent most weekends on horseback as a guide for trail rides at Ellicott Creek Riding Academy. He began both stamp and coin collections and resumed model building, now railroads. These interests developed over the years into elaborate collections that filled many of his off-work hours and gave him great satisfaction.

On April 12, 1941, he married Dorothy Evelyn BOMMER in United Methodist Church of Kenmore, N.Y., where she and her family had been members for 20 years. Their first son, Gary Adams RACKLIFFE, was born May 5, 1944. A second son, Lee Whitney, was born Dec. 31, 1946, but was promoted to glory very soon on March 20, 1947. On Sept. 15, 1947, the RACKLIFFEs were again blessed to be able to adopt a son, Craig Whitney RACKLIFFE.

David was a member of the Masonic Lodge of the Ancient Landmarks of Buffalo and traveled with the teaching/debating team. He also participated in Toastmasters Club.

In 1947 he moved his family to Fond du Lac, Wis., where he changed to refrigeration engineering and helped design the trailer-home ice boxes and refrigerators in demand after the war. While there, he was an active member of the American Society of Refrigeration Engineers and the Elks Club. Twice he was convinced to display his seldom-seen humorous side by participating in belly dancing and ballet scenes in variety shows to benefit the March of Dimes.

In 1954 the RACKLIFFES moved to Greenville where he was employed by Ranney Refrigerator Co. for 15 years. The RACKLIFFES soon joined the community theater group, and Dave was impressive as Jonathan in "Arsenic and Old Lace." Last year he again joined the cast, but this time as one of the dead bodies from the cellar for the curtain call.

A Boy Scout in his school years, he got back into Scouting as his sons became old enough. From 1958 to 1964 he was activities chairman for Troop 130 at First Congregational Church and then for the district committee. One memory shared recently with Max Ellsworth is the time they spent laying out the first Klondike Derby for area Scouts at Colby Ranch. It was such a long course they had to borrow a transit to get it right.

In 1969, RACKLIFFE went from Ranney Refrigerator Co. to Kelvinator in grand Rapids. Three years later, that division of WCI was moved to the Greenville plant.

At the age of 40, in 1958, David fell in love with skiing. His son's Scoutmaster, Norm Brown, led the boys into it. Dave got tired of sitting in the lodge waiting, so he tried the slopes and was immediately hooked. He later went through the training and became a member of the National Ski Patrol. He patrolled at Brady Hills near Lakeview and was patrol leader from 1971 to 1980. After Brady's closed he moved to Crystal Mountain. During the 15 years he was in this service, he not only patrolled all around Southwest Michigan, but also several places in the Rockies and New England. The biggest thrill was being invited to join the U.S. Army Patrol at Berchtesgaden, Germany, for a day.

The first granddaughter was born in Heidelberg, Germany, in January of 1968. During a three-week visit there, Dave added a love of the Alps to skiing. When he was planning his retirement, he wanted a one-year adventure in Europe, in the Alps, skiing every month of the year. In October 1984, the RACKLIFFES moved to Bludenz, Austria. It was soon apparent that one year was not long enough, and the adventure extended to two and a half years.

Back in Greenville, the RACKLIFFES purchased a van and trailer to tour the U.S.A. They took a ski trip through New England and Canada, a loop down through Florida and a Caribbean cruise. Within five months, the RACKLIFFES decided they needed more Europe time, but their plans to return in early 1988 were delayed.

After 13 years as minister of First Presbyterian Church of Blue Rapids, Kan., the Rev. Craig RACKLIFFE accepted a call to the Presbyterian Church of Superior, Neb. He was installed on Jan. 11, 1988. Six days later, Craig died of a massive heart attack.

The RACKLIFFES returned to their old apartment in Bludenz, Austria, to enjoy another five and a half years in Europe. During nearly 10 years abroad, the RACKLIFFES concentrated mainly on learning about Austria and Southern Germany but managed to get to many other countries.

Austrian living was a wondrous experience for the RACKLIFFES, but when they decided in July of 1993 to return to America, they only considered Greenville -- home -- where they had lived for 30 years.

Since their return David has been an active member of First Congregational Church, Lions Club and Naomi Lewis Bridge Tournaments.

David is survived by his wife, Dorothy; one son and two daughters-in-law, Gary and Lucye RACKLIFFE, of Grand Rapids, Sherbette RACKLIFFE BERMEL of Grand Island, Neb.; five grandchildren, Mary CRANDELL, of Seattle, Wash., Elizabeth of Clawson, John of Kansas City, Kan., Joshua and Jodi Anne of Lincoln, Neb.; and one great-grandson, Christopher of Kansas City, Kan.

The celebration of David's life will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at First Congregational Church of Greenville, corner of Cass and Clay Streets, with the Rev. Jerry Jones and David's family sharing their thoughts. At David's wish, his ashes will be spread in his beloved Austrian Alps in August.

Please join the family at Hurst Funeral Home, Greenville, Friday from 7 to 9 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to the David A. Rackliffe Memorial Fund at First Congregational Church.
Contributed by Linda Johnston

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RANDALL, VALERIA A.

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Tuesday, May 11, 1999
Belding - Valeria A. RANDALL, 89, Belding, passed away Sunday, May 9, 1999, at United Memorial Hospital, Greenville.

She was born Nov. 1, 1909, in Belding, to Carl and M. Agnes KRUPP GEIGER.

She was a member of St. Mary's Church, Grand Haven.

She was married January 1967 in Belding, to Mickey RANDALL. He preceded her in death on Dec. 14, 1997. She also was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Loretta BOREK; three brothers, Paul GEIGER, Karl GEIGER, and George GEIGER.

She is survived by two sisters, Esther PIERCE of Belmont, Nora RICH of Belding; three brothers and sisters-in-law, John and Katherine GEIGER, Ernest and Evelyn GEIGER, Raymond GEIGER, all of Belding, Loraine GEIGER of Grand Rapids; several nieces and nephews.

The Mass of Christian burial will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Miriam, with the Rev. Troy A. Nevins officiating. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery.

Visitation will be today from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Johnson Funeral Home, Belding, with rosary service at 8:30, and one hour prior to services on Wednesday at the church.

Memorials in Valeria's name may be made to St. Mary's Church, Miriam.
Contributed by Linda Johnston

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RANNEY, C. T.

Greenville Independent, Greenville, MI - November 2, 1910
Thursday evening, October 27, occured the death of one of Greenville's most loved and respected citizens, the late C. T. Ranney. The deceased was born at Ashfield, Mass, June 17, 1848. In his early manhood he came to Belding and was for many years an active factor in the growth and progress of that city, at one time ably filling the office of deputy sheriff, which was no sinecure in those early days. With the establishment of the Ranney Refrigerator Co. in 1893 he became its superintendent, which position he held until his death, which was the culmination of a long and desperate but unavailing struggle with disease. During his residence among us he has endeared himself to all, and his loss will be deeply felt by the community. He leaves a wife and son, one brother, F. E. Ranney of this city, and one sister, Mrs. Martha Wood of Shelburne Falls, Mass. (Picture included in paper.)

Contributed by Paula Johnson


RASMUSSEN, BERNICE L.

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Thursday, December 16, 1999
Lakeview - Bernice L. RASMUSSEN, 80, of Greenville, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 15, 1999, at United Memorial Hospital, Greenville.

Mrs. RASMUSSEN was born Nov. 11, 1919, in Winfield Township, Montcalm County, the daughter of Richard and Lenora MERO.

On April 17, 1947, she was united in marriage to Floyd RASMUSSEN in Morley.

Mrs. RASMUSSEN was retired from Federal-Mogul in Greenville after 30 years of service. She was a member of Langston Church and Prayer Group.

Surviving are her husband, Floyd RASMUSSEN, of Greenville; one sister, Guyrah SWITZER of Lakeview; one sister-in-law, Lila MERO of Big Rapids; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Russell and Margaret RASMUSSEN, Theo RASMUSSEN, Reta MERO, Anna Louis MORSE, all of Lakeview, Clark and Margaret RASMUSSEN, Bernard and Kay, all of Stanton, Mable and Jack TATE, Marjorie and Frank LUND, Kenneth and Doris RASMUSSEN, all of Greenville; Audrey and Jerry CRANE of Six Lakes, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by one sister, Evelyn THORNBURY.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Langston Church, with Pastor Dan Maguire officiating. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Langston.

Visitation will be Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Youngman-McCullough Chapel, Lakeview.
Contributed by Linda Johnston

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RASMUSSEN, ELSWORTH W.

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Monday, June 14, 1999
Sheridan - Elsworth W. RASMUSSEN, 74, of 113 W. Lake St., Stanton, died Saturday, June 12, 1999, in Sheridan Community Hospital.

He was born May 20, 1925, in Kent County, the son of Claude and Elda SNYDER RASMUSSEN.

Originally from Sheridan, Mr. RASMUSSEN was a longtime resident of Stanton. He was a retired self-employed carpenter and a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He was a member of the Stanton American Legion Post 452 and a past commander of the VFW Post 5065 of Sheridan.

He married Phyllis E. SOULE RASMUSSEN on Sept. 28, 1943, in Sheridan. She survives, along with two daughters, Sharon and Alden NEITZEL of Stanton, Sue WICKES and Steve CESAR of Sidney; one son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Cynthia RASMUSSEN of Stanton; six grandchildren and spouses, Richard and Carrie RASMUSSEN, Michele and Timothy ROOD, Brent NEITZEL, Ryan WICKES, Stephanie CESAR, Jessica WICKES; four great-grandchildren, Cassandra, Joshua, Ian, Hannah; and one sister Eleanor JOHNSON of Stanton.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services are Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Stebbins & Simpson Funeral Home, Sheridan, with Pastor Michael Murray officiating. Burial will be in Sheridan Cemetery.

Visitation will be Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

The family suggests memorial considerations may be made either to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.
Contributed by Linda Johnston

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RASMUSSEN, RONNIE LEROY

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Saturday, October 23, 1999
Edmore - Ronnie LeRoy RASMUSSEN, 65, of Stanton, passed away Friday, Oct. 22, 1999, at his home.

He was born March 23, 1934, in McBride, the son of Lester LeRoy and Onollee SHARKEY RASMUSSEN.

He was a farmer, school bus driver at Montabella Schools, and a former Douglas Township treasurer.

He was preceded in death by his wife, JoBerta in October, 1996, and his parents, Lester and Onollee RASMUSSEN.

He is survived by two sons and a daughter-in-law, Richard RASMUSSEN, Roger and Suzanne RASMUSSEN, all of Stanton, one daughter and son-in-law, Mary Jo and Lynn HEINLEN of Stanton; four grandchildren, Bradley, Austin, Megan and Weston.

Services for Mr. RASMUSSEN will be 11 a.m. Monday at Stebbins-McCullough Chapel in Edmore. Interment will be in Entrican Cemetery.

Visitation will be Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Montcalm Area Hospice with envelopes available at the funeral home.
Contributed by Linda Johnston

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RATCLIFF, CLAUDIA G.

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Tuesday, May 18, 1999
Michigan Center - Claudia G. RATCLIFF, 100, of Jackson, formerly of Howard City, passed away at Faith Haven Care Home on Monday, May 17, 1999.

She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, June and Harry AIKEN, Chloea and Robert MILLER, all of Jackson; one son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Carlene RATCLIFF of Howard City; 22 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by one son, Hobert; two daughters Pat MOHR and Sally BLOOMER; and her husband, Carl, in 1960.

Funeral services will be Thursday at 1 p.m. at Nichols-Arthur Funeral Home, Michigan Center, with Elder Leonard Griehs officiating. Interment will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, Napoleon.

Visitation will be Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.
Contributed by Linda Johnston

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REDMAN, ELNORA

Greenville Independent, March 18, 1903
Elnora Harlow was born in the township of Odessa, Ionia Co., Dec. 17, 1866, and died at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Harlow in Eureka Twp., Montcalm Co., March 2, 1903. She was married to T. L. Redman at the home of her parents Dec. 16, 1895. She was converted to the Lord at the Grove church, in Oakfield, Kent Co., 1886, uniting with the church to which she remained a faithful member until called to her reward. Besides her husband she leaves to mourn a father, mother, brother and sister. She was buried from the Grove church, March 5, Rev. G. K. Fairbank officiating.

Contributed by Paula Johnson


REED, VELMA I.

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Thursday, November 4, 1999
Greenville - Velma I. REED, 87, formerly of Greenville, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 2, 1999, at Porter Hills Presbyterian Retirement Home, where she was a resident for the past five years.

She was born Feb. 26, 1912, the first child of Glenn R. and Lena SATTERLEE STOKES. She was a Greenville resident for most of her life.

She was a life member of the Oak Grove, Montcalm Township Methodist Circuit and First United Methodist Church, Greenville, since she was six years old, and the American Legion Post Auxiliary 101, Greenville. She also was a member of the Flat River Historical Society.

She was a former country school teacher for two years and a bookkeeper. Before retirement in 1974, she worked for the last 26 1/2 years for the Greenville Tool and Die Co. She also was a black market investigator for OPA in Rhode Island in 1944.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Rex L. REED, on Nov. 19, 1990; and her sister, Vivian STOKES WESTOVER, on Nov. 30, 1997.

Mrs. REED is survived by her three brothers and sisters-in-law, Donald R. and Joan STOKES of Arlington, Va., Alvin F. and Hattie STOKES of Ithaca, E. Clinton and Marilyn STOKES of Alexander, Va.; her brother-in-law, Richard E. WESTOVER; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Porter Hills, following half-hour visitation, and led by Chaplain Hank Post. Memorial services in Greenville will be 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at First United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Harry Johnson officiating. Burial will be in East Montcalm Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, Greenville, or the Porter Hills Benefit Fund.

Arrangements were handled by Marshall Funeral Home, Greenville.
Contributed by Linda Johnston

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REIL, GARY L.

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Thursday, August 12, 1999
Lakeview - Gary L. REIL, 51, of Six Lakes, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 11, 1999, at Kelsey Memorial Hospital, Lakeview.

He was born Sept. 17, 1947, in Grand Rapids, the son of R.T. and Bertha REIL.

Mr. REIL is survived by his wife, Janet, and his six children, Tony and Monique REIL of Six Lakes, Tonya and Doug ROBERTS of Sand Lake, Andy REIL, Andrea and Ron KNAUSS, Brady REIL, Brittany REIL, all of Six Lakes; eight grandchildren; one brother and sister-in-law, Fred and Phyllis REIL of Sand Lake; his mother, Berth REIL of Florida.

Mr. REIL was preceded in death by his father.

Services for Mr. REIL will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Youngman-McCullough Chapel, Lakeview.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral chapel.

Those who wish may contribute to a memorial fund for Gary's family.
Contributed by Linda Johnston

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REINERTH-HARRISON, MILDRED A.

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Wednesday, August 25, 1999
Sheridan - Mildred A. REINERTH HARRISON, 71 of 3899 E. Shore Dr., Stanton, passed away Friday, Aug. 13, 1999, at Hospice House of Mid-Michigan, Lansing.

She was born Nov. 30, 1927, in Detroit, the daughter of Anthony and Helen KACZMAREK ZIELINSKI.

Mrs. REINERTH HARRISON had been a resident of the Stanton area since 1987, formerly of Mount Clemens. In her career, she worked at Federals Department Store and retired after 15 years in banking from Manufacturers Bank. She always had a positive attitude and enjoyed her family and many friendships. She was active in St. Bernadette of Lourdes Catholic Church and spent winters in Arizona.

She was married to her first husband, Walter A. REINERTH, on Sept. 3, 1949. He died Dec. 31, 1995.

On Oct. 25, 1997, she married Alwyn G. HARRISON at Edmore.

She is survived by her husband, Alwyn G. HARRISON; three sons and two daughters-in-law, Michael and Robyn REINERTH of Okemos, David and Ann REINERTH of Attica, Christopher REINERTH of Port Orange, Fla.; four grandchildren, Danah, Brian, Emily, Rick; three stepchildren, Alwyn A. HARRISON of Farmington, Ronald D. HARRISON of Mesa, Ariz., Ann M. GEELHOOD of West Bloomfield; seven stepgrandchildren; two sisters and one brother-in-law, Barbara CAPRARO of Stanton, Connie and Marty EHRLICH of Lexington; one brother and sister-in-law, James and Jean GREEN of Otter Lake.

A memorial Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Bernadette of Lourdes Catholic Church, Stanton, with the Rev. Bill Zink officiating. In accordance with Mrs. REINERTH HARRISON'S wishes, cremation has already taken place. Final interment of the cremains will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, Stanton.

At the request of the family, there will be no visitation.

The family suggests memorial considerations to St. Bernadette of Lourdes Catholic Church, 991 E. Main St., Stanton.

Arrangements were handled by Stebbins and Simpson Funeral Home, Sheridan.
Contributed by Linda Johnston

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REINSMITH, MAXINE IRENE

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Monday, March 15, 1999
Crystal - Maxine Irene REINSMITH, 69, Carson City, died Saturday, March 13, 1999, at Carson City Hospital.

She was born Sept 19, 1929, in Shepherd, the daughter of Orvil and Cora Irene JACQUES.

She married J. C. REINSMITH on Dec. 5, 1946, in Ithaca.

She enjoyed her family, friends and flower garden.

She is survived by her husband, J. C. REINSMITH of Carson City; three sons and daughters-in-law, Robert and Sheryl REINSMITH, Scott and Jody REINSMITH, all of Sumner, Douglas and Lynn REINSMITH of Fairbanks, Alaska; one daughter and son-in-law, Pamala and Gary BUSSELL of Carson City; 11 grandchildren; one sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Richard HANDY of Breckenridge.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Orville and Cora Irene JACQUES; one sister, Betty CURTIS; and one grandson, Clifton REINSMITH.

Funeral services were held today at 11 a.m. at the Lux and Schnepp Funeral Home, Crystal, with the Rev. Ried Martin of First Congregational Church officiating. Interment was in New Haven Center Cemetery, New Haven.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.
Contributed by Linda Johnston

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RENDER, IRIS D.

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Wednesday, August 25, 1999
Greenville - Iris D. RENDER, 80, of Greenville, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 24, 1999, at Metron of Belding.

She was born Feb. 8, 1919, in Lewiston, the daughter of Louis H. and Laura M. CHAMBERLAIN TAYLOR.

She was a member of the Church of Nazarene.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Vickie DE LAMATER of Stanton; one granddaughter, Shawn WHITE of Greenville; three grandsons, Doug DE LAMATER of Belmont, Richard D. DE LAMATER of Grand Rapids, Robert DE LAMATER of Stanton; four great-grandchildren, Sherri WHITE, Levi WHITE, James DE LAMATER, Alex DE LAMATER; one sister-in-law, Leawanna TAYLOR of North Adams.

She was preceded in death by her four brothers, Durward, Douglas, Russell, Donald; and two sisters, Pauline and Capitola.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Marshall Funeral Home, Greenville, with the Rev. John T. Barker of the Church of Nazarene officiating. Burial will be in the Sidney Cemetery.

Visitation will be Thursday from 1 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made in Iris' name to the American Diabetes Association or the American Lung Association.
Contributed by Linda Johnston

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RENNER, LYNN C.

RESER, JOHN R.J.

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Wednesday, January 6, 1999
Belding - John R. J. RESER, 14340 Heffron Road, Belding, passed away Monday, Jan. 4, 1999, at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wis.

He was born Jan. 26, 1987, at Hastings, the son of Brian M. and Andrea M. LA HAIE RESER.

John was a sixth-grade student at Belding Middle School.

He is survived by his parents, Brian M. and Andrea LA HAIE RESE