Jean Haldeman's Obituary
Jean D. Hilbert Haldeman, age 89, of Big Rapids passed peacefully Thursday, October 25, 2012 at Mecosta County Medical Center. She was born April 2, 1923 in Jewitt, Ohio, the daughter of Lawrence and Audra (Allen) Hilbert. Following the death of Lawrence Hilbert, her mother married Ross Gardner, who raised Jean and was her dad. Jean was an active member of the United Church in Big Rapids where she had served on the church board, was an elder, sang in the choir and went on mission trips to South Dakota to help the Ogallala Indian tribe. She was very active in the community, volunteering with the hospital auxillary, Hospice of Michigan, Habitat for Humanity and the American Cancer Society. Jean was a member of the group who started a teen center at the Old Jail and had served as chairman of the local blood bank. Surviving are two daughters; Jill (Tom Waldron) Haldeman of Big Rapids and Cindy (Max) Yarawamai of Waimea, Hawaii, five grandchildren; Jesse (Julie) Waldron, Corey (Katie) Waldron, Alisa (Jeff) DePew, Ana and Mikela Yarawamai, seven great-grandchildren; Riley, Hayley, Natalie, Logan and Mason Waldron, Tyler and Coltyn DePew. Also surviving are three brothers; Edward, James and Kenneth Gardner and one sister; Shirley Hebb plus many nieces and nephews. Jean was preceded in death by her parents, her husband; Dr. Jack Haldeman, and one brother; Ronald Gardner. A Life Celebration service for Jean will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at the United Church in Big Rapids with Pastor Jon Fleming officiating. Visitation will be Monday from 3: 00 - 6:30 p.m. at the Mohnke Funeral Home and on Tuesday from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Highland View Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Mecosta County Medical Center Foundation or the United Church of Big Rapids.
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