JoAn Butler-Benjamin
June 17, 2026
JoAn Butler-Benjamin, age 71, of Rose City, Mich., passed away peacefully at her home on June 17, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
JoAn was born to Carol Lee Butler and Kenneth L. Butler. She was a proud 1972 graduate of Ogemaw Heights High School and lifelong resident of Rose City. She dedicated her career to serving her local community. Throughout the years, she worked for several businesses and organizations, including Brunk’s Flower Shop, the C.O.O.R. Intermediate School District, Osceola Refining Company, and Michigan Consolidated Gas Company. She concluded her professional career with the Ogemaw County Sheriff’s Office, where she faithfully served for 20 years before retiring in 2020.
Retirement allowed JoAn to devote more time to the things she loved most. She enjoyed antiquing and searching for hidden treasures at garage sales with her mother and husband — a pastime she approached with the tenacity of a seasoned treasure hunter coupled with the belief that the next great find was always just one more stop away. She also shared a passion for interior decorating and home improvement projects, often envisioning projects faster than they could be completed by her husband.
JoAn found great joy in nature and spent peaceful hours observing wildlife while taking leisurely drives along country roads with her beloved husband and dogs. She never needed an elaborate vacation when there were plenty of Michigan scenic sites and back roads to explore with animals to admire along the way. Animals held a special place in her heart throughout her life, especially dogs and horses. Her love for horses began at an early age through the influence of her parents and grandparents, Carl and Beatrice Bailer, who introduced her to farm life and horseback riding. Polly and Penny were her first horses, and she later received what would become her favorite horse, Queenie, as a gift from her grandfather — a treasured memory she carried throughout her life.
JoAn was a determined and compassionate woman who never hesitated to take on challenges, especially when it meant helping others. Whether family, friends, or complete strangers, she was always willing to lend a hand. Known for her quick wit, strong character, and ability to tell you exactly what she thought — whether you asked or not — JoAn had a gift for making people laugh while keeping them on their toes. She was the kind of person who could solve a problem, offer advice, and make you smile all in the same conversation.
JoAn is survived by her loving husband, Tom Benjamin; her mother, Carol Lee Butler; her son, Joe (Mardie) Martonosi of Clio, Mich.; her grandson, Seph Martonosi; her brother, Jon (Mary) Butler of Dewey, Ariz., and nieces; her uncle, Bill (Phyliss) Bailer of Apache Junction, Ariz.; her step-daughters, Amy (Douglas) Gough of West Branch, Mich., and Angie Benjamin of Rockford, Mich.; her step-son, Tim Benjamin (Maggie) of Lebanon, Ohio; and cherished step-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved father, Kenneth L. Butler.
Per her wishes, no funeral service will be held. A celebration of life will be continually held amongst her family. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com Arrangements were made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.
Leslie “Les” Kempfer, Jr.
Nov. 15, 1936 ~ July 20, 2026
Leslie “Les” Kempfer Jr., born on Nov. 15, 1936, in Detroit, Mich., passed away peacefully on Monday, July 20, 2026, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, Mich., at the age of 89.
On May 1, 1965, he married Sherron Thurston in Troy, Mich., where they lived before moving their family to St. Helen, Mich., in 1973.
A true master of his craft, he began his journey in carpentry at the age of 16, working under E.C. Price Sr. in St. Clair Shores. He quickly earned a reputation for his meticulous attention to detail that would define his every project. For Les, carpentry was more than a trade; in 1989, he began his own construction business.
He served his country honorably in the Air Force National Guard from 1958 to 1961. He dedicated 14 years as a firefighter in Troy. Through these roles, Les generously gave his time and care, earning the respect of those around him.
Les loved deer hunting with his sons and family at the farm in Engadine, Mich. He also enjoyed fishing, trapping, bowling, traveling, camping, and gardening. The time he spent outdoors with family and friends created many lasting memories that will be cherished forever.
Les is survived by his wife, Sherrie Kempfer; they shared 61 years of marriage. Also surviving are his daughter, Jill (Chuck) McPherson; his son, Jason Kempfer, and his granddaughters, Madison and Molly McPherson. He is also survived by his sister, Bonnie Roszak, and brother Richard Pershinske, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Helen Kempfer and Fred and Elsie Pershinske; his son, Leslie T. Kempfer; his brother, Tom and sister-in-law, Fran Kempfer; his sister, Nancy Norberg; his brother-in-law, Ron Roszak and his sister-in-law, Jan Pershinske.
Cremation has taken place.
A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in St. Helen from 4-7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, plants or gifts, please consider memorial contributions to the family for a charity of their choice.
Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in St. Helen, Mich. www.steuernolmclaren.com