Desnoyer Funeral Home

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Desnoyer Funeral Home, a proud family funeral home serving the Jackson community with compassion and care for 136 years.

We are available for you at any hour of the day or night. You will never talk to an answering service or a machine. You will be taken care of by a familiar face, not someone different every time you walk in the door. You will be getting five generations and 131 years of family care and concern. If you're a family-owned business, and your name is on the door, your reputation is on the line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

10/17/2026

Jan VanBuren

Jan VanBuren age 82, of Jackson, Michigan, passed away on October 15, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering faith, boundless generosity, and a lifetime devoted to loving and serving others. Born on September 11, 1944, at Mercy Hospital in Jackson, Michigan, she was the daughter of Harold and Barbara Bliss.

To know Jan was to know kindness. A devoted Catholic and a true woman of God, she lived her faith not simply through words, but through countless acts of compassion, generosity, and service. She had a heart for those in need, a willingness to help wherever she could, and a remarkable ability to make others feel seen, valued, and loved.

Throughout her life, Jan dedicated herself to caring for others without ever seeking recognition or expecting anything in return. As a nurse, she brought comfort and compassion to those who needed it most, and her commitment to helping others extended far beyond her professional work. She volunteered with the American Red Cross, assisting families in finding food, shelter, and support. She also traveled to disaster-stricken areas to offer her nursing skills to those in need. Her generous spirit was evident in her involvement with Catholic Charities, where she served at the Linen Closet, collecting, organizing, and distributing donations. Through St. Vincent de Paul, she helped individuals and families secure lodging, delivered food, and supported the food bank.

Jan’s Catholic faith was the foundation of her life. She was deeply involved in her church communities, giving her time and heart to ministries that brought hope, healing, and fellowship to others. At Queen’s, she participated in Treasures in Our Hearts, a ministry supporting families grieving the loss of a child, and Walking with Purpose, a women’s Bible study, where she also served as a group leader. She was a Eucharistic minister and was involved in the Amaranth funeral ministry, offering comfort to families during some of life’s most difficult moments. She was also a founder of St. Luke’s Clinic, where she volunteered her time and nursing expertise, and established the Parish Nursing ministry at St. John’s. Her dedication to caring for others was a reflection of the faith she carried in her heart and the love she so willingly shared.

Jan truly found joy in bringing people together. Whether she was offering a helping hand, sharing her faith, comforting someone in grief, or simply showing up when she was needed, Jan made the world a little kinder just through her presence. Of all the blessings in her life, none meant more to her than being a mother, nana, and great-nana. Her family was her greatest joy, her proudest accomplishment, and the center of her world. She proudly devoted her life to loving, caring for, and giving to those she held dear.

Jan leaves behind her four beloved children, Michelle McQueen, Shari Page, Randy VanBuren, and Larry VanBuren (Melanie). She was a cherished nana to Corey Thomas (Tiffany), Mandi Bee (the late Alex), Jordan James (Takeiya Haynes), Travis Page (Jeana), Brandon Sturgill (Jordan), Alexa Trojniak (Nicholas), Jaime McQueen, Wyatt Sanchez (Phillip), Trevor VanBuren, McKenna VanBuren (Shaun), Madison VanBuren, Colin Sturgill, Mike Luciano (Missy), and Devin Hamby (Alyssa). She was also a loving great-nana to Emilee, Kage, Greyson, Jameson, Roland, Charlotte, Morgan, Oliver, Magnolia, Aidan, Drew, Caleb, Casey, and Luca. Jan also shared many years of her life and the blessing of their children with her former husband, Larry VanBuren (Donna).

Jan is also survived by her beloved siblings, Mary Hawley and Martin Bliss (Jean). She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Harold and Barbara Bliss, and her brother-in-law, Sam Hawley.

Although her passing was sudden and heartbreaking, the love Jan gave so freely will continue to live on in the countless lives she touched. Her legacy is found not only in the family she raised and the communities she served, but in every act of kindness inspired by her example. She spent her life living for Christ, and while her earthly work is complete, the goodness she brought into this world will carry on through all who were blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and lovingly remembered.

According to her wishes cremation has taken place. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 11:00 AM with Fr. Timothy MacDonald officiating.

The family will receive friends at the Desnoyer Funeral Home on Monday, October 19, 2026 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a Rosary service at 7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers contributions to Queen of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church would be appreciated.

View Jan VanBuren's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/16/2026

Janet Elizabeth (Lefere) Kalahar

Kalahar, (Lefere) Janet Elizabeth

Of Jackson passed away Oct. 15, 2026, at the age of 86. Janet was born July 21, 1940 in Jackson to Maurice and Elizabeth (Crowley) Lefere. She graduated in 1958 from Jackson St. John High School, where she was named “J Girl” for being deemed “tops” in her senior class. In 1961, she graduated from St. Joseph Mercy School of Nursing, launching her on a career as a registered nurse who aided innumerable patients and their families.

Janet specialized in IV therapy and was known by her patients not only for her outstanding care but for her concern for their overall wellbeing. She was especially acclaimed for her compassion for the dying and their families, helping guide many through the most difficult times. In her career of more than 50 years, she was a nurse at Mercy Hospital, Brown’s Option Care, the PIIC Center, the Center for Family Health, Allegiance Home Care, Great Lakes Caring and successfully ventured out on her own with JK Consulting. And then there were the countless hours of “off duty” time helping friends and family with medical needs and questions. In 2011, she was named by Jackson Magazine a “Health Care Angel,” a more fitting title there never was.

Volunteer service was an important part of Jan’s life. Her volunteer activities are too numerous to list, but included the Hospice House, Queens Church Women’s Guild (president), St. Vincent dePaul, Habitat for Humanity, spearheading a mission effort at an orphanage in Peru, and helping coach the Special Olympics golf team.

Introduced to golf as a youngster, she developed a lifelong love of the game. Her achievements on the course, including four Jackson County Women’s Golf Association tournament titles, and her leadership in the JCWGA and the Turf Diggers league earned her induction into the Jackson Golf Hall of Fame in 1991. She took immense joy in introducing others to the game, including her children and grandchildren, and providing helpful instruction to those seeking her expertise.

She treasured family gatherings with both the Kalahar and Lefere families, annual vacations to the Windemere Lodge at Houghton Lake, golf trips to Gull Lake, and watching her children and grandchildren in their school and athletic activities in Jackson, Bellaire and Grand Rapids.

She is survived by children Gary (Becky) Kalahar, Karen (Jeff) Lampman, Beth (Dave) Russell, Pat (Lisa) Kalahar, Andy (Wendy) Kalahar and Mick (Hillary) Kalahar. She is also survived by 18 grandchildren: Emily (Nick) Drumm, Erin (Jon) Lucken, Adam Kalahar, Ali (Kevin) Schrock, Lindsay Lampman, Mitch Lampman, Travis Russell (fiancé Kendall Braate), Haley Russell, Shannon Russell, Raegan Kurlenda (fiancé David Fox), Karlie Kurlenda, Brady Kurlenda, Cody Kalahar, Mark Kalahar, Courtney Kalahar, Kash Kalahar, Claire Kalahar and Kiley Kalahar; four great-grandchildren: Lainey Drumm, Lincoln Drumm, Kade Schrock and Luke Lucken; along with brothers Jim Lefere and Jerry Lefere and sisters Mary Jo (Jerry) Kelly, Anne (Bill) Best and Cathy (Jerry) Sykes, in-laws Ruth Westhoff and Jim Kalahar, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded by her husband Richard and brother Maurie Lefere.

Janet was a devout Catholic and lifelong member of Queen of the Miraculous Medal Parish, where the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 19. The family will receive friends 4-8 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 18 at Desnoyer Funeral Home, with a rosary at 7:30 p.m., and one hour prior to the mass at Queens Church. Private Interment will take place at St. John Cemetery in Jackson.

For those wishing to make memorial donations, the family appreciates contributions to the Queens Conference of the St. Vincent dePaul Society, Queens School Endowment Fund, or Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties.

View Janet Elizabeth (Lefere) Kalahar's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/15/2026

Robert David Williams

Robert David Williams, 82, of Jackson, Michigan, passed away Wednesday morning, October 14, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Born on November 7, 1943, in Jackson, Michigan, to Marie and Jay Williams, Bob was the youngest of 11 children, with five brothers and five sisters.

A graduate of Jackson High School's Class of 1962, Robert "Bob" Williams later married his beloved wife and best friend, Rosemary, in 1963. Together, they raised three children: son David and daughters Tina and Christine. Bob spent his life in the magazine distribution business. He began his career at the early age of seven on the steps of St. Mary's Catholic Church, where he sold the Sunday newspaper to parishioners as they left Mass. He retired from Southern Michigan News Group in 1995 as Distribution Manager.

In his later years, Bob and Rosemary spent their winter months at their home in Bradenton, Florida, where they created many cherished memories hosting their children's families during spring breaks. He was a proud and supportive grandfather who could often be found in the stands at his grandchildren's sporting events. He had a special talent for spotting bad calls, especially from the comfort of his seat. His heart belonged to Rosemary, and his appetite belonged to her kitchen.

Bob was a man of routine, which included a daily pilgrimage to Virginia Coney Island for coffee, good company, and storytelling. He was a gifted storyteller with a remarkable memory for detail. Every tale came with a full cast of characters, first and last names included, ensuring no accomplice ever went unrecognized. Bob loved the game of golf in every form, from playing it, to teaching it to his son and grandsons, to watching tournaments on television while keeping an eye out for his favorite golfer, Phil Mickelson.

One of Bob's favorite phrases when giving advice was simple but powerful: "Stick with it." It was more than just a phrase he preached; it was a philosophy he lived by and demonstrated every day. He spent 63 wonderful years married to his beloved wife, Rosemary, and dedicated his entire working life to one company, showing that loyalty, commitment, and seeing things through were the keys to living a life with purpose.

Above all, Bob cherished his family. Affectionately known as "Papa," he leaves behind his grandchildren Audrey and Robert Williams, children of David and Jackalyn Williams ; daughter Christine and husband David Boldt, parents of Jordan (wife of Alex Husak and father of Layne and Luca), Jacob Boldt, Joseph and wife Kelsey (parents of Leo), Jarrett and Molly (parents of David), Jaymi and husband Hunter Denton (parents of Fisher and Collins); daughter Tina and husband Ron Carter; and granddaughters Megan and Morgan Blackburn.

According to Bob's wishes, cremation has taken place, and a celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

View Robert David Williams's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/12/2026

Matthew P. Weston

Matthew P. Weston of Jackson, Michigan passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2026 at the age of 71 years. He is survived by his two daughters, Elizabeth (Ryan) and Kaitlin (Dan); sister, Mary (Ted) Johnson; companion, Debbie; several grandchildren; special granddaughter, “Chickenbutt” Antonia; step-children, Kimmy (Tommy) and Andy (Vinnie); and close friends, Kevin, Gay, Susan, and Lynne. He was preceded in death by his son, Christopher; wife, Maria; and parents, Charlie and Geraldine.

Matt graduated from Lamphere High School, class of 1973. He enjoyed camping, fishing, and woodworking. Matt especially enjoyed being a dad and grandpa and he will be missed by all who knew him.

According to his wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of Matt’s life will be held at our secondary location, Hampton Funeral Home at 4204 Ann Arbor Road in Jackson on Saturday October 17 at 10:00 AM with Reverend David Kamke officiating.

Contributions can be made in Matt’s memory to the Cascades Humane Society.

View Matthew P. Weston's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/08/2026

Ronald "Ronnie, Ron" Leon

Ronald “Ronnie, Ron” Leon of Columbia, SC died on Friday, September 11, 2026, at the age of 90. Born on July 10, 1936, in Jackson, Michigan, he was a son of Charles and Genevieve Leon. Ron grew up in Jackson, Michigan. He served in the US Navy on the USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14). After his military service, Ron earned a master’s degree from the University of South Carolina and went into teaching. For several years, he taught at C.A. Johnson High School and coached the girls’ basketball team.

He was a member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church where he was active in the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed sports and was an avid fan of Notre Dame football.

Survivors include his estranged wife, Henrietta Clark, three children, Mike (Angela) Leslie of Florida, Natalie Hammond and Ame Leversee of Michigan, his sister, Phyllis Schramm of South Bend, Indiana, his twin brother Carman Leon, of Sarasota, Florida, several grandchildren, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Leon and sister, Patricia Parr.

A graveside service will take place at St. John Catholic Cemetery, 403 E. South Street, Jackson, Michigan on Monday, October 19, 2026 at 11:00 AM.

View Ronald "Ronnie, Ron" Leon's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/06/2026

Mary Lou O’Connell

Mary Lou O'Connell passed away on October 5, 2026 at the age of 101 years old.

Although "tired, ready and done", Mary Lou's passion for life resonated with her family, friends, career as a nurse and trips to the Hiawatha Club in the Upper Peninsula and Ireland. All who knew her know what a special and unique person she was. The example she set will be a gift we get to hold forever.

Born (March 3,1925) and raised in Decatur, Michigan , Mary Lou went on to Borgess School in Kalamazoo to earn her RN degree. She worked at Mercy Hospital for 6 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband M. Robert (Bob) in 2019 and they were married 72 years. She will join him in Ireland where she went at 97 years old to spread his ashes.

She is survived by 5 daughters, Maureen (Ray) Brown, Eileen (Ed) Idziak, Pattie (Charlie) Smith, Kathy O'Connell (Mike Pelham), and Peggy (Scott) Reynolds; 3 grandchildren, Erin (Terry) Richards, Jason (Anna) Idziak and Kelley Reynolds; and 4 great grandchildren, Joey Richards, Ben, Billy and Eliza Idziak.

Special thanks to Elara Home Health Services and Elara Hospice for their impressive care and concern. Also special thanks to her caretakers Lisa and Barb and all her friends and family that stayed in contact with her and visited her. Their constant concern and visits showed what a special person she was.

Now our turn to give back those million thank you's by cherishing her memory and following her example and sharing a cookie or some fudge with someone. Thank you mom for what you have given us…we will treasure you always.

The family will receive friends at Desnoyer Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 20 from 1:00-2:00 PM followed by a Memorial Service at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her honor can be made to Elara Hospice.

View Mary Lou O’Connell's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/03/2026

Christopher Mulligan

Christopher Mulligan, of Jackson, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on September 30, 2026, at the age of 39.

Chris graduated from Northwest High School, where he received Coaches Awards in football and wrestling, and earned his bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University.

Chris enjoyed many things in life: Coaching TBall, golfing, Ohio State Football, comic books, TMNT, dogs, pickles and smoking the Thanksgiving turkey.

Above all, Chris loved his family, especially making memories with his daughter, Mikayla. He was a loyal friend who tried to be there for anyone in need and was always willing to lend a helping hand.

Chris is survived by his wife, Erin Mulligan; daughter, Mikayla Mulligan; mother, Rhonda Mulligan; father, Brian (Deb) Mulligan; sisters, Natasha (Jared) Klump and Brianna Mulligan; grandmother, Rose Mulligan; nieces and nephews, Kaylynn, Caden, Addie, Connor, Kaylee, Elizabeth, Emerald, and Easton; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his sons, Gerald Mark and Julian Michael; grandparents, Gerald Mulligan, Sharon Mulligan, Patrick and Regina Leber, and Janet Leber Giamella; aunt, Karen Leber; and uncles, James and Kyle Leber.

Chris will be deeply missed, but the love he shared and the memories he created will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

A Celebration of Chris’ Life will be held at the Desnoyer Funeral Home on Monday, October 5, 2026 at 2:00 PM with Reverend David Kamke officiating.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 PM.

In lieu of sending flowers, the family asks donations be made to the Jackson County Animal Shelter in Chris’ memory.

View Christopher Mulligan's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/28/2026

Charles Floyd Avery

Charles Floyd Avery of Jackson, Michigan passed away on September 23, 2026 at the age of 85 years old.

He is survived by one sister, Sandra (Steve) Muckler; sons, Steven Avery (Diane Pendall) of Lansing and Shawn (Heather) Avery of Jackson; one daughter, Sara Avery of Jackson; grandchildren, Shawn Avery Jr (Natalie Rose), Jaycob Avery, Madison Avery, Raegan Avery, Rylie Avery; six great-grandchildren, Kylie March, Miya Avery, Everlie Avery, Sawyer Avery, Kennedie Avery, Oaklie Avery; and numerous in-laws, nieces nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra; parents, Carl and Harriet Avery; brothers, Carl Avery Jr, Bob Avery, Phil Avery, Don Avery, Mike Avery and brother in law Steve Curry.

Chuck was born on June 6, 1941 in Jackson, Michigan to Carl and Harriet Avery. He was a graduate of Jackson High School. Chuck was a longtime employee of Clark Equipment. He loved to read, ride motorcycles and had a great love of music. Chuck had a wonderful singing voice and had been on an album with the Jackson High School Euphony choir. Kids absolutely adored him and he adored them right back. He would often get mistaken for Santa Claus around Christmas time. Chuck was an avid collector and thrifter, sometimes to his families dismay! Home shopping network will be sad to have lost one of their best customers. He was extremely proud to be an American and never met a hat he didn’t like or a vegetable that he did lol. Chuck became Catholic later in his life and belonged to Queen of the Miraculous Medal Church here in Jackson, where he had in the past enjoyed supporting his community as a volunteer for St Vincent DePaul. He was an outstanding father and grandfather and had a great sense of humor! He played an integral role in all of the lives of his children and grandchildren. Chuck will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

I should also add he was never late for anything ever! In fact, he generally would show up an hour early lol! “we’re going to miss you Dad”

According to his wishes cremation has taken place. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church in Jackson Michigan with Father Timothy MacDonald officiating.

The family will receive friends at Queen’s Church on Saturday, October 3, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local library or the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

View Charles Floyd Avery's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/22/2026

Roger J. Gleeson

Roger J. Gleeson of Jackson, Michigan passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 20, 2026 leaving behind a legacy of dedication to his family, his faith, and his community.

Roger was born February 23,1931 in Quebec, Canada, to Victor and Yvonne (Cousineau) Gleeson and grew up in Detroit, Michigan in a French-Canadian household. He proudly served his country as a member of the Michigan Air National Guard from 1951-1954. He was called to active duty with the United State Air Force from 1951-1952 in support of the Korean War effort, achieving the rank of Airman Second Class (A2C).

After graduating from law school, he moved to Jackson, Michigan and established a long and respected career as an attorney in private practice.

Growing up in Detroit, he became a passionate fan of the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers. His loyalty to his hometown teams lasted his entire life, and watching the games was a favorite pastime he shared with his family.

Roger, affectionately known as Dad or Bumpy, will be remembered for his deep Catholic faith (attending mass daily), his kind and steady heart, his quiet wisdom, humble service, devotion to family, and the way he lived as someone we could all look to and say, “We should all be a little more like Bumpy.” Roger was also known for his sharp mind, starting every morning with a crossword puzzle and keeping up with his daily Wordle streak.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife of 65 years, Susan; his son Michael; his grandchildren, Michael and Madeline; his sister Lucille Repke and his brother Raymond. He is survived by his sister Rita Goodrow; eight children (Christopher, Catherine (Reynolds), Timothy, David, Patrick, Matthew, Joanna (Plate), Sarah (Ermatinger)) and their spouses; daughter-in-law B. Lynn; 19 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by his large family, the regulars at Queen’s early morning mass and many friends.

The family is grateful to Otterbein Assisted Living and Optimal Care Hospice for the compassionate care provided to Roger in the last two months.

According to his wishes, cremation has taken place. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church with Father Timothy MacDonald officiating.

The family will receive friends at the Church on Saturday, October 24 from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Roger’s name to Optimal Care Hospice or Lumen Christi Catholic High School.

View Roger J. Gleeson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/21/2026

Paul F. Yost

Paul F. Yost of Jackson, passed away on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at the age of 83 years. He is survived by his daughter, Julie (Jason) Mulcahy; grandsons, Brendan (Emily) and Colin; and brother, Barney (Joyce) Yost. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Veronica “Roni” Yost.

Paul was a Veteran of the United States Army. He retired from Jackson Public Schools after many years of service. He was a former member of the Eagles #612 and the Polish Falcons. Until recently, Paul was a frequent patron of the Brass Rail.

According to Paul’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

View Paul F. Yost's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Address

204 N Blackstone Street
Jackson, MI
49201

Telephone

+15177821878

Website

http://www.desnoyerfuneralhome.com/

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