Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Prentiss, O. Lynn "Red" October 1, 2016
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Pat Currigan currigan1932@comcast.net June 27, 2020, 9:50 am

Lakewood News-Sat. Oct. 8, 2016

O. LYNN "RED" PRENTISS
Interlochen, MI - O. Lynn "Red" Prentiss, age 89, of Interlochen, was called 
home to his Lord on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016.


Lynn was born May 24, 1927, just outside Lake Odessa, to Alice (Evans) and 
William C. Prentiss. He graduated from Lake Odessa High School in 1945, and 
thereafter served honorably in the united states Marine Corps until discharged 
in 1948.

He was a lifelong love of team sports, playing both basketball and baseball in 
high school, and even scrimmaging with the football players as a non-member when 
his mother refused to sign the permission slip for that team. He continued to 
play sports informally as an adult, and always enjoyed watching a game, whether 
local softball teams or his beloved and bemusing Detroit Tigers.

After a number of early jobs which included long haul trucking and a stint as a 
corrections officer, he started working for Michigan's Department of Natural 
Resources as a Ranger in Ludington State Park. In 1965, he was promoted to 
assistant manager of Interlochen State Park, where he remained until his 
retirement in 1984.

Lynn began a 66 years adventure on September 17, 1950, when he married his 
hometown sweetheart, Joan G. Curtis - "Josie" as he so fondly called her. 
Together they raised five daughters and created a home full of laughter, music, 
books, and love, where there was always room for one more at the dinner table. 
Spending time with family was his greatest happiness, and the little ones 
delighted him always.

"Brighten the corner Where You Are" was both a favorite hymn and a way of life 
for Lynn.. He was part of the volunteer crew that built Interlochen Bible 
Church, and he served there for many years as a deacon, and in any other 
capacity needed. A truly humble man, he helped others without fanfare and strove 
always to be a testament to the love of God.

Lynn was a creative soul who solved problems by building things, and made custom 
gifts of wood and stone. He loved music and poetry, and would give an impromptu 
performance of either at the slightest provocation. Besides traditional hymns 
and gospel, he enjoyed old-time country and bluegrass, with Johnny Cash a 
particular favorite. In 1993 he realized a longtime dream when he and Joan took 
a road trip through Alaska, the setting of many beloved Robert W.Service poems. 

Nature was another source of joy throughout hi life. He was an avid fisherman 
and camper, and a hunter of deer and small game, morels and Petoskey stones. 
Feeding and watching the songbirds and other creatures of his wooded backyard 
gave him countless hours of entertainment.

Lynn was preceded in death by his parents, including stepfather, Peter 
Trumpower; sisters, Beatrice (Cletus) Hoisington of Juliaetta, ID, and Wilma 
(Ewell) Clark of Bakersfield, CA; brother Henry (Martha) Prentiss of Harrison, 
and sister, Betty, who died in infancy.

He is survived by his beloved wife Joan, of Interlochen; daughters, Martha 
Kissell of Hudsonville, Maureen Draper of Mesick, Mary (Lisa Panagopoulos) 
Rasmussen of Interlochen, Melissa (Terry) Rhodes of Interlochen, and Melody Karr 
of Mesick; 12 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, 
nephew, in-laws, informal "adoptee", friends, and church family. His smile and 
gentle nature will be missed by all who knew him.

Funeral services were conducted Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016 at the Bennett-Barz 
Funeral Home in Beulah, with Pastor Caleb Simerson and Reverend Bill Ehnis 
officiating. Interment followed in the Inland township Cemetery in Interlochen.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be mad to Interlochen Bible church.

The Bennett-Garz funeral Hime in Beulah is in charge of 
arrangements.www.bennttt-barzfuneralhome.com





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