It is with heavy hearts that the family of Rhett Lee Blemaster, age 26, of East Lansing, Michigan, announces his passing on Sunday, November 23, 2025. Born on August 3, 1999, in St. Johns, MI, Rhett was the beloved son of Christopher Dale Blemaster and Lisa Ann (Rice) Conklin. Originally from Maple Rapids, he was a proud graduate of Fowler High School, class of 2019.
Rhett married the love of his life, Gabrielle “Gabby” Knoespel, on March 19, 2023, in East Lansing. Together with their cherished fur babies, Captain and Princess, Rhett and Gabby shared a joyful and loving home filled with laughter and warmth.
A passionate and spirited individual, Rhett loved cars, video games, cooking, and experimenting with flavors in the kitchen. He was known among friends and family as a hot sauce connoisseur and a gifted prep cook at Olga’s Kitchen in Lansing. Rhett’s playful humor, generosity, and warmth left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him.
Beyond his personal interests, Rhett was a devoted member of St. Luke Lutheran Church, where he served as a greeter and contributed in the community kitchen. His faith and commitment to service reflected his kind and compassionate nature, and he was a valued and loved member of his church family.
Rhett is survived by his wife, Gabby; his father Chris Blemaster and stepmother Joana Flores; his siblings Randall (Harley), Jakob, Jay, and Jillian; nephews Ford, Braxter, and Ryder; grandparents Agnes “The Grandma” Moore, Karen and Sheldon Knoespel, Bradley and Pamela Blemaster, and Deborah and Robert Simmons; along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends who were like family. He was preceded in death by his mother, Lisa Ann Conklin; grandparents Tom Moore, Rose and Phil Rice; and beloved uncle John Smith.
A memorial service will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 4, 2025, with Pastor Michael Stainbrook officiating. Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, December 3, 2025, from 3:00–7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Guests are invited to wear University of Michigan or Detroit Tigers attire in honor of Rhett’s passions. An additional memorial service will be held at St. Luke Lutheran Church – Christ Campus in Lansing at a later date.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Gift of Life and Sparrow’s Trauma and Neuro ICU teams for their care, as well as Pastor Mike for his unwavering support. Online condolences may be shared at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Rhett’s vibrant spirit, infectious laughter, and boundless love for family and community will be dearly missed, yet his memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew him.