Obituaries

Jan 9, 2019

Wheeler , Nancy Sue Portage In loving memory of Nancy S. (Brightwell) Wheeler of Portage, MI. Born to Arthur and Wilma Brightwell on September 8, 1960. Nancy passed away Wednesday, January 9, 2019 with her family by her bedside. Nancy was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Vaughn J. Wheeler, father,...

Jan 9, 2019

Mark Alan Todd age 63, left this earth of natural causes on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at his home in Plainwell Michigan. He was born on June 16, 1955 in Allegan Michigan to Norman and Betty (Cook) Todd. He was proceeded in death by his Father Norman Todd, Mother Betty Todd and Sister Deborah Todd. He is survived by two...

Jan 8, 2019

Nancy Vivian Christophersen January 21, 1924- January 8, 2019 N. Vivian Christophersen, age 94, of Frankfort, MI, formerly of Jones, passed away Tuesday evening, January 8, 2019. Vivian was born January 21, 1924, in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Olin Almarian Rifenberg Sr. and Mae Phillips Rifenberg. Surviving are Vivian’s five children; four daughters: Loma Bolt of Buford, GA, Carol...

Jan 7, 2019

With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Raymond Poulsen made the most of the days he was given. He was a man of honor and integrity who has been described as a hero. Ray was deeply devoted to his family, and he was so proud to witness his...

Jan 7, 2019

Lyle was born on a farm and spent early years helping his dad and mom with farm chores. He sometimes walked but mostly ran to school with his 2 younger sisters, Geneva and Charline. They moved to several different farms in the area, finally moving into town in Vicksburg, where his father, Charlie got a job at the paper mill....

Jan 4, 2019

Kathryn F. Holland, of Scotts passed away on Friday, January 4, 2019 at the age of 83. Kathryn was born on November 5, 1935 in Kalamazoo. She was the daughter of Samuel and Ann (Recupero) Mortellaro. Kathryn graduated in 1954 from the St. Augustine Catholic High School. She later married Robert Holland on October 5, 1957. She worked for over...

Jan 3, 2019

Marion Vergho died January 3, 2019. She was born in Monroe, Michigan March 13, 1921 to Martin and Julia Boldt. She was one of eight siblings and the last survivor even though she was the fourth born. She had a twin brother Marvin who passed away when they were 32-years old, a very heart wrenching loss for her. She married...

Jan 3, 2019

Donna J. Newcomb, age 88, of Portage, MI passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 3rd, 2018 surrounded by her family. Donna was born and raised in Kalamazoo, MI and graduated from St. Joseph and Kalamazoo Central Schools. She met the love of her life, William, when she was 17. She worked her magic on him at the diner where they...

Jan 3, 2019

When reflecting on the life of Daniel Fearn, words such as strong-willed, determined, and compassionate come to mind, but no greater word could describe his life than generous. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He treasured the time he spent with his growing family and enjoyed the company of each and every one of them. His passion for...

Jan 1, 2019

Mark Daniel “Danny” Motter, age 63, of Lawton, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, January 01, 2019. Dan was born on Tuesday, April 05, 1955, in Kalamazoo, MI. He was the sixth of what would eventually become the seven children born to Ira and Gladys L. (Oswalt) Motter. He was a short and (in his words) "husky" child...

Jan 1, 2019

With a journey that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Marcella Erskine lived a life of purpose while holding her loved ones near. She was strong-willed and incredibly independent with the ability to give everything her all. Bid was a loving wife and mother, but she just might have argued that...

Jan 1, 2019

Charlene Hamlin passed away on January 1, 2019. She was born May 1, 1958 to William Hamlin and Charlotte Buckallew. Services will be held at First Reformed Church of Portage, 7905 S. Westnedge, Portage, MI, 49002 at 11am on January 18, 2019. In liew of flowers friends are asked to donate to The Bridge Church in honor of Charlene.

Dec 30, 2018

Jimmie Flodell Appleton McAnaw, Flo 9/29/1932 - 12/30/2018 Kalamazoo Having celebrated her 29th birthday 57 times, Flo McAnaw passed away on December 30, 2018 in Kalamazoo, MI. Jimmie Flodell Appleton McAnaw was born on September 29, 1932 in Gibson County, Tennessee to Alta Mary Johnson Appleton and James Roy Appleton. She was the sixth daughter born into a family of...

Dec 27, 2018

John Herbert Lynn Sr., 76, passed away doing what he loved traveling the country. He is survived by: brother; Richard Lynn, children; Shelly Jo Lynn, John (Diane) Lynn Jr., Lorri (Terry) Hutchins, Suzie (Jason) LaMere: grandchildren; Joseph, Scott, Sarah, Emily, Samantha, Parker: 3 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife; Vicki E. (Galbreath)...

Dec 26, 2018

Dec 21, 2018

On December 21, 2018, Leone Viola (Schoch) Huff of Volinia went to her heavenly home to be with her Lord and Savior. She passed away at her home after a long illness surrounded by her family. Leone was born in Howadsville, MI on December 26, 1914, to Leora and Arthur Schoch. Shortly after her birth, her family moved to a...

Dec 21, 2018

Collins, Norman Joseph 10/24/1949 - 12/21/2018 Schoolcraft Norman Joseph Collins, 69, of Schoolcraft passed away December 21, 2018 after a heart attack. He was born October 24, 1949 in Kalamazoo, the son of Elmer and Genevieve (Skoglund) Collins. Surviving are his wife Tena Ross-Adams Collins, step-sons Nickolaus (Katarina), Timothy, Nathanyell (Kimberly) and Brandon and step-grandson Elliot Farrell. He was preceded...

Dec 18, 2018

Dirkse, Kenneth 5/21/1925 - 12/18/2018 Kalamazoo Ken Dirkse, loving husband of Joan (deceased), passed away peacefully Tuesday morning, December 18, 2018. He was born at home in Kalamazoo to Isaac and Minnie Dirkse on May 21, 1925. Ken served with the Army in the Philippines during World War II, volunteering right out of high school. He later served in Korea,...

Dec 17, 2018

Dec 13, 2018

Kenneth L. Neal III, age 56, of Jones, MI passed away suddenly, on Tuesday, December 11, 2018. Kenneth was born in Elkhart, on June 17, 1962 the son of Kenneth Neal II and Shirley R. Neal. He had two sisters: Susan (Wes) Elliott of Arkansas and Michelle (David) Neuenschwander of Florida. Kenneth is survived by two children: one son: Travis...