Obituaries

May 16, 2018

May 16, 2018

With a life that spanned times of great change around him, Willard Minnis was an extraordinary man to know and love. He enjoyed being outdoors doing things like farming, hunting, and fishing, and in Willard's book his handshake was his word. A loving family man, he was blessed to share the majority of his life with his true companion, their...

May 13, 2018

Chris Leroy Gillette passed peacefully from this life at 7:37 a.m., Sunday, May 13, 2018, with his daughter Julie at his side. Born January 2, 1931, in Allegan, MI, to George Gillette and Dorothy LeBlanche (Dailey) Gillette, Chris was the fourth of eight children. Growing up in Allegan, he spent many hours on the Kalamazoo River boating, fishing, and camping....

May 12, 2018

Kathleen Mary Hageman Born July 22, 1949 Death May 12, 2018 My daughter Kathleen and her twin brother were born July 22, 1949; they were premature and only weighed about three pounds each. My doctor had warned me that I either was carrying twins or a large baby (she said, "Pray for twins"). Little did we realize what the coming...

May 10, 2018

Michael C. Auten, of Vicksburg passed away on May 10, 2018 at the age of 70. Michael was born on May 10, 1948, in Marion, IN. He was the son of Charles and Marjorie (Glass) Auten. He served in the United States Army for two years. On April 19, 1975 he married Mary Dubbeld. Michael worked for General Motors for...

May 9, 2018

Natalie Smith, of Kalamazoo passed away on Wednesday, May 9th, 2018 at the age of 97. She was born on September 8, 1920 in Riga, Latvia. She was the daughter of Nickelai and Maria Guba. In 1945 she married Eugene Smith. Natalie was a member of the Milwood United Methodist Church. She is survived by her six children: Marina (Nelson)...

May 9, 2018

Perhaps it was the way he giggled with delight, or his very determined nature, but one thing is certain, Mason Heikes filled the hearts of those around him with unending love in the short time he was with them. Known for his bright smile and sparkling eyes, one could sense young Mason's warm soul. Mason was a typical little boy,...

May 8, 2018

Eleanor "Ellie" Ruth Sheeler passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 8, 2018. Her story started on March 2, 1927, when she was born the eldest child of Lillian and Elson Rough in Berrien County, Michigan. She grew up on a farm with her three younger siblings: Joanne and Charles, who survive her, and also her beloved sister Jean, who preceded...

May 7, 2018

All who knew Pamela Funk would agree that she was an extraordinary woman to know and love. She went out of her way to help others in any way she could, touching the lives of so many in the process. Pam was loving mother if ever there was one, but she treasured her role as a grandmother more than anything...

May 5, 2018

Marilyn J. Dollar Marilyn J. Dollar, age 79, of St. Joseph, MI passed away Saturday, May 5, 2018, at home. Marilyn was born September 25, 1938 the daughter of Harold and Viola (Marsh) Hauschildt. On November 25, 1960 she married Carl G. Dollar in Mapleton Iowa. In 1960 she moved to Michigan and met the love of her life Carl....

May 4, 2018

Mary Lou (Manning )Danzy, age 62, of Marcellus, MI, passed away early Friday morning, May 04, 2018, in the comfort of her own home. Mary was born May 24, 1955, in Three Rivers, MI, the daughter of Lyle and Mildred (Hartman) Manning. On August 5, 1993, she married John E. Danzy in Volinia, MI; they were married for twenty-four years....

May 4, 2018

May 3, 2018

May 2, 2018

A good and kind man, Jay Eugene Rantz lived a life rich in family and adventure. Naturally social, Jay knew how to have a good time and rarely met a stranger. Within mere moments, Jay could inspire a smile on the face of even the most committed curmudgeon. He treasured his family, relished in his work, and lived each moment...

May 2, 2018

May 1, 2018

Rick Dalton, age 61, of Plainwell passed away on May 1, 2018 at Borgess Hospital. Rick was born on July 27, 1956. Following his wishes, cremation has taken place and a private graveside service is being planned. Rick's family includes his wife of 37 years, Mary; his son Mike (Holly) Dalton; his granddaughter Kylee; his sister Mary, his brother Bob...

May 1, 2018

Vincenza Veronica Rizzo Kelly December 11, 1927 - May 1, 2018 Veincenza Veronica was born December 11, 1927 the second of four children of George and Stella Rizzo of Bronx, New York. She grew up in Valley Stream, NY and graduated from high school at the age of 16. She worked for many years in banking as an executive secretary...

May 1, 2018

Belden, David 5/30/1938 - 5/1/2018 Kalamazoo David Lee Belden, 79, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, passed away on May 1, 2018. David was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Lee Belden and Dorothy Evelyn Bush on May 30, 1938. David enjoyed bowling and was a great craftsman. He also enjoyed spending time with family, friends and helping them with various projects and home...

May 1, 2018

Robinson, Curtis B. 1/16/1963 - 5/1/2018 Kalamazoo Curtis Blake Robinson, age 55, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday May 1, 2018. He was a life-long resident of Portage/Kalamazoo MI. He was the son of Lonnie and Patricia Robinson. Curt was a 1981 graduate of Portage Central High School. He enjoyed being outside in nature. In the...

Apr 30, 2018

Heidi Sue Arndt, 60, passed away on Monday, April 30th, 2018 at her home in Mattawan Michigan. Born March 1st, 1958 in Jackson Michigan, she was the daughter of Albert and Joyce Kurzmann. She is survived by her husband of 38 years, David Glen Arndt; two sons, Jacob Arndt, wife Emily and their children Miles and Corbin of Kalamazoo Michigan,...