Obituaries
Barbara M. Witkoske
Feb 20, 2025
Barbara M. Witkoske, lovingly known as Barb, passed away on February 20, 2025, at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo.
Born on June 24, 1940, in St. Clair, the daughter of Henry and Marion (Schmidt) Schneider, Barb lived a life rich in family, career, and community. She graduated from Midland High School and attended Michigan State University. After dedicating over 20 years to...
William E. Sutton
Feb 14, 2025
William Edward Sutton, affectionately known as Bill, passed away Friday, February 14, 2025, at Kauhale in Otsego, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Comstock on June 24, 1931, the son of Albert and Gertrude (Hartman) Sutton. For 40 years Bill worked at James River until his retirement in 1993.
Bill liked being outdoors and working in his garden. He...
Jerry Buell
Feb 14, 2025
Jerry Buell, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on February 14, 2025, in Grand Rapids.
He was born on February 27, 1961, in Columbus, Ohio, to Virgil and Phyllis (Elkins) Buell. Jerry dedicated 30 years of his life to Overhead Door in Grand Rapids, where he found fulfillment in his work until his retirement in 2023.
Throughout his life, Jerry...
JoAnn B. VanderBorgh
Feb 12, 2025
JoAnn Barton VanderBorgh, a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home on February 12, 2025, at the age of 88. Born October 14, 1936, in Otsego to Charles and Josephine (Deurloo) Barton, JoAnn's life was a testament to love, creativity, and generosity.
She was known for her vibrant spirit and her house motto, “there...
Sandra J. Massin
Feb 11, 2025
Sandy passed away Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at Life Care Center in Plainwell.
She was born in Grand Rapids on December 11, 1946, the daughter of James and Josiena (Thomasunas) Goodwin. Sandy worked at Wegmans Printing in Grand Rapids and for Hope Network. In her free time, she enjoyed playing Bingo and cards, doing crossword puzzles, coloring, art projects and taking...
Joseph B. Channells
Jan 28, 2025
Joseph Bart Channells passed away unexpectedly January 28, 2025, at Bronson Methodist Hospital.
Joe was born on April 12, 1960, in Plainwell, MI to George and Pauline (Troff) Channells. As one of five kids Joe grew up in Martin, MI, where he learned to love animals, hunt, fish, and survive three older siblings.
Upon graduating from Martin High School, Joe briefly attended...
Margaret L. Powers
Jan 27, 2025
Maggie passed away, Monday, January 27, 2025, at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born October 19, 1933, in Otsego, the daughter of Ervin and Frances (Cool) Pion. Maggie was an avid reader and enjoyed listening to Lawrence Welk and dancing. She liked spending time with her neighbor Jane, camping with her husband and traveling.
A sports...
Daniel S. Andress Jr.
Jan 25, 2025
Daniel passed away, Saturday, January 25, 2025, at U of M Health West.
He was born on July 2, 2005, in Kalamazoo, the son of Daniel and Christina (Layton) Andress. Daniel graduated in 2024 from Otsego High School where he enjoyed playing basketball and was on the wrestling team. Daniel was a hard worker and worked in construction for several area...
Walter F. Brazee
Jan 19, 2025
Walt passed away, Sunday, January 19, 2025, at Butterfly Oasis in Kalamazoo.
He was born May 28, 1945, the son of Otis and Katherine (Fuller) Brazee. Walt graduated from Otsego High School and proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy until his honorable discharge in 1971. He worked at Gibson Guitar and was a pipefitter and fireman for Upjohn until...
Dale R. Ruth Sr.
Jan 18, 2025
Dale passed away, Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo.
He was born November 6, 1958, in Bad Axe, the son of Francis and Lucy (Yax) Ruth. In 1981 Dale began working for the family business, Fairhaven Wood Harvesting, as a heavy equipment operator and truck driver until 2004. He went on to work at Kalamazoo Metal Recycling until...
Sandra D. Brainerd
Jan 10, 2025
Sandra Dee Brainerd, 64, of Plainwell/Otsego, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 10th, surrounded by her family.
Sandra spent much of her career at Specialty Minerals in Plainwell, where she was known for her tenacity and strong work ethic. In her later years, after retiring, she moved to Otsego and enjoyed working with her son to help manage their local properties,...
Harry Steinberg Jr.
Jan 10, 2025
Harry passed away, Friday, January 10, 2025, at Stanford Lodge in Plainwell.
He was born July 22, 1932, in Allegan, the son of Harry and Cenie (Sanders) Steinberg. Harry started his career working in construction. He went on to work at Eckrich in Kalamazoo for 10 years and retired after 28 years from Menasha. After his retirement Harry drove cars for...
Robert D. Pulver
Jan 9, 2025
Robert “Dixon” Pulver passed away, Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo surrounded by family.
He was born July 16, 1964, in Plainwell the son of Robert and Dolores (Carruthers) Pulver. Dixon was a 1982 Otsego High School graduate. He worked in the car business for over 30 years in southwest Michigan.
On June 5, 1996, Dixon married Karena...
Beverly A. Zientara
Jan 9, 2025
Beverly A. Zientara, fondly known as Bev, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2025, at the Life Care Center of Plainwell.
She was born on December 3, 1936, in Kalamazoo, the daughter of John and Annie (Knapper) Boven. She graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School with the class of 1954. She married Don Zientara in 1961. Bev dedicated 25 years of...
Connie L. McCormick
Dec 31, 2024
Connie passed away, Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at Fairview Living Center in Centreville.
She was born July 18, 1947, in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Lewis and Ethel (McMains) Willard. For over 40 years Connie worked at Parker Hannifin until her retirement. She was a member of the Otsego Moose Lodge where she enjoyed spending time with her friends.
Surviving are her children,...
Karen S. Christensen
Dec 26, 2024
Karen S. Christensen, age 79, passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 in Kalamazoo. Karen was born in Chicago, IL on June 1, 1945, the daughter of Carl and Esther (Andersen) Christensen.
Karen was a 1963 graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School. She attended the University of Michigan and eventually received her bachelor's degree in education from Western Michigan University.
In 1966...
Jerry L. Greenman
Dec 22, 2024
Jerry passed away, Sunday, December 22, 2024, at the Suji House in Kalamazoo.
He was born March 26, 1942, in Flint, the son of Vernice and Laura (Dell) Greenman. Jerry proudly served as a mechanic in the U.S. Air Force. After his honorable discharge he continued as a mechanic until his retirement.
Jerry enjoyed woodworking, sudoku puzzles and took great pride in...
Katherine M. Harrison
Dec 21, 2024
Katherine passed away, Saturday, December 21, 2024, at her home in Allegan.
She was born on August 12, 1965, in Plainwell, the daughter of Carl and Marie (Opperman) Petersen. Over the years Katherine worked at many area factories. In her free time, she enjoyed painting and doing artwork. On February 17, 1989, in Allegan, she married Terry Harrison who survives.
Also surviving...
Diane M. Walters
Dec 20, 2024
Diane passed away, Friday, December 20, 2024, at Stanford Lodge in Plainwell, following a long and courageous battle with ovarian cancer.
She was born June 4, 1952, in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Richard and Theresa (Caro) Wood. Diane worked as a long-distance phone operator at Michigan Bell, cleaned houses and sold Avon. She enjoyed volunteering at Allegan General Hospital, following NASCAR,...
Michael G. Blowers
Dec 11, 2024
Mike passed away peacefully at his home in Delton on December 11, 2024, at the age of 78.
Born on May 30, 1946, in Kalamazoo to Virgil and Catherine (Roseboom) Blowers, Mike’s journey through life was marked by a profound curiosity and a dedication to his craft. A proud graduate of Otsego High School in 1964, Mike pursued higher education at...
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