Obituaries

Brian passed away, unexpectedly, Friday, July 7, 2023 at his home in Hamilton.He was born March 8, 1967 in Kokomo, Indiana, the son of Frederick and Patricia (Sproal) Gordon. Brian had many jobs over the years including working on a mushroom farm, as a mechanic, factory worker and woodworking. He loved all things cars. Mudding, two tracking, collecting and working...

Marie Grace Mahieu passed away peacefully on July 9, 2023 surrounded by family.Marie was born on October 17, 1935 to Abraham and Ruth DeRuyscher in Kalamazoo Michigan. She attended Kalamazoo Central High School and graduated in 1954. Before that, however, she met the love of her life Gordon Mahieu in 1952 on a “blind” date and the rest, as they...

Bob passed away, Friday, July 7, 2023, in Plainwell, MI.He was born March 7, 1943, in Chicago, the son of Albert and Ann (Berklan) Knitter. For several years Bob worked for various financial firms. In his free time he loved golfing, spending time in Charlevoix and Saugatuck and enjoyed road trips in his MGB. On March 16, 1984 in Kalamazoo...

Ryan Jon Meert, a dedicated father, husband, son, teacher, coach and friend passed away, unexpectedly, Thursday, June 29, 2023 due to a farming accident.Lovingly known to many as Hank, he was born August 15, 1976 in Kalamazoo the son of Tom and Marty (Bumgart) Meert. Ryan was a 1995 Plainwell High School graduate and received his Master’s Degree from Western...

Ken passed away, Friday, June 30, 2023, at his home in Otsego.He was born June 18, 1938 in Plainwell, the son of Kenneth and Mildred (Belden) Miller. Ken worked at Rock Tenn Paper Mill for 48 years until this retirement in 2004. Ken loved his dogs and in his free time enjoyed bowling on area leagues, watching and listening to...

Elzie passed away, Friday, June 30, 2023, at his home in Allegan.He was born May 5, 1952 in Allegan the son of Elzie and Cleo (Anderson) Langford. Elzie worked at Plainwell Paper for over 30 years. He also owned and operated Langford Installations in Otsego. Elzie enjoyed working on electronics and was always willing to help anyone in need. He...

Chlao passed away, Thursday, June 22, 2023 in Otsego, Michigan.She was born December 9, 1931 in Berwyn, Illinois.  The daughter of Edward and Frances (Raese) Siegwart. Chlao earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master’s Degree in Epidemiology, from the University of Michigan.  Chlao embarked on a successful and rewarding career in nursing and eventually served as the...

Barbara passed away, Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at 4:53 P.M. She was born March 26, 1934.She was married to beloved husband, William S. Fox for 63 years and was the mother to beloved sons Marc (Kimberlee) Fox and Brian Fox. Cherished by her grandchildren, Jenna (Eric), Mandi (Mike), David (Chelsea), Bridgette and Andrew and great-granddaughter, Ellaree.Friends may meet with Barb’s...

Randy passed away, Monday, June 19, 2023 at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo.He was born April 13, 1955 in Allegan to Harold and Bonnie (Zoll) Gomber. Randy worked for over 30 years for Otsego Public Schools as a custodian where he was loving known as Mr. Randy. In his leisure time he enjoyed mowing his lawn, riding his Harley, playing cards,...

Carol Jean (Garber) Seiter, best friend of David R. Seiter, passed away Monday, June 19, 2023 at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo.She was the devoted daughter of Wilbert “Willie” and Mary Elva (Sheperd) Garber, born March 16, 1947 in Toledo, Ohio. Carol owned and operated “Let’s Get Personal Embroidery”, worked for the Kalamazoo School System, Mt. Ever-Rest Cemetery, USPS-P&DC and Safari...

Jack passed away, Tuesday, June 13, 2023 in Kalamazoo.He was born June 2, 1957 in Allegan, the son of Paul Thayer and Charlotte (Vist) Boylan. Jack worked at several area auto parts stores over the years most recently at LKQ. In his free time he enjoyed spending time at the race track. For many years he was the flagman at...

Lewis Richard “Lewie” Bont passed away into the arms of his loving Savior Jesus Christ, at home, Friday, June 9, 2023.He was born April 8, 1930 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Lewie proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. He worked hard his whole life, starting at the young age of 16. Working many different jobs over his lifetime. He retired...

Betty Jean Stoughton Galloway of Chiefland, Florida, formerly of Kalamazoo, Michigan, passed away on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.Betty was born in Otsego on January 3, 1924. She worked as a shipping and receiving clerk for the Allied Paper Company, also as a school bus driver for the Otsego Public Schools and homemaker. She lived in Otsego until 1973 moving to...

Arlyn passed away, Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at his home in Alamo Township, surrounded by his loving family.He was born April 29, 1934 in Kalamazoo the son of Harry and Cora (DeBoer) Ekema. Arlyn was a 1952 Otsego High School graduate. He worked doing concrete for Red Sugars and helped build Town & Country. Arlyn went on to own and...

Jim passed away Monday, June 5, 2023, at his home in Kalamazoo.He was born July 29, 1927 in Kalamazoo, the son of Warner and Alice (Raven) McGee. Jim proudly served his country in the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Army during World War II. He attended Parsons Business School and owned and operated McGee Oil Company in Kalamazoo for 43...

Mary passed away Thursday, June 1, 2023 at the Wings Home in Allegan.She was born March 20, 1933 in Trowbridge Township to Charles and Lillian (Pinney) Colder and was raised by her Aunt Laura. Mary was the first adult in Otsego to go back to high school and graduate with her diploma. She attending school in the same building with...

Martha Jean (Burkett) Phelps entered this earth February 28, 1946 through God’s love to parents Milton and Glenna Burkett in Sidney, Ohio. She was welcomed and adored by her brother, Wendell and sister, Rita. Family and friends have watched her grow and develop her God given gifts that have inspired us all.Jean worked as a preschool teacher at Sunshine Preschool...

Our Beloved Gail passed away Monday, May 29, 2023, with her husband and daughters by her side at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo.She was born April 27, 1949 in Hancock, the daughter of Alvin and Martha (Poyhonen) Honkanen. Gail graduated in 1967 from Pershing High School in Detroit. She worked in accounting for several years pausing to stay home and raise...

Bella passed away Sunday, May 21, 2023 at Kauhale Assisted Living in Otsego.She was born July 22, 1930 in London, England, the daughter of William and Alice (Daniels) Axam. She worked at several area retail stores over the years retiring from Steketee’s. Bella was a skilled seamstress. She made many outfits for her children, did alterations and for many years...

Bill passed away May 14, 2023 on his family farm where he was able to watch the fields being planted in his “paradise” in his final days.  Born October 26, 1942 in Kalamazoo, MI to William H “Bill” Wood and Edith (Jones) Wood Wilson.  He was raised in Otsego, MI and spent much of his time playing backyard baseball and...