Obituaries

Joyce passed away Sunday, January 29, 2023 in Kalamazoo.She was born August 15, 1938 in Quincy, Massachusetts, the daughter of Vincent and Helen (Daly) O’Neill. Joyce graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Weymouth, Massachusetts and from Boston University with a bachelor’s degree in Communications.Joyce loved her career as a flight attendant, she flew all over the world and was...

Howard passed away, Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo.He was born September 15, 1955 in Kalamazoo, the son of Howard Sr. and Marian (Mastin) Willis. Howard proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy. For over 30 years he worked at General Motors until his retirement 20 years ago.In his free time Howard was a professional...

Jon Paul passed away Sunday, January 22, 2023 in Holland.He was born June 29, 1970 in L’Anse, Michigan, the son of Lucia “Peach” Dowler. Jon proudly served his country in the U.S Navy. After his honorable discharge, he worked at Hayworth for 13 years, Amrep in Marietta, GA, JVC Disc of America in Kennesaw, GA; the Norfolk Virginia Sheriff’s Department,...

Tom passed away, Saturday, January 14, 2023 at his home in Plainwell.He was born April 16, 1960 in St. Paul, Minnesota, the son of James and Carol (Sorlie) Forcier. Tom worked as a welder for Bradford White. In his free time he enjoyed golfing, camping, socializing, flying and coaching football. He was a member and past Exalted Ruler of the...

Shirley passed away peacefully on January 14, 2023 at the Wings Home in Allegan surrounded by her family and friends.She was born August 3, 1933 in Pine Grove Township to Charles and Hazel (McKee) Pickard. In November of 1950 she married Carl Brainard, who preceded her in death, they celebrated 50 years of marriage.Shirley worked for over 30 years at...

Gerry Sass of Richland passed away Saturday, January 14, 2023 in Richland.Gerry was born October 10, 1944 in Lawton, MI to Robert and Donna (Willmarth) Goodrich. She enjoyed entertaining, traveling, cooking, shopping, decorating, going on cruises, tanning and dancing. On August 10, 1991 in Kalamazoo she married Edward Sass III who survives.Also surviving are her children, Kim (Paul) Bloss of...

Bette Maneke of Portage, (formerly of Allegan) went to be with the Lord Friday, January 13, 2023 with her family by her side. Bette was born December 18, 1935 in Kalamazoo the daughter of Roy and Viola (Truax) Chamberlain.Bette had worked at RS Electronics, Otsego and Jirgens Modern Tools from where she retired. Bette was a longtime active member of...

Larry passed away, Monday, January 9, 2023 at his home in Otsego, surrounded by his loved ones.He was born January 19, 1961 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the son of Lawrence and Marjorie (Bryan) Holyoke. Larry spent his younger years in Florida and worked as a heavy equipment operator for the Hillsboro County Road Commission until his retirement in 2001....

Sylvia Jeanne Smith formerly of Comstock, passed away, Sunday, January 8, 2023, at Kauhale in Otsego.She was born April 3, 1937 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the daughter of Clayton and Audrey (Wilson) Wheeler. Jeanne earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Master’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Cincinnati and worked in Human Resources for many different companies over the...

Harry passed away, Sunday, January 8, 2023 at American House in Jenison.He was born July 17, 1931 in Metcalf, Illinois, the son of Lex and Vera (Stark) Thompson. Harry owned and operated Thompson Electric and was co-owner of Professional Code Inspections. As a young man Harry enjoyed car racing and spending time at the Kalamazoo Speedway.He also liked hunting, watching...

Janet passed away Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at her home in Otsego.She was born February 2, 1935 in Marshall, the daughter of Clifton and Geraldine (Hildebrandt) Snyder. Janet was a 1953 Otsego High School graduate and lifelong resident of the area. For many years Janet was a clerk for the City of Otsego until her retirement in 1997. In her...

Terry passed away, Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo.She was born August 14, 1945 to Willard and Rose (Dawson) Harper and was raised by Elva and George Mowat. For many years Terry worked at Parker Hannifin until her retirement. Terry was an animal lover, especially dogs and had rescued many animals over the years. She also enjoyed...

Gloria G. Lane, formerly of Allegan, passed away on Sunday, January 1, 2023 in Otsego.Gloria was a resident at Kauhale in Otsego where she was lovingly cared for and had resided since 2021. She was born April 1, 1929 in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Robert and Evelyn (Gilman) Hafer. Gloria married Monte H. Lane on August 26, 1952 and they...

Tribute, with Love, to my Precious Wife,Tirzah Ann Blackman, on the Painful Transition from Grief to GratitudeDearest Precious Tirzah, Erda-Lou, Natasha, Buttercup, Bootsie, Best Friend, Loving Wife,Our relationship started at a ballet barre and grew into a beautiful marriage of more than 35 years.  I remember your effervescent smile during class as we clowned around, and that very high-spirited feeling...

Carl Kling of Otsego passed away Sunday, December 25, 2022 at his home.Carl was born December 25, 1945 in Otsego to Carl and Irma (Rowe) Kling. He was a 1964 Otsego High School graduate. Carl proudly served in his country in the Navy during the Vietnam War. After serving his country he worked for Gibson Guitar until it closed then...

Ed passed away Thursday, December 29, 2022 in Allegan.He was born July 13, 1931 in Kalamazoo, the son of Theodore and Mildred (Williamson) Hill. Ed proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. For almost 43 years Ed worked for James River until his retirement in 1993. In his free time he enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking,...

Evelyn Pearl Shook, passed away, Thursday, December 22, 2022, at Stanford Lodge in Plainwell.She was born May 5, 1928 in Detroit, her parents were Wilber and Nancy Orris. She really enjoyed being part of a large family as she had 11 brothers and sisters. Pearl moved with her family to Martin, MI, at a young age. She graduated as co-valedictorian...

Muriel entered eternal rest Wednesday, December 21, 2022.Muriel was born May 22, 1927 at Forest Hill, MI to Earl and Augusta (Deline) Michael. She was united in marriage to Robert Lee Raycraft on August 17, 1947 in Pleasant Valley, MI. They celebrated life together for 64 years before his passing in 2011. They wintered for many years in Zephyrhills, FL...

Marilyn passed away, Friday, December 23, 2022, at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo.She was born June 3, 1938 in Hopkins, the daughter of Leon and Edna (Cooley) Arnsman. For over 27 years Marilyn worked for General Motors. She enjoyed playing cards, doing puzzles, camping and traveling, working in her flower gardens, spending the winters in Florida and taking care of her...

Michael Goudy of Allegan passed away Thursday, December 22, 2022 in Holland. Mike was born July 17, 1954 in Plainwell the son of Lester ‘Sam’ and Patricia (MacDonald) Goudy.He was an Otsego High School graduated and had served his country in the Marines.Mike worked for Parker Hannifin for 38 years.Surviving are his children, Jamie Moss, Jesse Goudy and Jessica Wilson;...