Obituaries

J. David Summers

J. David Summers

Aug 26, 2024

David passed away, Monday, August 26, 2024, at his home in Plainwell. 

He was born June 24, 1936, in Three Rivers, the son of John G. and Mildred (Brinkman) Summers. David worked at Eaton Corporation and retired from First of America Bank as vice president. 

In his free time David loved restoring old cars. He had a creative and mechanical mind and...

Charles Barton Jr.

Charles Barton Jr.

Aug 24, 2024

After a life well lived, Charles ‘Chuck’ F. Barton, Jr. passed away on Saturday, August 24, 2024 in Kalamazoo with the love of his life Naomi Barton by his side. He was born January 15, 1934, to Charles and Josephine Barton. He had two sisters, JoAnn Vanderborgh and Catherine Peacock (now deceased). Chuck was blessed with two sons, Mike (Renko)...

Robert E. Koster

Robert E. Koster

Aug 20, 2024

Bob passed away Tuesday, August 20, 2024, in Allegan. 

He was born November 6, 1929, in Frankfort, IN the son of Harry and Thelma (Davidson) Koster. Bob proudly served his country in the US Army. Bob worked for Kalamazoo Paper company for 18 years and then 18 years for the Allegan County Road Commission retiring in 1990. 

In his leisure time he...

Michael Gray

Michael Gray

Aug 19, 2024

Michael passed away Monday, August 19, 2024 at his home. 

He was born January 6, 1950 in Kalamazoo. He was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Marion Gray. Mike was a 1968 graduate of Otsego High School, attended KVCC, Western and served in the Air Force. He was a deputy Sheriff for Kalamazoo County for 35 years. 

He is survived...

Shirley M. Foster

Shirley M. Foster

Aug 17, 2024

Shirley passed away, Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. 

She was born on May 25, 1958, in Plainwell, the daughter of Robert and Barbara (Chesnut) Foster. Shirley worked as an administrative assistant until 2001. She also owned and operated Eternal Chi Energetics, an energetic healing and massage business. 

Shirley was a loving, dedicated mother, energetic healer, sister and friend...

Claudia J. Earl

Claudia J. Earl

Aug 17, 2024

Claudia passed away, Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo. 

She was born February 7, 1949, in Plainwell, the daughter of David and Betty (LaRue) Mengel. For over 14 years she worked at Parker Hannifan until her retirement in 2011. 

Claudia loved horses and in her free time, she enjoyed sewing, crocheting and reading. Most of all she loved...

Susan E. Hatten

Susan E. Hatten

Aug 17, 2024

Susan Elaine Hatten, affectionately known to many as "Wonder Woman," passed away on August 17, 2024, at the Wings Home of Allegan. 

She was born on August 14, 1948, in Plainwell, the daughter of Bernerd and Laura (Mottor) Mollitor. Susan dedicated herself to a diverse career, excelling in various roles, including as a waitress, clerk at Harding's Market, and a shipping...

Paul L. Mitchell

Paul L. Mitchell

Aug 15, 2024

Paul L. Mitchell November 7, 1964 (Marlette, MI) - August 15, 2024 (Otsego, MI) A life well-lived and filled with love.

Paul died peacefully at home surrounded by the love of his family, exactly how he wanted it. A totally devoted family man, Paul’s loved ones feel a profound sense of loss, but also immense gratitude for the example he set...

Richard W. Eggleston

Richard W. Eggleston

Aug 7, 2024

Dick passed away, Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at his home in Otsego. 

He was born February 28, 1936, in Three Oaks, the son of Leland and Grace (Lowe) Eggleston. Dick proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and for many years was a Police Officer for the city of St. Joseph. 

During his retirement Dick worked for Pobocik Funeral Home in...

Daniel M. Kik

Daniel M. Kik

Aug 2, 2024

Entered his blessed eternity on Friday, August 2, 2024, at his home in Plainwell. 

Daniel was born August 31, 1953, in Kent City, the son of Donald Kik and Kathryn (Rider) Kik. He graduated from Sparta High School in 1971 and went on to attend Central Michigan University, graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Education in 1975. Dan married Julie (Schamber)...

Sara M. VanAuken

Sara M. VanAuken

Jul 26, 2024

Sara passed away, Friday, July 26, 2024, at Allegan County Medical Care Community. 

She was born May 22, 1932, in Otsego, the daughter of William and Agnes (Martin) Shier. Sara graduated from Otsego High School in 1950 and was a lifelong resident of the area. She was a cook at several area restaurants over the years. She owned and operated M-40...

Francine K. Adams

Francine K. Adams

Jul 22, 2024

Fran went home to be with the Lord on July 22, 2024. She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, sister, a daughter, a son, several grandchildren and a great-grandchild. 

A private burial will take place at a future time. 

Ernest A. Sunnerville

Ernest A. Sunnerville

Jul 20, 2024

Ernie passed away, Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Allegan County Medical Care Community, surrounded by his loving family. 

He was born June 30, 1935, in Constantine, the son of Archie and Evelyn (Jackson) Sunnerville. Ernie graduated in 1953 from Plainwell High School where he was a track star and won state competitions. He attended Albion College and Western Michigan University until...

Sherri K. Riley

Sherri K. Riley

Jul 20, 2024

Sherri passed away, Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo. 

She was born February 9, 1962, in Plainwell, the daughter of Leonard and Sandra (Cam) Riley. Sherri was a certified nurse’s aide and worked at several area businesses over the years. She enjoyed buying and selling jewelry, crocheting and watching the birds. 

Surviving are her 3 children; 5 step-children; 10...

Darlene K. Lester

Darlene K. Lester

Jul 16, 2024

Darlene passed away, Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at her home in Plainwell. 

She was born November 29, 1945, in Grand Rapids, the daughter of William Sr. and Virginia (Prinz) Rockburn. For over 30 years Darlene was a florist at Harding’s Market in Otsego, until her retirement in 2014. 

In her free time Darlene loved gardening and collecting chicken statues she placed throughout...

Agnes Rosemary Dean

Agnes Rosemary Dean

Jul 15, 2024

Agnes passed away, Monday, July 15, 2024, at Kauhale in Otsego. 

She was born in Lennon, Michigan, on November 25, 1925, the daughter of Michael and Anna Poprick. Agnes had many jobs over the years, including purchasing secretary at Brundage Fan, manager of an art gallery in Kalamazoo and was an assistant to Dr. Redmond also in Kalamazoo.

She taught 4-H classes...

Jeffrey J King

Jeffrey J King

Jul 8, 2024

Jeff passed away, Monday, July 8, 2024, at his home in Kalamazoo. 

He was born June 18, 1964, in Detroit, the son of John and Marilynn (Postema) King. Jeff had done neon sign work in California and Michigan and most recently was a millwright with Local 1102. 

He loved spending time with his son, Brodie, working on cars, souping up engines and...

Rick Himmelein

Rick Himmelein

Jul 8, 2024

Rick passed away, Monday, July 8, 2024, at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo. 

He was born March 13, 1957, the son of Dean and Mary Ellen (Blanchard) Himmelein. Rick graduated from Plainwell High School where he enjoyed playing football. For over 40 years, he was a heavy equipment operator retiring from Operating Engineers Local 324. 

In his spare time, he enjoyed drawing houses,...

Herbert F. Orth

Herbert F. Orth

Jul 4, 2024

Herbert Franz Orth passed away at his home in Plainwell, MI, on July 4, 2024. 

He is survived by his wife, Cynthia Hicks-Orth of Plainwell, Michigan, son Mark David Orth of Washington State, daughter, Tracey Anne Orth-Burrows of New Jersey and two grandchildren. He was a member of the Blairstown New Jersey Masonic Lodge #165, the United States Submarine Veterans, Inc....

Nancy L. Scott

Nancy L. Scott

Jul 3, 2024

Nancy passed away, Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at Kauhale in Otsego. 

She was born October 24, 1948, in Kalamazoo, the daughter of John and Arlene “Did” (Parker) Kennedy. Nancy received her master’s degree in education from Western Michigan University. She started her teaching career with the migrant program in Fennville and for 28 years at Gobles Public Schools until her retirement....