Obituaries

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...

Born on November 29, 1956 to Robert and Hazel Lewis, Scott Lewis grew up in the small town of Riverdale, MI. Quickly, it was found that baseball would become his lifelong passion. He was always involved in baseball, whether it was playing with his friends or watching it on TV.He was always a daddy’s boy, with his fondest memories being...

Mandi passed away, Sunday, May 14, 2023 at her home in Plainwell.She was born August 19, 1979 in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Doug and Debbie (Miller) Fenwick. Mandi worked as a Quality Inspector at Safari Circuits in Otsego. Mandi’s greatest passion in life was being a mother to her daughter, Samantha Meyer.She enjoyed being a Girl Scout leader and caring...

Dwain A. DeBack, “Butch”, passed away Tuesday, December 6, 2022 in the care of Hospice, Englewood Florida. He was born on May 2, 1936 in Kalamazoo, MI, the only child of the late Lawrence DeBack and Eileen DeBack, (nee) Hendrickson. Butch graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1954. He played the trumpet in band and played for the Dick...

Charlotte went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at the Wings Home in Allegan.She was born October 21, 1932 in Coldwater the daughter of Robert and Bernice (Smith) Watson. Charlotte was a homemaker and provided daycare out of her home for many years. She loved raising her family, singing in the choir and knitting....

Pat passed away Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at the Wings Home in Allegan.She was born February 18, 1937 in Battle Creek the daughter of Peter and Marjorie (Gradwell) Collins. Pat enjoyed taking care of her home and yard, playing cards, going to the casino, taking road trips, feeding and watching the birds and was a passionate caregiver. On May 6,...

Jane passed away, Monday, April 24, 2023 at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo.She was born July 29, 1950 in Paw Paw the daughter of Fred and Frances (Huff) Selen. Jane worked at Meijer, as a realtor, for Upjohn and at First of America Bank. In her free time she enjoyed sewing, knitting, cross stitch and playing the piano. She married David...

Dale passed away Monday, April 24, 2023 in Grand Rapids.He was born June 15, 1969 in Plainwell the son of Roland and Helen (Brown) Wallace. Dale worked at J&L Electric and IBEW in Indiana as an electrician. He also owned and operated Five 2 Outdoors and KR Pizzas. Dale was an avid outdoorsman and loved bow hunting. On October 19,...

Stanley passed away Friday, April 21, 2023 at his home in Plainwell.He was born September 10, 1933 in Kalamazoo the son of Stanley and Virginia (Mott) McNees. Stan graduated from Kalamazoo Central in 1950 and was drafted into the U.S. Army. He worked at several area businesses over the years including Southerland Paper Mill, Sherwin Williams, Pinkerton Security and for...

Derek passed away Monday, April 3, 2023 in Kalamazoo.He was born October 4, 1974 in Plainwell the son of Mark and Judy (Bowers) Esterline. Derek graduated from Comstock High School in 1992. He worked in construction and owned and operated DNA Residential. Derek enjoyed fishing, target shooting, cooking, grilling and gardening. On April 29, 2016 he married Melissa Louden who...