Obituaries

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...

Elaine passed away, Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in Allegan.She was born January 29, 1948 in Cleveland, Ohio, the daughter of Albert and Isabelle (Todhunter) Evans. As a young woman Elaine worked for the Credit Bureau and later at Westside Family Medical Center and Bronson Hospital until her retirement. In her free time Elaine was active with TOPS and Weight Watchers.Surviving...

Mary passed away Saturday, March 25, 2023 at Holland Hospital.She was born October 29, 1951 in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Myron and Darlene (Sherer) Wiersma. Mary attended Otsego High School. For many years she worked at Zales Jewelers and retired from Shifrin Jewelers in Portage.Mary enjoyed being outdoors, working in her flower gardens, spending time at Rupert Lake, swimming and...

Ruberta passed away Friday, March 24, 2023 in Kalamazoo.She was born November 30, 1947 in Allegan, the daughter of Floyd and Mildred (Warner) Warner. Ruberta worked at Safari Circuits in Otsego for many years until her retirement. In her free time she enjoyed cooking, baking and hiking with her son.Surviving are her son, Tad Bronkema, siblings, Luanna (Robert) Wason and...

Sondra passed away Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at her home in Otsego.She was born July 31, 1970 in Plainwell, the daughter of Richard and Genese (Thompson) Stewart. Sondra enjoyed doing crafts, painting, coloring, wood carving and ceramics. She loved backyard cook outs, campfires and spending time with her family.Surviving are her husband, Steven Harvey; children, Amanda Sisson of Otsego and...

Steve passed away Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at his home in Otsego.He was born December 31, 1957 in Kalamazoo the son of Robert Sr. and Dolores (Clugston) Staley. Steve proudly served his country in the U.S Army. He worked maintenance for an apartment complex in Kalamazoo and was also a longtime union painter.In his spare time Steve enjoyed growing plants,...