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Obituaries in 2003
Hartford Michigan |
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Please email the webmaster if you have obituaries of
people who have lived in Hartford Michigan, or was active
in the Hartford community, at some time during their lives.
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Aime Cunningham,
of Hartford, died on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2003, at her home. As to her
wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no services.
Aime was born on July 29, 1938, to Paul and Mary (Heinisch)
Bundesman. After schooling at MSU, she worked as an administrative
assistant to the director at the University of Chicago for eight
years. She returned here and
was the Hartford Public Librarian for 18 years. She retired
from the Donald C. Cook Nuclear Plant in 1998. Aime was the
librarian there for 10 years.
Aime was preceded in death by her parents. Mrs. C is
survived by Robert, her loving husband of 39 years.
The Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford is assisting the
family.
Note: Aime was
a
1956 graduate of Hartford High School.
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Waunita S.
Woodruff, 96, of Dowagiac, died Saturday, Dec. 27, 2003,
at Dowagiac Nursing Home.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan.
2, at the First United Methodist Church, with the Rev. R. Paul
Doherty officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday,
Dec. 30, at the Groner Funeral Home, Dowagiac. Burial will be in
Bedford Cemetery, Calhoun County. Memorial contributions may be made
to the First United Methodist Church.
Mrs. Woodruff was born Nov. 9, 1907 in Johnstown
Township, Berry County. She was a 1925 graduate of Battle Creek High
School. In 1927 she received a Life Certificate from Western State
Normal College and in 1939 earned a bachelor of arts degree from
Western State Teachers College.
Mrs. Woodruff taught third
grade in the Hartford School System from 1927 to 1946.
On Sept. 21, 1946, in Sister Lakes, she married Roe A. Woodruff and
he preceded her in death on Jan. 10, 2000.
Mrs. Woodruff was a member of the First United
Methodist Church Martha Circle and Cass County Audubon Club. She
enjoyed her family and friends, cooking, reading, traveling and her
garden.
She is survived by a daughter, Roberta Woodruff of
Dowagiac
Note: Mrs. Nye’s name is
spelled Wauneta in each of the six HHS Yearbooks
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Alvin H. Knutson,
82, died in December 16, 2003. John and Pat Erwin of Reno, Nevada,
stopped in Victorville, California, where Al lived, to call on him
and were informed of his passing. [Al was born 9-15-1921]
Al “Swede” Knutson, a resident of Keeler, was
a
1940 Hartford High School
graduate who starred in Varsity Football, Basketball and
Baseball the four years he was in high school. He preferred the
name “Swede” in days before such references were considered
insensitive or politically incorrect. He was a tough competitor and
a hard-hitting lineman with Hartford’s gridiron eleven.
After graduation Al volunteered for service in the
United States Marine Corps and was on active duty when the United
States was plunged into World War II by the sneak early Sunday
morning attack on Hawaii’s Pearl Harbor by the Japanese Imperial
Navy. He fought a series of Pacific Island campaigns including
bloody hand-to-hand encounters on Tarawa and Saipan as a member of
the Marines illustrious Second Division. In keeping with Marine
Corps policy he was granted a one-month R and R (Rest and
Recuperation) leave upon completing two full years of combat duty.
After spending his leave in Keeler, he returned to the Pacific where
he served until war’s end. Amazingly, he completed his combat tours
without being wounded.
After leaving the Corps (once a Marine, always a
Marine) he decided to remain in California, married, raised his
family, making his career there.
No further details available at this
time.
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Helen M. (Richter) Castor
–
born
on May 19, 1915, in Hartford, MI, to parents, Paul and Mable
Richter, died on December 21, 2003, in Lansing, MI. Helen
moved to East Lansing in 1992 from Ann Arbor, MI.
She was preceded in death by husband, Clinton Eugene
Castor in 1994. Surviving are daughter, Connie (Robert)
Cullum of East Lansing, and son, Clinton E. Castor Jr. of Palm
Harbor, FL; six grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren.
She will be interred at Washtenong Memorial Park and
Mausoleum‑with arrangements by Mueblig Funeral Chapel. A family
Memorial Service will be planned for later. Memorial contributions
can be made to the American Heart Association, the American Lung
Association or the National Kidney Foundation.
As printed in the
Ann Arbor News, Tuesday, December 23,2003
Note:
Helen was from the 1932 graduating class of Hartford High
School.
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Donna Ruth
(Starbuck) Novak, 82, of Lawrence, Michigan passed away
on Friday, November 28, 2003, at her home.
Donna was born on November 6, 1921 and
lived most of her life in
the Hartford,
Bangor and Lawrence area. She was formerly employed at the
DuWel Corporation of Bangor and was active in the 4-H and various
church activities at the Sacred Heart Catholic church in Bangor.
Donna was also active in the Stevensville American Legion Post 568
Auxiliary for over 20 years. Donna also enjoyed reading all kinds of
books and cooking for her children and grandchildren whom she loved.
A funeral service to honor her memory will be held on
Thursday, December 4, 2003 at 11 a.m. at the Leonard Funeral Home,
Lawrence, Father Tom Seidel CSC will officiate. In lieu of flowers
the family asks that memorials be made to the Sacred Heart Catholic
Church of Bangor.
Donna is survived by her children Bernard Novak of
Lawrence, William Novak of Benton Harbor, Rose (Carl) Stokes of
Benton Harbor and Peggy (James A.) Hester of Bangor. Also surviving
are 10 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and a sister, Dorothy
(John D.) Kelley of Hartford.
She was preceded in death by sons, Arthur W. Kelemen,
and Robert Novak; her husband, Ben Novak; her mother, June Schmidt
and a brother, William Starbuck.
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Dorothy A.
Dlouhy, 79, of Coloma, died Tuesday, November 25, 2003, at
Community Hospital, Watervliet.
Mrs. Dlouhy was born June 17, 1924, in Paw Paw to Naomi
(Hambidge) and Howard Warren.
She graduated from
Hartford
High School in
1941. Dorothy married her husband of 56 years,
Raymond, on June 11, 1947. She was a bookkeeper for the family
business, Dlouhy Electric, since 1951. When she wasn’t helping out
at the business, she loved spending time with her granddaughters.
Dorothy loved to dance and enjoyed eating out.
Private funeral services will be held Saturday. Visitation was held
from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Davidson Chapel, Florin Funeral
Service, Coloma. Burial was in Coloma Cemetery. Memorials may be
made to Coloma Ambulance Service or to the North Berrien Senior
Center.
Survivors are her husband, Raymond; one son, Brad
(Nancy) Dlouhy of Watervliet; and two granddaughters, Lindsay Ann
Dlouhy of Chicago and Nicole Marie Dlouhy of Kalamazoo. She
was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Jean Scott.
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Rev.
Charles F. Davis, 62, of
Hartford
passed away on Sunday, November 9, 2003, at Cherokee Village
Regional Health System in Arkansas, following a tragic car accident.
Rev. Davis was born on March 1, 1941, the son of Sarah
Rachel and the late Chester Davis. He was a lifelong resident of
Hartford.
He previously was the pastor
of the Keeler General Baptist Church, for more than 20 years,
and spent his life serving God and helping others. He will be
greatly missed by all who knew him.
Rev. Davis was pastor at Yore Avenue General Baptist Church,
Benton Harbor. He also was a talented carpenter, better known as
‘Charlie Fixit’. He loved old cars and was a member of the Van
Buren county Historical Society.
Rev. Davis is survived by his mother, Sarah Rachel; a daughter,
Kathy Snyder; and two sons, Alan and James and their mother, Renee.
Also surviving is Alice and her two children and six grandchildren,
Brandon, Sarah, Taylor, Connor, Sidney and Lauren.
The family will greet friends from 5 to 8 p.m.
Thursday, November 13, at the Yore Avenue General Baptist Church in
Benton Harbor, where the service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday,
November 14. Burial will follow in Keeler Cemetery. In lieu of
flowers, memorials may be made to the Yore General Baptist Church
Building Fund. Arrangements are by Calvin Funeral Home,
Hartford.
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Mariam Alice Sydlik,
71, of
Hartford passed away November 6, 2003, at Community Hospital,
Watervliet.
She was born July 11, 1932, in Eau Claire, the daughter of Frank and
Kathaleen Voit. She was a 1951 graduate of Benton Harbor High
School.
She leaves a husband, Joseph Sydlik, and daughter, Joye
Rathgeb of
Hartford; three sons — Floyd Lewis of Harrison, Arkansas,
Bob Lewis of Holland, Michigan, and James Lewis of
Hartford;
and several grandchildren. Also surviving, one brother, William Voit
of South Bend, Ind.; and one sister, Frances Otte of Coloma.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Franklin
"Tom" Voit. Cremation followed.
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Darrell Neil
Phillips, 71, of Hartford, passed away on Thursday,
November 6, 2003, at his home.
Darrell was born May 22, 1932, in Glouster, Ohio, the
son of Loren and Ida (Jewell) Phillips. Darrell retired from farming
in 1996 after many years of tending his farm. He was a former police
officer for Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. Darrell loved tending
to his garden along with being an avid fisherman and hunter.
He served his country during
the Korean Conflict in the U.S. Army and then in the National Guard.
As to Darrell’s wishes, cremation has taken place. The
family is following Darrell’s wishes by not having any public
service. Military rites will be conducted at his home by VFW Post
6803, VFW Post 1137, American Legion Post 362 and Auxiliary. In lieu
of flowers donations may be made to the family.
Darrell is survived by his wife, Charlotte, whom he
married August 29, 1951; three sons, Rodney (Sandra) Phillips of
Watervliet, Darrell (Theresa) Phillips of Watervliet and Randy
(Sharon) Phillips of Hartford; a daughter, Brenda (Howard)
Parker of
Hartford; eight grandchildren; 16 great-grand-children; his
mother, Ida Phillips of Glouster, Ohio; two brothers, David (Judy)
Phillips of Ohio and Ralph (Marie) Phillips of North Carolina; three
sisters, Sharma (Robert) Weedy, Sharon Fairclough and Gertrude
(Jerry) Fraber, all of Ohio.
Darrell was preceded in death by a grandson, Shane
Phillips; his father, Loren Phillips; and a brother, Billy Joe
Phillips.
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Catherine
Rose Bishop, 63, of Hartford, passed away on Thursday,
November 6, 2003, at South Haven Community Hospital.
Catherine was born May 19, 1940, in Thornapple
Township, Michigan, the daughter of Leslie and Emily (Dzierska)
Davis. She was a neighborhood mother to many. She loved to bake and
decorate the home for the holidays.
The family received friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday,
November 10, at the Calvin Funeral Home,
Hartford.
A service to honor her memory was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, November
11, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Salem Township
Cemetery, Burnips, Michigan. Memorials may be made to the American
Cancer Society.
Catherine is survived by her six children, Cecil
(Aaron) Bishop of Holland, Randall (Debra) Bishop of Grand Junction,
Faith Renee Bishop of Hartford, Lestie Bishop of Grand
Junction, Shawn (Cynthia) Bishop of Burnips and Meggin Bishop of
Hartford.
Also surviving are 10 grandchildren; four great-grand-children; a
brother, Michael (Suzzane) Davis of Stevensville; a brother, Leslie
(Sandy) Paul Davis Jr. of Pablo, Colorado; a sister, Beverly (John)
Meyer of Benton Harbor; and a brother, Marvin Davis of California.
Catherine was preceded in death by her parents.
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Dorothy Correll Sears
of Otsego MI passed away Oct 30, 2003.
NOTE: Dorothy
is from the
1954 graduating class of Hartford High School, where she
was the class Valedictorian and Treasurer.
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Barbara J. Przybylo,
[Portland, Oregon] 68, died
October 30, 2003 at the hospital in Portland of an undetected brain tumor.
She was buried at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Portland.
Barbara was born June 1,
1935 to Johnny and Kay Manning Smith.
She graduated from
Hartford High School in
1953. She also was a graduate
of Michigan State University and Patricia Stevens Modeling and
Secretarial School in Chicago, where she
worked till her marriage to Mr. Przybylo at which time they moved
to Portland to live. Barbara worked for the Avon Company for
years, and was involved with
conservation groups in the area.
Survivors include her
husband Ted, stepbrothers, Andrew, Edward, and Thomas Robinson,
two nephews, and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her
parents, her stepmother Elaine, and a brother Roger.
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Donald
Pradon, 68, of Hartford passed away on Sunday, October
19, 2003, at Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph
Donald was born on May 24, 1935, in Chicago, the son of
Sam and Katherine (Goida) Pradon. Both preceded him in passing.
Donald retired from the Watervliet Paper Mill in 1984
after 30 years of employment. He was instrumental in forming the
first workers’ union at the mill. He was a life member of the Van
Buren County Sportsman’s Club; an avid hunter and fisherman and was
especially a good cook.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m.
Thursday, October 23, at Calvin Funeral Home,
Hartford.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday,
October 23, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church,
Hartford,
with Father Robert Flickinger as the celebrant. Burial will follow
in Maple Hill Cemetery, Hartford.
Donald is survived by his wife,
Ramona, whom he married
on January 17, 1985; a son, Donald R. (Nikki) Pradon of Watervliet;
two daughters, Violet (Gary) Jewell of Coloma and Rhonda (William)
Brumley of
Hartford; grandchildren, Stacy (Zeb) Deitrich, Clint Jewell,
Ramona Jewell, Jessica Brumley, Micahel Brumley, Jennifer Brumley,
William Brumley, Katie Brumley and Lisa Sullivan;
great-grandchildren, Brittany and Brooke. Also surviving is a
brother, Paul (Donna) Pradon of Hartford; a sister, Mary Miller of
Hartford;
numerous nieces and nephews; many wonderful friends and especially
his fishing buddies.
Besides his parents, Donald was preceded in death by a
brother, George Pradon; and sisters, Ann Pleyer, Josephine Rdzak and
Eleanor Wilkens.
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Margaret
Taylor Puhrman, 81, of Hartford passed away Saturday, October
18, 2003, at Borgess Medical Center, Kalamazoo.
Margaret was born on March 10, 1922, in Hamilton,
Scotland, the daughter of Alexander and Margaret (Soutar) Brown. She
formerly owned and operated with her late husband, the Puhrman
Trailer Park in Hazel Crest, Ill. She also loved to travel.
The family received friends from 2 to 7 p.m. on
Tuesday, October 21, at Calvin Funeral Home,
Hartford,
where the funeral service took place at 7 p.m. The Rev. Ron Hansen
of the
Hartford United Methodist Church officiated. As to her
wishes, cremation followed the service.
Margaret is survived by her son, Robert Puhrman of
Hartford;
and two brothers, Thomas Brown of Coal City, Ill., and David (Carol)
Brown of Naperville, Illinois. She was preceded in death by
her husband, Marshall Puhrman on December 12, 1998; a daughter,
Sandra Lynn Puhrman on January 21, 1988; and by her parents.
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John Avon
Babcock, 91, of Hartford passed away on Saturday,
October 18, 2003, at his home.
John was born on September 30, 1912, in Silver Creek
Township, the son of Avon and Nina (Green) Babcock. John graduated
from Benton Harbor High School in 1928. He was a graduate of The
International Business College in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He married
the former Evelyn (Born) on March 4, 1944, in Chicago.
John was a farmer in Keeler for 65 years. He was
president of the State Soil Conservation Association, president of
the State Horticultural Society and received several awards for his
accomplishments in agriculture. John was a member of the Keeler
United Methodist Church for more than 60 years. He was a lay leader
for the West Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church and
was very involved in the work of the church both locally and
conference wide.
John was also involved in the community, having served
as president of the
Hartford
Public School Board, a member of the Van Buren State Bank Board and
the military draft board.
John is survived by his wife of 59 years, Evelyn; two
daughters, Nancy (David) Parsons of Grand Haven and Nina (Michael)
Jason of Denver; four grandchildren, Erik and Emily Parsons, Heather
(Darren) Bennett and Kristin (Kevin) Morton; three step-grandsons,
Robert, Michael and Nicholas Jason; five great-grandchildren, Roy,
Shailey and Caleb Bennett, Ryann and Jon Morton. John was
preceded in death by his parents; and his great-grand-daughter,
Lillian.
John has donated his body to science at the University
of Michigan. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the Keeler United Methodist Church or to
South Haven Area Hospice.
Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford, is serving the family.
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Pearl A.
Kerr, 93, of Medinah, Illinois passed away on Wednesday,
October 15, 2003, at Glen Oaks Hospital in Glendale Heights,
Illinois.
Pearl was born on January 1, 1910, in Chicago, the
daughter of Orrie and Elizabeth (Bollback) Graff. Both preceded her
in passing.
Pearl was
formerly employed at Auto Specialties of
Hartford
for 25 years. She was a member of the Church of Christ
in Bangor.
The family received friends from noon until 1 p.m. on
Monday, October 20, at Calvin Funeral Home,
Hartford,
where the service was held at 1 p.m. Pastor Tim Sipes of the Church
of Christ of Bangor officiated. Burial was in North Shore Memory
Gardens, Hagar Shores.
Pearl is survived by her daughter, Betty (Jess) Ballard
of Medinah; her son, James (Joyce) Kerr of Lawrence; nine
grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two
great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband,
Roy, on December 24, 1992, and by a brother, Howard.
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Rev. James
W. Kelley, 73, of Hartford, died October 15, 2003 at
Borgess Medical Center, Kalamazoo.
Rev. Kelley was born November 1, 1929 in Kenneth,
Missouri, to Bert and Ollie Kelley. James was a minister for the
Church of God for 52 years, retiring in 1995. Rev. Kelley pastored
many churches. The last Church he served before retirement was in
Leachville, Arkansas.
Visitation was held from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the
Filbrandt Family Funeral Home, South Haven. Funeral services were
held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Hartford Church of God with Pastor
Lonnie Truelove officiating. Burial is in Maple Hill Cemetery,
Hartford.
The family is being helped by the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home,
South Haven.
He is survived by his spouse, Rosita Kelley; daughters
— Anita (Rev. Don) Turner of Grand Haven, and Shirley (James)
Brooks of Watervliet; son, Cecil (Pam) Kelley of Pullman; sisters,
Alma Williams of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Willie Bea Jones of Dyess,
Arkansas, and Marie Shaver of Elyria, Ohio.
He was preceded in death by his sons; James Wayne
Kelley and Rondall Kelley; a granddaughter, Angela Kelley; three
brothers; and one sister.
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Audelia Saavedre,
62, of
Hartford passed away on Tuesday, October 14, 2003, at Borgess
Medical Center.
Audelia was born on April 10, 1941, in St. Rosa GRO, Mexico, the
daughter of Jose and Fabiana (Montoya) Saavedra.
The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
on Friday, October 17, at Calvin Funeral Home,
Hartford,
with the service being held at 1 p.m. Pastor Arturo Acosta of the
First Hispanic Midway Baptist Church of
Hartford
will officiate. Burial will follow in Keeler Cemetery.
Audelia is survived by her husband, Alfredo Soto;
children-daughter, Irma (Romaldo) Ortiz of Decatur; son, Melvin
(Rosa) Ortego of Mexico City; son, Martin (Sandra) Soto; son,
Alfredo (Elsa) Soto; son, Arturo (Juana) Soto; son, Guadalupe
(Maria) Soto; daughter, Matilde (Raymundo) Ordonez; son, Jose R.
(Maria) Soto; and son, Jose F. Soto, all of Keeler. She is also
survived by 25 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; her mother;
seven sisters and four brothers. Audelia was preceded in death
by a daughter, Mercedes Soto; her father and a brother, Raul
Saavedre.
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Norma L.
Rice, 90, of Plymouth, Michigan, formerly of Sun City,
Arizona, passed away on Tuesday, October 14, 2003, at St. Mary’s
Hospital in Livonia, Michigan.
Norma was born on May 1, 1913, in
Hartford,
the daughter of Walter H. and Lena B. (McDowall) Rice.
She graduated from
Hartford
High School and attended South Bend College of Commerce.
Norma worked as a legal secretary with Pacific Gas and Electric in
San Francisco, retiring in 1978 and relocating to Sun City, Arizona.
As to her wishes, cremation has taken place and a
memorial service was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 18, at
Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford. Pastor Timothy Nyhuis of
Hartford
Federated Church officiated. Internment was in Maple Hill Cemetery,
Hartford.
Norma is survived by numerous nieces, nephews,
great-nieces and great-nephews; and a sister-in-law, Mrs. LaVern
(Mary) Rice of Paw Paw. Norma was preceded in death by her
parents, Walter and Lena Rice; brothers, Glen and LaVern Rice; and a
sister, Neva Rice Wagner.
Note: Norma was a
1930 graduate of Hartford High School.
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Arden
Carlyle Winkel – Arden died Sunday, October 12,
2003, at Countryside Nursing Centre, South Haven.
Arden’s life began June 1, 1918, in
Bangor. He spent his childhood growing up in Southwest Michigan and
graduated from Eau Claire High School. On November 7, 1943, Arden
married Luella Margaret Wendzel. Arden made his living being a fruit
farmer. He was a lifelong member of Salem Lutheran Church in Coloma
and a life member of the Michigan State Horticultural Society.
In Arden’s spare time he was an avid woodworker and
enjoyed bee keeping and gardening. Arden’s greatest love was
spending time with his family which includes; his wife, Luella;
three sons, Rodney (Jeanette) of Watervliet, Barry (Lyn) of South
Haven and Kevin (Roxanne) of Hartford; a daughter, Ardene (Steve
Martin) of Mattawan; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a
brother, Willard (Laura) Winkel of
Hartford;
and many nieces and nephews.
Friends visited with Arden’s family from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday,
October 15, at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet. Funeral Services
were held at 11 a.m. Thursday, October 16, at Salem Lutheran Church,
Coloma, with Arden’s nephew, Pastor Linden Wendzel, officiating.
Burial followed in Maple Hill Cemetery,
Hartford.
Memorials may be made to the Lutheran Child and Family Services or
Salem Lutheran Church.
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Carol Ann
Reese, 57, of Hartford passed away on Tuesday, October
7, 2003, at her home.
Carol was born on December 16, 1945, in St. Joseph, the
daughter of Frank and Thelma (Struble) Moneau; both preceded her in
passing.
As to Carol’s wishes cremation has taken place and the
family gathered together from 6 to 7 p.m. on Monday October 13, at
Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford, followed by a celebration of
her life at 7 p.m.
Carol is survived by her six children, Theresa Crest of
Covert, Tina Newton of Hartford, Duane Newton of Kentucky,
Debbie Newton of Mississippi, Kevin Wilson of Benton Harbor and
Scott Gardiner of Niles. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren; a
sister, Kathy Norwood of Arizona; and a special friend, Bob Elmore
of Hartford.
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Betty Jean
Stowell, 81, of Westland, Michigan, formerly of
Hartford,
passed away Monday, evening, October 6, 2003, in St. Mary’s
Hospital, Livonia, Michigan.
Betty was born March 22, 1922, in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
She was the daughter of LeRoy and Bessie (Rathbun) Osborn.
Betty graduated from
Hartford
High School in
1939. She married Eldon D. Stowell on
September 24, 1946. Betty loved living on Paw Paw Lake, golfing and
painting.
A private service was held. She is survived by her son David;
daughter-in-law, Adrienne; three grandsons, Travis, Brian and Jeff;
and a great grandson, Hayden.
Betty’s husband, Eldon, preceded her in death on September 25,
2000.
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William K.
Shattuck, 74, of Hartford died Monday, October 6, 2003,
at Gilead Elder Care in St. Joseph from complications of
Huntington’s disease.
Mr. Shattuck was born April 11, 1929, in South Haven to
Velda (Farrer) and Karl Shattuck, who preceded him in death.
He was a member of the Covert Congregational Church.
Bill was a Covert volunteer fireman for a number of years and then
went full time in 1978 as fireman and EMT, retiring in 1994.
There will be a memorial service at a later date.
Cremation has taken place. Interment of cremains will be in Covert
Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Huntington’s Disease Society of
America, Mid-Michigan Chapter, 601 N. Waverly Road, Lansing,
Michigan 48917, or to Gilead Elder Care 4790 Scottdale Road, St.
Joseph. Davidson Chapel, Florin Funeral Service, Coloma, is serving
the family
He is survived by his wife, Jewel, whom he married in
1974; stepson, David Fritz of Pearland, Texas; stepdaughter, Deborah
(Tom) Deja of Omaha, Nebraska; three step grandchildren; and a
sister, Marylea (Chester) Benedix of Benton Harbor.
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Robert J.
Sibr Sr., 58, died at his home in Oak Forest, Illinois,
on September 29, 2003.
A Mass in his memory was said on Sunday, October 12,
2003 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church,
Hartford.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial donations may be made to the
Cancer Support Center, 2028 Elm Road, Homewood, Illinois 60430.
Bob was born on August 15, 1945 to the late Larry and
Marie Sibr. He spent his childhood summers on Van Auken Lake in
Hartford.
Bob is survived by his wife, Sharon (Gatz); his sons,
Robert (Jessica) Sibr, Jr., Andrew Sibr, and Edward Sibr; daughter,
Christa (Kevin) Hogan; and Papa to Ailee and Joshua; brother to
Lawrence (Lisa) Sibr, Rose Brown, Cathy (Art) Morsaw, Barbara
Prosser, Judy (Edward) Santillan, and Patricia (Jon) Kuchy; and fond
uncle of many nieces and nephews.
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Thomas
Richard Treder, 66, of Hartford passed away on Sunday,
September 28, 2003, at Lakeland Hospital, St. Joseph.
Thomas was born on September 6, 1937, in Grand Rapids,
the son of John and Virginia (Sherman) Engler, both of whom preceded
him in passing.
Thomas formerly was employed at Industrial Rubber and
retired from DuWel of Hartford, after many years of service.
The family received friends from 10 to 11 a.m. on
Wednesday, October 1, at Calvin Funeral Home,
Hartford,
where the funeral service followed at 11 a.m. Pastor Lonnie Truelove
Sr. of
Hartford Church of God, of which Thomas was a member,
officiated. Interment is in Maple Hill Cemetery,
Hartford.
Thomas is survived by his wife, Bethel, whom he married
on March 26, 1983; a son, Timothy (Mendy) Treder of Coloma;
daughter, Tamara (Ozzie) Huff of Watervliet; son, Randall W. (Kelly)
Springer of Coloma; son, Tommy E. Springer of Coloma; and son, Gary
M. Springer of Watervliet. Also surviving are his seven
grandchildren, Nicholas Benton, Karissa Treder, Matthew Treder,
Hannah Springer, Emma Springer, Ethan Springer and Aidan Springer.
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Oliver
"Nin" Furlan, 87, of Stevensville, died September 26, at
Fair Oaks Nursing Home, South Beloit, Illinois.
Oliver was born October 3, 1915, in Chicago, to Joseph
and Emma (Voltarel) Furlan. He married Mildred Canadeo on April 26,
1941, in Chicago. He was the former owner of Furlan Brothers Car
Dealership in Benton Harbor. Oliver was a member of St. John’s
Catholic Church and was a 3rd and 4th degree in the Knights of
Columbus.
Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated at 11:30 a.m.,
Wednesday, October 1, at St. John’s Catholic Church, Benton Harbor,
with Reverend William J. Jacobs, Jr. as celebrant. Inurnment is in
North Shore Memory Gardens, Hagar Shores. Memorials may be made to
St. John’s Catholic Church, or Hospice at Home.
Survivors include: brothers — William Furlan of
Watervliet, and Arthur "Tootie" Furlan, Sr. of Riverside,
California; and many nieces and nephews. Oliver was preceded
in death by his wife, Mildred; his parents; two sisters, Ida
Kozelink and Marcella Cafferata, and a brother, Charles Furlan.
NOTE:
Nin was a
1933 graduate of Hartford High School.
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Rodney L. Lynch Sr.,
92 of
Hartford passed away on Thursday, September 4, 2003, at
Countryside Nursing Centre, South Haven.
Rodney was born March 28, 1911 in
Hartford
Township the son of Walter and Carrie (Manchester) Lynch. Rodney was
a member of the Van Buren Historical Society, the Kalamazoo Rock and
Gem Club and was a collector of many gems and rocks.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Monday
September 8, at Calvin Funeral Home,
Hartford.
Pastor Timothy Nyhuis of Hartford Federated Church officiated.
Interment was in Maple Hill Cemetery,
Hartford.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.
Rodney is survived by a son, Rodney (Ellen) Lynch Jr.
of Coloma; two grandchildren – Rodney Lynch of Coloma and Laurie
(Michael) Hurst of Watervliet; two great-grandsons: Zachary Bambrick
and Jordan Hurst, both of Watervliet; nephew Wade Lynch of
Watervliet, along with sisters-in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Rodney was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred; his
parents, and a brother, Milford.
Note: Rodney
worked for the Calvin Funeral Home for a number of years prior to
his death and was considered one of Hartford’s great historians.
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Edna Estes Woodall,
88, of Hartford, passed from this life on earth to eternity in
Heaven on Friday, Aug. 15, 2003, at Battle Creek Health System,
Battle Creek.
She was surrounded by all her children: Mae Linderman
(Paul Balasick) of South Haven, Treva (Frank) Montgomery of
Hartford, Boyd (Bonnie) Estes of Mammoth Spring, Ark., Faye Shoff
(Brad) Waldrop of Hartford, Jean (Dan) Burlingham of Hartford, Dale
(Ruth) Estes of South Haven, and Sharon (Dan) Woodall Asaro of
Hartford. She has 20 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, 19
great-great-grandchildren, as well as several close and dear
friends. She is also survived, by her two brothers, Bill and
Boyd Thomas of Jonesboro, Ark.
The family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Sunday,
Aug. 17, at the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford. Funeral services will
be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 18, at the Hartford Federated Church
with Pastor Timothy Nyhuis and Pastor John Busch officiating. Burial
will be in North Shore Memory Gardens, Hagar Shores. Memorials may
be made to either the American Diabetes Foundation or the Gideons.
Mrs. Woodall was born on Dec. 7, 1914, in Ash Flat,
Ark., where she was a school teacher for several years. She lived
the last 50 years in Hartford, and the past 16 years at Woodside
Apartments.
Edna was preceded in death by her first husband,
Guy Estes, and her second husband, Bill Woodall.
NOTE: Edna’s parents,
Washington and Pelina (Sparkman) Thomas, both preceded her in
death.
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Lawrence
E. "Sid" Adams, age 94, of
Hartford,
passed away Sunday, August 3, 2003, at Country Nursing Centre, South
Haven.
Sid was born December 13, 1908, in Toquin, the son of
Seymour and Jane (Stewart) Adams at the family homestead, where he
had lived all of his life. On December 21, 1934, he married Eileen
Jane Waters of Chicago, in South Bend, Indiana. She preceded him in
death on September 30, 1958. Sid worked in construction and was a
fruit farmer.
The family met with friends on Wednesday at the Bangor
Chapel, D.L. Miller Funeral Home where funeral services were held
with the Reverends Charles and Sandra McNary officiating. The family
suggests memorials to American Cancer Society.
Surviving are three sons: Thomas Adams, William
Adams both of Hartford, and Richard (Emma) Adams of
Muldrow, Oklahoma, 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grand-children; and
one great-great-grandchild.
Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Michael
Adams; two brothers, Wayne and Carl Adams; three sisters, Eleanor
Abbott, Alma Weberg and Bea Lovell; and a special friend, Alberta
Darling.
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Veronica
"Bonnie" Snodgrass, 71, of
Hartford
passed away on Sunday, August 3, 2003, at her home.
Bonnie was born March 8, 1932, in Allegan, the daughter
of Chester and Luella (VanRiper) Swisher, both of whom preceded her
in passing. She married Eugene Snodgrass on March 13, 1950, and he
survives.
She owned and operated Bonnie’s Stuff and Sew
Upholstery Shop for many years in Hartford. Bonnie was a surrogate mother
and friend to many.
The family greeted friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday,
August 6, at Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford. A service to honor her memory
was held at 2 p.m. Thursday, August 7, at the funeral home. The Rev.
Charles Davis of the First General Baptist Church of Benton Harbor
officiated. Burial followed in Maple Hill Cemetery,
Hartford.
Besides her husband of 53 years, Eugene, Bonnie is
survived by two daughters — Connie (Frank) Yerington and Michelle
(Dave) Rittase; three sons — Eugene Snodgrass Jr., Ron (Jean)
Snodgrass and Larry (Deborah) Snodgrass, all of
Hartford.
Also surviving are 12 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; six
sisters — Opal, Josephine, Ethlyn, LuBelle, Audrey and Deanna; and
three brothers, Chester, Arthur and Jerry. Besides her
parents, Bonnie was preceded in death by three sisters and five
brothers.
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Robert
James O’Leary, 77, died July 13 in a local Hospital.
Robert was born February 27, 1926 in Portsmouth, N.H.
to Arthur and Maimie O’Leary. He married Muriel Kennedy White on
July 1, 1950 and then moved back to New England. He later returned
to Michigan where he
continued teaching and coaching at Sand Lake and
Hartford.
Friends visited with the family on Thursday at the
Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren Funeral Home, Plainwell Chapel. Mass
of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 19, at 11 a.m. at
St. Margaret’s Catholic Church in Otsego, with Reverend Father
Donald Klingler officiating.
Memorial contributions may be mad to The Jack O’Leary
Scholarship Fund or the Plainwell Community Schools Swimming
Program. Share a memory with the family at
www.lifestorynet.com.
He is survived by his children; Colleen (Alex) Mills,
Wichita Falls, TX; Dennis (Charmane) OLeary, Farmersville, TX;
Maureen (Donald) Morin, Houghton, MI; Mary Knecht (Jim), Richland,
MI; Kevin (Debbie) O’Leary, Galesburg, MI; seven grandchildren;
sisters-in-law; Catherine O’Leary, Anna O’Leary and many beloved
nieces and nephews, and his dearest life-long family friend, Kay
Manning.
Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Muriel, his
brothers, Joe and Jack.
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Henry
Gustov Zass, 75, of Hartford passed away on Saturday,
July 12, 2003, at South Haven Healthcare Centre.
Henry was born Nov. 11, 1927, in Coloma, the son of
Adolph and Pauline (Oxner) Zass, both of whom preceded him in
passing.
Henry retired from Menasha Corporation after 26 years
of service. He was a member of Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church of
Hartford,
where he was a trustee. He
also was a United States Army veteran.
The family greeted friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday,
July 15, at Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford. A service to honor his memory
was held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 16, at Hope Evangelical
Lutheran Church, Hartford. The Rev. John Weaver-Hudson
will officiate. Burial followed in Hill Cemetery, Lawrence.
Memorials may be made to Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church Building
Fund.
Henry is survived by a brother, Albert R. Zass of
Hartford;
sister, Eleanor H. Rhodes of Lawrence; nephew, Michael (Julienne)
Rhodes of Mattawan; and cousins in Michigan and Colorado.
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Joanna
"Jo" Smith, 89, of Hartford, died Tuesday, July 8, 2003,
at Countryside Nursing Centre, South Haven.
Joanna was born April 22, 1914, in south Boardman, Mich., the
daughter of Everett and Minnie (Gildea) Vliek, both of whom precede
her in passing.
Joanna was the
cafeteria supervisor for the Hartford Public School for 28 years.
She was a member of the Hartford United Methodist Church and the
Methodist Church W.S.C.S.
Also preceding her in death were her husband Durwood on
Dec. 18, 1986; a sister, Jennie; and brothers- Willis, Lawrence,
John, Edward Donald and Kenneth. Joanna is survived by her
children Gary (Judy) Smith of Portage, Mich., Shirley (William)
Jackson and John (Janice) Smith both of
Hartford;
seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a sister, Cora
(Kenneth) Collins of Cassopolis, and a brother, Gordon (Barbara)
Vliek of Paw Paw.
The family will great friend from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday,
July 10, at Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford, where services will be held at
2 p.m. Fri-day, July 11. The Rev. Virginia Heller of Keller United
Methodist Church will officiate. Burial will follow in Maple Hill
Cemetery,
Hartford. Memorials may be made to the Old Rugged Cross
Church, Niles, The Hartford United Methodist Church of the
American Diabetes Association.
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James Emil
Remus, 85, of Merced, Calif., formerly of
Hartford
and Lawrence, passed away Sunday, July 6, 2003, in Merced.
James was born Jan. 1, 1918, in Michigan, the son of
Paul and Bessie (Goodrich) Remus, both of whom precede him in
passing.
James loved farming and being outdoors. James was a
former director for the Youth of Christ of Southwestern Michigan. He
was a lay minister and Sunday school teacher for the Church of God
in numerous locations and served the church in many other
capacities. He attended the Warner Camp in Grand Junction for over
70 years.
After services in Merced, James will be brought back to
Michigan where visitation was held from 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 13,
at the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford. A celebration of his life was
held on Monday, July 14, at the funeral home. The Rev. Larry Avery
will officiate. Interment will follow in Grand Junction Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.
James is survived by his wife of 26 years, Thelma Remus of
Merced; their children – Virginia Johnson of Leverne, Calif., Joyce
Lander of Kalamazoo, Carol (Larry) Avery of Anderson, Ind., Don
(Nancy) Remus of Stow, Ohio, Roger (Sharon) Fragulia of Merced,
Judith (Harry) Dias of Atwater, Calif., and Nancy Fragulia of
Merced; 14 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Besides his parents, James was preceded in death by two
brothers – Robert and Gordon.
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Esther I.
Hathaway, 70, of Hartford, passed away Thursday, June 26,
2003, at Borgess Medical Center, Kalamazoo.
Esther was born July 15, 1932, in South Bend, the daughter of Frank
and June (Millbrath) Tillotson, both of whom precede her in passing.
Esther was a graduate of Watervliet High School. She
loved flowers of all kinds and especially enjoyed spending time with
her family. Esther retired from Goldblatt’s in 1971.
The family greeted friends from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday,
June 29 at the Calvin Funeral Home,
Hartford,
and then again from 10 a.m. till the time of the service at 11 a.m.
on Monday, June 30 at the funeral home. Burial was in Maple Hill
Cemetery,
Hartford.
Esther is survived by her son, Paul D. Hathaway Jr. of
Hartford;
and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Esther was preceded in death by her
husband,
Paul D. Hathaway Sr. on September 22, 2000; and a sister,
Bonnie Hirsch.
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Leroy
Walter Sherman, 75, of Hartford, passed away Friday, June 13,
2003, at Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph.
Leroy was born February 22, 1928, in Blue Island, Ill.,
the son of Roy and Elizabeth (Carter) Sherman.
He moved to
Hartford at the age of 14.
Leroy was a
1946 graduate of
Hartford
High School and a graduate of Lake Michigan College in 1990.
He married
Dona Chidester on November 29, 1947, and
together they owned Dona Sherman Realty.
A memorial service to honor his memory was held at 4
p.m. Tuesday, June 17 at the Hartford United Methodist Church. The
Rev. Ron Hansen officiated. Interment was in Maple Hill Cemetery,
Hartford.
Those wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so
to the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, or
the Hartford United Methodist Church.
Leroy is survived by his wife, Dona; daughter, Cindy
(Ed) Booth of Dowagiac; grandchildren – Sara (Dustin)
Booth-Reinhardt of Fort Leonard Wood MO. and Jason Booth of
Milwaukee; and great granddaughter, Piper Nicole Reinhardt.
Leroy was preceded in death by his parent; and two
sisters.
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Loren Edward Alsup Jr., 39, of
Hartford,
passed away suddenly Thursday, June 12, 2003, at his home.
Loren was born February 18, 1964, in Berrien Springs, the son of
Loren and Georgiana (Morseau) Alsup Sr.
He was a member of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi
Indians and loved to hunt, fish and especially spend time with his
family and friends.
The family greeted friends from at Calvin Funeral Home,
Hartford
with traditional Native American service being held at the funeral
home. Burial followed in Sacred Heart of Mary Cemetery, Silver Creek
Township.
Loren is survived by his children — Todd Miller of
Hartford,
Dakota Alsup, Alyssa Alsup and Alexis Alsup, all of Benton Harbor;
step-children — Chasity Ezell and Rodney Miller, both of Benton
Harbor; his parents; sisters — Theresa Alsup and Missy
Furgeson-Sirrine, both of Hartford, and Susan Keller of Benton
Harbor; and a brother, Bart Alsup of
Hartford.
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Vernon
Eugene Austin Sr., 69, of Hartford passed away on Monday, June 9,
2003, at Community Hospital, Watervliet.
Vernon was born on Oct. 21, 1933, in Grand Rapids, the
son of Niegel and Nellie (Steele) Austin.
He owned and operated his
own welding shop in Hartford for many years. Vernon served
his country in the United States Navy.
In following his wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be
no services.
Vernon is survived by his children – daughter, Michelle
Austin of
Hartford; son, Arvid Austin of Brandon, Fla.; daughter, Lisa
Austin of Tuscumbia, Ala.; daughter, Valerie (Ron) Owen of
Bourbonnais, Ill.; son, Vernon (Julie) Austin Jr. of
Hartford;
son, Brad Austin of Lawrence; son, Rick Austin of
Hartford;
daughter, Nellie (Brian) Wilcox of Gobles; son, Niegel Austin of
Kalamazoo; and daughter, Angela Austin of South Haven. He is also
survived by numerous grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a
brother, Pete (Mary) Austin of Hartford.
Vernon was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Joanne; and a
brother
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Jewel Lee Tate-Krieger,
84, of
Hartford passed away on Monday, June 9, 2003, at Community
Hospital, Watervliet.
Jewel was born on Aug. 14, 1918, in Ben, Ark., the daughter of Floyd
and Arkie (Cannon) Davis. She was known to many as "Jewelie Pearl".
She retired from Auto Specialties after 18 years of
service. With the passing of her husband at an early age she became
to Billy, her son, not only a mother but also a father and his best
friend.
The family greeted friends on Thursday, June 12, from 6
to 8 p.m. at Calvin Funeral Home,
Hartford.
The service to honor her memory was held at 2 p.m. on Friday, June
13, at the funeral home. The Rev. Charles Davis of the First Baptist
Church of Benton Harbor officiated. Burial followed in Maple Hill
Cemetery,
Hartford. Anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution may
do so to the Keeler General Baptist Church.
Jewel is survived by her son, Billy (Shirley) Tate of
Covert; numerous grandchildren and great-grand-children; a brother,
James Hester of Bangor; an aunt, Leona Liles of Watervliet; and
special friend, Sue Hopson of Hartford.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Don Tate; two sons, James
Tate and Tom Tate; a daughter, Barbara Giles; three grandsons,
Donnie Tate, Pat Tate and Steven Tate; and her parents.
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Betty Jean Wood –
WATERVLIET. Betty’s life began June 6, 1928, in Chenoa, III.
She was one of eight children born to Clarence and Nellie Yates. She
spent her lifetime in the area,
graduating from Hartford
High School [1947]. On April 22, 1950, she married George
Wood and together they had four children – Carol Vance of Shallotte,
N.C., Cheryl Clayton of Millburg, George (Mary Beth) Wood of Coloma
and Kenneth (Sandra) Wood of Nelsonville, Ohio.
Betty enjoyed knitting, crocheting, crafts, collecting
things, and for many years she was an avid bowler. Her greatest love
was spending time with her family, which along with her husband and
children includes: 13 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren;
three brothers – Richard (Ann) Yates of Bangor, Lloyd (Betty) Yates
of Luther, Mich., and Raymond Yates of Hartford; many nieces and
nephews; and several close friends.
Betty died Monday, June 2, 2003, at Borgess Medical
Center, Kalamazoo. She was preceded in death by her parents,
Clarence and Nellie (Skaggs) Yates; three sisters – Sylvia Bond,
Florence Berends and Nancy Ellen Yates; and a brother, Clarence
Yates.
Friends may visit with Betty’s family trom 6 to 8 p.m.
on Thursday, June 5, at Hutchins Funeral Home, Watervliet. The
family invites those wishing to recite the rosary to join them at
the funeral home Thursday before visitation at 5:30 p.m. Mass of
Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, June 6, at
St. Joseph Catholic Church, Watervliet, with Father Donald Wieber
officiating. Cremation will follow the funeral Mass. Memorials may
be directed to the Susan G. Coleman Foundation or American Heart
Association.
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DeLisle Fredrick "Whitey"
Melville, 89, of Hartford passed away Tuesday, May 27,
2003, at Blodgett Memorial Medical Center, Grand Rapids.
DeLisle was born on Sept. 23, 1913, in Keeler Township,
the son of Fred and Bertha (Flowers) Melville. He graduated from
Western Michigan University and the Art Institute of Chicago. He
holds a teaching degree with a master’s in art. DeLisle retired from
Auto Specialties after many years of service.
The family will greet friends from 10 a.m. until the
time of service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 31, at Calvin Funeral
Home, Hartford. Pastor Timothy Nyhuis of Hartford Federated Church
will officiate. Burial will follow in Hamilton Cemetery, Hamilton
Township, where Masonic Rites will be conducted by the Henry
Chamberlain Lodge 308 of which he was a member. The family requests
memorials be made to the Henry Chamberlain Lodge.
DeLisle is survived by his children, daughters —
Connie (Carl) Zirk of Grand Rapids and Bonney (Douglas) Meachum of
Hartford; sons — Fredrick (Sandra) Melville of Middleville and
Thomas (Nancy) Melville of Keeler; eight grandchildren; two
great-grandchildren; brothers, Leslie "Stub" (Lucille) Melville and
William John (Doris) Melville, both of Marcellus.
DeLisle was preceded in death by his first wife,
Eleanor, on Sept. 12, 1974; his second wife, Florine, on Jan. 12,
1991; and his parents.
NOTE:
DeLisle was a Class of 1932 Hartford High School graduate.
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Jean
Rademacher Veide – A Memorial Mass was celebrated at 7 p.m.
on Tuesday, June 17, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 63559
60th Avenue,
Hartford, for Jean Rademacher Veide, 56, of Westlake, Ohio,
formerly of
Hartford, who died May 10, 2003.
Note: Jean was
a 1965 Hartford High School graduate.
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Dale R. Jones,
71, of Coloma, formerly of Hartford, passed away on Tuesday, May 6,
2003, at his home.
Dale was born on March 7, 1932, in Plankington, S.D.,
the son of John and Frances (Comp) Jones, both of whom preceded him
in death.
Dale married his first wife, Joanne, on Oct. 23, 1954.
Joanne passed away suddenly on July 5, 1994. Dale retired from
Shepherd Products in February of 1996. He also worked faithfully for
the Veterans Administration until the time of his death.
The family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on
Friday, May 9, at Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford, where a funeral
service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, with the Rev.
Ron Hansen of Hartford United Methodist Church officiating. Burial
will follow in Maple Hill Cemetery, where military rites will be
conducted by the VFW Post 1137, VFW Post 6803, American Legion Post
362 and its Auxiliary. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to
South Haven Area Hospice or to the American Cancer Society Relay for
Life, c/o Hartford High School.
Dale is survived by his wife, Cynthia, whom he married
on Sept. 7, 1996; his four children – Darcel (Tim) Hildebrand of
Hartford, Barry Jones of Dowagiac, Dorinda (Ross) Safro of St.
Petersburg, Fla., and Decima (Richard Jr.) Fuller of Hartford; his
five grandchildren – Andrew Scheid, Sarah and Tyler Fuller, Steven
and Amanda Jones; and a sister, Sharon Kabel of Benton Harbor.
Note: Dale is a
1950 Hartford High School graduate.
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George Andrew Vint, 77,
of Kalamazoo, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, May
3, 2003, after a brave three year battle with lung cancer.
He was born on Jan. 17,1926, to Jack and Katherine Vint.
He grew up in the Hartford area and was a member of the Hartford
United Methodist Church and later the Simpson United Methodist
Church of Bangor, where he lived from 1953 to 2001.
He served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946. He was a Staff Sergeant in charge of
a message center in Italy. When he returned home, he finished
high school and graduated in
1947 along with the love of is life,
Lorna J. Kozelink. They
married on June 5, 1949. She was his loving care giver during his
struggle with cancer.
She survives along with their three children who loved
him very much. They are Diane (Michael) Belote of Climax, Mich.,
Linda (Ray) Smith of Shakopee, Minn., and Brian of Edwardsburg; 10
grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one sister, Katherine Newell
of Caledonia, Mich., and one brother, Jack Vint of Lansing.
George had an amazing mechanical and inventive mind and
was known to many as "The man who could fix anything." He and
Lorna spent much of their lives helping others.
The family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on
Thursday, May 8, at Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford, where a funeral
service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 9, with Pastor Alan
Mackey of the West Leroy Bible Church officiating. Burial will
follow in Maple Hill Cemetery, Hartford,
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Lillian A. Rice,
83, of
Hartford, died Saturday, April 5, 2003, at LakeView Community
Hospital, Paw Paw.
Visitation was held from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 7, at Calvin
Funeral Home, Hartford, where a celebration of her
life was held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, with Mark Manning and Pastor
Kenneth Manning officiating. Burial followed in Maple Hill Cemetery,
Hartford.
Lillian was born August 31, 1919, in Tuckerman,
Arkansas, the daughter of James and Nellie (Rodgers) Robbins. She
was a member of Hartford Church of God, loved to sew,
and just liked to be social with everyone.
Survivors include: her husband, Lee Roy Rice; her
daughter, Shirlene (Kenneth) Manning of
Hartford;
one son, Samuel (Barbara) Hill of Salem, Missouri; grandchildren
Rebecca (Jack) Traughber, Michael (Terri) Manning, Mark (Cheryl)
Manning, David (Angela) Hill, Jeff (Denise) Hill, and Chrystal Hill;
12 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren. She was
preceded in death by: her parents, James and Nellie Robbins; her
first husband, Milton Hill; one daughter, Peggy Ann Hill; a
great-granddaughter, Kendra Micheal; and a brother, Lonnie Robbins.
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Allen Edward Fries,
71, of Crown Point, Ind., formerly of Hartford, passed away suddenly
on Friday, April 4, 2003, at his home.
As to his wishes, cremation has taken place and thee will be
no services. Burial will take place at a later date in Maple
Hill Cemetery, Hartford.
Allen was born June 23, 1931, in Lemont, ILL, the son
of John and Frances (Kilkevich) Fries. Allen was employed by
B&F Auto Serivce in Whiting, Ind., and formerly owned and operated
Al’s Auto Service in Hartford.
He is survived by a brother, John Fries Jr., of
Hartford, along with nieces, Joyce Divis of Watervliet and Leanne
Leighton of Gobles; nephews, William Fires Jr. of Kalamazoo, Jeffery
Fries of Hartford and James Fries of Bloomingdale.
Allen was preceded in death by his parents; a brother,
William Fries; and a nephew, John William Fires.
NOTE: Al was a
1948 Hartford High School graduate.
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Mary
(Martin) Stockwell, 99, of
Hartford,
died Wednesday, March 19, 2003, at Community Hospital in Watervliet.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service was held at 1 p.m. on
Monday, April 14, at Hartford Federated Church, with Pastor
Timothy Nyhuis officiating. Burial of cremains was in Maple Hill
Cemetery,
Hartford. Calvin Funeral Home,
Hartford,
was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be made to
Hartford
Federated Church or to the donor’s choice.
Mrs. Stockwell was born May 9, 1903, to William and
Nellie (Crawford) Martin, in Lawrence Township. She
graduated from
Hartford
High School in 1921 and attended Western Michigan Teachers
College (now Western Michigan University) in Kalamazoo. She taught
school until her marriage in 1926 to Rollo E. Stockwell. They farmed
in the
Hartford area. She was a member of
Hartford
Federated Church and a charter and life member of Van Buren County
Historical Society.
Survivors include: a nephew, David Milner of Hot
Springs Village, Arkansas; his sons, Scott and Steven, and his
daughter, Kelly Ewers; several of her husband’s nieces and nephews,
especially dear niece Jane Palmer McGuire; a longtime friend,
Kathleen Stockwell; and a loving church family and good neighbors.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; a sister, Dorothy Milner;
a nephew, Edward Stoddard Jr.; and her husband, Rollo, on September
6, 1982.
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Patricia Root, formerly of Hartford,
died Sunday, March 9, 2003, at her Lakeland, Florida, home after a
long fight with leukemia and cancer.
Services were held Wednesday afternoon, March 12, at
the family residence. Memorial donations may be made to: National
Cancer Society, c/o Judy Root, 23998 Shurte St., Cassopolis, MI
49031.
Born in Kurtz, Indiana, on October 30, 1934, she came
to Hartford
in 1981, where she wed Richard "Dick" Root and reared their five
children. For a number of years,
she was a cashier for
Harding’s Market in Hartford before moving to
Lakeland. She later retired from Publix, where she was a cashier,
office clerk and demo lady.
Survivors include: her husband,
Dick Root of Wedgewood
Health Care Center, Lakeland; sons – Randall Otte of Globe,
Arizona, Paul Root of Sparta, Tennessee, and Major Richard D. Root
in Fort Hood, Texas (now stationed in Iraq); daughters– Cheryl (Otte)
Ferrier of Dowagiac and Debra (Root) Hupp of Guthrie, Oklahoma;
sisters–Rose Prutsman of Winter Haven, Florida, Faye Ludeman of
Seymour, Indiana, and Evelyn Stogdill of Lakeland; 17
grand-children; four great-grandchildren; many area friends and
associates; and the families of Donald and Carol Woodward, Mrs.
Thomas (Verda) Wallace, Chris (Weber) Roush, Charles Hadley and
David Hadley, all of Hartford, Mrs. Donald (Cecilia) Root of
Paw Paw, and Jerry and Judy Root of Cassopolis. She was preceded in
death by her first husband, Robert W. Otte.
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Kenny Lee
Reed Jr., 43, of Vacaville, California, formerly of Hartford,
Michigan, died Sunday, March 2, 2003, in Fairfield, California,
following a long illness.
Cremation has taken place. A private memorial service
will be held in Watervliet at a later date for the family.
Mr. Reed was born April 4, 1959, in Shelby, Michigan. He resided in
Hartford
and then moved to Chicago, Illinois. He had lived in Vacaville for
the last 13 years.
He had been a furniture salesman for 15 years. After
leaving sales, he helped his parents with their furniture business
in Fairfield for many years. He enjoyed sports, especially baseball.
His favorite pastime was fantasy baseball or going to a baseball
game. He loved animals and especially enjoyed the time he spent with
his family and friends.
Survivors include: his parents, Ken and Judy Reed of
Vacaville; three brothers–Kevin (Sandi) Reed of
Hartford,
Scott (Tammy Reeves) Reed of Coloma, and Steven Reed of Fairfield; a
nephew, Ryan Reed of Hartford; two nieces and one
nephew–Meghan, Kristin and David Reed of Lawrence; his
grand-mother, Mimi of Muskegon; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
NOTE:
Kenny was a 1977
Hartford High School graduate.
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Rhoda
Marie Wiesemes, 74, of
Hartford
passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2003 at the Borgess-Lee Memorial
Hospital in Dowagiac.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, February
21 at 10:30 a.m. at the Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church with
Father Leo A. Taubitz officiating. Interment will follow at the
Keeler Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m.
and 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday at the McLauchlin-Clark Funeral Home.
Scripture Service will be at 8:00 p.m. Thursday. Memorial
contributions may be made to the Scared Heart of Mary Catholic
Church Altar Society.
She was born October 28, 1928 in Dowagiac to William
and Nellie (Horan) Gard. She graduated from Benton Harbor High
School in 1946. She also graduated from Michigan State University in
1951 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Home Economics. She married George
H. Wiesemes on November 29, 1952 at St. John’s Catholic Church in
Benton Harbor. She was president of the Quality Packaging Products,
Inc. of Benton Harbor; a business started by her husband in 1966.
She was a member of the Keeler Mother’s Club and the Alice Hanna
Child Study Club.
She is survived by two sons—Phillip S. Wiesemes of
Bridgman and Kurt W. (Marci) Wiesemes of Dowagiac, four
grandchildren—Jenny, Matt, Anne and Jillian Wiesemes, two sisters,
Rheta (Donald) Peters of Stevensville and Marelen (Charles) Stuppy
of Fort Mills, South Carolina, and many loving nieces and nephews
and many friends of Sister Lakes and the surrounding areas.
She was preceded in death by her husband on October 4,
1991, one son, Mark Wiesemes on October 9, 1976, and her parents.
|
Ivan Tibbs
Jr., 76, of
Hartford,
died Wednesday, February 5, 2003, at South Haven Healthcare Centre.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, at Calvin
Funeral Home,
Hartford,
where visitation was held one hour prior to the service. Burial was
in North Shore Memory Gardens, Hagar Shores.
Mr. Tibbs was born March 10, 1926, in Dowagiac.
He served as a Seabee in the
United States Navy during World War II and was a retired
truck driver.
Survivors include: his son and daughter-in-law, Terry
and Diane; and two grandsons–Kevin and Brian. He was preceded in
death by: his father, Ivan Tibbs; his mother, Emma Cruzan; a sister,
Barbara Lachman; and a very special friend, Catherine Marsh.
|
Glenn D.
Herron, 67, of Vancouver, Washington, formerly of
Hartford,
died January 25, 2003, in Vancouver.
He was born October 24, 1935, in Violet Hill, Arkansas,
to George and Bertha Herron.
He graduated from
Hartford
High School in
1955; was part owner of Sandpiper Auto in
Vancouver, before retiring in 1995; was also past President of the
Horseless Carriage Club in Yakima, Washington; and loved selling and
collecting old cars.
Survivors include: two daughters–Candis (Herron) Gioia
and Cathy Herron, both of Connecticut; two sons–Steven Herron and
Jeff Herron, both of Vancouver; one sister, Billie Campbell of
Franklin, Arkansas; one brother, Arley (Red) Herron of Keeler; and
four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by: his parents and two
brothers.
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Charles "Red" Russell,
73, of Decatur, (Keeler Township) passed away suddenly on Monday,
Jan. 13,2003, at his home. Red was born on March 6, 1929, in
Detroit, the son of William and Velma (Wallace) Russell. Both
preceded him in passing.
Charles was an antique fountain pen collector, director
of Path Finders Clubs for the Benton Harbor Pioneer Memorial and the
Berrien Springs Village Churches, and was known to many as "The
Candy Man."
Charles’ funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday,
Jan. 19, at Hartford Seventh-day Adventist Church, of which he was a
member. Pastor Greg Timmins will officiate. Burial will be in Maple
Hill Cemetery, Hartford following the service. The family will greet
mends from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at Calvin Funeral Home,
Hartford. Memorials may be made to the Hartford Seventh-day
Adventist Church.
Charles is survived by his wife, Beverly, whom he
married on Nov. 26, 1947; his son, Cameron (Deanna) Russell of
Sarasota, Fla.; granddaughters – Jennifer Toews of Idaho, April
(Marcus) Mundall of Washington, and Kami (Mike) Harris of Tennessee;
and great-grandson, Moses Mundall of Washington. Charles is also
survived by brothers, Bill (Leona) Russell of Watervliet and Wally
(Marty) Russell of Arizona; sisters – Lily (Harold) Anweiler and
Paula (Joe) DeFillipo, both of California; sisters-in-laws, Marilynn
(Kenny) Armstrong of California and Charlene Hammond of Georgia;
brother-in-law, Newell (Jan) Hammond of South Carolina; and many
beloved nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Charles was preceded in death by a son, Sheldon Clark
Russell, on Sept. 5,2001, and a brother, Bob Russell.
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Betty Jean
Edmonds died Sunday, January 12, 2003, at Bronson
Hospital, Kalamazoo.
A memorial service was held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday,
Jan. 15, 2003, at
Hartford
Federated Church. Arrangements were made by Calvin Funeral Home,
Hartford.
In lieu of flowers, memorials made to the Mayo Foundation (to be
used for cancer research).
Betty was born April 19, 1928, in
Hartford,
to Victor and Mary (Jones) Rhinehart. She was a member of
Hartford
Federated Church, was always concerned with the needs of others,
enjoyed the time she spent with her family and friends, and
especially enjoyed attending all of her grandchildren’s sporting
events.
Survivors include: her husband,
George; children–Linda
(Mark) Olds, David (Norma) Bulat, and Sheryl (Steve) Ferguson;
stepchilddren–Cathy (Pedro) Ontiveros and
Randy Edmonds;
grandchildren–David, Lindsay, Matthew, Jamin, Timothy, Taylor,
Trent, and Konner; and stepgrandchildren–Brian, Peter, Maria, Jose,
Marc, Teresa, and Miguel, and brother
Bill. She was preceded in death by her parents;
three brothers
Jim,
Bob and
Jack;and her first husband, Henry Bulat.
NOTE:
Betty attending Hartford High School in the 1950s. |
Edward
John Szewczyk, 76, died January 9, 2003, at his home in
Orlando, Florida, from congestive heart failure.
Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, at
Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford.
Mr. Szewczyk was born Jan. 25, 1926. He was a
U.S. Marine Corps veteran of
World War II, life member of American Legion Post 93 of
Hartford,
Council member and volunteer
fireman in
Hartford, and retired after 43 years from Ausco
Manufacturing Company.
Survivors include: his wife,
Jacqueline L. Szewczyk;
daughters–Susan A. (Don) Jobe of Kalamazoo, Karen K. (Timothy) Henselin of Orlando, and Jill L. (Steven) Wilkens of Watervliet;
sons–John E. (Mary Sue) Szewczyk of Macomb, Michigan, Steven A
(Kelly) Szewczyk of Orlando, and Kevin M. (Karen) Szewczyk of
Orlando; 14 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and two
sisters–Loretta Poker of Sister Lakes and MaryAnn Bullard of Grand
Blanc, Michigan. He was preceded in death by: his mother, Victoria Szewczyk; his father, Frank Szewczyk; and his brother, Chester
Szewczyk.
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Cynthia
Lee Noble, 42, of Hartford, died Monday, January 6, 2003,
at Borgess Medical Center, Kalamazoo.
Friends called beginning at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 10,
until the time of the service at noon, at Calvin Funeral Home,
Hartford.
Burial was in Maple Hill Cemetery,
Hartford.
She was born June 6, 1960, in Grand Rapids, the
daughter of Marvin and Judith (Willison) Johnson.
Survivors include: her husband, Andrew Noble, whom she married on
August 29, 1982; a daughter, Bonnie Jean Noble of
Hartford;
a son, Andrew Joseph Noble of Benton Harbor; one brother, Marvin
Johnson of Cassopolis; and her grandmother, Thelma Willet of Grand
Rapids. She was preceded in death by: her parents; and a sister,
Debbie Warren
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Nellie M. "Jackie" Moses – Lawrence, passed away on
Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2003, at her home.
Jackie was born on Feb 22, 1914, in Hamilton Township,
Mich, the daughter of Fred and Nellie (Dine) Goodrich, both of whom
preceded her in passing. She was a member of the Eastern Star,
collected money for the American Cancer Society, and was the
bookkeeper for both Moses Oil Company and Moses Orchards.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan.
4, at Hartford Federated Church, where friends may call one hour
before the service. Pastor Timothy Nyhuis will officiate.
Visitation also will be held from 6 to 8 p .m. today, Jan. 3, at
Leonard Funeral Home, Lawrence. Burial will be in Hill
Cemetery, Lawrence. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Van Buren
County.
Jackie is survived by her husband, Max, whom she
married on Oct. 9, 1954; daughters – Jacqueline (Robert) Rosinski of
Rochester Hills, Mich., and Judith (Robert) Aldrich of Niles; son,
Joseph (Katrina) Miller of Brasstown, N.C.; stepson Max (Wendy)
Moses Jr. of Oxnard, Calif.; and stepdaughters Carol (Jay Junker)
Moses of Kalamazoo and Nylene (Henry) Page of Boothbay Harbor,
Maine; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters Joanne
(Roger) Duncombe of Hartford and Joyce (Russell) Kime of St. Joseph,
and a brother, Robert Goodrich of Hartford.
Jackie was preceded in death by her first husband,
Richard
Miller in 1953, and four sisters, Mildred Boynton, Helen Hones,
Cecile Ackerson, and Jeanne Knapp.
NOTE: Jackie was a 1931 Hartford High School graduate. |
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