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             Obituar
ies in 2004
                                  Hartford Michigan

           Click here to return to the to Obituary Index

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. To find a specific obituary, use the  Search Our Site  feature located on the left menu of every page.  The Obituary section was started January 30, 2008 and current obituaries will be posted as they become available.  Obituaries are from the local newspapers, unless otherwise noted.  If you have an obituary notice of a former Hartford resident from a newspaper away from the Hartford area, please send it.  Past obituaries will be added as time permits. 

Many requests are made for obituary notices and this would be a good genealogical resource, as well as providing obits to extended family members who may not have an original.  Searching for obituaries from previous years (mainly prior to 2003) requires a good deal of time.  If you have found this to be a valuable resource and would like to be a sponsor toward keeping the obituaries page updated, send donations to History of Hartford Obituaries, Emma Sefcik, 59320 62nd St, Hartford MI  49057.  Since the History of Hartford website is a voluntary effort, your contribution is much appreciated.

Email the webmaster with any correction of errors that may have occurred in the original newspaper obit.

Click here for local library resources.
 

Catherine R. Smith, 94, of Hartford died Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2004, at South Haven Healthcare.
     Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Friday at Davidson Chapel, Florin Funeral Service, Coloma, where visitation began one hour prior to the service. Burial followed in Fairview Cemetery, Watervliet.
     Mrs. Smith was born July 8, 1910, in Miami, FL, to Carl and Catherine (O'Niel) Guttchen. She lived most of her life in that area. She loved to go flying in her friend's airplane.  They were in a club called the "Grasshoppers" and flew somewhere twice a month. She moved here in 1992 to live with her daughter.
     Survivors include: her two daughters -- Lois Vanette and JoAnn (Harry) Berg; one granddaughter, April Berg; and a great-granddaughter, Angela, all of Hartford.
     She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Hansel Smith.
 
Mary Ann Shafer Munro, died Dec. 11, 2004 in Henderson, Nevada. Born Sept. 7, 1927, in Hartford, Mich., she was the sixth of seven children of Del and Ruth Shafer. They were the prototype of a Midwest farm family.
     In 1947, she married Nat Munro, an adventurous World War II U.S. Army veteran, and left home heading west, where they eventually arrived in Henderson in early 1948.
     Mary Ann raised four children, and in addition, was the accountant for Nat's construction contracting business. She later worked in real estate and as a teaching assistant. She actively supported the activities of Special Olympics and Opportunity Village. She was proud of Henderson and Southern Nevada; the people, desert, mountains and history. Her lifetime spanned from the roaring 20's through the Great Depression, through World War II, then the birth and development of modern Henderson and Las Vegas, and into the 21st Century. Hers was a wonderful life.
     Mary Ann was vital and active right up until the final few weeks of her life when she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. During those final weeks, she was the definition of selflessness and courage. She is missed in every possible way.
     Mary Ann is survived by Nat, her husband of 57 years; and her children, Steve, Alick, Marsha and Bruce. She had six grandchildren, Lindsey, Mackenzie, Haley and Graham Munro, Cameron and Gabriel Hulsey. Her surviving siblings are, Robert, Steve, Naomi and Ellen.
     On Wednesday, Dec. 15, at Palm Mortuary, 800 S. Boulder Highway, a visitation will be at 1 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Opportunity Village or Special Olympics.
Note:  Mary Ann was a 1945 Hartford High School graduate.
 

Myrtle Smith Squires, 95, of Hartford passed from her life on earth to eternity in heaven on Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2004, at Rose Arbor Hospice House, Kalamazoo.
     Myrtle was born on May 17, 1909, in Chicago, the daughter of James and Annetta (Chenery) MacLeod Sr., both of whom precede her in passing. She moved to Hartford from Chicago as a little girl. Myrtle was a life member and a Worthy Matron of the Benevolence Chapter OES 256. She attended the Hartford United Methodist Church and was the organist and pianist for a number of years. She was co-owner of the Art Smith Paint and Appliance Store for many years.
     The family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 26, at the Hartford United Methodist Church, where an Eastern Star service will be held at 7:30 p.m.. The service to honor her memory will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 27, at the church. The Rev. Ronald Hansen will officiate. Burial will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery, Hartford. Memorials may be made to Benevolence Chapter 256, the church or to donors' choice.
     Myrtle is survived by her children -- Myra (Gale) Weberg of Hartford, Sandy (Gary) Curtiss of Mattawan and Richard (Mary Jo) Smith of Lawrence; stepchildren -- Donald (Janet) Squires and Mildred (Bruce) Bradley; grandchildren -- Steven Smith, Nancy Baker, Mark Smith, Debra Kiser, Scott Weberg, Brian Weberg, Kevin Weberg, Sharyl Freeman, Judi Kingsbury and Steve Curtiss; 17 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
     Besides her parents, Myrtle was preceded in death by her first husband, William (Art) Smith in 1971; her second husband, Mackey Squires in 1982; a brother, James MacLeod Jr.; two sisters, Hazel Shymkus and Elizabeth (Bess) Barkell; and a stepson, James Squires.
Note:  Click here to view photo of Myrtle when she worked at the Hartford Telephone Office in the early 1930s.

 

Donna L. Hoover, 69, of Bangor passed away Sunday, Oct. 17, 2004, at her home.
     The family will meet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Bangor Chapel, D.L. Miller Funeral Home (www.dlmillerfuneralhome.com). Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Bangor, with Pastor John Kenyon officiating. Interment will follow in North Shore Memory Gardens. The family suggest memorials to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church or South Haven Area Hospice.
     Donna was born June 27, 1935, in Watervliet, the daughter of Donald and Alice (Seibert) Rush. She had lived most of her life in the Bangor-Hartford areas and was a member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church. Donna enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and shopping for her grandchildren, which were the highlight of her life; but first and foremost, she was always a lady.
     Surviving are her husband, Murl, whom she married Jan. 19, 1957, in Hartford; three children -- Diana (Bruce) Bagnell of Nashua, N.H., Gail (Randy) Gumpert of South Haven and Bruce (Ranee) Hoover of Stevensville; eight grandchildren; her mother, Alice Rush of Hartford; four sisters -- June Walker of South Bend, Ind., Jean Walker of Hartford, Ruth Malling of Temecula, Calif., and Denise Fuller of Hartford; and many nieces and nephews.
     She was preceded in death by a son, Mitchell; her father, Donald Rush; and a sister, Karen Rush.
Note:  Donna was a 1953 graduate of Hartford High School.
 

Robert S. Heuser, of Lawrence died suddenly on Oct. 15, 2004, in Grand Junction, Color., at the age of 70. 
           Robert was born on Jan. 25, 1934, to Eugene Jerome and Marjorie Pauline (Rush) Heuser in Hartford. He married Georgia Ann Sousley on Sept. 8, 1956.
           Robert is survived by his beloved wife Georgia; four children --Marjorie of Kalamazoo, Marcia (Gerold) Hoke of Lawrence, Bruce of Lawrence and Melanie Henderson of Lawrence; five grandchildren -- Meghan, Kristen and David Reed; Charles and Katlyn Henderson. Robert is also survived by brothers --Wallace (Laura) Heuser of Lawrence, Kenneth (Marqueda) Heuser of Kalamazoo, Earl Heuser of Hesperia; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Robert was preceded in death by his mother, Marjorie; his father, Eugene; stepmother, Pauline; a sister, Joan; and a brother, David.
           Robert graduated from Hartford High School in 1951, and Michigan State University in 1956, with a horticulture and wildlife management degree. He was active in the management of the family farm, Hilltop Orchards and Nurseries Inc. in Hartford.  Robert was also active in the Boy Scouts of America as scout master of troop 197 in Lawrence for 17 years and earned numerous leadership awards.  He also served as a school board member for the Lawrence Public Schools.  Robert was a member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, past member of the Kalamazoo Model Railroad Club, was a supporter of many youth organizations and a member of the Hartford United Methodist Church. Robert recently received the first Mentoring Champion Award from the Van Buren Mentoring Roundtable for his contributions to youth in Van Buren County.  His passions included wildlife conservation, hunting, hiking and       woodworking. He also loved spending time with family and friends.
         The family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 21, at the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford. A celebration of Robert's life will be held at the Hartford United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 22, with the Rev. Ronald Hansen officiating. Burial will be in Hill Cemetery, Lawrence immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association; Lawrence Quick Response Team; Boy Scouts of America (Troop of your choice) or the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
    
 

Raymond Theron Floate, 89, of Hartford, passed from his life on earth to eternity in heaven on Thursday, Sept. 23, 2004, at Community Hospital, Watervliet.
     Raymond was born on Dec. 21, 1914, in Hartford, the son of William and Leila (Shafer) Floate, both of whom precede him in death. Raymond also was preceded in death by a sister, Freda Kime, and a brother, Walter Floate. Raymond married his wife of 63 years, Isabelle on July 11, 1941, and she survives along with a son, William (Carole) Floate of Lake Bluff, Ill.; a daughter, Paula (Zach) Holmes of Plymouth; a grandson, Zach G. Holmes of Colorado Springs, Colo., and a granddaughter, Christine Holmes of Richmond, Va.
     Raymond was an agricultural teacher in both the Allegan Public Schools and the Kaleva Public Schools and was the assistant Allegan County agent for the MSU extension services. Raymond retired from Michigan Fruit Canners in 1980 after 34 years of employment.
     The family will greet friends from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday at the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford. A service to honor his memory will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday at the Hartford United Methodist Church, of which he was a member. The Rev. Ronald Hansen will be officiating. Burial will follow the service at Maple Hill Cemetery, Hartford. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hartford Public Library or Hartford United Methodist Church.
Note:  Ray was a HHS 1933 graduate.
 

Frederick Mathew Cade, 83, of Hartford, passed from his life on Earth to eternity in heaven with his Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, Sept. 16, 2004, at his home.
     Fred was born on June 16, 1921, in New York, the son of the late John and Agnes (Fields) Cade, both of whom precede him in passing.
     Fred owned and operated the Shell gas station when it was located on Red Arrow Highway in Hartford for 20 years and then owned and operated the Sinclair/Arco gas station for another 28 years. Fred was a loving husband, father and grandfather, and a caring friend to many others. He served his country during World War II as a U.S. Marine.
     As to Fred's wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service to honor his memory will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the Hartford Federated Church. Pastor Timothy Nyhuis will officiate. Private burial with military rites will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hartford Federated Church.
     Fred is survived by his wife, Frances, whom he married on Oct. 28, 1943; son, David (Susan) Cade of Hartford; daughter, Virginia Munro of Denver, Colo.; son, Michael (Janice) Cade of Coloma, and son, Christopher (Lisa) Cade of Glenwood Springs, Colo. Fred is also survived by six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; a brother, John (Sherrie) Cade of Trenton, N.J.; and several nieces, nephews and friends.  Besides his parents, Fred was preceded in death by a brother, James Graves.
Note:  Fred was a 1940 graduate of Hartford High School.  Click here to view is military photo and profile. He was instrumental in the creation of Hartford's first tennis court in the 1960s(?) down near the old dump in Hartford.

 

James Thomas Kappler, aged 67, of Jackson, passed away on September 16, 2004 at W.A. Foote Memorial James Kappler - Principal HHS 1968-1977Hospital.  He was born on Septem­ber 7, 1937 in Manchester, MI to Alvin and Hazel (Eckler)  Kappler.
     He was a 1959 graduate of the University of Michi­gan with a Bachelor of Arts degree in education. Jim began his teaching career at Grass Lake High School. After receiving his Master of Arts degree in education from Eastern Michi­gan University, he became the high school principal at Grass Lake. He then was principal at Hartford High School and Manchester High School. One of Jim's greatest joys was helping a troubled or underachieving student to succeed.
     Following a career in education, Jim began a second career as a travel consultant at Martha Cox Travel
and for the past 15 years at Lee Bisbee Travel Service. Jim's clients appreciated his attention to detail and I ability to paint a verbal picture of their destinations. Jim's hob­bies were reading and travel. He was an avid fan of the Detroit Tigers and Michigan Wolverines.
     He is survived by his sister, Barbara (John) Beck of Marshfield, WI; three aunts and several cousins.
     Funeral services will be conducted 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 21, 2004 at Sherwood Funeral Home with the Reverend Gustav H. Kuether officiating, per his wishes, cremation will follow. Visitation will be Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Organization of Rare Diseases designated to the Polycythemia research fund.
   
Note:  James was principal of Hartford High School 1968-1977. 
 

Alice Meister Miller, 88, formerly of Hartford, passed away peacefully Friday, Sept. 10, 2004. She was born in Petoskey, Mich., on Jan. 18, 1916, to Justin and Elizabeth (Steffel) Meister.
     Mrs. Miller was a paralegal secretary for Olds & MacKinder law firm. She had been a member of the Southwest Michigan Legal Secretaries Association, serving as president and secretary. She supported her husband in establishing the chapter of the Hartford Lions Club, of which she was a member. She had been active in the Altar Society at Immaculate Conception Church of Hartford.
     They lived in Kalamazoo and Portage for several years. She attended Western Michigan University. They were volunteers at Bronson Hospital Senior Center and Portage Senior Center. Mrs. Miller had lived with her daughter, Joyce Carmichael at Shafer Lake, for the past three years.
     She will be dearly missed by all her children, Elizabeth (VonDean) Huddleston of St. Joseph, Carole Mayer of Ann Arbor, Herschel (Betty) Miller of Delton, Mich., and Joyce (Casey/Kenneth) Carmichael of Lawrence.
     The grandchildren she leaves are Michael Huddleston Sr. of Burnsville, Minn., Barbara Jenkins of North Ridgeville, Ohio, Phillip Huddleston of Reno, Nev., Bill Mayer and Robert Mayer, both of Ann Arbor, William Miller III of Byron, Ga., Jerome Miller of Wyoming, Mich., Shane Empson of Saint Clair Shores, Mich., and Shannon Empson of Oakland, Calif.
  She also leaves seven great-grandchildren; and a brother, Edward (Kathryn) Meister of Mount Pleasant, Mich.
     Mrs. Miller was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, William Herschel Miller; her parents; grandson, Stephen Huddleston, and granddaughter, Mary Miller; sisters, Mildred Brown, Ruth Lustig and Edith Brown.
     There will be no visitation, as cremation has taken place. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Church in Hartford, Saturday, Sept. 18, at 11 a.m. Friends are invited to visit with the family and share lunch after the service, in the church hall.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hartford Lions Club Scholarship Fund or the Immaculate Conception Church.
 

Richard C.  Robbins  - The loving family and many friends and acquaintances of Richard C. Robbins Jr., of Hartford, Michigan, were shocked and saddened to learn of his sudden passing on Sunday, August 29, 2004, at Community Hospital, Watervliet.
     Dick was born on August 14, 1940, to Richard C. and Velma (Newnum) Robbins Sr., in Arlington Township, Michigan. He graduated from Lawrence High School in 1958 and served six years in the U.S. Navy, both on active duty and in the reserves.
     Dick married his devoted wife, Sharyn Michal (Keech) in 1961 and were subsequently the proud parents of Lisa (Tim) Morrow of Sawyer, Michigan and Richard "Gary" Robbins of St. Joseph, Michigan.
     In addition to his immediate family, Dick is survived by his mother Velma Robbins of South Haven, Michigan and step-mother, Danna Robbins of Hartford, Michigan. Dick will be dearly missed by the light-of-his-life, granddaughter Jayme Woodward of Sawyer, Michigan, a student at River Valley High School. Dick is also survived by two brothers, Thomas (Gail) Robbins of Zionsville, Indiana and Spence "Wally" (Anne) Robbins of Statesville, North Carolina, two brother-in-laws Jim (Ruth) Keech of Keeler, Michigan and Richard (Barbara) Keech of Berrien Springs, Michigan along with several nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. His father, Richard Cecil Robbins Sr., preceded him in death in 2003.
     Dick spent most of his working career in the construction industry as both a driver and a master mechanic. He helped to set up the agriculture/diesel department of the Van Buren Vo-Tec Center and taught there for one year. Dick was an active member of the Hartford Fire Department for many years. He served the community of Hartford as a councilman and was currently a member of the Hartford Township Zoning Commission. Dick most recently retired and worked part time at Kellogg Hardware in Hartford.
     Dick's "farm" was his passion where he also collected antique farming equipment. He loved the country life as it afforded him many opportunities to feed and observe birds, deer and local wildlife. Dick was always ready to lend a helping hand to his many good friends and neighbors, putting to use his years of experience to fix what had been broken, and improve what was lacking.
     The family will receive friends from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. on Wednesday September 1 at the Calvin Funeral Home Hartford. The memorial service to honor Dick's memory will be held at 11 A.M. on Thursday at the funeral home. Pastor Timothy Nyhuis of the Hartford Federated Church will officiate. Private burial of his ashes will be held later in Maple Hill Cemetery, Hartford. Those wishing to make a memorial in Dick's name may do so with the organization of their choice.
 

Bobbie Edward Summerhill, 62, of Hartford passed suddenly from his life on earth to eternity in heaven on Saturday, July 17, 2004 at Lakeland hospital, St. Joseph.  Bobby was born on Dec. 8, 1941, in Kennett, MO., the son of Walter and Vernon Jonell (Goldsmith) Summerhill.
     Bobbie was a 1960 graduate of Hartford High School.  He formerly was employed at the Watervliet Paper Mill for more than 27 years and then worked for over six years at the Bowater NuWay Paper Company of Benton Harbor.
     The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 22, at Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford.  A service to honor his memory will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 23, at Hartford Federated Church.  Pastor Timothy Nyhuis of Hartford Federated Church and Pastor Wayne Davis of His Place, Cathedral of the Faith of Hartford, will officiate.  As to his wishes, cremation will take place following the service.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Berrien Community Foundation/Oncology Care Patient Support Fund.
     Bobbie is survived by his wife, Claudia; a son,, Bobbie Summerhill of Hartford; son, Anthony (Virginia) Summerhill of Holland, Mich.; son, Timothy (Lisa) Summerhill of Hartford; son, Jeffrey Summerhill of Hartford; daughter, Tammy (Jeff) Bond of St. Joseph; daughter, Tina (Neal) Reid of Apopka, Fla.,; daughter, Lisa (Rodney) Harris of Twin Lakes, and son, Walter Summerhill of Portage.  He is also survived by 18 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; his mother-in-law, Earlene Rea of Hillman; brother, Terry (Linda) Summerhill of Hartford; sister, Marsha Summerhill of Omaha; sister, Linda (Jim) Parkhurst of Del Ray, Calif.; brother, Randy (Lois) Summerhill of Kalamazoo; twin brothers, Ron (Linda) Summerhill of Phoenix and Don (Jennifer Summerhill of Omaha; and sister, Annette (Rick) Huffman of Pullman.

Bobbie was preceded in death by his father, Walter; and a sister, Patricia.
 

Kenneth M. Allen Sr., 61, formerly of Hartford, who was living in Winnie, Texas, passed away Thursday, June 3, 2004, following an automobile accident in Michigan City, Ind.
     The family and close friends gathered for a private memorial at the home of David Allen, his brother. Those wishing to share a memory online may do so at BigKautopro@CS.com
.
     Kenneth "Ken" was born June 26, 1942, the son of Marion and Lena (Bouma) Allen. He attended Hartford High School until enlistment into the Navy. He was honorably discharged in 1962. Ken's passion was working on cars as a mechanic and auto body repairman.
     Kenneth will be remembered as a loving husband, father and friend. His love of NASCAR, "DW" and "Dale" will be carried on by his friends and family. His laugh will be truly missed.
     Surviving are his wife, Carolyn of Winnie, Texas; his brother, David Allen of Watervliet; two sons -- Kenneth Jr. (Jamie) of Winnie and Timothy (Mandy) of Georgetown, Ala.; three daughters, "the twins," Tammy Leger (David) and Michelle Hoyt (Butch), both of Winnie, and "The Baby," Lena Bishop (Chris) of Georgetown; one nephew, Micheal Allen of Hartford; 14 grandchildren; and one great-grandson who was born the morning Ken passed; one great-niece; and a close family friend, Lis Clement.  He was preceded in death by a sister, Susanne Kaye; his mother, Lena (Bouma) Allen; and his father, Marion Allen Jr.
Note:  Click here to view Ken's military profile and photo on the History of Hartford website.
 

Jeffrey Jon Flemming, 47, of Hartford passed from his life on earth to eternity in heaven on Saturday, May 29, 2004, at his home.  Jeffrey was born on July 27, 1956, in Kalamazoo, the son of George and Minnie (Warman) Flemming.
      Jeff was a 1975 graduate of Hartford High School. After graduating he joined the U.S. Navy. Jeff returned to Hartford after his service to his country and worked for NCR of Kalamazoo. He was with the security at Wings Stadium in Kalamazoo where he received an award for his 15 years of service. Jeff worked for Hartford High School and was Junior Class and Year Book Advisor and Technology Supervisor. Jeff also had his own business, JR Electronics. He helped restore and worked at the Hartford Race Track. Jeff was on the Medic 1 Board and a proud member of the Hartford Fire Department where he was acknowledged as the Fireman of the Year in 2003.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, June 1, at the Calvin Funeral Home in Hartford. A service to honor his memory will be conducted at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday June 2, at the Hartford United Methodist Church. The Rev. James Terry will officiate. Jeff will be escorted by the Hartford Fire Department to his burial in Maple Hill Cemetery Hartford, where military rites will be performed by VFW Post 1137; VFW Post 6803; American Legion Post 362 and Auxiliary. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the donor's choice.
     Jeff is survived by his two sons -- Jeremy and Ryan Flemming of Hartford; stepbrother, Wayne (Louise) Nelson of Gobles; and aunts -- Mary Cottier and Joyce Rzoszut, both of Coloma.
     Jeff was preceded in death by his parents; and his stepfather, Norb Nelson
Note:  Click here to view Jeffrey's photo and military profile on the History of Hartford website.

 
Lloyd Jacob Urick, the son of Mary Urick Barber and the late Lloyd Solomon Urick, was born in Paw Paw, Mich., on Lloyd Jacob Urick d 5-19-2004April 19, 1955, and died at his home in Dexter on Wednesday, May 19, 2004, at the age of 49.
     Mr. Urick was a former resident of Michigan and had resided in Dexter the last nine years. He was a welder and had served in the U.S. Marines.
     On April 8, 1999, he was married to Melissa Diane Futch Moore at Bloomfield.
     Surviving are his wife, Melissa Urick of Dexter; two daughters, Ashley and Tina Urick, both of Michigan; his mother, Mary Barber of Hartford, Mich.; three sisters, Vicky Davis and Diane Cowgill, both of Hartford, Mich., and Nancy Urick of Watersmeet, Mich.
     Visitation will be held after 9 a.m. Friday, May 21, 2004, at Watkins & Sons Funeral Home in Dexter. Services will be conducted at10 a.m., with full military honors at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield on Friday, May 21, 2004. Interment will follow in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield with Watkins & Sons Funeral Service of Dexter in charge of arrangements.
 
Bill Rhinehart, 71, of Bitely, Mich., formerly of Hartford, passed away Monday, Feb. 23, 2004, at Countryside Nursing Center, South Haven.
     Bill was born Nov. 9, 1932, in Hartford, the son of Victor and Mary (Jones) Rhinehart. He retired from Watervliet Paper Mill. Bill also served his country for three years in the U.S. Army.
     He was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers, Jim, Bob and Jack; and a sister, Betty.
     Survivors include: two daughters -- Susan (Alfred) Button of Kismet, Kan., and Vickie (John) Loomis of Covert; son, Scott Rhinehart of Guthrie, Okla.; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
     As per Bill's wishes, no services will be held and cremation has taken place. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. Friends wishing to sign the register online, leave a message for the
family or share a story about Bill may do so at www.FilbrandtFFH.com.
     The family is being helped by the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home of South Haven.
Note:  Click here to view Bills military photo and profile on the History of Hartford website at www.hartfordmichigan.com.

 

John Levi Wesaw Jr., 72, of Hartford passed from his life on earth to eternity in heaven on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2004, at his home.
     Junior was born on Sept. 23, 1931, in Silver Creek Township, the son of John and Julia (Alexis) Wesaw, both of whom preceded him in passing. He was a graduate of Hartford High School, where he helped his basketball team reach the state semi-finals. He retired from the Watervliet Paper Mill, in 1990, after 20 years of employment.
    He was an elder in the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians and he served his country as an Army Corporal during the Korean Conflict.
     The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 18, at the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford, where a prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. with Deacon Arthur Morsaw conducting the service. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Hartford, of which he was a member. Father German Perez-Diaz will be the celebrant. Burial will be in Rush Lake Indian Cemetery, Hartford, with military rites conducted by VFW Post 1137, VFW Post 6803 and American Legion Post 362 and auxiliary. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.
     Junior is survived by his four daughters -- Norma Wesaw-Sprague, Julia Johnson, Loretta Wesaw, all of Hartford, and Rhonda (Phil) Hansen of Kentwood. Also surviving are grandchildren -- Levi, Tara, Judd, Felicia, Joe, Jackson and Nicole; great-grandchildren, Danny, Andrea and Pedro; brother, Samuel Wesaw of Hartford; a very special cousin, Jackie Genereaux of Watervliet; and a special aunt, Ella; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
     Junior was preceded in death by a son, Francis Jay Wesaw, on Nov. 21, 1990.

Note:
  John was a 1951 Hartford High School graduate.
 

"Randy" Lee Edmonds of New Blain, Ark., formerly of Hartford, passed away' unexpectedly in Somerville, Tenn., on Jan. 30, 2004.
     Born Dec. 17,1955, in Watervliet to George and Jean (Stuckum) Edmonds. Randy attended Hartford Public Schools and had been employed as a truck driver for the last 30 years for various companies.
     Randy enjoyed calling his family to share his many experiences along the road. He loved hunting and fishing and was anxiously anticipating returning to Michigan to share these activities with his beloved father, George.
     God created Randy large in stature to encompass his huge heart. His greatest pleasure was helping others and he freely offered anything he possessed. To Randy, there were no strangers, only friends he had not yet met. His smile and laughter will always be remembered.
     Cremation has taken place and a memorial service to celebrate Randy' life will be scheduled at a later date.
     Randy is survived by his father, George Edmonds; sister, Cathy (Pedro) Ontiveros; stepbrother, David (Norma) Bulat; and step sister, Linda (Mark) OIds, all of Hartford; a stepsister, Sheryl (Steve) Ferguson of Lawton; and numerous nieces and nephews; and a large group of friends that were family in Randy's heart.  Randy was preceded in death by his mother, Jean; stepmother Betty; one sister and four brothers.
     Randy's passing leaves a huge void in our lives that no one will ever fill, but his life has left us with memories that will always make us smile. Surely he is again on a Harley, seeking new friends.
 


Information for this web site was gathered from personal interviews, newspaper articles, scrapbooks, personal photo albums, and other documented materials - many available to the public at the Hartford Public Library or Van Buren County Historical Museum.  Please report any typographical errors, updated information, or incorrectly stated information to the webmaster for correction.  Reprinting for personal and instructional purposes is permitted, however, unauthorized commercial reprinting of this information or unauthorized linking to photos-pictures on this site is strictly prohibited without written permission from the webmaster. 



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HartfordHistory Icon - Hartford MI

Pearls In Our Past - Hartford Michigan
© 
A Pictorial History of Hartford, Michigan
Emma Thornburg Sefcik,
Competent Secretarial Service
Copyright © 2000 - All rights reserved.


Revised: May 09, 2008