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Obituaries in 2007
Hartford Michigan |
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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
is 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.
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Hersel Berneill Madison, 61, of
Hartford, passed away suddenly on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2006, in Bangor
Township.
Berneill, as he was known to most, was born on Oct. 4, 1945, in
Monette, Ark., to Hersel and Lillie (Cheatham) Madison. He was
employed at Southwest Docking of Dowagiac for the past 20 years. In
his spare time he loved to read, target shoot, reload, fish and bow
hunt. He also served his country in the military during the Vietnam
War.
As per his wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will
however receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 5, at the
Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford. In lieu of flowers,
memorials may be made to the family. Berneill is survived by two
sons, Tye (Barbara) Madison of Hartford and Lucas (Shannon) Madison
of Watervliet; seven grandchildren, Timothy Nicholas Madison,
Natasha Nicole Madison, Derek Kendel Morsaw, Tami Le Ann Madison,
Taylor Paige Madison, Trysta Tell Madison and Tori Lynn Cook. He is
also survived by a sister, Bernice (Bob) Lightner of Hartford; and
two brothers, Donnie R. Madison of Hartford and Jimmy J. Madison of
Eau Claire.
Berneill was preceded in death by a daughter, Tammy Lynn Madison,
in 1971; his father, Hersel, in 2002; his mother, Lillie, in 1993; a
sister, Wanda Madison, in 1953; and two brothers, Albert Madison, in
1950, and Earless Madison, in 1995.
Note:
Click here to view Berneill's military profile on the History of
Hartford website.
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 Kathleen
“Kay” Bodjack, 77, of Niles formerly of Stevensville, passed
away on Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 19, 2007.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec.
22, at KerleyStarks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles
Road, St. Joseph, with the Rev. Emmett H. Kadwell of Wesley United
Methodist Church in Niles officiating. Burial will follow in Lincoln
Township Cemetery in Stevensville. Visitation with the family will
be held this evening, Dec. 21, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American
Lung Association. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest
book online may do so at
www.starks-menchinger.com.
Kathleen was born on Jan. 30, 1930, in Kimball
Township, Mich., near Port Huron.
On March 17, 1951, she married Joseph Albert Bodjack of
Stevensville. In years past, she worked as a nurse’s aide at
Pawating Hospital and later at Simplicity Pattern, from which she
retired. After retirement, Kathleen enjoyed working part time at
Garden City Cleaners in Niles. She “enjoyed the simple pleasures in
life,” including traveling with her friends from Simplicity Pattern,
shopping and spending time with her family and friends. She was
always devoted to her family, particularly in being the primary
caregiver to her mother for over 30 years. Kathleen also enjoyed
spending time with her faithful companion, Shadow.
Kathleen is survived by her daughters, Nicki Jo BodjackWingeart of
Cassopolis and Toni (Fred) Bruegmann of Niles; her mother, Wilma
Penwell; grandson, Kyle Aaron Bruegmann; and by her sister, Ruth
Ellen Wilkens of Portage, Mich.; and brother, Dale Penwell of
Pennsylvania.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph
Albert, and by one sister, Brenda Annel Martin.
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Doris Charlotte Mrozek,
86 of Dowagiac passed away Friday, Dec. 14, 2007, at Royalton Manor,
Royalton Township.
Doris was born Sept. 16, 1921, in Grey Eagle Village,
Minn., the daughter of Archie and Edith (Zutter) Jones, both of whom
preceded her in passing. Doris was also preceded in passing by her
first husband, Harold Conklin, her second husband, William Mrozek, a
brother, Robert Jones and a sister, Jeanette.
Doris retired from Burnette Foods in Keeler after more
than 25 years of loyal service. She also remained active, helping
her husband, Harold, farm for a number of years.
Doris is survived by two sons, George (Lorrie) Conklin
of Navarre, Fla., and Raymond (Carol) Conklin of St. Joseph; and
three daughters, Sue (Dennis) Adams of Dowagiac, Sandra (Frank)
James of Sodus and Diana (Cameron) Perryman of Valparaiso, Ind.
Doris is also survived by 12 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren;
two great-great-grandchildren; and a brother: Dewaine (Janey) Jones
of Mountain Home, Ark.
The family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday,
Dec. 18, at the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford. The service to honor
her memory will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec.
19, at the funeral home. The Rev. Doug Cuthbert of the Sister Lakes
Community Church will officiate. Burial will follow in Keeler
Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to In-House
Hospice Solutions of Kalamazoo.
Note:
Doris was 1940 HHS graduate,
Robert (Bud) was 1944 graduate, Dewaine was a 1950 graduate.
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Lynne Poulter Munjoy, passed away around two a.m. Friday,
December 14, 2008. She resided in Port Orford OR. There
will be no service per Lynne's request and she will be buried
in her favorite place, The Sea.
Note:
Lynne was Miss Hartford 1959 and a HHS 1959 graduate.
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 Lindsey Leean Knight, 19, of
Hartford passed away tragically on Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2007, in Casco
Township, Mich.
Lindsey was born Dec. 24, 1987, in St. Joseph, the daughter of Mark and
Tracie (Burgess) Knight.
She was currently employed at E&S Enterprises of
Keeler. Lindsey was a fun, caring and loving person. She loved being in
and around water, any scary movie and no one knows how many times she
had watched the “Wizard of Oz,” but most important to her was her
family, especially her children.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today,
Dec. 14, at His Place Cathedral of Faith Church in Covert. The service
to honor her memory will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at the
church. Pastor Wayne Davis will officiate. Burial will follow in Maple
Hill Cemetery, Hartford .
The family has entrusted the Calvin Funeral Home,
Hartford , with handling the arrangements.
Lindsey is survived by a daughter, Brianna, and a son, Derek; her
mother, Tracie (James) Valind of Hartford ; her father, Mark Knight of
Grandville; a brother, Mark Knight II of Coloma; three sisters,
Whitney, Savanna and Micheala; and a brother, Seth.
Lindsey was preceded in death by a grandfather, Richard Jenkins.
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 Sarah Ann Ferguson,
27, of Hartford passed away suddenly Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007, at
BorgessLee Memorial Hospital, Dowagiac as the result of an automobile
accident.
Sarah was born Feb. 19, 1980, in Paw Paw, the daughter of Steven
and Sandra (Evans) Ferguson. Sarah loved to dance, play pool and tend
to her plants. She loved sightseeing, which led her to travel to
different places. She had a quick wit and sense of humor that could
light up a room. But most importantly, she loved the time she spent
with friends and family, especially her nieces and nephews, who were
very special to her.
The family will welcome friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec.
20, at the Calvin Funeral Home,
Hartford. The service to honor her memory will take place at
11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 21, at Hartford Federated Church. Pastor Timothy
Nyhuis will officiate. Following the services, cremation will take
place. Interment of ashes will take place at a later date at Maple Hill
Cemetery, Hartford.
Sarah is survived by her mother, Sandra and her stepfather, Kevin
DeFord of Hartford; her father, Steven of Dowagiac; her four siblings,
Brian Phillips of Portage, Angela Phillips of Paw Paw, Amy of Holland
and Eric Ferguson of Osceola, Ind. She is also survived by her
grandparents, Ann and Dan Evans of Sister Lakes, Sam and Helen Niblet
of Coloma, and Rusty and Shirley DeFord of Hartford; a stepsister,
Tammy DeFord of Hartford; and numerous others.
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Paul
Ralph Wilson Wilcoxson Jr., of Dowagiac, passed away
suddenly on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007, at his home.
Paul was born on Feb. 2, 1961, in St. Joseph. He was the son of
Paul and Anna (Brewer) Wilcoxson Sr.
After serving his
country in the U.S. Marines, Paul returned to the Hartford
area and began working for the Bosch Corporation, where he
recently became an inspector. Paul was an active member of the
Hartford Federated Church, where he operated the sound system. He
simply loved to play with all types of electrical gadgets.
On July 2, 2002, Paul and Marites Recla were united in
marriage. She survives, along with a son, Cyrel; his father, Paul
(Ruth) Wilcoxson Sr. of Hartford; his mother, Catherine (Lanny)
Voss of
Manistique, Mich.; two brothers — Martin (Dianna) Wilcoxson Sr. of
Covert and John Wilcoxson of Munising, Mich.; two sisters — Penny
(Tom) Vanzandt of Battle Creek, Mich., and Lizabeth (Tom) McCrary
of Coloma; a sister-in-law, Florida Recla of Manila, Philippines;
and several nieces and nephews.
There will be a time of fellowship from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday,
Dec. 10, at Hartford Federated Church. The service to honor his
memory will follow at 11 a.m. with Pastor Timothy Nyhuis
officiating. Paul will be laid to rest in Maple Hill Cemetery,
Hartford . In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either the
Gideons or to the church. The family has entrusted the Calvin
Funeral Home in Hartford with handling the arrangements.
NOTE: Click
here to view Paul's military photo and profile on the History of
Hartford website.
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 Thomas Wilson
Newnum Jr., 86, of Watervliet, died Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007,
at his home.
Tom’s life began June 21, 1921, in Bangor Township, Mich. He spent
his childhood growing up in Bangor, graduating from Bangor High
School. Tom proudly served
his country in the United States Army, primarily stationed in the
Philippines. During his adult
life Tom worked as a truck driver, grain farmer, and he ran a paper
making machine at the Watervliet Paper Mill until retiring in 1984.
He was a member of the Teamster’s Union, United Paper Workers
International Union and the Henry Chamberlain Masonic Lodge 308. Tom
enjoyed filling his spare time with fishing, doing yard work,
feeding the little creatures such as squirrels and birds, and he was
a licensed commercial and private pilot.
Tom’s loving family includes: his wife, Wyoma “Scotty” Newnum,
whom he married Aug. 26, 1967; two sons — Tom (Joanne) Newnum of
Hartford and James (Geraldine) Newnum of Wallace, Mich.; two
daughters — Mary (David) Knight of Coloma and Joyce (Tommy) Brown of
Glen St. Mary, Fla.; a stepson, Arthur (Bev) Scott of Webberville,
Mich.; 15 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; a brother,
Melvin Newnum; two sisters, Velma Robbins and Virginia (Don)
Walantyn; and many nieces and nephews. His parents; a brother,
Charles Newnum; and a sister- in-law, Jane Newnum, precede Tom in
death.
Friends may visit with Tom’s family Wednesday, Dec. 5, from 6
to 8 p.m. at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet. Tom’s life will be
celebrated Thursday, Dec. 6, at 11 a.m. at Plymouth Congregational
Church in Watervliet. Burial of cremains will follow in Watervliet
Cemetery. Memorials may be made in Tom’s memory to Plymouth
Congregational Church.
NOTE: Tom's military profile can be viewed on the
History of Hartford website at
http://www.hartfordmichigan.com/hartfordhistory/Military/Military%20Personnel/WW2/WWII%20%20M-S.htm#Newnum,
Jr., Thomas Wilson
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Gertrude A. Rathgeb, 97, of Hartford, formerly of Benton Harbor, died Sunday,
Dec. 2, 2007, at the Lakeland Specialty Hospital in Berrien Center.
A mass celebrating her life will be held at a later date.
Cremation has taken place and a family committal service of the
ashes will be held at Calvary Cemetery in Benton Harbor.
Arrangements are by the Fairplain Chapel of Florin Funeral Service
in Benton Harbor. Memorials may be to made the St. John–St. Bernard
Parish or Hospice at Home.
Gertrude was born Sept. 15, 1910, in Chicago, Ill., to Max and
Anna Albrecht. She married her husband, George Rathgeb, in 1929, and
came to this area with her husband in 1938. George preceded her in death in 1977.
Together they celebrated 48 years of marriage. She
was a member of the St. John–St. Bernard Parish in Benton Harbor.
Gertrude worked at Regal Finishing for 22 years before retiring in
1983. She loved shopping and bingo and was always on the go.
She is survived by three children — Phyllis Blaylock of Graham,
Wash., George (Karen) Rathgeb of Eau Claire and Robert (Joye)
Rathgeb of Hartford; one sister, Helen Siwy of Columbia City, Ind.;
11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and three
great-great-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by one grandson, Paul Blaylock;
two great-grandsons, Greg Blaylock and Konrad Hornack; three sisters
and three brothers.
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Robert Mireles, 42, of Hartford , passed away suddenly on Wednesday, Nov.
28, 2007, in San Antonio, Texas.
Robert, was born Feb. 20,1965, in San Antonio, Texas. He was the son
of Manuel and Guadalupe Mireles.
Robert is preceded in death by his brother, Alex Anthony Mireles;
paternal grandparents, Sara and Andres Soto; and maternal
grandparents, Jose and Anita Adame.
Robert is survived by his mother, Guadalupe, and father,
Manuel; sons, Alex and Robert Mireles; brothers — Roger Mireles,
John (Flora) Mireles, Jason Mireles and Joe Mireles; sisters —
Maricia (Juan) Calderon and Esperanza Mireles; nephews and nieces —
Orlando, Jacqueline, Juan Jr., Eric,
Jessica, Cesar, Oscar, Marina, Samuel, Cassandra, Amanda, Jonathon,
Andrea and Andres, all from Illinois and Wisconsin; and various
uncles, aunts and cousins of Michigan, Illinois and Texas.
A memorial service to honor his memory will take place at 10
a.m. Monday, Dec. 10, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church,
Hartford . Father Arthur Howard will officiate. Robert’s ashes will
be interred at a later date. Please join the family in sharing
memories of our beloved Robert Mireles at the church hall after the
burial. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.
Arrangements have been entrusted with the Calvin Funeral Home in
Hartford.
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Richard J. Sutter
Jr.
On Saturday, Nov. 24, 2007, Richard John Sutter Jr., 47 of
Hartford, passed away suddenly in Benton Township.
Richard was born May 30, 1960, in
Watervliet. He was the son of Richard and Urleen (Whitehead) Sutter
Sr. After graduating from high school, Richard proudly served his
country in the U.S. Army. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, playing
with his dog, Annie, and spending time with his family. He was a
mechanic by trade and liked to tinker with anybody’s automobile that
would let him.
Richard is survived by his mother, Urleen
of Clinton, Okla.; sisters, Kathy Sutter of Hartford, Linda
Chergosky of South Haven, Patty Sierra of Lake Havasu City, Ariz.,
and Sandy Whitehead of Clinton, Okla.
Richard was preceded in death by his
father, Richard Sr.; two brothers, James and Joe Sutter; and the
love of his life, Cynthia Agee.
A memorial service to honor his memory will
take place at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at the Family Worship Center,
Hartford. Pastor John Busch will officiate. Richard’s ashes will be
interred in Keeler Cemetery at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 3. In lieu of
flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Arrangements have been
entrusted with the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford.
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 Brian Earnest Shafer,
71, formerly of Hartford, went to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ,
on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2007. A memorial service will be held at the
Hartford Federated Church on Saturday, Dec. 1, at 11 a.m.
Brian was born Dec. 13, 1935, in Hartford. He was
the first child of Clyde and Ruby (Pitcher) Shafer. His father
taught him the carpentry trade and he helped build many homes in
Southwestern Michigan. In 1965, he joined the Chicago District
Council of Carpenters, Local 1, which allowed him to work on many
large-scale projects such as the Cook Nuclear Plant, Domino Pizza
Corporate Office, the Bloomingdale Building in Chicago, various
Sears Tower projects, and the Chicago Fairmont Hotel, until his
retirement in 1998. He was also involved in many trade shows
at Chicago’s McCormick Place. Brian loved watching NASCAR, Notre
Dame football, This Old House, Outdoor Network and Discovery
channels. He was also a real wizard with crossword
puzzles and word games. His other passions included hunting, fishing
and spending time with his sons and grandchildren.
Brian desired that even after he was gone, his legacy
would make a difference and the world could be a brighter place for
future generations, so he donated his body to Science Care.
Brian is survived by three sons, Jeff (Pam) of
Appleton, Wis., Brian Marc of Cadillac, Bob (Deanna) of Coloma; four
grandchildren, Brett (Katherine) of Kaukauna, Wis., Jacob, Taylor
and Karsen of Coloma; and one greatgranddaughter, Johannah of
Kaukauna. He is also survived by a brother, Clayton (Sandy) of
Tucson, Ariz.; two sisters, Dorla (Lee) Weeden of Tulsa, Okla., and
Avis (Dale) Hill of Hartford. He also has several nieces and
nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Ruby (Pitcher);
his brother, Phillip; and his former wife, Violet.
A memorial fund has been established in memory of Brian at “Brian
Shafer Memorial Fund,” 1243 E. Byrd St., Appleton, Wis., 54911.
Note: Brian was a HHS 1954 graduate.
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Orlo “Mac” Dell McNitt,
94, of Riverview Manor in Three Rivers, passed away on Tuesday,
November 20, 2007.
Mac was born on December 19, 1912 to the late William
and Wavia (Palmer) McNitt in Keeler, Michigan. He was one of three
boys. On December 19, 1934, Mac wed the love of his life, Lois
McBain at a ceremony in South Bend. She passed away in 2002. Mac
worked for National Standard until his retirement after 38 dedicated
years of service.
He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Lois,
Grandson Randy DeJonge and Brother James R. McNitt. Mac is survived
by his 2 daughters Lois (Bruce) DeJonge of Niles and Shirley (Chuck)
Cottrill of Three Rivers, 6 Grandchildren, 14 Great-Grandchildren, 1
Great-Great-Granddaughter and Brother Gail (Joanne) McNitt of
Coldwater, MI.
A time of visitation will be held on Sunday, November
25, 2007 at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Niles from
12-1 with Mac’s funeral service immediately following at 1pm. Mac
will be interred at Silverbrook Cemetery Mission Hills Memorial
Gardens, 61543 M-51, Niles, Mi. Pastor Emmett Cadwell will be
officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home
and Cremation Services of Niles. Memorial donations may be
made in Mac’s memory to Hospice at Home, Inc. located at 4025 Health
Park Lane; St. Joseph, MI 49085.
Note:
Mac was a 1931 HHS graduate.
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Iola Lucille Bisbee
was born in Yates, Mont. on July 10, 1912. She was the daughter of
Clarence and Myrtle (Strickler) Burr. Iola passed away Saturday,
Nov. 17, 2007, at the age of 95, with her loving family by her side.
When she was only two years old, the family moved to
Bradgate, Iowa. After her graduation from high school and then
business school, she moved to Hartford along with her family. On
Oct. 6, 1934, while attending the Hartford Fair, Iola and Augustus
Edward Bisbee exchanged wedding vows.
Iola is survived by a son, Nyle and Anna Bisbee; a
daughter, Peggy Harris; and a son, Gene and Mary Bisbee, all of
Hartford and a daughter-in-law,
Mary Bisbee of Thayer, Mo. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren,
several greatgrandchildren and many greatgreat-grandchildren.
Iola was preceded in death by her husband, Augustus; her parents; a
son, Terry Bisbee; a grandson, Bobby Joe Harris; a son-in-law,
Russell Harris; and two sisters, Edith Dockter and Belva Potter.
As to Iola’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial
service to honor her memory will take place at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov.
20, at the Keeler General Baptist Church. Pastor Bill Martin will
officiate. Burial will take place at a later date in Elijah Cemetery
in Elijah, Mo. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that
donations be made to the church.
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Patricia Ann Drake,
70, of Hartford, passed away Friday, Nov. 9, 2007, at her home.
Pat, as she was known to many, was born July 31, 1937,
in Hartford, the daughter of Albert and Francis (Walker) Ison, both
of whom precede her in passing. She was also preceded by her first
husband, Bill Hendricks; her second husband, William “Bill” Drake; a
brother, Robert Ison; and a sister, Jean Fuller.
Pat was a devoted member of the Hartford United
Methodist Church. She loved cross stitching, playing with her dogs
and watching NASCAR races.
As to Pat’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no
public services will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be
made to the American Cancer Society or Hospice at Home. The family
has entrusted the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford, with handling the
arrangements.
Pat is survived by a brother, Richard Henry (Judy) Ison
and nieces and nephews — Julienne Ann (Michael) Ison of Mattawan,
Richard Stephen Ison of Warren, Thomas Leon (Amy) Ison of Dowagiac,
Paul Ison of Coloma, Teresa (George) Seiffert of Stevensville, Debra
Peek of Bangor and Robert Fuller and Larry Fuller, both of Hartford.
Note:
Pat was a HHS 1955 graduate.
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Stanley J. Dowd,
69, of Hartford, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2007, with his
family at his side, after a short bout with cancer.
He was born on July 8, 1938, to Arthur and Ruth
(Williams) Dowd. Stanley, a lifelong resident of Hartford, was a
graduate of Hartford High
School in 1956 and of Michigan State University in 1961.
He was a co-owner of Dowd Orchards and Shafer Lake Fruit. Stanley
was an active member of the Kellogg Farmers Study Group IV and
enjoyed traveling and learning. He was a member of the
Hartford Federated Church, served the Hartford Township Board as a
trustee and was on the Township Road Committee for several years.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years,
Sue (Patterson) Dowd; two sons - Mark
(Crystal) Dowd and Dan (Faith) Dowd; grandchildren - Marcus Dowd,
Brad (Amy) Johnson, Josh Johnson, Kari Johnson, Lindy Kopicki and
Dana Dowd; greatgrandchildren - Braydon and Cassidi Johnson;
brothers - Bruce (Kathy) Dowd and Leslie (Kelly) Dowd; a sister,
Doris (William) Austin; and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 11, at the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford. There will be
a private family graveside service held at Maple Hill Cemetery,
Hartford, with Pastor Timothy Nyhuis of the Hartford Federated
Church officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the
Hartford Fire Department or the charity of the donor’s choice.
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 Jeff Bowen,
loving husband, father, grandfather and brother, went to be with
his Lord and Savior on Nov. 7, 2007. He was born in
Newport, Ark., on Aug. 28, 1942, to AJ and Franchelle Bowen.
He was a lifelong member of Hartford Federated Church, where
he most recently served as deacon and previously held numerous
positions and was instrumental in starting and working in other
ministries within the church.
He was preceded in death by his mother, father and
sister, Norma Leonard. He is survived by loving wife, Peggy (Mcfarland)
Bowen. He had three daughters, Pamela
Bowen of Asheville, N.C., Janice Bowen of Panama City,
Fla., and Amy Bowen of Hartford. He also had two granddaughters,
Taylor Bowen and Hannah Soldaat, also of Hartford. He has a brother,
Harold (Doris) Bowen of Kalamazoo. He also had several other nieces
and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. on
Sunday, Nov. 11, at Hartford Federated Church. The funeral will be
held immediately following visitation at the church and it will be
officiated by Pastor Tim Nyhuis. The burial will follow immediately
at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Jeff will be greatly missed by family, friends and all
who knew him
|
 LeRoy
Paul Haney
BANGOR TOWNSHIP — LeRoy Paul Haney was born on Jan. 12, 1935, in
Hartford. He was the son of Louis and Ruth (Hammond) Haney, both
of whom preceded him in passing. LeRoy passed away on Sunday,
Nov. 4, 2007, at his home.
LeRoy married Dianne Dresen on March 16, 1957, and for
the next 50 years they enjoyed each others companionship. LeRoy
retired from Smith Steel of Benton Harbor after many years of
employment. He was a talented wood worker and carver and spent
numerous hours doing oil paintings. He and Dianne loved to
travel and spent the cold winters in Georgia.
LeRoy was a wonderful husband to Dianne and a loving father to
his children, David and Deborah Haney of North Carolina, James
and Nancy Haney of Georgia, Robert and Cindy Haney of North
Carolina and Dawn and Steve Brady of Lawrence. He also cherished
his 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
There will be a time of fellowship from 6 to 8 p.m. on
Wednesday, Nov. 7, at the Calvin Funeral Home in Hartford. In
lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the South Haven Area
Hospice. As to LeRoy’s wishes, cremation has taken place and
interment will be held at a later date in Southard Cemetery in
Bangor Township.
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 Mark Joseph Duffy
KEELER — Our beloved Mark Joseph Duffy left this world Sunday, Nov.
4, 2007, at Borgess Medical Center, Kalamazoo.
Mark was born on Jan.14, 1971, in Watervliet. He was a
loving husband, father, son, and brother and was loved by all who
knew him. Mark’s smiling face will be sadly missed by all his
family, many friends and co-workers.
Mark was employed as a heavy equipment operator for Milbocker
and Sons. Mark was an avid supporter of his and all Unions.
Mark was preceded in death by his sister, Lisa Duffy;
his grandparents, Michael and Ruth Duffy; and his aunt, Joan Duffy.
Survivors include his wife, Debbie Duffy, his son, Tyler Duffy of
Keeler; his parents, Michael and Sue Duffy of Keeler; sister,
Kim Wine (Denny) of Muskegon, sister Sandra Hartford (Mike) of
Benton Harbor; brother, Michael Duffy (Raynell) of Sister Lakes;
nieces, Amanda, Erin and Chelsea Wine of Muskegon; stepchildren,
Reshonda and Jeremy Lewis of Sister Lakes; his, grandmother, Hazel
Ward of Watervliet; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on
Thursday, Nov. 8, at the Calvin Funeral Home in Hartford. Mass of
Christian Burial will be said at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 9, at the
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hartford with Father John
Young as the celebrant. Burial will take place in Keeler Cemetery.
Anyone wishing to make a memorial in Mark’s name may do so to the
Keeler and Sister Lakes Fire and Rescue units.
|
 Keith
A. Hand, 85, of Hartford , passed away Friday, Oct. 26,
2007, at Lakeland Specialty Hospital in Berrien Center.
A Graveside Committal Service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Monday, Oct.
29, at North Shore Memory Gardens in Coloma, with military rites
conducted by Coloma American Legion Post 362, VFW Post 1137 of
Benton Harbor, VFW Post 6803 of Watervliet and Stevensville American
Legion Post 568. Visitation with the family will be held this
afternoon from 3 to 5 p.m. at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral
Home, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. Memorials may be made to a
charity of the donor’s choice. Those wishing to send the family a
message of condolence may do so online at
www.starks-menchinger.com.
Keith was born on the 4th of July, 1922. He was one of
three sons born to James and Cassie Hand. On Aug. 8, 1942, he
married Dorothy Geisler in Chelsea, Mich., and together they had two
children. Keith was a proud
veteran of World War II, serving as staff sergeant in Okinawa and
the Pacific Theater. He loved sharing his memories of that time.
Keith retired as a laundry engineer from Whirlpool Corp.
Additionally, he worked for his father at Hand Real Estate Agency.
Keith enjoyed fixing things, working with wood, working in his
flower garden and also collected rare coins. Keith enjoyed the
out-of-doors, particularly hunting and fishing. He was extremely
proud of his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.
Keith is survived by his wife, Dorothy; his son, Keith
A. (Valerie) Hand Jr. (Valerie) of Hartford ; two grandchildren,
Michael Kettelhut and Deborah Piggott; and by his three
greatgrandchildren, Brent and Christy Kettelhut and Eric Piggott;
his son-in-law, Arnold Jackson; and his brother-in-law and sister-
in-law, John and Jeanne Pavlick.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by
his daughter, Sharon Jackson, and two brothers, Fay Hand and James
Hand Jr.
|
Jimmy Wayne Patterson -
On Sunday, October 21, 2007, Jimmy Wayne
Patterson, 55 of Hartford, passed away at Rose Arbor Hospice
Residence, Kalamazoo, due to cancer.
Jim, as he was known to most everyone, was born
December 12, 1951 in Benton Harbor. He was the son of James and Nora
(Clark) Patterson, both of whom precede him in passing.
Jim was a graduate of Bangor High School. Jim was
formerly employed at Duffy-Mott Corporation until the plant closed.
He then went to work for Contech LLC of Dowagiac, where he was a
loyal employee for 31 years. Jim enjoyed going up north to hunt,
fish and roam the outdoors.
Jim married Penny Marie Leonard on March 20, 1976. She
preceded him in passing on July 1, 2006. Jim is survived by a son:
Shawn (Tiffanie) Patterson of Portage, a daughter: Crystal (Chris)
Cowgill of Hartford, a grandson: Elijah Cowgill of Hartford and a
granddaughter: Mikaela Cowgill of Hartford.
As to Jim's wishes, cremation has taken place. The
family will greet friends from 6 to 8 P.M.; Thursday, October 25 at
the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford. The memorial service to honor his
memory will take place at 2 P.M.; Friday, October 26 at the funeral
home. Reverend Ronald Hansen of the Hartford United Methodist Church
will officiate. Burial will follow in Maple Hill Cemetery, Hartford.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jim's name may be made to the
American Cancer Society or Hospice of Van Buren County.
|
 Roger Clarence
Gorske , 54, of Hartford passed away on Saturday, Oct.
20, 2007, at his home surrounded by his family.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct.
24, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Bridgman with Pastor Jon Bendewald
officiating. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery, Bridgman. Friends
may meet with the family from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Pike Funeral
Home, Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Highway, Bridgman. Memorial
contributions may be given to Pediatric Diabetes. Share a memory
with the family at www.PikeFH.com.
Roger was born Feb. 21, 1953, in St. Joseph the son of
the late Julius and Pearl (Hackeman) Gorske . On July 27, 1996, he
married the former Denese Phillips. He was a member of Immanuel
Lutheran Church in Bridgman and a
charter member of the Sons
of Union Veterans of the Civil War Fredrick Hackeman Camp 85.
Roger worked for Intercare Health Community. He loved music and
played with Johnny Ray’s Southern Comfort Band and several other
local bands.
Survivors include his wife, Denese; three children —
Roger Jr., Brian (special friend, Liz), and Shelby all of Hartford;
three stepchildren — Shaun (Sarah) of Ann Arbor, Kristen (Gary) of
Ohio, and Beth (Justin) of Hartford; nine grandchildren — Taylor,
Jaydin, Kayla, Meghan, Sage, Chelsea, Neveah, Rylee and Aalyah; five
brothers — Richard (Karen) Gorske of Bridgman, Albert (Dorothy)
Gorske of Bridgman, Michael (Amy) Gorske of Baroda, Dennis (Nancy)
Gorske of Michigan City, Ind., and Kenneth (Candy) Gorske of
Bridgman; one sister, Debra (Terry) Glaske of Baroda; several nieces
and nephews who loved him dearly, and his best friend, Gary Jackson.
Roger was also preceded in death by a brother, Robert
Gorske , in 1980.
|
 Norman Dexter DeLoach, 91, of Hartford passed away Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007, at
Community Hospital, Watervliet.
Norman, or “Pooly” as he was known, was
born Oct. 22, 1915, in Mt. Pleasant, Texas, the son of Edward and
Mary (Reeves) DeLoach, both of whom preceded him in passing. Also
preceding him in passing were two brothers, four sisters, and two
granddaughters, Sara and Karen.
Norman retired from the Watervliet Paper
Company in 1980 after 25 years of dedicated service. He loved
fishing, gardening, playing cards, spending time with his family and
shooting pool, hence the nickname, “Pooly.”
Norman married Zelma Mae Blevens on Jan.
26, 1940. She survives along with their children, Billy (Linda)
DeLoach of Lawrence, Thomas (Jeanette) DeLoach of Pocahontas, Ark.,
Carl (Monica) DeLoach of Hartford, Charles (Sherry) DeLoach of
Decatur, Mary (Doyle) Drane of Hartford, Linda (George) Bergeson of Paw Paw, James (Joyce) DeLoach of Columbia,
Tenn., Richard DeLoach of Hartford, Bonnie (John) Imler of
Watervliet, Judy (Bill) Haberland of South Haven, Daniel DeLoach,
Kenneth DeLoach, Norma (Dave) Bulat and Mark DeLoach, all of
Hartford, and Georgia Freeman of Hanford, Calif. He is also survived
by 31 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; three greatgreat-
grandchildren; a brother, Thomas DeLoach of Memphis, Tenn.; and a
sister, Anna Lee Thompson of LaPento, Ark.
The family will greet friends from 6 to 8
p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, at the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford . The
service to honor his memory will take place at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct.
19, at the funeral home. Pastor Thomas Fuller of the Community
General Baptist Church of Watervliet will be the officiant.
Burial will follow in Maple Hill Cemetery,
Hartford. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.
|
Maurice Eugene Meachum,
69, of Hartford passed away on Sunday, Oct. 14, 2007, at his home.
Maurice was born on April 6, 1938, in
Hartford Township. He was the son of Richard and Mildred (Reed)
Meachum. He proudly served his country by joining the U.S. Army’s
82nd Airborne Division.
After his tour of duty, Maurice married
Joan Smith on Sept. 21, 1962. Joan survives along with a loving
family which consists of a daughter, Tonya L. Raday of Hartford and
her children, Kathy, Michelle, Shawn and Amber; a son, Michael E.
(Vickie M.) Meachum of Millburg and their children, Jared and
Gabriel, and another son, James R. Meachum of Hartford and his
daughter Ashley.
Maurice is also survived by seven
great-grandchildren; a brother, Dwight (Melva) Meachum of Hartford;
two sisters, Arlene
Harmon of
Plant City, Fla., and Marsha (George) Rader of Bangor; numerous
nieces and nephews that were very dear to him; and many other family
members and friends.
Maurice retired from Cast Matic of
Stevensville after 25 years of loyal service. Even after retirement,
Maurice remained active as a member of the Van Buren Sportsman’s
Club and American Legion Post 362 of Coloma. He also loved tinkering
in his garage.
Maurice was preceded in passing by his
parents; his stepfather, Oscar Fillmore; two brothers, Arland
Meachum and William Meachum; and a sister, Etta Moore.
A celebration of his life will take place
at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20, at the Van Buren Sportsman’s Club in
Hartford. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either the
donor’s choice or the South Haven Area Hospice. The family has
entrusted the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford, with handling the
arrangements.
|
Lawrence E. “Bud” Hastings,
age 76, of Comstock Township, died Wednesday morning, October 17,
2007, at the Clare Bridge Alterra Care Facility, Portage, MI.
Bud was born on January 19, 1931 in Hartford, MI, was
the son of Leon and Lillie (Ryan) Hastings, graduated from Hartford
High School and attended Benton Harbor Community College. He served
his country as a Corporal in the U.S. Army during the Korean
Conflict, while stationed in Germany. Bud spent his life working
around cars. As a boy, he worked at a gas station and later at the
Ford garage, both in Hartford. He spent most of his career as an
auto insurance appraiser and briefly, was part owner of Petersen’s
Body Shop of Kalamazoo. Bud retired in 1996 from Auto Owners
Insurance.
Bud grew up in Hartford. He and his wife, Norma lived
in Fort Lauderdale, FL for two years right after they were married.
They returned to the Richland-Galesburg area where they raised their
family and resided for almost 40 years. Bud loved spending time with
his family and friends, especially his nine grandchildren. Also, he
enjoyed the monthly “Coffee Klatch” get-togethers with friends in
Hartford. Bud was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church of Augusta,
MI.
On February 1, 1958 at Immaculate Heart Catholic Church
in Hartford, MI, Bud was united in marriage to the former, Norma J.
Van Drasek and she survives. Also surviving is his daughter: Janet
(Keith) Naughton of Northville, MI; his two sons: Michael Hastings
of Des Moines, IA and Patrick (Carrie) Hastings of Milan, MI; eight
grandchildren: John, Rebecka, Zachary, Nora, Ryan, Stefan, Clare and
Connor and many loving nieces and nephews. Bud was preceded in death
by his parents; a grandson, Richard Hastings; four sisters: Jean
Johnson, Joann Blanke, Beverly Hastings and Rosemary Smith and by
his brother: Robert Hastings.
At the request of the family, friends may call today,
October 18th from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle
Richland Chapel, 9170 East D Avenue, (269-629-6022) where the Parish
Rosary will be recited at 7:30 PM, Thursday. Mass of Christian
Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 19th at 9:00 AM at St.
Ann Catholic Church, 12648 East D Avenue, Augusta, MI, 49012.
Interment will follow in Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta,
with full, military honors provided by the Fort Custer Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bud’s honor may be
made to the Alzheimer’s Association-Greater Michigan Chapter;
In-House Hospice Solutions of Kalamazoo or St. Ann Catholic Church.
Note:
Bud has a 1950 HHS graduate.
|
|
Patricia
Jane Young Erwin died at her home on October 16, 2007,
from complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as
Lou Gehrig’s disease.
She will be remembered for her devotion to her family
and friend and for her many acts of kindness, charity and sense of
humor. Laughter came easy for her and those around her and not
a day passed without her performing a kind act for another person.
Pat was born on July 18, 1924 in Chicago, Illinois to
Dr. Charles E. Young and Renew Elizabeth (Minshall) Young. In 1930
the family moved to Hartford, Michigan where Pat lived until her
1943 graduation from
Hartford High School. A graduate of Argubright Business
College of Battle Creek, Michigan, she worked for Clarage Fan
Company in Kalamazoo, Michigan during WWII.
At her parents’ home in Hartford, Michigan on April 15,
1946, she married her high school sweetheart and returning Marine
Cpl. John Winton Erwin of Keeler, Michigan. They resided at
Houghton, Michigan while John completed his Bachelor of Science in
Engineering Physics from Michigan Technological University in 1949.
After graduation, they moved to Golden, Colorado where John earned a
Masters in Geophysics from the Colorado School of Mines. With two
small sons, they moved back to Michigan where John worked for Dow
Chemical in Midland. In 1954, after adding another son and a
new daughter to the family, they drove across the country to Salt
Lake City with the three little boys in the backseat of the car and
their new baby sister along for the ride in a laundry basket.
A fifth child joined the family and in 1964, they moved further west
to Reno with their children when John became Professor of Geophysics
at the University of Nevada, Reno. He was also affiliated with
the Nevada Bureau of Mines. Pat was proud of her service as a
member of the inaugural staff of Hug High School when it opened in
1968. As administrators of the school library, Pat and her
late friend Sally Bonham guided a generation of students. Pat
retired from the Washoe County School District in 1985. John
retired from UNR in 1986. Pat and John spent many years
traveling to all of the states but Hawaii while visiting relatives,
searching through courthouse records for genealogical information,
and attending the graduations and weddings of their grandchildren.
In Salt Lake City, Pat was active with Cub Scouts, Boy
Scouts, Holladay Community Church and clerked at the University of
Utah Law Library. In Reno, Pat worked at the UNR Agriculture
Library before joining the staff at Hug High School.
She was a Life member in the Benevolence Chapter #265
OES, Lawrence, MI., of the Van Buren County Historical Society,
Hartford, MI., and of the Van Buren Regional Genealogical Society,
Decatur, MI. She was a member of St. John's Presbyterian
Church and First Congregational Church in Reno, National Federation
of Republican Women, Nevada Federation of Republican Women, 20th
Century Club, First Families of Morrow Co, Ohio, a former member of
Morrow County Historical Society, Ohio, the Nevada State Genealogy
Society, Nevada Sagebrush Chapter of the NSDAR, the Thomas Holcomb
Chapter of the National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century, the
Sons & Daughters of the Pilgrims, The John Howland, William Brewster
Societies & Nevada Branch of The General Society of the Mayflower
Descendants. Pat was descended from four Mayflower
families and recently became a member of the Jamestown Society.
Pat is loved and survived by her husband of 61 years
John Winton Erwin and their children: James Winton Erwin of Reno and
his children- Jeffrey Winton (Dawn) Erwin, Patrick James (Nikki)
Erwin with great-grandson Hunter James, Camille Alexandra Erwin and
Elizabeth Nicole (Brian W.) Johansen, of Nampa, ID with
great-grandchildren Makayla Nicole, Trenton William. and Tate Winton
Johansen; son Thomas Patric and (Molly Spencer) Erwin and his son
Philip Robert Erwin of Las Vegas, NV and Molly’s children Paul
Kerschen of Berkeley, CA and Ann Kerschen, Tucson, AZ; son John
Alexander (Sheryl "Sherri" McConnell) Erwin of Sparks and their
children- Rebecca Ann (Jesse) Adams with great-grandson Aidan James,
Marie Alice (Shawn D.) Lear and great-grandson Jordan Nathan Lear,
Scott Andrew Erwin of San Clemente, CA and Kathryn Alise Erwin of
Reno; daughter Susan Marie Erwin (Brian Joseph) Buckley, and their
children- Anne Elizabeth, Katherine Mary, and John Michael Buckley
of Las Vegas, NV; and, daughter Debra Ann Erwin (Pete L.) Padgett,
of Reno, NV and their children- Melissa Ann Padgett of San Diego, CA
and David Christopher Padgett of Louisville, KY. She very much
loved her former daughters-in-law Cheryl L. Ehrke of Reno, NV and
Michelle F. Hall of Nampa, ID and her dear friend and “other
daughter” Stephanie Hughes of Kauai, HI. Pat and her family
are very grateful to all of her caregivers from The Seasons,
Homewatch and Circle of Life for their loving care and friendships.
In lieu of flowers, please send a gift to the
Reno Family History Center, 1075 Maplewood Drive, Reno, NV 89509 in
the name of the Nevada Sagebrush Chapter, NSDAR, Reno, NV or to ALS
of Nevada, 6370 W. Flamingo #3, Las Vegas, NV 89103.
|
 James Edward Owens, 57 of
Hartford went to be with his Lord on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007, after a
bout with cancer.
James was born March 26, 1950, in Dell, Ark., the son of Fate and
Iduma (Pritchard) Owens.
James was a veteran of the United States Army during
the Vietnam War. He was formerly employed with Friday Tractor and DuWel, both of Hartford and the Watervliet Foundry.
The family will greet friends
from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10, at the Full
Gospel Assembly Church, Hartford. The service to honor his memory
will take place at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, at the church.
Pastor Shannon Truelove
will officiate. Burial will follow in Watervliet
Cemetery, with military rites being
performed by VFW Post 1137, VFW Post 6803 and
the American Legion Post 462 and Auxiliary. Memorials may be made to
the church.
James is survived by his
children, Scott Owens and his son Austin of Hartford, Karen (Ronald)
Kerley and their children, Dylan, Chelsey and Sierra of Louisiana,
Angela Owens (Jason Webb) and her children, Kayla, Jared, Brandon
and Jayden of Grand Junction and James Owens of Louisiana; his
mother, Iduma; and siblings, Patricia (Bill) Clark of Lawrence,
Sheila (Norm) Rogers of Sweetwater, Tenn., Bonnie (Gary) Ackerman
and Robert (Debbie) Owens, both of Hartford, Carolyn (John) Criswell
of Niles, Gary (Kathy) Owens of Lawrence, Wanda (Jeff) Haus of
Hartford, Dawn (Ben) Creech of New Carlisle, Ind., Shawn (Tina)
Owens of Hartford, Tina (Perry) Rowe of Watervliet and Dana (Randy)
Leatherbury of Lawrence.
James was preceded in death by
his father, Fate; and a sister, Norma Jean Owens.
|
Rosemary McGeorge-Carpenter,
Hartford MI, died Saturday evening, October 6, 2007.
Rosemary was born February 10, 1951 in Massillon, Ohio, a daughter
of Russell and Harriet Zorger. She had been a Hartford area
resident and was employed with Coca Cola in Paw Paw for 10 years.
She was preceded in death by her parents. On July 27, 2007, she
was united in marriage to Orvin "Jay" L. Carpenter, who survives.
Also surviving, three daughters, Lisa McGeorge of Paw Paw and
twins, Angela McGeorge of Chicago, IL and Amy (Troy) Riegle of Paw
Paw; five grandchildren; two brothers, George (Vicki) Zorger of
Justus, OH and Fred Zorger of Canton, OH; a sister, Rene (Robert)
Bloom of Justus, OH; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Private services and burial will be held at a later date. There
will be no visitation. Memorials may be directed to the Michigan
Lung Association. Arrangements were made by the Langeland Family
Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. 269-343-1508.
|
John W.
Scherer, age 87, of Dowagiac, passed away on Wednesday,
Sept. 26, 2007, at Forest Glen Assisted Living in Dowagiac.
John’s life began on the family farm near Keeler on
Feb. 6, 1920, the son of William J. and Minnie E. (McKinley)
Scherer. He attended the Gregory School and graduated from
Dowagiac High School. John
served his country proudly in the United States Army as a member
of the Signal Corps during World War II.
He was united in marriage to his wife of 63 years, the
former Amelia Sanchez-Hevia on June 2, 1944, in San Juan, Puerto
Rico. John was an area fruit farmer for over 30 years and the
owner of John Scherer Real Estate Company. He served eight years
on the Dowagiac School Board; he was treasurer of Keeler Township
for many years and served on the Keeler Township Planning
Commission. John was a member of the Keeler United Methodist
Church, the Dowagiac Elks Lodge 889 and Peninsular Lodge 10 of the
Free and Accepted Masons. John was also a loyal and long-term
member of the Democratic Party.
His loving family includes: his wife, Amelia Scherer of
Portage, Mich.; children — John (Joyce) Scherer of Dowagiac, Sandy
(Jack) Bortle of Athens, Ohio, Yamila “Mimi” Scherer of Lansing,
Fran Morrow of Kalamazoo and Robert Scherer; 11 grandchildren; and
a brother, Leslie Scherer of St. Joseph.
He is preceded in death by his sisters — Helen Hardick,
Virginia Booth and Mary Lou Fellow; and brothers — Lawrence “Bud”
Scherer, Louie Scherer and Chester Scherer.
His family will receive friends on Sunday from 4 to 7
p.m. at McLauchlin-Clark Funeral Home, where his funeral service
will be held on Monday, Oct. 1, at 11 a.m., led by the Rev. Mark
Thompson. John will be laid to rest in Keeler Cemetery following
the service. Memorial contributions in John’s name may be directed
to the Lymphoma Research Foundation or the American Diabetes
Association. Please sign John’s guest book and leave a memory at
www.mclauchlin-clark.com.
|
Russel Stewart
(oldest son of Doc Stewart) passed away September 21st in
Colorado Springs. He had his 95th birthday last February. He will be buried in Maple Hill Cemetery
next to his wife Mary Jeanette and in same plot with his father,
his grandparents and my parents. Many of you may remember his
attendance at several HHS reunions. He graduated from Hartford
in 1930. He was a registered engineer in the state of Ohio
where he spent most of his life with the Cleveland Illuminating
Company. While in Hartford he at one time owned the Ford
agency. He played football in high school and also quite active
in softball after graduation. He got his civil engineering
training at the University of Michigan and had worked for the
Michigan Highway department. Joan and I were closer to him
than to his brother Don and his sister Margaret because we
lived in the same house when we first moved to Hartford. That
was Doc Stewart's house on South Center St.
Surviving him are his daughter
Barbara of Colorado Springs and his son Russel who lives in
Florida, two grandchildren and four great grandchildren in
Colorado.
|
 Robert R. Teske,
65, of Paw Paw died unexpectedly Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2007, at
home.
He was born May 9, 1942, in
South Haven, to Robert and Margaret (Brady) Teske. Robert
graduated from South Haven High School in 1960, and from Western
Michigan University in 1964. Robert married Diana Overhuel on Aug.
22, 1964, at
the Church of the Epiphany Episcopal Church
in South Haven.
Robert taught government
and economics at Hartford Public Schools. He taught from
1964 through this past school year, retiring in June 2007. Robert
coached football, volleyball, softball, cross county and
basketball. He was a member of the South Haven Elks Club 1509.
Robert enjoyed golf, boating, reading and traveling.
He was preceded in death by
his parents.
He is survived by his wife,
Diana Teske of South Haven; two daughters, Kathy (Steve) Jepson of
Kalamazoo and Rinda (John) Vas of Cleveland, Ohio; five
grandchildren, Samuel, Zachary and Thomas Vas and Drew and Nick
Jepson; one brother, Richard (Kayla) Teske of Hartsville, Ind.;
and one sister, Mary Remick of Zeeland, Mich.; mother-in-law,
Shirley Overhuel; brothers-in-law, Arthur (Jan) Overhuel and Kris
Overhuel; and sister-in-law, Kathy (Roger) Accera; nephew and
niece, Denna and Devon Overhuel; and many other aunts, uncles,
nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be
Friday, Aug. 31, at 4 p.m. at the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home,
South Haven, with The Rev. Andrew Gross officiating. Memorial
contributions can be made to Hartford Athletic Department or South
Haven Area Hospice. Kindly share your thoughts and memories on the
family’s online guest book at
www.FilbrandtFFH.com.
NOTE:
A page in honor of Mr. Teske is
set up on the History of Hartford website
www.hartfordmichigan.com under the
School/Memorable Teachers and Staff section. Anyone may leave
memories or comments regarding Mr. Teske. This is a
permanent section of the website.
|
|
Josephine O'Malley -
Born July 27, 1924 in Hartford, MI and passed away Aug 28, 2007 at Battle Creek, MI.
Apparently, she was extremely learned and held some
quite technical jobs in her lifetime.
Josephine
was a 1942 HHS graduate. We have been unable to locate any
other information on Josephine.
Note: Pat Bachman Empson submitted additional
information on Josephine in 2008:
Josephine was a cousin to my husband, Jim Empson. She was the
daughter of Joseph O’Malley and Henrietta Haney O’Malley. She was
the oldest of four girls. Her sisters were Patricia O’Malley, RayLou O’Malley and Kathleen O’Malley Minshall.
|
Carmen
Ruth MacGowan, 90, of Hartford passed away Monday, Aug.
27, 2007, at Community Hospital, Watervliet.
Carmen was born Dec. 15, 1916, in Chicago, the daughter
of Louis and Zoe (Rial) Hamann, both of whom preceded her in
passing. Carmen was also preceded by a brother, Jack Hamann.
After graduating from Hartford High School, Carmen
moved to Chicago and was employed at Dealavalve Separator Company.
In 1940, Carmen returned to her roots in Hartford and became
employed at the Indiana-Michigan Power Company until 1952, when she
came back to her alma mater, Hartford High School, where she worked
for 10 more years.
Carmen married S.A. “Mac” MacGowan on Oct. 31, 1942.
He survives along with a son, Steven (Angelika) MacGowan of Sodus; a
daughter, Jan (Stan) Langston of Waterford; and three grandchildren.
The family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 29, at the Hartford Federated Church. The service to
honor her memory will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 30, at
the church. Pastor Timothy Nyhuis will officiate. Burial will follow
in Maple Hill Cemetery, Hartford. In lieu of flowers, memorials may
be made to the Hartford Federated Church Mission Fund or the
National Childhood Cancer Foundation at 440 East Huntington Drive,
Suite 402, P.O. Box 60012, Arcadia, Calif. 91066. The family has
entrusted the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford with handling the
arrangements.
Note: Carmen was a
1934 HHS graduate.
|
Mary
Evelyn Austin, 71, of Hartford, passed away Thursday,
Aug. 23, 2007, at Lake View Community Hospital, Paw Paw.
Mary was born April 20, 1936, in Dyersburg, Tenn., the daughter of
Bluford and Roxie (Napier) Braisher. Both of her parents, along with
a sister, Hazel Pickens, have preceded her in passing.
Mary married Erwin “Pete” Austin on Sept. 19, 1954. He
survives, along with a daughter, Linda (David) Hover of Lawrence; a
son, Michael Austin of Denver, Colo.; four grandchildren; one
great-grandchild; a sister, Lavern Pruitt of Coloma; and a brother,
Marion Braisher of Town
Creek, Ala.
She retired
after 20 years of employment with the Hartford Public Schools.
Her hobbies were tending to her garden and making crafts of all
types. But all in all, her most enjoyable times were spent traveling
to numerous parts of the country with her husband, Pete. As the old
saying goes, Mary lived her life to the fullest.
As to Mary’s wishes, cremation has taken place. The
family will greet friends from 6 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 27, at
the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford, where the memorial service to
honor her memory will take place at 7 p.m. Pastor Marla Thurman of
the New Life Harvest Ministries of Hartford will officiate.
|
 Jean M. Johnson,
Delta Township, MI, age 84, passed away on Saturday, August 11,
2007. She was born in Hartford, MI on May 17, 1923.
She was a member of St. Gerard Catholic Church;
graduated from Western Michigan University; and was employed with
the Lansing School District as a librarian for 15 years.
Surviving are her husband of 63 years, Don F.; 3
daughters, Susan (Dave) Rhinard, Cindy (Gen. Bob) Taylor, Linda
(Chuck) Schram; 8 grandchildren, Dr. Ted (Rosie) Glynn, Lisa (Joe)
Thompson, Kim (Dan) Snyder, Amanda (Marshall) Perkins, Meredith
Schram, Nick Glynn, Sean and Robert (Tonya) Rhinard; 12
great-grandchildren; brother, Bud (Norma) Hastings; and many nieces
and nephews. She was preceded in death by 3 sisters, Joanne Blanke,
Beverly Hastings, Rosemary Smith.
The Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday,
August 13, 2007 at St. Gerard Catholic Church, 4437 W. Willow,
Lansing with the Rev. Fr. John P. Klein as Celebrant. The Rite of
Committal will be held at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. The family
will receive friends at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel
from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday, August 12th. Memorial contributions
may be made to Hospice House of Mid-Michigan, c/o Sparrow
Foundation, or to the Eastern High School Foundation. The family of
Jean Johnson offers their deepest gratitude to the staff at Hospice
House of Mid-Michigan.
Published in the Lansing State Journal -
August 12, 2007
Note: Jean
was from the 1941 Hartford High School graduating class.
|
 Katherine Louise (Lee) Engle, a Southwest
Michigan gentlewoman, has passed into the realm of shadows early
Thursday morning, Aug. 9, 2007, at her daughter’s home in Lawrence,
Mich. At age 86, a lifetime resident of Hartford, she leaves
behind a rich legacy of experiences with her service and dedication
to a vast number of organizations including governmental, medical,
scholastic and social agencies.
Louise was born on March 12, 1921, to Levi Earl and
Margaret Velma (Stickney) Lee of Hartford, the fourth child in a
family of five children, four girls and one boy. She became the
bride of Charles Arthur “Red” Engle, a fruit farmer and later an
accountant and comptroller, on Nov. 4, 1939, who preceded her in
passing in 1976. Louise and Red raised four children — Charles Bryce
Engle, graduate of Western Michigan University, James Lee Engle,
also a graduate of WMU, Roger Grey Engle, graduate of Wayne State
University, and Sarah Jane Engle, teacher’s assistant at the Van
Buren County Intermediate School District in Lawrence.
Louise adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her
son Bryce (married to the late Sandra Drake Engle) has two
daughters — Tristan (Mike) Maney, and Meghan (Richard) Engle, and a
great-granddaughter, Hannah Maney. Her son Jim (Gail) has a son,
Ryan (Cindy) Engle, and a daughter, Joye (Matt) Mayer. Amelia Engle
is a second great-granddaughter. The third son, Roger (Ann) has a
daughter, Janey Engle. Sarah (Jack) Rolback has a daughter,
Kathryn (Mark) Poirier, and four great-grandchildren — Blake,
Taylor, Cameron and Olivia Poirier, and a special great-grandson,
Christopher Foth. Her son, Richard (Cindy) Rolback has two
great-granddaughters, Alexis and Madison.
In addition to being the matriarch of this extended family,
Louise was actively involved for decades in numerous civic and
governmental pursuits. She was a Hartford village/city officer from
1957 to 1980 and continued her affiliation with the city in one
committee leadership position after another, including the Hartford
Chamber of Commerce and the Hartford Industrial Fund. Her civic
achievements fill several typewritten pages and her educational
background, in addition to her four years of being class president
at Hartford High School, include
matriculating at Lake Michigan College, Michigan State University,
Western Michigan University, Lansing Community College and Southwest
Michigan College.
For years Louise was associated with many agencies
dealing with youth problems and senior citizen programs. She
displayed her leadership in organizations that promoted agricultural
enterprises. Her management capabilities were utilized in directing
committees concerned with public health and welfare. At he time of
her passing, she was chairperson of the Hartford Public Schools
Foundation For Quality Education committee. She was the recipient of
the “God and Country” American Legion award; a rose bush from the
HHS Class of 1958 for her duties as room mother for years; in 1983,
the “Maxine Brule Leadership Award” for community and civic
leadership given by the Community Hospital in Watervliet, where an
oak tree is planted on the hospital grounds in her name. Being named
an Honorary Member of the Hartford Fire Department might also be
counted as an exceptional designation. In 2007, she received The
Grant Hitchcock Award of Life Time Achievement, in appreciation for
exceptional service to the Hartford community.
In her lifetime, she had been presented with letters of
commendation from U.S. Representative Fred Upton, State Senator
Harry Gast of the 22nd District, 45th District Representative James
Middaugh, governors William Milliken and James Blanchard, Judge
Meyer Warshawsky, and numerous officials in the Department of Social
Services.
Louise is survived by the aforementioned children and
by three sisters — Barbara Truhn, Sally Lee and Rhoda Ottolini; and
a brother, Roger Lee. She was preceded in passing by her
parents, her husband, and a sister, Ann McGriff.
Visitation for Louise is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 12,
from 4 to 8 p.m. at the United Methodist Church on East Main Street
in Hartford. Funeral services will be conducted at the same church
on Monday, Aug. 13, at 11 a.m. The family has entrusted the Calvin
Funeral Home, Hartford, with handling the arrangements. The
family has asked that donations in her name be directed to the
Lawrence Quick Response group or to the United Methodist Church of
Hartford. Also mentioned were the Van Buren Hospice organization or
the Hartford Fire Department or to any service agency of the donor’s
choice.
Note: Louise
was a 1939 Hartford High School graduate.
|
Betty Arlene Waldenmaier,
70, of 1153 Centerfield, Niles MI, died of natural causes at 6:15 a.m. Sunday,
Aug. 5, in her home. She was born on January 18, 1937, in Three
Rivers.
She was preceded in death by her adopted parents,
Dorothy and Harold Ruple, and by a brother, Bill Ruple. She was a
homemaker, a lifetime area resident and a member of Hope Community
Church.
On July 27, 1957, in Hartford, MI, she married William
C. Waldenmaier, who survives. Also surviving are daughters, Dennise
Waldenmaier, Dana Banicki and Brenda (Charles) Poynter, all of
Niles; brothers, Gene Ruple of Jacksonville, Ark., and Wayne Ruple
of Cumberland City, TN; half brothers, John Ruple of Three Rivers
and Martin Ruple of Schoolcraft; a half sister, Kimble Ruple of
Three Rivers; grandchildren, Michael, Stephen, Andrew, Megan,
Brenden, Samira and Lynn; and a great-grandchild, William.
Memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in
Hope Community Church, with Pastor Mike Smith, minister of Hope
Community Church. Burial will be at a later date at Silverbrook
Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice at
Home, Inc., or to Hope Community Church. Hoven Funeral Home,
Buchanan, is handling arrangements.
Published in the South
Bend Tribune on 8/9/2007.
Note: Betty was
a 1955 Hartford High School graduate.
|
 William Joseph
Lichnerowicz, 75, of Hartford , passed away Friday morning, Aug.
3, 2007, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph.
Visitation will take place Tuesday, from 4 to 9 p.m., at the
Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home, 6548 Paw Paw Avenue in
Coloma. Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hartford, with military
rites after the service at the church. Cremation will follow.
Memorials may be made to the Lakeland Regional Medical Center
Oncology Unit. Those wishing to sign the online guest book or send a
message of comfort to the family may do so at
www.duffieldpastrick.com.
William was born to Edward and Helen (Kujava)
Lichnerowicz on Dec. 10, 1931, in South Bend, Ind.
He served his country
honorably as a Corporal in the U.S. Army Military Police on Kojie Do
Island in Korea. After the Korean Conflict he continued
working for the Indiana Dairy in South Bend. Bill married Claudine
Joan Miston on Sept. 26, 1953, in Louisville, Ky. They later moved
to Benton Harbor, where he worked as a supervisor at Modern Plastics
for 40 years, retiring in 1997.
Bill enjoyed spending time with his children and
grandchildren. He also enjoyed fishing, playing cards, telling
jokes, golfing and bowling. Other favorite pastimes included making
his Polish Kashunkie Potato Soup for everyone and spending his
summers at his cottage. Bill was also a die hard Notre Dame fan.
Bill was a life member of Benton Harbor’s VFW Post 1137, a former
member of the Post’s Cooties Club, a member of the Coloma Legion
Post 362 and Past Commander of the Hartford American Legion Post 93.
He also served as a long-time president of the Old Timers Club of
Modern Plastics Corp.
Survivors include his wife, Joan, of almost 54 years; a
sister, Jane Lichnerowicz, and an adopted sister, Betts Paulis, both
of South Bend; his children — Nancy (William) Binder of Bridgman,
Debra (William) Anderson of Bangor, William A. (Katie) Lichnerowicz
of Fenville and Scott C. Lichnerowicz of Hartford ; grandchildren —
Jeremy Binder, Joanna Binder, Jaimee (Darin) Mentink, William D. and
Cody A. Anderson, and Joshua Charles William Joseph Lichnerowicz;
several nieces and nephews; and many friends. He was preceded in
death by his parents; brothers, Edward and Robert; and his twin,
John.
Note:
Click here for Bill's military profile on the History of Hartford
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