Sep 6, 2018

With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Fredrick "Fred" Simkins was an extraordinary man to know and love. He was a lifelong member of the community he loved, and it has been said that he was generous to a fault. A more devoted family man would be hard...

Sep 4, 2018

Harriett, the daughter of Donald and Mary Jane Swartz, was born on December 29, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois. Upon graduation from Schoolcraft High School and Western Michigan University, she taught at Milwood Elementary School in Kalamazoo for 41 years (all but one year in the same room). An educator, historian, author, gardener, she spent her entire life immersed in her...

Sep 4, 2018

Sep 3, 2018

Carol Ann Riggs, 63, of Marcellus, MI, passed away in her home after a long illness surrounded by family on September 3rd, 2018. Carol was born December 25th, 1954, in Niles, Michigan. The daughter of James and Katherine (Owen) Lamb. She had two brothers who preceded her in death: James Lamb and Larry (Barb) Lamb along with her parents and...

Sep 3, 2018

Sep 3, 2018

Fredericka "Freddi" Coppes was born at home on Patterson Street in Kalamazoo, on May 10, 1928. She was the daughter of Edward and Theresa (Holtman) Mastenbrook. Her mom was a housewife, and her father owned and operated a large timbering company (woodyard) that milled raw timber and dried it for a year to sell it. His business is noted for...

Sep 2, 2018

Charlene Ella Roseboom, age 87, of Marcellus, MI; passed away early Sunday, September 2, 2018. Charlene was born November 11, 1930, in Kalamazoo, MI; the daughter of Lawrence E. Anspaugh and Ruth E. Waldron. She had four siblings; one sister: Joyce E Anspaugh of Kalamazoo, one brother: Lloyd Anspaugh of Kalamazoo, one step-sister: Rosalie Roseboom, and one step-brother Roy Anspaugh...

Aug 31, 2018

Robert "Bob" Cook of Vicksburg, MI, passed away on August 31, 2018 at the age of 67. Bob is survived by his brother: Louis Cook of Schoolcraft; sister: Linda (Chester) Tallmadge of Marcellus; step-sons: Steve and Chris Keeler of Vicksburg; granddaughters: Christy (John Rafter) Keeler of Vicksburg, Cari (DJ) Fisher; grandson: Jericho (Brooklyn) Keeler: great grandchildren: Jersey, Jayden, Zayne, Catherine;...

Aug 30, 2018

Ila Eliza Thompson Geren August 6th 1919 - August 30th, 2018 August 6th 1919, this mortal world in Kalamazoo, Michigan, welcomed Ila Eliza Thompson. Born to Walter Thompson and Eva Goodacre Thompson, she would grow up with sibling brothers, George Earl Thompson, Loyal LaVerne Thompson, and sister Alta L. Thompson, who later became Alta Bitely. When she was 4 her...

Aug 28, 2018

Geraldine Evelyn Bontrager (Bussell) Vicksburg Geraldine "Gerry" had turned 98 years young on August 2, 2018 and passed peacefully on August 28, 2018 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo, MI. She was born August 2, 1920 in Holton, Kansas to Ernest E and Flora P. (Schwindt) Bussell, the fifth of a family of 8 children. She spent her first 18...

Aug 25, 2018

Although his time here ended much too quickly, William "Billy" Bolton was such a blessing in the lives of those who knew him. He was honest, intelligent, chivalrous and so funny with a free spirit that often led him to make his own way in life. Billy was a lifelong resident of his community, and he met so many people...

Aug 24, 2018

Hawley, Richard 6/12/1932 - 8/25/2018 Kalamazoo Richard B. Hawley born 6/12/32 passed away 8/25/18 Beloved Father of daughters Elizabeth (Keith) Gunnett and Michelle (Tom) Kleis. Richard (Skip) was predeceased by his wife Carlyn on 12/24/11. In addition to his daughters he leaves behind 5 Grandchildren, 12 Great Grandchildren, 2 Great Great Grandchildren, many other relatives, and his special friends Dan...

Aug 24, 2018

Dorothy Patricia Passard Essery was born on August 23rd, 1926 and passed away on August 24th, 2018 at the age of 92 years and 1 day. Dorothy wrote about the world into which she was born as follows: "Dad worked for Jewel Tea Company and made $21.00 per week. He was grateful for the work. A neighbor who could not...

Aug 22, 2018

Norman Young was a loving example for all who knew and loved him. Dedicated and driven, he gave selflessly of both his time and resources over the years. A nature lover, he found great solace in spending time outdoors hunting and fishing, as well as raising his bird dogs. Family-oriented, he relished in the times that his family was joined...

Aug 21, 2018

Susanne “Susie” Latson Hess, age 71, of Marcellus formerly of Niles, MI, passed away early in the morning Tuesday, August 21, 2018. She was born in Niles, MI on March 30, 1947, the daughter of Harold and Millicent Ann (Milham) Latson. On August 02, 1948 Susanne married the love of her life Donald A. Hess, Jr. in Niles, MI, they...

Aug 21, 2018

With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around him, Earl "Bud" Mason made a significant impact in the lives of those around him. He worked hard, but he made the time to enjoy life along the way. Deeply devoted to his family, there was nothing Bud loved more than being surrounded by the loved ones...

Aug 20, 2018

All who knew Gordon Foster Oswalt and his contagious zest for life would agree that there was no one quite like him. Quiet and strong, he was a hardworking man, deeply devoted to his family, friends, and community. Life will never be the same without Gordon here, but he leaves behind a colorful mosaic of memories that his loved ones...

Aug 20, 2018

Deborah (Deb) Jo Zito, 61, beloved sister and aunt, passed away unexpectedly in her home Monday August 20, 2018. Deb was born in Kalamazoo on August 15, 1957, the daughter of Ralph and Virginia (Johnson) Ellis. She was united in marriage to Thomas P. Zito on December 22, 2004. She spent most of her adult life living in Kalamazoo and...

Aug 19, 2018

Aug 18, 2018

Erma Jean Engelbreit: DOB: August 27, 1926 Passed away peacefully on August 18, 2018 Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John B Engelbreit. She is survived by her children: Jan Fifelski of Portage, MI, John and Cathy Engelbreit of Zion, IL, Lisa (Engelbreit) and Steve Nash, of Gilbert AZ.; and Cousin Angel Joan Olvitt of Kalamazoo. In...