William George deDie passed away July 26, 2018 in his home, surrounded by family. He was born September 15, 1933 to William and Susie (Posthumus) deDie. He grew up on a celery farm on Centre Street in Portage with his siblings. These included Jennie (Balizs), Henry, Adrian, Winnie (Grooten), Cornelia (Zomer), Samuel, Catherine (Rosie), and Marion (Payne). Later the family...
Terry Lewis McHugh was born in Kalamazoo, MI on May 19, 1955. Terry passed away at his home on July 26, 2018. He is preceded in death by his fathers William Long and Herbert McHugh, brothers Alan Grant McHugh and William Andrew McHugh. Terry leaves behind his wife Linda (Schram) McHugh; his mother Marjory McHugh; brother Scott (Pamba) McHugh; sister...
With a journey that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Ellen Norean White was a blessing to so many around her. She was filled with love for her family, and she was so thrilled to witness her family grow to include the grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the great-great-grandchild she treasured. Norean was...
On July 23, 2018 Vicksburg, MI resident, Dave Brown, passed away at age 70 after he lost a valiant fight with Multiple Myeloma. Dave was a retired Lineman for an electric company who also served in the Military where he was honorably discharged. Dave loved his family and had a passion for building vehicles. That passion for vehicles led him...
Beverly Munn-Haines was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. A caring nurturer, she cherished her years as a mother and was delighted with the arrival of her grandchildren. Living her life to the fullest and enjoying the company of each and every person who came her way, she leaves behind a rich legacy of accepting all people with compassion. Her...
All who knew Barbara Comstock would agree that she was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She was kindhearted and always looking for ways she could bless others as her spirit of generosity knew no bounds. Barbara was deeply devoted to her roles as a wife and mother, but she just might have argued that nothing was better than...
Although he saw so many of the most amazing places, what made these experiences so special for Gary Sparbel was sharing them with his wife. He was kind, helpful, and inquisitive with an insatiable thirst to learn more about the world around him. Gary loved learning more about his roots and was so proud of where he came from. He...
Brenda Doster, age 51, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, July 15th, 2018. Born February 3rd, 1967, Brenda was the youngest child of Vivian and William Briggs. Her siblings (Bill, Debbie, Tom & Paul) remember her as a constant presence in their activities, and she loved them all dearly. Brenda attended Portage Northern High...
Funny, sweet, and kind, Alexzander Hotchkiss always had a smile on his face. Called to do his best to make everyone feel better, Alex was a heart-centered man who thought of others first. A devoted son, brother, and friend, Alex was both humble and generous. Alex inspired others in countless ways and though our days with him were far too...
All who knew William Rantz would agree that he was an extraordinary man to know and love. He worked hard in everything he did, his work ethic an inspiration to those around him. Bill was a loving and devoted family man, and there was nothing he treasured more than witnessing his family tree blossom to include the children and grandchildren...
Joseph Alan Bessey, age 51, of Marcellus, passed away unexpectedly, early in the morning, on Monday, July 09, 2018. Joseph was born September 23, 1966, in Paw Paw, MI, the son of Donald A. Bessey and Mary B. Kiggins of Cassopolis. On March 23, 1990, he married Dawn M. Weaver in Cassopolis, MI and together they had one daughter Jessica...
James Raymond LeZotte, of Vicksburg passed away on Sunday, July 8, 2018 at the age of 46. Jim was born on May 23, 1972 and was the son of Martha and Raymond LeZotte. Jim is described by those who loved him as a very kind, honorable person, and had a great sense of humor. In his spare time he enjoyed...
Quick with a smile and with a heart of gold, Wes Knapp added much to the lives around him. He had a great sense of humor, and with his outgoing nature, Wes could strike up a conversation with anyone and make an instant friend. Although he had many interests through the years, foremost in Wes' life was his love for...
Timothy Wayne Kyle, born in Sasebo, Japan, age 57, passed away with his family around him on Saturday, July 7th, 2018. He was a resident of Portage for 30 years. He worked for the Kalamazoo Public School system, was employed at Loy Norrix High School in the Special Education department for the past 13 years and simultaneously built connections with...
Intelligent, gregarious, and driven, Barbara J. Hansen lived a life rich in family and service. While direct and clear in her communication, Barbara loved people and never met a stranger. She was smart, confident, and committed to her job and her family. A devoted mother and grandmother, Barbara cherished her family and considered each moment they shared a priceless gift....
Robert Glenn Swinehart, born April 23, 1930, passed away peacefully in his sleep July 5, 2018. Surviving Robert is his son Don, and daughter Kathleen (Patrick) Meyers. Grandsons Robert, Craig, Chris, and Brad, along with five great grandchildren. Robert was preceded in death by his wife Peggy, a son Douglas, and a grandson Nicholas. Memorial gathering pending.