Obituaries

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 .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...

Aug 16, 2018

Wilda Henderson, of Vicksburg passed away on Thursday, August 16, 2018 at the age of 69. Wilda is survived by her husband of 52 years: James; children: Mary Stevens, Jim (Denise) Henderson, Michael (Amy) Henderson; grandchildren: Randi (Jordan), Dusty, Joey, Jeremy, Bailey, Trey, Jacob, Brendan, Drake; great-granddaughter: Riley; special aunt: Sharon (Bill) Painter; sister-in-law: Sue Spencer; and several nieces and...

Aug 15, 2018

Aug 15, 2018

Heather Lee Thompson, of Vicksburg, passed away in her home on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 surrounded by family members, after a brave and courageous battle with cancer. She was born on April 22, 1971 in Ridgewood, New Jersey to her mother, Dawn Hickman. Heather grew up in Wilmot, Indiana, and was a 1989 graduate of West Noble High School, located...

Aug 15, 2018

Beloved Mother Our Mother passed away on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 after a long struggle with Alzheimer's. She was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Deane Hodgson and her parents, Glenn and Dorothy (Middelton) Kline. She is survived by her four children: Denise (Doug) Scott, Debbie (Mike) Hargreave, Ray (Betsy) Hodgson and Rick (Michelle) Hodgson; siblings: Ken...

Aug 14, 2018

Aug 13, 2018

William A. Wolthuis, of Plainwell passed away on Monday, August 13, 2018 at the age of 63. Bill was born on December 12, 1954 in Kalamazoo. He was the son of John and Mildred (Zidell) Wolthuis. Bill graduated from Plainwell High School in 1973. After high school he began his career with the Brown Company in Kalamazoo which is now...

Aug 12, 2018

With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Loretta J. Poulsen was a blessing to everyone she met. She worked hard, but she took the time to enjoy life along the way, too. Blessed to share more than 70 years with the love of her life, Loretta was so...

Aug 11, 2018

Hunt, Oscar 7/17/1935 - 8/11/2018 Vicksburg Oscar Lewis Hunt Jr. Vicksburg, Mi Passed away Saturday August 11th, 2018 surrounded by his family, friends and neighbors. Oscar was born July 17, 1935 in Kalamazoo, Mi. The son of Wilma(Hettinger) and Oscar Hunt, Sr. Oscar is survived by his son Dale of Vicksburg, daughter Linda(Richard) of Welaka, Fl and Bear Lake, Mi.,...