Obituaries
Maralyn A. Slikkers
Jan 8, 2026
Maralyn Ann Slikkers passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026, in Saugatuck, Michigan. She brought joy to those who knew her. Her memory will be cherished always by family and friends who shared in her remarkable journey through life. Maralyn passed at home after a two week stay at Holland Hospital. Her wish was to go home and we accommodated...
Merrillie Meeuwse
Jan 7, 2026
Merrillie A. Meeuwse, age 86, went to be with her Lord on January 7, 2026. Merrillie was born on February 3, 1939, in Otsego Michigan to Elvin and Wilma (Northrup) Roberts. Merrillie was the third born of four children: Vern, Lew, Merrillie and Mina Mae. Merrillie grew up in Otsego and graduated from Otsego High School in 1958. After high...
June Burge
Jan 7, 2026
June Burge, age 93, went to be with her Lord on January 7, 2026. June was born July 27, 1932, in Livingston Kentucky to Felix and Ethel (Langford) Brock. June was the middle child of three children: Thelma, June and Goldie. When June was still young, the family moved to Michigan where she attended school in Plainwell.
In 1984 June married...
Tom "Doc" Willmeng
Jan 2, 2026
Tom "Doc" Willmeng, of Vicksburg passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026, at the age of 84. Born on August 31, 1941, in Watervliet, MI. He was the son of Gordon and Helen (Combs) Willmeng. He lived a life characterized by selflessness, compassion, and a dedication to his community.
Tom's career in medicine spanned over four decades, specializing in orthopedics. A...
Beverly Pike
Dec 31, 2025
Beverly Claire Pike, age 86, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025, at Cortland Riverside Gardens in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Born on August 21, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois, Beverly was the youngest child of Arthur and Ethel (Olson) Bergman. She grew up alongside her two siblings, Ron and Barbara. In 1949, the family relocated to Monterey Center, Michigan, where Arthur operated...
Janet Helder
Dec 31, 2025
Janet “Jan” Ann (Fickies) Helder, devoted wife, mother, and grammie passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on December 31, 2025. She was 80 years old and a resident of Hopkins, Michigan.
She was born in Lansing, Michigan on April 17, 1945, to Max and Gladys (McClure) Fickies who preceded her in death. Jan was a graduate of Everett High...
Phyllis Joan (Burkey) Ulrich
Dec 30, 2025
Phyllis Ulrich, a homemaker formally from Vicksburg, Michigan, passed away on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. She was born in Toledo, Ohio. On September 26, 1954, she married Max Dee Ulrich, a farmer. They lived in Sand Creek, Michigan 24 years, then moved to Vicksburg in 1982, where Max farmed with his son-in-law and daughter, Bob and Jill. Throughout their farming...
Billy Joe Lewis
Dec 30, 2025
Billy Joe Lewis, of Vicksburg, passed away on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at the age of 92. He was born on February 3, 1933, in Bumpus Mills, and was the son of Joe and Mavis Lewis. Billy lived a life that embodied love, dedication, and a deep commitment to his family and faith.
After marrying the love of his life, Annie...
Thelma Jean Pacukewicz
Dec 27, 2025
Thelma Jean (Potts) Pacukewicz, born February 10, 1928, and went home to be with the Lord December 27th, 2025. Thelma was a devoted wife, mother, and loyal friend, she was a gentle soul, who was faithful to her Savior Jesus Christ, her dependence on Him was apparent.
Thelma attended Kalamazoo Public Schools. She worked for Upjohn’s for a brief period, but...
Jerry Lynn Culp
Dec 27, 2025
Jerry Lynn Culp, of Portage passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the age of 82. Born to Edgar and Margaret Culp on October 30, 1943, he grew up on Donnell Lake, in Vandalia, Michigan.
Jerry was inspired by a teacher in elementary school to become a teacher. After graduating from Cassopolis High School in 1962, he attended Western Michigan...
James Longman
Dec 25, 2025
James Merle Longman, 93, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2025, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was born on November 28, 1932, in Climax, Michigan, to the late Merle James and Madge Arlene (Roe) Longman.
James graduated from Climax High School, where he met Charlene VanTichelt. They were married on October 7, 1951, and built a life centered around family and community.
He...
James Russell Smith
Dec 24, 2025
James Russell Smith, at 52 yrs old, passed away on December 24, 2025. He was born in Battle Creek Michigan on March 28, 1973.
He loved hours walking and hanging out in nature. His friends called him "crash dummy" or "yodaddy". He adored being a grandpa and loved his grandson Sylas. He was always out visiting or just driving back roads....
Elizabeth Hart
Dec 23, 2025
Elizabeth Ann (Spitzley) Hart, age 75, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2025. She was born on October 12, 1950, in Lansing, Michigan, the eldest child of William and Gladys (Brown) Spitzley, and from an early age exhibited the quiet strength and thoughtful curiosity that would define her life.
Elizabeth graduated from Western Michigan University in 1971, earning a Bachelor of...
Gertrude H. Wheeler
Dec 19, 2025
Gertrude H. Wheeler, age 97, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on December 19, 2025. Born on February 18, 1928, in Detroit, Michigan, she was the only child of the late Karl and Martha Knack. She was affectionately known as Gertie among her friends.
Gertrude’s early life was spent in Detroit, where the Great Depression hit hard. When her father...
Mark Zidell
Dec 18, 2025
Mark Gregory Zidell, age 70, of Portage, Michigan, passed away on Thursday, December 18, 2025. He was born on February 5, 1955, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the son of Frederick and Jean (Wheeler) Zidell.
Mark lived life to the fullest and was known for doing things his own way. He especially enjoyed spending time with friends on Gourdneck Lake, where he made many memories...
Pauline Kubacki
Dec 18, 2025
Pauline Kubacki passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus Christ Our Lord on December 18, 2025. The daughter of Bernard and Florence Booms, Pauline spent her final days in Oshtemo, Michigan and previously lived in Bad Axe, Michigan.
Born in Harbor Beach, Michigan, Pauline graduated from Our Lady of Lake Huron High School in 1965. She continued her education at...
Clay Edward Bombrys
Dec 17, 2025
Clay Edward Bombrys, 51, of Jones, departed this life a brave warrior, following a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by family at Bronson Hospital the evening of Wednesday, December 17, 2025.
Clay was born on January 23, 1974, in Niles, Michigan, the third child of David Edward Bombrys of Decatur and Mary Frances (Freestone) Bombrys Pastorick of Marcellus. He graduated from...
Mark Steven Lettow
Dec 17, 2025
Mark Steven Lettow, of Portage, passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the age of 73. He was the eldest of three sons born on April 8, 1952, in Kalamazoo to Max and Mary (Meisling) Lettow. He battled heroically against Alzheimer's disease, and he faced it with remarkable dignity for over eight years.
He was a graduate of Loy Norrix...
Dennis Skalski
Dec 17, 2025
Dennis Joe Skalski, passed away at home with his wife, Rhonda, by his side on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the age of 78. Denny was born on July 14, 1947, in Kalamazoo, MI. He was the son of Steve and Lucille (Cosby) Skalski. Denny is leaving behind a legacy of hard work and love that touched many lives.
A proud...
Bradley Stopher
Dec 17, 2025
Bradley Dale Stopher, age 67, of Orangeville, Michigan, passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
Brad was born on March 10, 1958, in Plainwell, Michigan, the son of William Stopher and June (Brock) Burge. He attended Gull Lake High School and, following graduation, went directly to work at Parker Hannifin, where he dedicated many years of service until his retirement at the age of...
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