All Obituaries

Shirley Mae Moriarty, 80, of Paw Paw,  passed away Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at New Friends Residence in Kalamazoo.  She was born October 24, 1939 in Battle Creek, Michigan, the daughter of Maynard  Hainer and Lucille (Demott ) Hainer. Shirley led a simple life. She was a meticulous homemaker and took pride in her home, especially her decorating abilities. She loved the outdoors and nature. The worlds animals and creatures big and small were dear to her. Shirley was a...

Mary Adeline Bonarski, 98, of Kalamazoo, passed away Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at her home.  She was born June 26, 1922 in Paw Paw, Michigan, the daughter of the late Peter Palasinski and Antoinette (Zurawski) Palasinski. On July 6, 1946, at St. Mary Church in Paw Paw, she married Stanley Edwin Bonarski who preceded in death February 1, 1984. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Jo (late Richard) Merchant, her son, William Bonarski and her brother, John Budzinski, along with several...

Jerry Don Johnson Sr., 69, of Paw Paw, MI, passed away on Tuesday, July 28, 2020 in Kalamazoo, MI. He was born on March 2, 1951 in Honey Grove, TX, son of Archie and Nora (Shaw) Johnson. Jerry graduated from Flint Northwestern High School. He worked at Knouse Foods for many years until his retirement. Jerry was passionate about fishing, sunbathing, and relaxing out in nature. He loved to tell stories and adored time with his family and grandkids. Jerry loved everyone, and he took it upon...

Donald Frank Wills, 85, of Portage, MI, died July 28, 2020 in Kalamazoo, MI. He was born on January 6, 1935 in Chicago, IL, son of John and Ruby (Carmany) Wills. Don served faithfully in the Korean War with the United States Army from November 1953 through October 1955 and was honorably discharged with a sharpshooter medal. Upon his return home he was a barber for many years and also practiced professional taxidermy for a number of years before his retirement. He enjoyed repairing things...

Dr. Ivan Olsen, 81, of Paw Paw, passed away Monday July 27, 2020 at his home.  He was born October 12, 1938 in North Platte, Nebraska, the son of the late Ivan E.Olsen and Alice E. (Gustafson) Olsen. Ivan served in the Army during the Vietnam War. During his service he implemented a dental hygiene program, ensuring the troops dental health was taken care of before they were deployed. He was awarded a Bronze Star for forming this program. Upon returning home from Vietnam, Ivan began...

Judith Ann Merrill, age 77, of Paw Paw, departed this earthly life for her home in Heaven on July 23, 2020. She was born in Milwaukee, WI on March 18, 1943 to the late Lyle and Ruth (Fueger) Leason, and adopted in Spooner, WI on April 8, 1947 by her late grandparents, Byron and Rosa Boston. Surviving are her three children, Jeaneen (Ed) Orbeck of Paw Paw, Rick (Lindsay) Merrill of Grand Rapids and Ben Merrill of Grand Rapids, six grandchildren, Michael, Megan, Cole, Joshua, Carter and Paige...

Diane Lee Arnold-Moore, 64, of Paw Paw, MI, passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2020 in Kalamazoo, MI. She was born on December 7, 1955 in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Edward Orlin and Mary Emma (Menz) Arnold. Diane graduated from Mattawan High School in 1974. She then went on to graduate from KVCC's Nursing Program. She worked as nurse at the VA Hospital for 30+ years. Diane married the love of her life, Cecil, in June of 1998. They enjoyed spending time traveling...

Emma Dean Rhoderick, 83, of Kalamazoo, passed away Monday, July 13, 2020 at Rose Arbor.  She was born August 10, 1936 in Saint Charles, Arkansas, the daughter of the late Leonard Griffie and Elsie (Pogue) Griffie. Emma enjoyed playing golf and going fishing, she spent many years wintering in Florida. Most recently she enjoyed helping the homeless by knitting items for people.  She was preceded in death by her husband Dale Rhoderick in 2017.  She is survived by her two...

Delia Velma (Roden) Haynes, “Mamow,” of Paw Paw, MI, passed away on Saturday, July 11, 2020 at age 78 in her home surrounded by her loving family. Delia was born on August 29, 1941, to Grady Olin and Edith Velma (Gibson) Roden in Lawrence County, Alabama. United in marriage to the late James Franklin Haynes on August 17, 1958. A member of the Full Gospel Assembly Church in Hartford, MI, she loved her church family which is pastored by Shannon Trulove. She retired with many years...

Derek Avery Wolgast, Sr., 37, of Kalamazoo, passed away suddenly Saturday July 4, 2020. He was born November 25, 1982 in Owosso, Michigan, the son of Leonard Lee Wolgast and Cathy Jo (Harris) Rhoderick.  Derek was a hard worker and was known to help anyone he was able to. He enjoyed studying German history, Odin Norse Mythology and The Vikings. Derek took pride in writing poems and songs in his free time along with playing the guitar.   He is survived by his mother, Cathy...