Obituaries

Benjamin Robert Merrill

Benjamin Robert Merrill

Oct 7, 2024

Benjamin Robert Merrill, 46, of Paw Paw, passed away surrounded by family on Monday October 7, 2024, at his home in Paw Paw. 

He was born September 13, 1978, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the son of Paul Merrill and Judith Ann (Leason) Merrill.

Ben was an avid soccer and football fan, both American and European and could often be found cheering on his...

Joyce Elaine Patterson

Joyce Elaine Patterson

Oct 6, 2024

Joyce Elaine Patterson, 91, of Mattawan, passed away peacefully Sunday, October 6, 2024, at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo. 

She was born April 21, 1933, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the daughter of Clyde Ritchie and Julia (Tifenthal) Ritchie.

Joyce was a homemaker and always made sure everything was in top shape and her family was taken care of. She was a longtime avid...

Daniel Bruce Alkema

Daniel Bruce Alkema

Oct 4, 2024

With great difficulty, our family is announcing the passing of our beloved patriarch, Daniel "Dan" Alkema, who left this earth unexpectedly on October 4, 2024, at the age of 69. Dan was born December 16, 1954, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. 

Dan lived a full and inspiring life, one that we will try to emulate as long as we live. Dan was...

Francisca Granados

Francisca Granados

Oct 1, 2024

Francisca Granados, 78, of Hartford, passed away Tuesday October 1, 2024, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. 

She was born on January 15, 1946, in Doctor Arroyo, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, the daughter of Juan Granados and Isabel Sauceda. 

Francisca was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and her faith meant a lot to her. She adored her...

Deborah Jayne Redman

Deborah Jayne Redman

Sep 29, 2024

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our cherished Deborah Jayne Redman on September 29, 2024. Debbi was our beloved wife, mom, grandma, sister, and friend. Born March 27, 1951 to Arthur and Marion Redman, Debbi grew up in Gibraltar, MI, a small town of islands at the mouth of Lake Erie, down the river from Detroit. She held...

Sharon Ann Paluch

Sharon Ann Paluch

Sep 26, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Sharon Paluch, who left us on September 26th, 2024. A kind and loving soul, Sharon brightened the lives of everyone she met. She never knew a stranger, and her infectious laugh and sharp wit made her a joy to be around.

Her greatest joy was raising her children, a role...

Gerald "Gerry" Anthony Rehagen

Gerald "Gerry" Anthony Rehagen

Sep 21, 2024

Gerald (Gerry) Anthony Rehagen, 85, passed away Saturday, September 21, 2024, at White Oaks, an assisted living facility in Lawton, Michigan.

Gerry was born November 10, 1938, in Jefferson City, Missouri, to Henry and Alma (Schulte) Rehagen. Raised in St. Louis, Missouri, alongside his five siblings, Gerry joined the seminary after high school, was ordained, and then served as a priest...

Margo Elaine McGuire

Margo Elaine McGuire

Sep 19, 2024

Margo Elaine McGuire, 73, of Lawton, passed away peacefully on Thursday September 19, 2024, at Blueberry Hill Assisted Living in Lawton.

She was born September 20, 1950, in Paw Paw, Michigan, the daughter of Lynn McGuire and Maude (White) McGuire.

Margo graduated from Paw Paw High School with the Class of 1968. After many dedicated years of hard work, she earned her...

Israel Emiliano Diaz

Israel Emiliano Diaz

Sep 15, 2024

Israel Emiliano Diaz, 45, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at his home in Paw Paw. He was born into loving arms on March 31, 1979, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and remained the only son of parents Joe and Paula Diaz. 

Israel was a man of many talents and excelled in all activities at a young age. His hobbies begin...

James Joseph Driscoll III

James Joseph Driscoll III

Sep 12, 2024

James Joseph Driscoll III, 76, of Paw Paw, passed away Thursday, September 12, 2024 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo.

He was born November 18, 1947 in La Junta, Colorado, the son of James Driscoll Jr. and Agnes (Arnold) Driscoll.

James or Jim (as he was commonly known) was involved in theatre throughout his life, performing in numerous productions in college and...

Leroy James Farrow

Leroy James Farrow

Sep 11, 2024

Leroy Farrow Jr., 54, of Plainwell, passed away Wednesday September 11, 2024, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. 

He was born April 26, 1970, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the son of Leroy Farrow Sr. and Diane (Campbell) Farrow.

Leroy worked at Coachmen for many years before medically retiring. He loved to ride his bike and easily biked thousands of miles during his life....

Pablo Lomeli

Pablo Lomeli

Sep 11, 2024

Pablo Lomeli, 71, of Paw Paw, passed away Wednesday, September 11, 2024, in Portage, Michigan.

He was born August 6, 1953, in Portland, Indiana, the son of Noelia Soto.

 He is survived by his brother, Nico (Ramona) Guerrero; four sisters, Rosa Lomeli, Connie (Modesto Jr.) Gomez, Elsa (Feliciano Jr.) Garcia and Lupe (Jose) Ybarra, and many nieces and nephews and great nieces...

Ronald James Koetje

Ronald James Koetje

Sep 9, 2024

Ronald James Koetje, 90, of Lawton, passed away Monday, September 9, 2024. 

He was born March 31, 1934, in Grand Rapids, the son of Cornelius Koetje and Gladys (Rozeboom) Koetje.

Ron was a social man, who loved to visit with people. He enjoyed trips to the casino in his free time. He had formerly served in the National Guard. 

He is survived by...

Casimer "Casey" Sigmund Ziemba

Casimer "Casey" Sigmund Ziemba

Sep 5, 2024

Casimer "Casey" Sigmund Ziemba, 81, of Paw Paw, passed away Thursday, September 5, 2024 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. 

Casey came into this world on March 5, 1943, at the Cook County Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. He was the son of Frank Ziemba and Sophie (Wlodarczyk) Ziemba. He was named after his uncles, Casimer and Sigmund Wlodarczyk who made the...

Rodger William O'Connor

Rodger William O'Connor

Sep 3, 2024

Rodger William O'Connor, 73, of Lawton, passed away peacefully Tuesday September 3, 2024, at his home in Lawton.

He was born June 19, 1951, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the son of Lloyd Gerald O'Connor and Virginia (Arms) O'Connor.

Rodger proudly served his country in the United States Army before his honorable discharge. He worked as a truck driver with Motycka Truck for over...

Timothy James Stevens

Timothy James Stevens

Sep 1, 2024

Timothy James Stevens, 78, of Lawton, passed away Sunday, September 1, 2024. 

He was born November 22, 1945, in Kalamazoo, the son of Frank Leroy Stevens and Vernice Jean Wilson. 

Tim served in the Air Force during Vietnam. He then went on to a 32.5 year career with General Motors in Kalamazoo and previously served as chairman for UAW Local 488 Retirees...

Mark Dominic Duell

Mark Dominic Duell

Aug 31, 2024

Mark Dominic Duell, 55, of Paw Paw, Michigan passed away on August 31, 2024. 

Mark was born on December 4th, 1968, in Paw Paw, Michigan. He graduated from Paw Paw High School in 1987 and proudly served in the United States Marine Corps shortly after. 

Mark married Kimberly Duell (Hardy) in 1999, and they divorced in 2022. During their time together, Mark...

Ray Duane Bonnell Jr.

Ray Duane Bonnell Jr.

Aug 29, 2024

Ray Duane Bonnell, 74, of Paw Paw, passed away Thursday August 29, 2024, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo.

He was born February 13, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Ray Duane Bonnell and Loretta (Ricci) Bonnell. He grew up in Hinsdale, Illinois and attended Hinsdale Central High School. 

Ray proudly served his country in the United States Army. After his...

Ethel Mae Figg

Ethel Mae Figg

Aug 26, 2024

Ethel Mae Figg, 87, of Paw Paw, passed away Monday, August 26, 2024, at the Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo. 

She was born January 22, 1937, in Little Rock, Arkansas, the daughter of Cecil Eugene Stair and Laura Mae (Miller) Stair.

Ethel was a graduate of Hartford High School Class of 1956. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother....

Diane Rumsey Grimm

Diane Rumsey Grimm

Aug 25, 2024

Diane Rumsey Grimm, 70, of Mattawan, passed away Sunday, August 25, 2024, at her home. 

She was born May 25, 1954, in East Lansing, Michigan, the daughter of the late Dalton C. Rumsey Sr.and Wilma F. (Blaesing) Rumsey.

Diane was a longtime active member at Paw Paw United Methodist Church. She also donated her time to Wings of God Transition Home in...