Obituaries

Jan 28, 2022

Mary Margaret Rice, 89, of Paw Paw, MI passed away Friday morning at home surrounded by family.

Born February 12, 1932 in Calumet, Michigan.  Preceded in death by her parents, immigrants from Yugoslavia, Paul Kalanj and Mary (Stipich) Kalanj.

She was also preceded in death by her only sibling, a brother, Frank Kalanj and her...

Jan 26, 2022

John Fred Weinhart, Jr., 77, of Paw Paw, passed away Wednesday January 26, 2022.

He was born July 4, 1944 in Paw Paw, Michigan, the son of John F. Weinhart Sr. and Rachel C. (Dellapella) Weinhart.

John will be remembered for his outgoing personality and love for people. He proudly served his country in the...

Jan 22, 2022

Nikolas Harman, 32, of Paw Paw, passed away Saturday January 22, 2022.

He was born February 6, 1989 in Paw Paw, the son of Ronnie and Eva (Wloch) Harman.

Nickolas grew up being diagnosed with Autism from birth. He did not let his diagnosis restrict his life. He was able to work through and overcome...

Jan 18, 2022

Sierra Lyn Rhodes, 35 of Paw Paw, passed away in peace on Tuesday, January 18,2022 at home. Sierra was born in Kalamazoo, on June 25, 1986, The daughter of Bradley Rhodes and Susan Dent-Rhodes. Sierra filled life with her gorgeous smile and lovely green eyes. She touched numerous peoples lives with her enduring talent to always provide a helping...

Jan 13, 2022

John R. McNellis, 84, of Paw Paw, passed away at his home Thursday, January 13, 2022.

He was born October 15, 1937 in Chicago, the son of John McNellis and Marie (Albart) McNellis.

Dick earned his Master's degree from Western Michigan University. He went to work as a chemist for many years in Kalamazoo. He...

Jan 11, 2022

There is one word that sums up the main focus of Sandra Oakleaf's life and that would be "family". Sandy was all about her family, she loved her children and grandchildren and there is nothing she would not do to make sure they were safe and taken care of. She was the rock for her children and a loving...

Jan 11, 2022

Geneva (Ginny) Earlene Sullivan peacefully went to her heavenly home to be with her Lord Jesus on January 11, 2022, at the age of 87.  Her devotion to her family and her firm belief in God supported her in her struggle and ultimately gave her peace.  Her last days were spent with her cherished family by her side.

Jan 10, 2022

Lori Anne Thiede, 46, of Decatur, passed away Monday January 10, 2022 at home in Decatur.

She was born July 20, 1975 in Michigan City, Indiana, the daughter of Allen Thiede and Linda (Wilson) Thiede.

Lori was a God fearing woman with a huge heart and zest for life. She loved to travel and was...

Jan 10, 2022

Jay Lynn Millek, 65, of Paw Paw, passed away Monday January 10, 2022 at his home.

He was born April 8, 1956 in Paw Paw, the son of the late Anthony Frank Millek and Armita (Agate) Millek.

Jay will be remembered for his fun and rather colorful sense of humor. He lived his life with...

Jan 9, 2022

Robin Ann Mayer, 61, of Paw Paw, went home to her Lord and savior peacefully Sunday, January 9, 2022, at her home.

She was born May 26, 1960 in Holland, the daughter of the late Edward Nyland and Jeanne (Heiden) Nyland.

Robin has been a longtime active member of RedArrow Ministries in Paw Paw, where...

Jan 6, 2022

Mary (Massey) Diaz of Sand Springs, Oklahoma passed away on January 6, 2022 of natural causes. Mary was born July 21, 1953 in Saginaw Michigan, the daughter of Vernon Ray Massey and Willie Mae Massey.

Mary loved doing arts and crafts and excelled at crocheting and knitting.  She was a strong and resilient woman who always looked...

Jan 1, 2022

Victor Robert Crane, 84, of Paw Paw, MI went to be with his Lord and Savior, Saturday January 1, 2022 at his home with his family at his side.

He was born March 19, 1937 in Logansport, Indiana, the son of the late Thomas G. Crane and Thelma (Cordell) Webster.  At the age of 5 his family...

Dec 30, 2021

David “Dave” Nicholas age 86, of Lawrence, passed away peacefully Thursday afternoon December 30, 2021 at White Oaks Retirement Residence with family at his bedside. David was born in his grandparents’ home on July 13, 1935 in Lawrence, MI to Paul & Louise (Wassman) Nicholas.  Those who ever spent time with Dave, know that he was a very special,...

Dec 29, 2021

A James (Jim) Crandall passed peacefully at home, surrounded by family on December 29th, 2021.  Jim was born in Canton, Illinois in 1934, to George and Rose Crandall.  On September 20th, 1958 Jim married the love of his life Gayle Sousley, daughter of Eugene and Mable Sousley.

Jim was a great visionary; he was instrumental in the...

Dec 28, 2021

Janet Gladys Wesner, 85, of Lawrence, passed away Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at her home.

Janet was born September 30, 1936 in Birmingham, England, the daughter of Cyril James and Gladys (Turton) James.

Janet came to the United States when she was 16 years old and gained her citizenship. She was united in marriage to...

Dec 27, 2021

Larry Dean Sparks, 43, of Lawton, passed away Monday December 27, 2021 at Bronson Hospital.

He was born May 30, 1978 in Paw Paw, and was raised by his mother Diane Marie (Ibbotson) Bowman and his step-father Jesse Bowman whom survive. He was preceded by his father Larry Dean Sparks and his grandparents, James and Pauline Ibbotson....

Dec 26, 2021

Jacqueline Carol Baran, 79, of Paw Paw, passed away Sunday, December 26, 2021 at her home.

She was born February 5, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Leonard Trojanowski and Marie  (Garber) Drake.

Jackie was a very supportive mother, always putting her children's need first. She enjoyed tending her garden and raising chickens.

Dec 25, 2021

Larry Matthew Gilley, 56, of Paw Paw, passed away Saturday December 25, 2021.

Born in Amarillo, Texas, September 7, 1965,  the son of William Edward Gilley and Charlene (Pulliam) Fialkowski. Larry attended Lawton Schools and was a graduate of Lawton High School. Having a strong work ethic, Larry was employed at a variety of different places throughout...

Dec 24, 2021

Lawrence Fred Waldrop, 74, of Lawrence, passed away Friday, December 24, 2021 at his home.

Fred was born in Berrien Center on September 2, 1947, to the late Louis Wells Waldrop and Annie Ruth (Brown) Waldrop. He retired from the U.S. Navy after years of service. It was in the Navy that Fred was able to express...

Dec 22, 2021

Bruce E. Rigg's life began November 14, 1936 and extended over 85 years.  He was born at home to Marion and Remus Rigg.  He joined their family with Remus, a brother, who was two years older.  He was placed in the Tekonsha schools and lived with aunts, uncles and grandparents during post WWII times.  He was a 5 star...