Obituaries

Nov 1, 2023

Sherry Ann Brooks, 53, of Paw Paw, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.

She was born January 8, 1970, in Dowagiac, Michigan, the daughter of Jerry Brooks and Wilma (Dolly Gillette) Dempsey.

Sherry attended Decatur schools and graduated from SWMC. She worked as a Medical Transcriptionist. Sherry had a big heart that always...

Oct 31, 2023

Jean C. Klingel, 93, of Kalamazoo, passed away Tuesday, October 31, 2023, at her home surrounded by her family.

She was born November 2, 1929, in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Loyola (Lyle) Moreland and Alice (Byington) Moreland.

Jean was raised in Kalamazoo on a farm with her eight siblings. She attended St. Augustine Cathedral School. ...

Oct 27, 2023

Fiercely independent; a devoted father, grandfather, great grandfather; and dedicated husband; Hector Rodriguez, Sr. died on Friday, Oct. 27 in Kalamazoo, MI. Born in Cadereyta Jimenez, Nuevo León , MX on Aug. 4, 1939 and the oldest of 14, he came to the U.S. as a teen with his parents, Saul and Ignacia Rodriguez, and three sisters at the...

Oct 24, 2023

Lawrence "Larry" Peter Larson, 82, of Paw Paw, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 24, 2023.

He was born December 3, 1940, in Oshtemo, the son of the late Robert and Nina (Cuddeback) Larson.

Larry called Paw Paw his home his entire life. He started his career as a local surveyor. Later, he proudly became...

Oct 22, 2023

Larry Allan Pierce of Paw Paw, Michigan, passed away at Maple Lake Assisted Living on October 22, 2023, due to a complication of Covid.

Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on October 10th to the late Lyle and Beatrice (Harrison) Pierce. After graduating from Portage High School in 1964, Larry joined the Navy and served his country during the...

Oct 22, 2023

Ronald A.J. Kussy, 81, of Paw Paw, passed away Sunday, October 22, 2023.

He was born February 19, 1942, in Paw Paw, the son of the late Alex J. Kussy and Margaret D. (Kristoff) Kussy.

Ron proudly served his country in Vietnam. He retired from General Motors, Fisher Body, where he worked as a supervisor...

Oct 21, 2023

Hector Pantoja Fernandez,77, of Paw Paw, passed away Saturday, October 21, 2023.

He was born October 14, 1946, in Zamora, Michoacan, Mexico, the son of Enrique Pantoja and Abigail Fernandez.

Hector is survived by his wife, Amalia Lopez,  five sisters;  Adela (Alfonzo) Perez, Obdulia Pantoja, Monica (late Salvador) Armenta, Maria Guadalupe (Leandro) Rodriguez, two sons;...

Oct 18, 2023

Delphine Marcella Stevens, 86, of Paw Paw, passed away Wednesday, October 18, 2023.

She was born September 6, 1937, in Hammond, Indiana, the daughter of Alexander "Alex" Lula and Eleanore Agnes (Grudecki) Lula.

Delphine was a 1955 graduate of Paw Paw High School. She completed two years of floral design at MSU, then Davenport University...

Oct 15, 2023

Charles Richard Craddock, 81, of Paw Paw, passed away peacefully Sunday, October 15, 2023, at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo.

He was born February 27, 1942, in Kalamazoo, the son of Richard Craddock and Carla (Emmick) Craddock.

Charles was a hardworking man who loved to serve his community. He started his career as a firefighter...

Oct 9, 2023

Terrence "Terry" William Tapper, 74, of Paw Paw, passed away suddenly Monday, October 9, 2023, at his home.

He was born February 19, 1949, in Paw Paw, second eldest son of the late John H. Tapper Sr. and Jean Anne (Cavendar) Tapper.

Terry met the love of his life, Linda Prawat, while in high school....

Sep 28, 2023

The storyteller has passed on. William Graham Brott, age 82 of Mattawan, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2023 at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo, Michigan with his beloved daughters Carrie and Merrie at his side. Bill was born in Detroit, Michigan. He was the son of the late William and Clara(Carlson) Brott. On October 28,1961 in...

Sep 28, 2023

Esther Ellen Harvey, 72, of Mattawan, passed away Thursday September 28, 2023 at White Oaks in Lawton.

Esther was a strong person who never sat down, and was determined to get what she wanted. She enjoyed upholstery, both for work and for fun. She had many projects going at the same time, from home improvement, gardening, wine...

Sep 28, 2023

Blair Gill Rice, 60, of Lawton, passed away suddenly, Thursday, September 28, 2023, at his home.

Blair was born February 16, 1963, in Three Rivers, the son of the late Freeland Rice Jr., and Winifred Mae (Lewis) Rice. He was a 1981 graduate of Lawton High School. He worked in HVAC for most of his career and...

Sep 28, 2023

David Ross Lesman, 68, of Lawton, passed away Thursday September 28, 2023, at his home in Lawton.

He was born July 27, 1955, in Kalamazoo, the son of Dale Lesman and Eleanor (Voltz) Lesman. He is survived by his wife, Julie Lesman, daughter, Damika Lesman, son, Dominick Lesman, one granddaughter, London Hall, his beloved dog Boomer and...

Sep 27, 2023

Earl Eugene Willett, 89, of Paw Paw, passed away Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at his home.

He was born December 31, 1933, in Petoskey, Michigan, the son of the late Lewis and Marjorie (Boadway) Willett.

Earl was drafted into the Navy and proudly served his country. He enjoyed spending his time fishing in the warm...

Sep 20, 2023

Joseph William Bogart, of Kalamazoo, passed away Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at the Rose Arbor Residence.

Joe's life began June 27, 1926, in Sturgis, Michigan, one of three sons born to the late Henry Bogart and Arlene (Perk) Bogart. Following high school, He obtained his undergrad and Master's degree from Michigan State University and was a member...

Sep 20, 2023

Timothy Joseph Black, 66, of Paw Paw, passed away Wednesday, September 20, 2023, peacefully at his home.

He was born November 5, 1956, in Elkhart, Indiana, the son of Harold  Black and Julia (Kovatch) Black.

Tim was a man of many talents and hobbies. His artistic abilities allowed him to create beautiful handmade sketches and...

Sep 17, 2023

Robert "Bucky" Clark, passed away peacefully at Rose Arbor on Sunday, September 17, 2023.  Bucky was born on June 23, 1944 to Roscoe (Moe) and Evelyn Clark in Kalamazoo, MI.  He graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1962.

Bucky was an entrepreneur and owned Stoneridge Inn in Mattawan.  He worked and managed The Final Curtain.  He...

Sep 16, 2023

Brinda Kay Vowels, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend was born on August 7th, 1955, in Paw Paw, Michigan. She peacefully passed away at her home on Saturday, September 16th, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. She was born August 7, 1955, in Paw Paw, the daughter of the late Jim Ramsey and Addie (King) Ramsey....

Sep 15, 2023

Theresa Lynn Walters, 53, of Paw Paw, passed away Friday, September 15, 2023, at Bronson Methodist Hospital.

She was born October 12, 1969, in Groton, Connecticut, the daughter of Thomas Drake and Jeanne (Buck) Drake.

Theresa was known for the excellent meals she prepared and the treats she baked. You could always count on the...