Obituaries

Gerald "Gary" Allen Milam

Gerald "Gary" Allen Milam

Oct 18, 2024

Gerald Allen Milam Sr., 67, of Lawton, passed away early in the morning on Friday, October 18, 2024, in the comfort of his own home. 

He was born April 5, 1957, in Three Rivers, Michigan, the son of Billie Milam and Evelyn Lucile (Westphal) Firestone.

Gary loved being in the outdoors, he was an avid hunter and spent most of his life...

George A. Powless

George A. Powless

Oct 17, 2024

George A. Powless, 82, of Paw Paw, Michigan, died early Friday, October 17, 2024, at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo. He was born May 24, 1942, in Anderson, Indiana, to Fred and Dorothy (Pritchard) Powless. George was a graduate of Alexandria-Monroe High School, Alexandria, Indiana, and Purdue University where he sang for five years with the Purdue Men’s Glee Club....

Thomas Elliott Smith

Thomas Elliott Smith

Oct 16, 2024

Thomas Elliott Smith, 84, of Paw Paw, Michigan passed away 11:11pm on October 16, 2024, at Rose Arbor Hospice with his wife, Mary Ellen, by his side. 

Thomas, known as Tom, T.E.S. and Papa Tommy was born on March 1, 1940, in Paw Paw, Michigan, the first-born son of Ernest Elliott and Marilyn (Brandt) Smith. 

Tom graduated from Paw Paw High School...

Mary Catherine Gave

Mary Catherine Gave

Oct 15, 2024

Mary Catherine Gave of Lawton, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at the age of 90. Mary was the daughter of Fred and Maggie Gave, born on December 10, 1933. She is survived by her sister-in-law Sally Gave, nieces Sandy (Jack) Westendorp, Misty Gave, Patricia (Denis) Johnson, nephew Fred (Valerie) Gave, along with 7 great-nieces/nephews. Mary also leaves...

Leon Joseph Kindt

Leon Joseph Kindt

Oct 14, 2024

Leon Joseph Kindt, 87, of Cedar Lake in Marcellus, Michigan, passed away peacefully on October 14th. He was born in South Bend, Indiana, to Omer and Mary Ann Kindt. A proud graduate of South Bend Central High School, Leon continued his education at the University of Notre Dame, graduating in 1960. He proudly received the Golden Jubilee recognition on June...

Bruce David Shannon

Bruce David Shannon

Oct 12, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Bruce David Shannon, a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and cherished brother and friend, who left us on October 12, 2024.

Bruce was born on September 22, 1951, in Dowagiac, MI, to Harold and Catherine Shannon who have both passed on. Bruce grew up on the Shannon turkey farm...

Bonnie Lee Kniss

Bonnie Lee Kniss

Oct 11, 2024

Bonnie Lee Kniss, 76, of Kalamazoo, passed away Friday, October 11, 2024, peacefully at home. 

She was born May 23, 1948, in Painesville, Ohio, the daughter of the late Albert T. Baker and Ruby Faye (Holland) Baker. 

Bonnie held a strong faith throughout her life. she enjoyed reading and crafting. Bonnie especially enjoyed helping at the adult foster homes with crafting.

She is...

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...