Obituaries

Obituary: Robert Blake (Bob) Perrigo

Obituary: Robert Blake (Bob) Perrigo

Editorial StaffJan 22, 20253 min read

Robert Blake (Bob) Perrigo age 86, passed away peacefully with family at his side in Midland, MI on January 18, 2025.Bob was born and raised in Allegan, Michigan, where he attended high school before pursuing higher education at Michigan State…

Obituary: Peggy Lynn Shamblin

Obituary: Peggy Lynn Shamblin

Editorial StaffJan 22, 20252 min read

Peggy Lynn Shamblin, 70, passed away January 16, 2025, after an extended period of illness.  She was born November 24, 1954, to Paul & Lillian (Scott) Knapp of Pullman, Michigan.  She was the youngest child, having two older siblings, Patrick…

Obituary: Dr. Martin John Bukovac

Obituary: Dr. Martin John Bukovac

Editorial StaffJan 22, 20254 min read

Dr. Martin John Bukovac, University Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the Horticulture Department at Michigan State University (MSU), died Sunday, January 5, 2025, at Burcham Hills Retirement Community in East Lansing, Michigan. He was 95 years old.The funeral service will be…

Obituary: Maynard H. Rumsey

Obituary: Maynard H. Rumsey

Editorial StaffJan 17, 20252 min read

Maynard H. Rumsey, age 97, of Three Rivers, passed away at Birch Meadows Senior Care on Thursday, January 9, 2025. He was born in Three Rivers on January 25, 1927, the son of Harley and Faye (Avery) Rumsey. Maynard was…

Obituary: Robert Alton “Bob” David

Obituary: Robert Alton “Bob” David

Editorial StaffJan 17, 20252 min read

Robert Alton “Bob” David, age 77, of Clare, passed away at his home on January 1, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born the son of Alton and Elnora (Kleiner) David on Feb. 21, 1947, in Gladwin, Michigan. After…

Obituary: Philip D. Cooper

Obituary: Philip D. Cooper

Editorial StaffJan 17, 20252 min read

Philip D. Cooper, age 84 of Clare, went to be with his Lord. He passed away at his home on Thursday, January 9, 2025 surrounded by his family. Philip was born 1 of 12 children to John and Leona (Foster)…

Obituary: Walter “Bill” William Gamble

Obituary: Walter “Bill” William Gamble

Editorial StaffJan 17, 20252 min read

Walter “Bill” William Gamble, age 80, passed away on Friday, January 10, 2025, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital-Venice Campus in North Venice, FL.Funeral Services for Bill will be held at Brown Corners Church, 5540 South Clare Avenue, Clare, Michigan 48617, on…

Obituary: Jean M. Schiemann

Obituary: Jean M. Schiemann

Editorial StaffJan 17, 20252 min read

Jean M. Schiemann, age 85 of Clare, passed away peacefully Thursday, January 9, 2025, at the Horizon Senior Living Center of Clare. She was born November 9, 1939, in Mt. Pleasant, MI., daughter of the late H.O. and Rose (Sheahan)…

Obituary: Patricia “Patty” Gruber

Obituary: Patricia “Patty” Gruber

Editorial StaffJan 17, 20253 min read

Patty, 62, passed away at home surrounded by her family on December 28, 2024. She was born in Saginaw, Michigan on April 15, 1962, to parents Aveary and Becky (Rigg) Clark.Patty was predeceased by her father Aveary Clark and her…

Obituary: Kathryn McLeod Tripp

Obituary: Kathryn McLeod Tripp

Editorial StaffJan 15, 20253 min read

Kathryn McLeod Tripp, R.N., N.P., age 84, of Macatawa passed away peacefully on Jan. 6 at her home on South Shore Drive after a brief illness.“Kathy” was born on July 10, 1940, in Duluth, Minn., the eldest of two children.…

Obituary: Paz Omega West

Editorial StaffJan 15, 20253 min read

Paz Omega West, affectionately known as Ms. West or Heidi, was a beacon of light and joy to everyone she encountered. Born on June 25, 1955, in Calbayog City, Philippines, Paz lived a life characterized by her selfless nature, spirited…

Obituary: Joy Elaine Masek (Miner)

Obituary: Joy Elaine Masek (Miner)

Editorial StaffJan 15, 20252 min read

“Devoted” is the word that best describes Joy Elaine Masek (Miner) who went to be with the Lord on January 12, 2025. She gave her time and resources to her faith in God and family—-both immediate and extended.Surviving is her…

Obituary: Harold “Gene” Marr

Obituary: Harold “Gene” Marr

Editorial StaffJan 15, 20252 min read

Harold “Gene” Marr, age 87, of Allegan, passed away Saturday, January 11th, 2025 at Ascension Borgess, Kalamazoo. Gene was born December 22nd, 1937 in Dickenson County, IA, son of the late Elmer and Pauline Marr and lived in the Allegan…

Obituary: Sandra Dee Brainerd

Obituary: Sandra Dee Brainerd

Editorial StaffJan 15, 20252 min read

Sandra Dee Brainerd, 64, of Plainwell/Otsego, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 10th, surrounded by her family. Sandra spent much of her career at Specialty Minerals in Plainwell, where she was known for her tenacity and strong work ethic. In…

Looking Out: An alarming story

Editorial StaffJan 10, 20253 min read

by Jim Whitehouse “Ringggggggg” sounds my roommate Otter’s alarm clock. We are sophomores in college. Otter sets his alarm clock for very early each morning. I lift my head from my pillow and see him slap the snooze button on…

Obituary: Vennie Ree (Gibson) Williams

Obituary: Vennie Ree (Gibson) Williams

Editorial StaffJan 10, 20252 min read

Vennie Ree (Gibson) Williams, born on March 3, 1933, in Chester, Georgia, peacefully departedthis life on Dec. 25, 2024, at her residence in Greensboro, North Carolina, surrounded byher loving family. She was the cherished daughter of the late Ammie Lee…

Obituary: James Leland Manthei

Obituary: James Leland Manthei

Editorial StaffJan 10, 20252 min read

James Leland Manthei, age 89, of Albion, Michigan passed on Jan. 2, 2025. He was born July 01, 1935, in Parma, Michigan to Paul and Thelma (Hubbel) Manthei. Jim was a quiet man that loved wood working, building furniture, collecting…

Obituary: Nancy Ann Marek

Obituary: Nancy Ann Marek

Editorial StaffJan 10, 20254 min read

Nancy Ann Marek, of Three Rivers, Michigan, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2024 with her beloved friend and caregiver, Earl Allison, by her side.She was born November 2, 1946, in Lyons, IL, the daughter of Robert and Lorraine “LAM”…

Obituary: Richard Eldon Irwin

Obituary: Richard Eldon Irwin

Editorial StaffJan 10, 20252 min read

Richard Eldon Irwin, 68, Bristol, Indiana, died Friday, January 3, 2025, at his home. He was born March 7, 1956, in Three Rivers, Michigan, to Eldon & Martha (VanKirk) Irwin. He married Doris Lemley in March 1980, and she died…

Obituary: Nancy Edith Bell

Obituary: Nancy Edith Bell

Editorial StaffJan 10, 20253 min read

Nancy Edith Bell, age 86, passed away December 23, 2024, surrounded by family, at Edgewood Health and Rehabilitation after a long illness due to complications from advanced Lyme disease.She was born in Benton Harbor, Mi, the eldest daughter of Estel…