Jan 23, 2025

Jan 23, 2025

Jan 22, 2025

Pam Vogel, age 74, peacefully transitioned to her heavenly home with her Lord and Savior on January 22, 2025 after her courageous two-decade journey with multiple sclerosis and dementia.

She was born on June 14, 1950, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Aulie and Irene (Ranta) Karna.

Growing up, she loved her Finnish heritage and vacationing at “the farm” in the U.P....

Jan 19, 2025

Ronald Nelson Kilgore, age 88, of Richland, passed away January 19, 2025. He was born on March 7, 1936, in Elkhart, Indiana to the late Robert Nelson and Marjorie (Brannan) Kilgore.

Ron graduated from Kalamazoo College and the American Bankers Association National Trust School. He started work at First National Bank and left there to start the trust department at Industrial...

Jan 18, 2025

Daneen Marilyn Brill Geer Stancle, Portage, MI - 4/26/1936 to 1/18/2025 - Age 88. She was a bookkeeper and tax preparer for many years even after retiring. She passed away on January 18, 2025 at Robin’s home, who took care of her ever since Harold passed away. She is survived by her children Dawn E. (Jack “Chip”) Mahoney, Mark B....

Jan 18, 2025

It is with great sadness, we share the news of the peaceful passing of Betty, age 88, who transitioned to her heavenly home on January 18, 2025. She was born February 25, 1936, in Kalamazoo, the daughter of the late Garrett and Sinnie (VanderWoude) Gerlofs.

Betty was a graduate of Kalamazoo Christian Schools. She was united in marriage to her best...

Jan 17, 2025

Barbara A. Ballinger, age 85 of Kalamazoo, died on January 17, 2025. She was born on December 30, 1939, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the daughter of Anthony and Veva (Race) Boguta. She was a 1957 graduate of Schoolcraft High School. On August 16, 1957, she married Richard E. Ballinger. Richard was a pastor the first years of their marriage and she...

Jan 16, 2025

Theodore Raymond Watson, Sr., age 83, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away unexpectedly due to severe complications from Covid on January 16, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife and children. Born in Hastings, Nebraska on April 28, 1941, Ted’s life was a remarkable journey of love, service and accomplishment.

Ted met the love of his life, Emma...

Jan 16, 2025

Age 82, passed away on Thursday, January 16, 2025. Gladys was born in Allegan County, Michigan on April 8, 1942, the daughter of the late Franklin and Belva (Cutcher) Betzner. She graduated from Otsego High School and worked for Bell Telephone Company before having children. Gladys always had an amazing amount of luck and loved to play bingo and visit...

Jan 15, 2025

Gladys Hampton of Portage, 94, went peacefully to heaven on January 15th, 2025 at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo. She was born to Frank and Magdalena Diaz, and was raised with her sisters Clara and Genie, in New York City. When she was 3 years old, she fell from the 2nd floor fire escape of their apartment, without any injuries....

Jan 15, 2025

Gary Michael Strefling, age 60, of Portage passed away January 15, 2025. He was born October 16, 1964 in Paw Paw, Michigan. 

Private graveside services will be held for family.

Jan 15, 2025

The Honorable Kenneth Earle Long passed away peacefully in his sleep January 15, 2025. He was born March 30, 1929, in Kalamazoo, MI to his parents Raymond and Edith (Arndt) Long. Ken was a lifelong resident of Kalamazoo.

His early schooling was at Kalamazoo Public Schools, and he celebrated KPS by serving on the Roosevelt and Eastside Reunion committee until he...

Jan 14, 2025

Deborah Ann (Kelley) Pavlik, age 75, of Portage, passed away on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. She was born on March 14, 1949, in Cleveland, OH, to Sara (Groth) Kelley and Cecil Kelley.

Debbie worked as a computer programmer for many years while raising her two children. Later in life, she found fulfillment as a Peer Support Specialist, dedicated to helping others...

Jan 12, 2025

Serafin Mendez, age 74 of Kalamazoo, died on January 12, 2025. He was born on August 1, 1950, in Matamoras, Mexico, the son of Simon and Tomasa (Lozoya) Mendez Lopez. Serafin graduated from school in Mexico. For 35 years, he was married to Mary (Vega) Mendez prior to his death. He loved coffee and visiting with friends and frequented many...

Jan 12, 2025

John T. Tsarnas, age 81 of Kalamazoo formerly of New York, died on January 12, 2025. He was born on July 13, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York, the son of Stelios and Chrysanthi (Patrinos) Tsarnas. He graduated from Brooklyn schools. John was a New York City Transit police officer until his retirement. He then worked as a courier in the...

Jan 11, 2025

Bertha Kathryn Lindsley “Bert” was born June 16,1936, to Stephen and Anna Kovach. She grew up with 10 brothers and sisters on the family farm in Portage, Michigan. She was united in marriage to Ronald W. Lindsley on September 13, 1952, and started her own large family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald on July 12, 2019,...

Jan 10, 2025

On January 10, 2025, Wilfred Thiel Blakely, a loving husband and father, went to be with the Lord surrounded by family. He was born in Traverse City on December 15, 1950, to Thiel and Catherine Blakely.

In 1969, he joined the United States Navy and proudly served aboard the USS John Marshall for five years. In 1983 he married Sharon (Haagsma)...

Jan 9, 2025

Sherman Van Solkema, Jr. passed away on January 9, 2025 at the age of 94. Sherman was born on January 4, 1931 in Byron Center, Michigan, to Sherman Van Solkema, Sr. and Katherine (Alles) Van Solkema.

He attended Calvin College and the University of Michigan, where he received the M.Mus. and Ph.D. degrees in music. He was also a proud veteran...

Jan 9, 2025

Age 59, passed away on January 9, 2025. Bill was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on February 27, 1965, the 8th son of Elliot L. and Evelyn J. (DeVormer) Bruinekool. He was a life-long resident of the Battle Creek area. Bill graduated from Pennfield High School, class of 1983. Bill loved sports. His senior year he played offensive guard and...

Jan 9, 2025

Melinda “Mimi” Kay Grissom, 64, of New Palestine, IN, passed away peacefully in Kalamazoo, Michigan on January 9, 2025 after her courageous journey with cancer, while hand in hand with her daughter and granddaughter at Vineyard Assisted Living Community.

Melinda was born on January 8, 1961, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Benton and June Kemp. She later graduated from Center Grove High...