Local obituaries for Kalamazoo, Portage, & Climax MI.
Richard A. VanDam
Feb 10, 2025
Richard (“Chief”) VanDam, 86, went to be with his lord and savior on Monday, February 10, 2025, with his family by his side. Richard was born on April 6, 1938, in Kalamazoo, MI, to the late Harold and Marie (Kallewaard) VanDam. Early in his adult life, just a few short years after graduating from Kalamazoo Central High School, Richard married...
Donna Mae Penning
Feb 10, 2025
Donna Mae Penning, age 86, went to be with her Lord and Savior on February 10, 2025. She was born May 20, 1938, in Kalamazoo to the late Donald and Mina (Broekema) Pastoor.
Donna graduated from Kalamazoo Christian High School and went on to nursing school to obtain her certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She dedicated herself to her nursing...
John Wesley Zull
Feb 10, 2025
John Wesley Zull, age 84 of Portage, died on February 10, 2025. He was born on December 8, 1940, in North Branch, Michigan, the son of Pastor Harley Zull and Eileen (Beatty) Zull. The family grew up in Greenville, Michigan, where John graduated from high school. He received his master’s degree from Western Michigan University. His career was spent as...
Janice D. Wilson
Feb 10, 2025
Janice D. Wilson, age 92 of Galesburg, died on February 10, 2025. She was born on February 14, 1932, in Lawrence, Michigan, the daughter of John and Katherine (Stein) Kroeg. Janice was a 1950 graduate of Lawrence High School. On May 1, 1953, she married Robert H. Wilson in Paw Paw. Together they owned and operated the University Gulf gas...
Jeanene D. Lentini
Feb 9, 2025
Age 76, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 9, 2025. Jean was born in Austin, Minnesota on December 11, 1948, the daughter of the late Edward and Ione (Cliff) Davis. She graduated from Schulte High School in Terre Haute, IN. Jean earned her Bachelor of Education from Indiana State University and a master’s degree in special education from Western Michigan...
Henry Michael Ritsema
Feb 9, 2025
Henry Michael Ritsema, age 57 of Kalamazoo, died on February 9, 2025. He was born on June 29, 1967, in Kalamazoo, the son of Lester and Betty (Whaley) Ritsema. Henry was named after his Grandpa Henry, as he was born on his birthday.
He was preceded in death by his parents Lester Ritsema & Betty Whaley, his twin daughters Lexis &...
Roberto "Bob" Garza
Feb 8, 2025
Roberto Garza, 80 of Portage, entered the loving arms of God on February 8, 2025, at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo. He was born on March 2, 1944, in McAllen, Texas, the son of Amadeo and Maria (Cantu) Garza.
Bob Garza grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan going to school at St. Mary’s Catholic School for elementary then attended Kalamazoo Central High...
Otto L. Schuhardt
Feb 8, 2025
Otto L. Schuhardt, age 97 of Kalamazoo, died on February 8, 2025. He was born on January 26, 1928, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Otto G. and Marguerite L. (Houck) Schuhardt. After high school, Otto attended college before serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps. For 44 years, he owned and operated his own auto repair company, Schuhardt’s Auto...
Phyllis Irene Smith
Feb 8, 2025
In loving memory of Phyllis Irene (Holtz) Smith, who joyfully entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on Saturday, February 8, 2025.
Phyllis was born on November 9, 1920 to Lewis and Elizabeth (Lemmer) Holtz. She graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School, attended WMU, and worked at The UpJohn Company. Phyllis met her dearly loved husband, Joe Smith, at...
Gary Alan Walker
Feb 7, 2025
Gary Alan Walker, 75, of Gobles, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on February 7, 2025. Born on March 7, 1949, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Gary lived a life full of love, laughter, and dedication to his family, friends, and country.
A proud graduate of Loy Norrix High School, Gary went on to serve honorably in the United States Army during the...
Ruth A. Linders
Feb 7, 2025
Ruth A. Linders, age 80 of Scotts, was promoted to Glory on Friday, February 7, 2025. She was born in Alma, Michigan, the daughter of Bernard “Vern” and Julia (Metek) Sova. Ruth was a 1962 graduate of Alma High School and received both her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from Western Michigan University. Her career was spent in the Portage Public...
James Wallace Fitzsimmons Jr.
Feb 6, 2025
James Wallace Fitzsimmons Jr. , a resident of Kalamazoo, Michigan, was born on October 27, 1956, and passed away unexpectedly on February 6, 2025, in the same city. He was a quiet and private individual who valued his family and faith.
James pursued his education at Delton High School before earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Michigan University. His...
Billie Jo Longenecker
Feb 6, 2025
Billie Jo Longenecker, 70 of Vicksburg, was reunited with her beloved husband in the presence of their Lord and Savior on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Centrica Rose Arbor Place. She was born on September 22, 1954, in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Willie and Josephine (Limpritch) Berry.
Billie graduated from Loy Norrix High School and briefly attended Davenport University. She worked...
Mary Louise Howe
Feb 6, 2025
Mary Louise Howe, 96 of Portage, passed away peacefully at Alamo Cove Rehab and Nursing Center on February 6, 2025. She was born on February 24, 1928, in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Clarence Grauman and Lora (Heath) Grauman.
Mary’s mother later married Donald Cook. “Daddy Don” as he was known became a loving father figure in her early life. Soon her...
Mary Jean Forward
Feb 5, 2025
Mary Jean Forward, age 81 of Climax, died on February 5, 2025. She was born on November 7, 1943, in Three Rivers, Michigan, the only daughter of Howard and Jean (Weindt) Comadoll. Mary Jean was a 1962 graduate of Three Rivers High School. During high school, she started secretarial training. She worked at several businesses over the years and later...
Sylvia Lee Carter-Kennon
Feb 4, 2025
Mrs. Sylvia (Carter) Kennon passed away unexpectedly on February 4, 2025. Mrs. Kennon was born on August 1, 1943, in Hope Arkansas, to the late James A. and Ida Mae (Brewer) Carter.
Mrs. Sylvia Kennon was the epitome of a strong black woman. Her character, determination and love were never more evident than her insistence on raising her six children on...
Joe Louis Ayers
Feb 3, 2025
Joe Louis Ayers, born on November 18, 1939, in Hardin County, Tennessee, peacefully passed away on February 3, 2025, in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Joe's early years were spent in Tennessee, where he attended Dunbar High School. In his 20s, he embarked on a new journey, relocating to Kalamazoo. He loved telling jokes and sharing laughter with those around him. His favorite moments...
David H. Johnson
Feb 3, 2025
David Henry Johnson, age 79 of Galesburg, died on February 3, 2025. He was born on November 29, 1945, the son of Dewey and Flora (Brown) Johnson. Dave was born in the family home in a holler in Arnett, West Virginia. The family home was a simple home with a coal mine in the backyard. As a child his parents...
Don L. Grantham, Sr.
Feb 2, 2025
Don Lee Grantham, Sr., 75, of Portage, Michigan, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2025. Born on November 2, 1949, in South Bend, Indiana, Don lived a life marked by dedication to his family, service to his country, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors.
A proud Vietnam War veteran, Don served with extraordinary courage and resilience. He was awarded...
Donna L. Bement-McNaughton
Feb 2, 2025
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our cherished matriarch Donna Lee Bement-McNaughton, on February 2nd, 2025, at the age of 87. She brought immeasurable joy and light into the lives of everyone she met. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend who was always there when you needed her the most, offering support, wisdom and...
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