John DeCrocker, 85, formerly of Kalamazoo, died on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017.

Members of his family include son Rick DeCrocker; daughter Laura (Galen) Callahan; five grandsons, Christopher, Andrew, Nick (Kelsey), Dan (Shannon Przygocki) and Joey.

He was preceded in death by his wife Joyce in 2015; a sister Jane Ullom; and a sister and brother-in-law, Christine and George Simpson.

Learn more about John and visit with his family and friends while sharing food and refreshments on Wednesday, Aug. 30, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, (269) 375-2900.

Private graveside services will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery.

Please visit John’s personal memory page at www.BetzlerFuneralHome.com where you can archive a favorite memory or photo and sign his guestbook before coming to the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Romence Road Food Pantry.

Lisa Huff Waite, 49, of Allegan, passed away unexpectantly on Aug. 27, 2017, at Bronson Hospital.

She is survived by her husband James; mother Judy Miller; two sisters, Brenda (Ken) Breon  and Penny (Doug) Barnes; two daughters, Tasha (Cory) March and Patty (Tim) McKee. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Tory, Penny Jo, Lela and Cory Jr.; brother-in-law Rick (Robin) Waite; aunts, Irene Ziegler and aunts Ruth Ann, Linda and Barbara Tyo; uncle Ron (Jane) Tyo; and several nieces and nephews.

She was proceeded in death by her father Nicky Huff and grandparents.

Cremation has taken place.

A memorial luncheon is planned for Saturday, Sept. 9, from 3 to p.m. at Trowbridge Township Hall.

David Lovett, 84, of Otsego, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, at Wings Home in Allegan.

He was born Nov. 5, 1932, in East Leroy, the son of Calvin and Margaret (McKee) Lovett.

Dave was a 1951 Otsego High School graduate and lifelong resident of the area. He had owned and operated a centennial farm and over the years had worked as a machinist at Valley Metal, Rockwell and Eaton.

Dave enjoyed buying and selling collectible firearms, Native American and war artifacts. He was a lifelong member of the NRA.

Surviving are his sons, Cole Lovett of Bloomindale, Brad Lovett of Texas, Lane (Mary) Lovett of Kalamazoo and Kal (Ronda) Lovett of Otsego; 14 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and his sister, Sandra Lefkovits of Massachusetts.

He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter Dana Lovett; and ex-wife Starr Gillespie.

According to his wishes, cremation has taken place. Friends may visit with Dave’s family from 2 to 4 p.m. on Friday Sept. 8, at Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego.

Contributions in memory of Dave may be made to the Parkinson’s Association of West Michigan.

Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com

Charles Alden Strandt, 83, an Allegan native, passed away at his home in Warren on Monday, Aug. 28, 2017. Born July 16, 1934, in Plainwell, he was the son of the late Howard C. and Elma Huggins Strandt. 

Mr. Strandt served honorably in the United States Navy aboard the USS Piedmont. He had always loved golf and took great joy in both playing and watching the game. Mr. Strandt had also enjoyed playing all types of cards and participating in bingo.

He is survived by his sister Charlene Baker; nephew Chris (Laura) Strandt; nieces, Pennie (Dan) Burke, Debbie Thomas, Cheryl Baker and Susan (Norm) Smith; numerous great-nieces and nephews; and extended family members. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Dean Strandt and his brother-in-law Ben Baker.

The family will receive friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, on Saturday, Sept. 2, from 11 a.m. until noon, at which time a funeral service will begin. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Brain Injury Association of Michigan, 7305 Grand River, Suite 100, Brighton, MI 48114. 

Arrangements are being provided by Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, www.gordenfuneral.com.

William W. “Bill” Doest, Sr., 82, passed away Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017 at Rose Arbor Hospice.

He was born April 28, 1935 in Allegan the son of Louis and Helen (Wheatly) Doest. Over the years Bill had worked at Valley Metal, Bills Bottle Gas, Midwest Aluminum, Denooyer Chevrolet and Aspen Park Apartments.

In his spare time he enjoyed buying and selling cars and going to yard sales. He had attended the Otsego Church of God.

Surviving are his children, Cindi (Dan) Witt, Bill Jr. (Diana) Doest, Sharon (Bruce) Milhiem, Ron (Louellen) Doest and Rick (Dawn) Doest; 14 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson and a sister, Claudya Thomson. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Stella Wilson and brother John Doest.

Friends visited with Bill’s family Sunday, Aug. 27, at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego. A funeral service was held Monday, Aug. 28, at the Otsego Church of God with Pastor Stephen Burrow officiating.

Burial followed at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Watson Township. Contributions in memory of Bill may be made to Otsego Church of God or to Rose Arbor Hospice. Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.

Jane C. Dangremond, 89, of Allegan, passed away August 29, 2017 at the Stanford Lodge in Plainwell.

Jane was born Feb. 24, 1928 in Allegan, the daughter of John “Guy” and Zella (Litsenberger) Hurlbut.

She enjoyed nature, bird watching, camping, picnics, family gatherings, and local volunteering at Red Cross, Schools and Girl Scouts. Jane was a 1945 graduate of Allegan High School. She was a member of the Allegan United Methodist Church for 78 years and was active in church functions for many years.

Surviving are her two sons Scott (Connie) Dangremond and Dan (Kim) Dangremond; three grandchildren, Kyle (Mandy) Harnden, Kara and Alli Dangremond of Allegan; two great grandchildren, Lincoln and Jackson Harnden; one sister, June Thomas; many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon, and her one brother, Tom Hurlbut. 

There will be no visitation.

A graveside service will be held at Oakwood Cemetary, Allegan on Thursday, Sept 7 at 2:30 p.m.

Memorials may be made to Allegan United Methodist Church or Hospice.

Villas Herman Mohrland, 72, of Otsego passed away Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017, at Spectrum Butterworth Hospital. He was born Feb. 8, 1945, in Merrill, Wis.

He was the son of the late Herman and Viola (Gruling) Mohrland of Merrill, Wis. He married Joyce Elaine Thompson on June 12, 1993. Villas loved life despite his battle with lung cancer.

Villas attended Farming Dale and Trinity Lutheran schools in Merrill. He attended Merrill High School, graduating with the class of 1963.

He became involved with Christmas tree farming in the late 1960s. Villas owned and operated Badger Evergreen Nursery in Allegan. He and Joyce also owned and operated Badger Country Trees in Otsego for several years.  In 2013, Villas was inducted into the Michigan Christmas Tree Association, Growers Hall of Fame. He previously raised buffalo on the farm, and at one time had 60 head of cattle.

In his spare time, Villas loved to hunt and fish. Traveling was his passion. He and Joyce traveled all over the United States in their motorhome. He especially enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson, traveling to Alaska, and wintering at his home in River Ranch, Fla.

In addition to his wife of 24 years, Villas is survived by his children, Timothy (Melody) Mohrland, Kevin (Tammy) Mohrland, Chris (Tammy) Mohrland, Matthew (Angel Day) Mohrland, Eric (Ashley Lane) Blanchard, and Nicole (Scott) Kokx; siblings, Donna (Rod) Thompson and Gene (Pam) Mohrland, both of Merrill, Wis., Terry (Robin) Mohrland of Allegan, and Richard Mohrland of Janesville, Wis.; grandchildren, Ashley, Amber and Audrie Mohrland, Abbey (Mark) Zajda and Cassie Mohrland, Magen and Villas Mohrland, Lilly, Violet, and Brendon Kokx, Gage and Myles Lane, Dakota, Cameron and Caleb Day; a great-grandson Peyton; brother-in-law, Steven (Sally) Thompson; sisters-in-law, Karen Barnes, Donna (Jerry) O’Bryant, Robert (Sally) Thompson, Jackie Thompson, and Louise Thompson; many nieces and nephews; and extended family members and very special friends. 

He was loved by many and loved by all who met him.

The family will receive friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, on Thursday, Sept. 7, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m.; and again on Friday, Sept. 8, at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of services at 12 p.m. David McGlinchey will be officiating. Burial will be in Miner Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to The American Cancer Society.  Arrangements are being provided by Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, www.gordenfuneral.com.

Jane L. Tice, 91, of Otsego passed away Monday, Sept. 4, 2017, at Stanford Lodge in Plainwell. She was born Nov. 1, 1925, in Chicago, the daughter of Joseph and Helen (Fitzpatrick) Goodall.

Jane had worked at Tice’s Men’s Wear and Tripp’s Department Store and went on to serve as the City Clerk for Otsego until her retirement.

In her spare time Jane enjoyed collecting dolls. She was a member of the Otsego VFW Post 3030 Ladies Auxiliary, the Otsego Elks Lodge and St. Margaret Catholic Church. Jane was an original board member for Sylvia’s Place and had also served on the Jury Board for Allegan County for many years.

On Oct. 5, 1946, in Otsego, she married Gerald Tice who passed away in 1997.

Surviving are her daughter, Paula (Phil) Baker of Otsego; one granddaughter Lisa Caldwell; five great-grandchildren, Destiny, Trent and Marissa Baker and Jonathan and Noah Caldwell; along with two great-grandchildren, Elijah and Gabriel Ware.

She was preceded in death by her husband; daughter Susan Tice; grandson Troy Baker; and special friend Sam Goudy.

Friends may visit with Jane’s family on Wednesday, Sept. 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, at St. Margaret Catholic Church in Otsego with Rev. Fr. Simon Manjooran officiating. Burial will follow at Mountain Home Cemetery in Otsego Township.

Contributions in memory of Jane may be made to Sylvia’s Place or St. Margaret Catholic Church.

Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.

Sheryl Lynn Bloss, 69, of Allegan passed away Monday, Sept. 4, 2017, at her home. 

Born Dec. 28, 1947, in Holland, she was the daughter of Thelma Bouwman Thompson and the late Roy Thompson. She married David Bloss and they shared many happy years together. 

Mrs. Bloss worked for Allegan Public Schools for more than 30 years as a school bus driver. Because she was involved in the public education system for so many years, she had the unique pleasure of seeing multiple generations of students from the same families. 

In her spare time Mrs. Bloss enjoyed spending time in her flower garden. She also liked to knit and crochet. Above all, though, Mrs. Bloss was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who loved her family more than words can express.

In addition to her mother and husband of more than 50 years, she is survived by her daughters, Jodi Bloss-Ehnis and husband Timothy and Nan Houtman and husband Steven; siblings, Royal Thompson and wife Joyce, Rhonda Worden and husband Terry and Laurie Courtney; siblings-in-law, Patricia Skultety and husband Joe, Paul Bloss and wife Kim and Pam Chopp and husband Craig; and her grandchildren, Zachary, Alexander, Ashlyn and Sonya. 

Along with her father, she was preceded in death by her brother Robbie Thompson; and her brother-in-law Phil Bloss.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, Sept. 9, at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. with an informal memorial beginning at noon.  Arrangements are being provided by Gorden Funeral Residence, www.gordenfuneral.com.

William “Bill” Wilson, 89, Allegan passed away Monday, Sept. 4, at Wings Home.  Born Jan. 21, 1928, in Patoka, Ind., he was the son of the late Tom Wilson and Minerva Elliott Davis. 

Mr. Wilson married Dorothy A. Opperman on June 26, 1954, and together they enjoyed 63 years of marriage. He joined St. Paul Lutheran Church at that time and had been an active member ever since.

He was a veteran of the United States Army, having served during the Korean War. Mr. Wilson had worked as a foreman for Brundage Company for 41 years.  He had also worked for Western Michigan University for five years. 

Mr. Wilson and his wife enjoyed bowling together on couples leagues.  Most important to him, however, was his family. They loved spending the holidays together and he especially looked forward to Christmas dinner with his children and grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Wilson is survived by his daughters, Carol O’Connor and husband Michael and Sally Gant and husband Norm; siblings, Bob Wilson and wife Fran, June Krug, Joyce Jones, Carrie Mulder and husband John, Judy Kennedy and husband Dennis and Chuck Davis and wife Deel; sister-in-law Irene Wilson; grandchildren, Katie Montgomery and husband Mike, Michael O’Connor and wife Ramsay, Kelli Featherly and husband Mike and Chad Gant; great-grandchildren, Addison and Riley Montgomery, Owen O’Connor, Luke Featherly and Rylen Gant; aunts, Gladys Johnson and Alice Evans; and many nieces and nephews. 

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Omer Wilson, Lester Wilson and Russell Davis.

The family will receive friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel, on Friday, Sept. 8, from 5 to 7 p.m. A funeral service will be Saturday, Sept. 9 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church with burial to follow in Maplewood Cemetery. Pastor Donald Seelhoff will officiate. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wings Home, 330 Linn St., Allegan, MI 49010; or to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2906 24th St., Hopkins, MI 49328.  Arrangement are being provided by Gorden Funeral Residence, www.gordenfuneral.com.

Shirley Duryea, 77, of Otsego passed away on Sept. 6, 2017, at Bronson Hospital. Shirley was born on Sept. 18, 1939, to Earl and Addie (Weston) Robinson.

Visit with her family and friends and view her life story film on Monday, Sept. 11, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell; 120 S. Woodhams St. (260) 685-5881. 

A funeral service will be Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 1 p.m. at Allegan United Methodist Church, 409 Trowbridge St, Allegan, MI 49010.

Shirley’s family includes her husband of 30 years, Doug; her children, Debbie (Tom) Benzie, Raymond Duryea, Lyn (Charlie) Shumaker, Sarah (Eddie) Burgen and Vickey (Kevin) Christopher; 13 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; her brother Frank Robinson; as well as several nieces and nephews and her dog Mitsy.

She was preceded in death by her parents and Doug’s parents Vivian and Ralph Duryea; her siblings, Lewis, Claire, Betty and Phil; and children, Jerri and Benjamin. 

Please visit Shirley’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com to read her life story, archive a memory or photo and sign her memory book online.

Memorial donations can be made to Allegan United Methodist Church or Allegan County Medical Community.

Thomas Carl Hoffman, 83, of Allegan, passed away Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017, at his home. Born Sept. 9, 1934, in Parshall, N.D., he was the son of the late William Christian Hoffman and Mary Culligan Hoffman. 

Mr. Hoffman married Shirley Clawson on Aug. 10, 1963, and together they enjoyed many years of traveling and seeing the world. He was retired from the United States Air Force and had attained the rank of Master Sergeant. 

Mr. Hoffman was instrumental in the development of softball leagues and ball parks both in Allegan and in Colorado and had spent countless hours as a coach, referee and advocate of youth sports.  He also was active with the local Boy Scout Troop. 

Over the last many years, Mr. Hoffman had become very dedicated to the Lions Club.  He was the Allegan Lions Secretary for nearly 25 years and had served as the District Governor in 1990-1991. 

In his spare time he enjoyed bowling, playing golf and cards and was an avid collector.

In addition to his wife of 54 years, Mr. Hoffman is survived by his children, Kurt Patrick Hoffman, Carla Ann Schram (Jeff) and Shareen Lynn Patterson (Victor); a sister Dorothy Funk (Richard); nine grandchildren, Gary Patrick (Elizabeth), Joshua Patrick, Shaun Hughes, Thomas J. Hoffman, Jason Schram, Ryan Schram (Sarah), Sara Fargus (Dustin), Hannah Patterson and Samuel Patterson; four great-grandchildren, Jon, Zara, Isabella and Jacob; and many  nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends. 

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter Sheila K. Williams and his siblings, Vernon Hoffman, Gladys DeLavern, Rosemary Murray and Margaret Miller.

The family will receive friends on Friday, Sept. 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel. A funeral service will be Saturday, Sept. 16, at the funeral home at 11 a.m. Burial with Military Honors will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery on Monday, Sept. 18, at 2 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the Allegan Lions Club, the Michigan Lions Foundation, Dollars for Scholars or a charity closest to your heart.  Arrangements are being provided by Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, www.gordenfuneral.com.

Ronald Carl Schroeder, of Allegan passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017, at the age of 83.

Ron was born to parents Leonard Carl and Pauline (Whitney) Schroeder on Sept. 11, 1934, in Lakewood, Ohio. He grew up as the second of six children and attended Kalamazoo College, where he graduated with a chemical engineering degree.

Ron is survived by his wife Erma Mitchell; his daughters, Stacy Bush, Lisa Billingsley (Jeff), Erin Rehberger (Dale), Lorraine Dangerfield (Michael) and Arlene Mitchell; his sons, Leo Mitchell Jr. and Michael Mitchell Sr.; 14 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and two closefriends, Richard and Alice Hill.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Pauline; and two sons, Anthony Mitchell and Terry Mitchell.

Ron’s career took several paths but, by far, the most enjoyable were the years spent at South Shore Marine Towing, a company he and Rich founded in 1997 with two tugs after meeting when their boats’ proximity drew them together.

From running the Benton Harbor boat access for the DNR to a ferry from Sheboygan to Bois Blanc Island in Lake Huron, he and Rich forged a deep love of boating. They expanded the business to delivering boats to and from the Great Lakes and the Gulf of Mexico to their great enjoyment.

In 2005, they contracted with the Nebbish Island Ferry on the St. Mary’s River

running between Barbeau, Mich. and Nebbish Island for three very cold winters, spending what Ron considered some of the happiest days of his life. Ron retired in 2008.

In their more than 40 years together, Ron and Erma spent many happy years traveling by boat or motorcoach. They particularly enjoyed the casinos where they wintered in Biloxi, Miss.

Ron leaves behind a legacy of acceptance for all. Although a man of few words, one could see through his expression that he was content in life.

Per his wishes, a cremation has taken place and there will be a family graveside service at a later date.

The family is grateful for all condolences; donations can be made to Wings Home of Allegan if desired.

Louise Ann Krogel, 83, of Holland passed away Friday, Sept. 15, 2017, at Holland Hospital. Born Dec. 24, 1933, in Chicago, Ill., she was the daughter of Stephan and Estelle “Sally” (Janicki) Sliwoski. 

Louise moved to a farm in Pullman when she was 14 years old, she had lifetime memories of people and places in the area that always brought a smile to her face. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; sons, Larry and Tim; grandson Zachary; and brother Tom.

Louise is survived by her children Stephen Krogel of Mears and Mary and Van Hass of Woodland Park, Colo.; granddaughter Mackenzie; brothers, Robert Sliwoski and husband Timothy Brennan of Fennville and William Sliwoski of South Dakota; sister-in-law Janet Buss of Lake Orion; and aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins. 

At her request, cremation has taken place and no services are planned.  An online registry book is available at www.chappellfuneralhome.com.

David George Christman, 68, of Allegan went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017.  He was surrounded by his wife and loving family at home.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vern and Betty Christman; his sister Betsy Parcher; his sister Dawn Town; his stepson Matt Thomson; and his grandson Josh Thomson.

David is survived by his wife (woman) Dianne Christman of 25 years; five children, Cathy Christman (Jack Jameson), Susan (Douglas) Bradshaw, David Christman, Jennifer Ballinger, and Tim (Heather) Christman; five stepchildren, Bob (Cheryl) Thomson, Kim (Richard) Christman, Petra (Peter) Lahr, Tim Thomson and Dan Thomson; 21 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; his brothers, Butch (Marge) Christman, Cecil Christman, Mick (Joann) Christman, Dan Christman and Randy Christman; and his sisters, Ruth (Howard) Town and Kay (Mark) Harvey.

David was born on Aug. 12, 1949, to Vern and Betty Christman. He worked as a carpenter for 35 good years. He was a loving man who surrounded himself with family.  He could always get a smile and find something to make you laugh.

David’s hobbies were taking trips, garage sale shopping, working on tractors and spending time with the people he loved. He was a very loving husband, father and grandpa. If his grandkids came to visit he would be sure to have candy to share. His grandkids knew grandpa liked scratch-off tickets. His kids knew that he liked to visit the casino.

David was a witty, kind hearted man. He loved the Lord. He attended The Corner Bible Church.

A celebration of life is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 23, from 2 to 5 p.m. Pastor Chip Nightingale and Pastor Dave Reed will officiate at The Corner Bible Church, 4001 124th Ave., Allegan, with a luncheon to follow. Private burial will be at a later date at Lindsley Cemetery in Cheshire Township.

All are welcome to attend and celebrate the legacy of love David left here on Earth.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Dianne Christman to help with burial services. 

The family would like to thank Spectrum Health Hospice for the service and kindness provided.

Ethel Louise Miller, 91, of Allegan passed away Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017, at Briarwood Assisted Living in Allegan.

Ethel was born Dec. 10, 1925, in Allegan, the daughter of the late Otto and Mabel Wendt and had lived in the area for the majority of her life. 

Ethel enjoyed doing crafts and puzzles. She and her late husband owned the Pullman Tavern from 1961-1986. Ethel also enjoyed woodworking, traveling and spending time with her family. 

Surviving are her three sons, Steve, Marty (Janet) and Charlie; three grandchildren, Chris, Jason and Bill; and three great granddaughters, Lexi, Bridget and Bentlee. 

She was preceded in death by her husband Max and a daughter-in-law Judy. 

The family will meet friends on Monday, Sept. 25,  from 11 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1 p.m., with Pastor Bob Lynch officiating at the Bloomingdale Chapel, D. L. Miller Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Rowe Cemetery.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society. 

Arrangements were provided by the Bloomingdale Chapel, D. L. Miller Funeral Home, www.dlmillerfuneralhome.com.

Benjamin Hooker Watts, 55, died Sept. 19, 2017, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, Ill.

He was born on March 1, 1962, in Urbana, Ill., to Emily Stipes Watts and Robert Allan Watts. He married Judith Diane Argentieri on Oct.25, 1997, in Chicago, Ill.  They have a daughter, Olivia Argentieri Watts ,18, and a son Samuel Argentieri Watts, 16. 

Ben is survived by his wife and two children. He is also survived by his mother and brothers, Edward and Thomas, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father.

When Ben and his brothers were growing up, the family spent summers on Lake Michigan in the old family cottage near Saugatuck. Here Ben played Little League and American Legion baseball. He also raced Snipes competitively nationally and regionally, later becoming a sailing instructor at the Saugatuck Yacht Club.

Ben graduated from Champaign Central High School and Dartmouth College and played football for both CHS and Dartmouth. He later graduated from the University of Michigan School of Law, going on to practice law with Gardner Carton & Douglas, Chicago.  He returned to Champaign to join Stipes Publishing where he was a partner in the publishing business.

Ben was a devoted and phenomenal husband, father, son, uncle, cousin and friend, who spent most of his free time with his wife and children. He was always present at his children’s various sports, music and other activities. He coached his son’s Little League teams, including Peanut, Farm and Kuhn’s in the American League, with Kuhn’s advancing to the Little League Semi-Finals at Zahnd in 2014.   

He also coached several of his son’s and daughter’s YMCA and Champaign Park District basketball teams, leading his daughter’s 7-8th Grade YMCA team to the league championship in 2013. 

And something else about him: If he wasn’t with his family or friends, or at a sporting or social event or at Stipes, you could find him in their yard, pursuing his passion for gardening and being visited by the neighborhood cats and dogs.

Ben was very active in the Champaign-Urbana community, serving both on the Crisis Nursery Board of Directors and the Alzheimer’s Association of Champaign County Board of Directors. Ben was a season ticket holder and fan of Illinois sports, as well as an avid supporter of the University of Illinois DIA, the University of Illinois Library, and a member of the University of Illinois Foundation.  In addition, Ben supported his alma mater Dartmouth and his fraternity Beta Theta Pi, where he had served as president.        

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Crisis Nursery, Champaign, Ill., Courage Connection, Champaign, Ill. or Colorectal Cancer Research, NIH, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD  20892.

James Aaron Harrington, 26, passed away on Sept. 20, 2017. in Fort Wayne, Ind. James  “Jimmy” was born on April 7, 1991, in Plainwell. Jimmy was raised in Martin and Kalamazoo.  

Jimmy was dearly loved and will be missed by his father Thomas Kelsey of Martin; his mother Robyn Smith of Kalamazoo; and his “other mother” Aunt Alice Kelsey also of Martin. 

Those who knew Jimmy will remember his quick smile and his soft-spoken manner.  Jimmy loved animals, especially his dogs. Jimmy was always quick to lend a hand and assumed the role of caregiver for many people in his life. 

Jimmy is survived by his parents and his aunt. He is also survived by his daughter Alexandra Nicole Kelsey-Harrington; his sister Shantel Nicole Smith of Kalamazoo; his brother Alexander Allen James Smith of Kalamazoo; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. 

Jimmy was preceded in death by his grandparents, Robert and Beverly Kelsey and his grandparents, Brenda Burgen and Dan Campbell.

A celebration of life service will be at the Martin United Methodist Church, 969 E. Allegan St., Martin, on Saturday, Sept. 30, at 11 a.m.  A luncheon will be served immediately following the service.  Cremation has taken place as were Jimmy’s wishes. 

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to Martin United Methodist Church Youth Programming. 

Terry L. Wiggins, 73, of Alamo Township passed away Monday, Oct. 2, 2017, in Kalamazoo. He was born Aug. 23, 1944, in Kalamazoo, the son of Everett and Beulah (Pike) Wiggins.

He served his country in the United States Army during Vietnam. For many years he had worked at Wheeler-Blaney and then at Airflow until his retirement. In his spare time he enjoyed following sports especially the Detroit Lions and Tigers. He also liked doing crafts and making calendars.

On May 14, 1988, in Gobles, he married Karen Harvey who survives. Also surviving are his children, Melissa (Kevin) Heath of Portage, Danielle Wiggins of Kalamazoo, Denise (Larry) Rutherford of Plainwell and Troy Wiggins of Kalamazoo; eight grandchildren, Kourtnee, Mikayla, Jordon, Hunter, Jason, Beretta, Slater, Emma and another due soon; and his siblings, Bill, Mike, Marion, Frances and Phyllis.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Buddy, Wayne, Everett and Martha; and by his first wife Jean.

Friends may visit with Terry’s family from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.  to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 4, at Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego, where a funeral service will beat 2 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 5, with Celebrant Bill Rose officiating. Military Honors will be by VFW Post #3030. Cremation will follow.

Contributions in memory of Terry may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.

Charlotte Ann Snyder, 86, of Watson Township passed away Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, at Bronson Methodist Hospital. Born July 29, 1931, in Chicago, Ill., she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Margaret (Sharp) Gavrun. 

On June 26, 1948, she married William R. Snyder and together they raised seven children. He preceded Mrs. Snyder in death on June 6, 2003. 

She was a longtime member of Watson Bible Church and was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

She is survived by six children, William (Jan) Snyder, Dave (Cheryl) Snyder, Margaret (Edward) Mottor, John (Connie) Snyder, Martha Miller and Tim (Lisa) Snyder; two brothers, Andy (Gloria) Gavrun and John (Mary) Gavrun; 30 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members. 

She was preceded in death by her son, George Snyder; her brother, John Gavrun; and four grandchildren.

The family will receive friends on Friday, Oct. 6, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, with a funeral service beginning at 1 p.m. Pastor Ray Brown will officiate. Burial will follow in Miner Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made in Charlotte’s name to Watson Bible Church, 1626 116th Ave., Otsego, MI 49078 or At the Master’s Feet, P.O. Box 73, Otsego, MI 49078. 

Arrangements are being provided by Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, www.gordenfuneral.com.