Benjamin F. Bieler, 87, of Lenexa, Kan., died Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018, at Westchester Village. Funeral services were Feb. 28, at Porter Funeral Home, 8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, Kan. Burial was in the National Cemetery, Leavenworth, Kan.

Ben was born April 7, 1930, in Saugatuck. He had worked for Mobil Oil for 29 years in Denver, Peoria, Ill., and Omaha before moving to Lenexa and retiring as a chemist in 1993.

Ben is survived by his wife of 60 years Jane Bieler; two children, Michael S. Bieler and Amy Bieler Mealy; grandson and his wife, Kyle and Hollie Mealy; and a great-granddaughter, Violet.

Arrangements were provided by Porter Funeral Home, Kansas City, www.porterfuneralhome.com.

Marian L. Hofacker-Stoughton, 83, of Otsego passed away Saturday, March 10, 2018, at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo. She was born Feb. 28, 1935, in Kalamazoo the daughter of Everett and Beulah (Pike) Wiggins.

Marian finished high school in 1977 and graduated with her mother, daughter and cousin Harry. She had worked at Angle Steel, McPherson Cleaners, Big Top in the flower department and had owned and operated M&M Ceramics.

Marian was a skilled seamstress and quilter and enjoyed working with her hands. She also enjoyed gardening and fishing. Most of all she loved walking in the rain and always encouraged her children and grandchildren to jump in the mud puddles.

She was a volunteer with Wings of Hope Hospice for 25 years and was a member of the Island City Quilt Guild and Chula Vista Garden Club.

On June 18, 1952, she married Merle Hofacker who passed away in 2006.

In December 2009, she married Morris Stoughton who survives. Also surviving are her children, Lee Roy Hofacker of Kalamazoo, Weston (Valley) Hofacker of Tennessee, Mark Hofacker of Pullman, Cindy Hofacker of Plainwell and Frank (Bobbi) Hofacker of Cooper Township; nine grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and her siblings, Bill Wiggins, Frances Steinbach, Phyllis Jones and Mike Wiggins.

She was preceded in death by her first husband; son Warren Hofacker; daughter-in-law Vicki Lee; and her siblings, Wayne, Buddy, Everett and Terry Wiggins and Martha Redson.

Friends may visit with Marian’s family Wednesday, March 14, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., at Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego, where a funeral service will be on Thursday, March 15, at 2 p.m., with celebrant Bill Rose officiating. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery, Plainwell.

Contributions in memory of Marian may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice. Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.

George D. Kapoun, 96, of Pullman went to be with his Lord and Savior on March  13,  2018. 

George grew up in Chicago and proudly served in the Seabees Pacific theater during World War II. Due to his skill at baseball, he was chosen to join the Seabees baseball team and one of his proudest moments was defeating the Marines 5-1 during a pivotal game in Trinidad.

One day in 1946, George met a cute brunette named Jane Novotny in the record department of the local dime store.  They married in 1948 and three children soon followed. 

George worked for 34 years as a plumbing estimator for O’Callaghan Brothers in Chicago.  He was the Building Commissioner in Hickory Hills, Ill., for more than 20 years. 

Retiring at age 62, George fulfilled his dream of living with Jane on Lower Scott Lake in Pullman. They were married for 51 years. With Jane’s passing in 2000, he met the second and last love of his life, Gerry Walter who shared his love of Lower Scott Lake sunsets for 15 years.

George is survived by his three children, Claudia (Tim) Yetzke of Grand Junction, Karen (Joe) Cericola of Villa Park, Ill., and Dan (Judy) Kapoun of Alexandria, Ind.; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one sister, June Bonaguidi; and his partner of 15 years, Gerry Walter.   

One grandson (Bill Kapoun) preceded him in death.  

The family was assisted by Chappell Funeral Home and appreciates donations to the Ely Manor Activities Department, 1200 Ely Street, Allegan, MI.

Linda Ann Harmsen, 65, of Hopkins was taken from this world all too soon on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. 

Linda was born on June 17, 1952, in Chicago, Ill., the daughter of Gloria (Hitt) Brandstatt and the late William Brandstatt.

Her working years were spent as a United States Postal Service rural route carrier for 22 years and seven years working for the Hopkins Public Schools helping to prepare food for the kids and also driving a school bus. Linda loved being around children and adults and always did her best to make the most of whatever job she was doing. 

Enjoying life and all that it had to offer was a favorite pastime of Linda’s. Fishing, golfing and traveling, were high on her list of fun activities, but when holidays and birthdays came around, watch out, these were the ultimate of festivities. It was like a cherished family reunion and time with her family spelled out a perfect day to her. 

She felt blessed to have married her true love Ricky, and together raise a beautiful family. Her presence in their lives will be truly missed, but the memories that she left behind will continue to bring many smiles to their faces.

Linda is survived by her husband of 37 years Ricky; her children, Ford (Shelly) Ablett Jr. and Tracy (Jeff) McMartin; her mother Gloria Brandstatt; six grandchildren, Cody Ablett, Dillan Ablett, Ashley Ablett, Hannah McMartin, Rachel McMartin and Sarah McMartin; two great-grandchildren, McKenna Ablett and Peyton Ablett; two siblings,  David (Pam) Brandstatt and Sharon (Jeff) Meyer; and her sister-in-law Laurie Brandstatt.

Along with her father, she is preceded in death by her brother William Robert Brandstatt, Jr.

Friends will meet with the family on Friday, March 16, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel, where the funeral service will be on Saturday, March 17 at 11 a.m. Comer Skinner will officiate. Internment will be at Maplewood Cemetery, Hopkins Township.

Memorial donations in Linda’s name may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice, 530 Linn St., Allegan, MI 49010.

Betsy Ann Boyette, 87, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2018, at Holland Hospital.

She was born July 21, 1930, in the farm country outside Kenly, N.C., to James and Ella Boyette, the last of seven children. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and all of her siblings and their spouses, Marie Mitchell (Howard), James Boyette (Glady), Norma Lee Radford (Oscar), Kyle Boyette (Ida), Rudolph Boyette (LaVerne) and Dorothea Craddock (V.T.); and several nephews. 

She is survived by her beloved spouse Dianne Wendt; cherished niece Rose Rhodes; special nephew Rick (Sandra) Mileski; and adopted niece Kathy (Bobby) Clayton. 

At Dianne’s side and helping Betsy to make her transition was their wonderful niece Lori Ann Pauly and her husband Bernard. Betsy also leaves behind many other  extended family members and her treasured cats, Della and Louie.

Last, but far from least, she leaves behind a large family of friends too numerous to mention, who supported her and Dianne throughout the trying times of the last few years, and who shared many, many joyful, happy times with them.  You know who you are and you enriched her life tremendously.

Betsy was a free spirit. After attending high school, she joined the Air Force with her cousin, and spent more than three years during the Korean War as a ground to air radio operator in Langley, Va. She then moved to Chicago and attended DeVry Technical Institute as the first female graduate. 

She held several jobs over the years but found her passion when she started her own business as an interior decorator in 1985. It was successful, and she loved every minute.  She retired at age 72, when she and Dianne moved to Saugatuck Township in 2002.

Betsy and Dianne celebrated more than 43 years of commitment to each other, culminating in their marriage in 2015. They spent many years traveling, establishing their homes, building their business, and generally enjoying their families, their friends, and one another. 

It was a good life, curtailed only by her failing health within the last couple of years. Even then, her spirit was indomitable.

There will be a Celebration of Life in late May or early June. Details will be announced in the newspaper. 

Memorial contributions, if desired, can be made to Unity Church on the Lakeshore or to Wishbone Animal Rescue, both of Douglas.

Special thanks to all of the staff of Holland Hospital who gave such excellent care to Betsy.

Arrangements are being provided by Dykstra Funeral Home-Saugatuck Chapel.

Geneva Sova is forever reunited with her husband, Donald Sova.  Geneva, 80, of Fennville, passed away on the morning of March 19, 2018, with her loving family by her side. 

Geneva was the daughter of the late Harold and Nellie (Lacy) Knight. In her free time Geneva loved to get lost in a good book, bake, and to spend time with her family. 

Geneva is survived by her daughters, Marlene Sova and Chris (Rick) McKellips; brother Vernon Knight; and grandchildren, Zack (Cecilia) McKellips and Michelle McKellips.

Along with her parents and husband, Geneva is preceded in death by her son Douglas Sova and sister in law Jackie Knight.

A Celebration of Life will be Thursday, March 22, from 12 to 2 p.m., with the service beginning at 2 p.m. at Chappell Funeral Home, 637 W. Main St, Fennville, MI 49408. 

Officiating the service will be Pastor Marcia Tucker. Interment will be at the Fennville Cemetery. 

Chappell Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. An online registry can be found at www.chappellfuneralhome.com.

David Dean Boyce, 82, of Allegan died March 21, 2018, at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. He was born April 7, 1935, in Douglas; was the adopted son of Russell and May (Glaze) Boyce, and was baptized as a Methodist.

He was a graduate of Allegan High School and Michigan State University, and he held a C.P.C.U professional designation in property and casualty insurance.

He served in the United States Marines during the Korean era, attaining the rank of Sergeant.

Dean married Marilyn Ann Colvin on June 22, 1957.

He was a Life Member of V.F.W. Post 5315, a member of American Legion Post 89, Allegan County Historical Society and F.O.E. 2315.

Surviving are his wife of more than 60 years, Marilyn (Colvin), daughter Jennifer Boyce of Mt. Pleasant and son Eric (Mary) Boyce of North Muskegon.

Dolores I. Buffenbarger, 86, of Plainwell, passed away surrounded by her family, Thursday, March 22, 2018, at Friendship Village in Kalamazoo. She was born Dec. 28, 1931, in Plainwell the daughter of Wendell and Irene (Kelso) Stephenson.

For more than 30 years Dolores was the secretary to the superintendent of Plainwell Community Schools until her retirement in 1996.

In her spare time, she enjoyed doing crosswords puzzles, reading historic novels, following sports, watching old movies, visiting with her friends, working with the election committees and area blood drives and making her famous potato soup for the Christian Neighbors soup suppers.

Dolores was an active member of the United Methodist Church of Plainwell.

On Sept. 8, 1951, in Plainwell, she married Phillip Buffenbarger who passed away in 2005.

Surviving are her children, Sue Needham-Wood (Terry Wood) of Kalamazoo, Stephen (Terri) Buffenbarger of Plainwell and Martin (Carolyn) Buffenbarger of Texas; seven grandchildren, Matthew Needham, Erica Needham-Rausch, Megan (Nick) Salazar, Molly (Nathan Root) Buffenbarger, Bryce (Elyse) Buffenbarger, Kelsey (Drew) Zahn-Melton and Forrest Buffenbarger; and five great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son-in-law Stan Needham; brother Robert Stephenson; along with many aunts and cousins.

According to her wishes, cremation has taken place.

A celebration of Dolores’ life will be Sunday, April 15, from 2 to 5 p.m., at the United Methodist Church of Plainwell in the Fellowship Hall.

Contributions in memory of Dolores may be made to Christian Neighbors. Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.

Todd Spencer Lull, 55, of Plainwell and formerly of Hopkins passed away Saturday, March 24, 2018 at his home.

Born May 29, 1962, in Grand Rapids, he was the son of Marrion Joyce (Curtis) Lull and the late Trayton Spencer Lull. He was the husband of Kathleen Marie (Lovley) Lull.

Todd loved spending time outdoors camping and fishing. He also enjoyed hanging out with his kids and adopted kids.  

Todd worked filling vending machines all over the state at rest areas, state office build-ing and others. He was devoted to his work, often described as a workaholic. Todd would always go right back to work even after receiving his chemo treatments.

In addition to his wife and his mother, he is survived by his children, Joyce Horton and husband Jaron, and Trenton Lull; sister-in-law Elaine Lull; his brother-in-law, Mike Lovley and wife Deb; his grandpuppy Sweetie Pie and grandkitty Oreo; and too many friends to mention by name who were considered family. 

Todd was recently preceded in death by his father Trayton and his brother Hal Alan Lull.

The family will receive friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel, on Wednesday, March 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. A memorial service will be Thursday, March 29, at 11 a.m. at Hopkins United Methodist Church with Pastor Joel Fitzgerald officiat-ing. 

Memorial donations may be made to Metro Hospital/Cancer Center, 5950 Metro Way, Wyoming, MI 49519. Donations by check should state “In Memory of Todd Lull” in the memo line. 

Assisting the family with arrangements is Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel, www.gordenfuneral.com.

John N. Connor Jr., 64, passed away on March 20, 2018, in his sister’s home in Douglas after a heroic battle with illness. 

He was born Sept. 18, 1953, in Munster, Ind., to Barbara S. and John N. Connor, Sr., who preceded him in death.

John is survived by his children, Trip Connor Blair (Leigh) and Susan Jordan (Joe) of Belmont, N.C., and Colleen Kifer of Winter Garden, Fla.; and his three sisters, Catherine C. McNary (David) of Staatsburg, N.Y.; Barbara C. Corcoran of Douglas, and Kerry C. Connor of Munster, Ind. John was very proud of his eight nieces and nephews, Seth McNary (Vanessa), Colin McNary (Judy), Ian McNary (Nora Rose), Meghann Corcoran Owen, Caitlin McNary, Emilie Connor Riggs, Daniel Riggs, and Anna Riggs. He was blessed with seven great-nieces and nephews, Grace Owen, Molly Owen, Cole Owen, Aidan McNary, Hazel McNary, Leo McNary and the newest addition Jack Rose McNary. He is also survived by numerous cousins and friends.

John graduated from Winchendon School in Massachusetts. While at Winchendon he was on the wrestling team and played lacrosse. He attended Indiana University, Hope College and Belmont Abbey. John spent many years traveling to destinations including Belize, Mexico, Cuba, Costa Rica, Nigeria and Honduras. He loved sharing his adventures with friends and family.

John was an avid reader of mysteries and thrillers, and he always looked forward to passing on his books at the Douglas Super Value. John will be missed sitting on the bench, waiting for the Interurban.

John lived with his sister Barb, who lovingly assisted with his care. He had been ill for some time and recently went into hospice care.

There will be a Celebration of Life on April 28, at 2 p.m. at Unity Church on The Lakeshore, 41 S. Washington St., Douglas.

Memorial contributions can be made in John Connor’s name to Unity Church on The Lakeshore Educational Fund, which his mother Barbara S. Connor began many years ago to educate Unity followers.

Special thanks to all the staff of Holland Hospice who helped make John’s last weeks peaceful. Hospice offered wonderful assistance and compassion to him.

It is with regret that the Fisher family must make the following announcement: Randy Scott Fisher, 60, of Fennville died on Saturday, March 24, 2018, at Holland Hospital due to a sudden heart attack.

The son of Elmer and Eula (Sutterfield) Fisher, Randy was born at the Kirby House on Feb. 27, 1958, in Saugatuck. He grew up with his four brothers, Elbert, Tony, Jerry, and Billy, and attended Saugatuck High School. He spent his youth like most rowdy boys do by riding bicycles with his friends, searching in the Allegan woods for Melon-Heads, booze cruising down Lakeshore Drive, and closing down the Sand Bar on Saturday nights.

His wild days slowed when he met his future wife, Sherry Schobert of Chicago, Ill., at the one place where they were “the only two people without white hair”—the Douglas Nursing Home. After their marriage in La Porte, Ind., Randy chose to settle where his roots were deepest: southwest Michigan.

Randy loved the simple things in life: the big lake, hunting, fishing, watching the changing of the fall leaves, a good cup of coffee with biscuits and gravy, M.A.S.H marathons, hunting for morel mushrooms in the woods, shopping at Home Depot and Cabela’s, playing cribbage, trips to the casino, a hug from his daughters, and a cold shot of Jägermeister.

Randy is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Sherry (Schobert) Fisher; his eldest daughter, Jennifer (Fisher) and husband Brent Rau, and his youngest daughter, Emily Fisher. He is also survived by his brother, Elbert Hinson and his wife Marge; Elbert’s son, Terry and his wife Marie; Terry’s children Zakk and Alycia; and Alycia’s sons Garrett and Rayden. Randy is additionally survived and loved by countless caring friends who turned into family.

The Fisher family cannot thank everyone enough for their kindness during this difficult time. He will be forever missed and forever in their hearts. They will always remember his legacy.

Honoring his wishes, cremation has taken place. Arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation and Funeral Care, Grand Rapids.

Edward Eugene Mottor Jr., 62, of Allegan went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, March 30, 2018.

Edward was born April 3, 1955, in Plainwell, the son of the late Edward and Ruby (McLaughlin) Mottor. He was known as a “Jack of All Trades” and could tackle any job that someone needed done. 

He worked as a machine builder for the Prince Corporation until his retirement in 2000, which gave Edward more time to spend outdoors doing the things he truly enjoyed–camping, hunting and fishing. He was also a member of At The Master’s Feet Discipleship Ministry.

Edward leaves behind his loving wife Margaret; one son Robert (Brandy) Mottor; five grandchildren, Jayden, Cherish, Desiray, Tiffany and Jordyne; one great-grandchild Weston; two sisters, Bev Burnett and Connie (Kevin) Grimm; three nieces, Joyce, Ruth and Christine; one nephew Jake; and one grand-nephew Brandon. 

In addition to his parents, Edward was preceded in death by his twins, Elizabeth Mottor and Eddie Mottor III.

Friends may meet with the family on Friday, April 6, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, where the memorial service will be held at 12 p.m., Pastor Ray Brown officiating. Inurnment will be at Miner Cemetery, Watson Township.

Memorial donations may be made in Edward’s name to At the Master’s Feet Discipleship Ministry to assist the family with expenses.

Dorothy Margaret Dutton, 58, of Allegan passed away Friday, March 16, 2018, from her battle with cancer. She was born Dec. 31, 1959, in Port Huron, the daughter of the late Lloyd and Margaret Dutton. 

Dorothy worked in the kitchen at Allegan General Hospital for more than 15 years, where she was a great asset to the organization. She was dedicated to her job and truly cared about providing the best service to the patients and employees at AGH. 

In her spare time, Dorothy enjoyed crocheting and loved to spend time with her family and friends.

Dorothy leaves behind her loving husband Raymond Jordan of Allegan; her sister Mary of Alaska; five brothers, Charles of Alaska, Raymond of Texas, Lloyd of Ohio, Lloyd of California; and George of Michigan; and many nieces and nephews.

Along with her parents, Dorothy was preceded in death by her son James Dutton.

Come and celebrate Dorothy’s life at a memorial visitation and service on Saturday, April 14, from 1 to 4 p.m., at Allegan Bible Church, 412 Sherman St., Allegan. 

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

Robert Lloyd La Fountain, 82, went to be with his Lord on Thursday, March 29, 2018, at Courtyard Healthcare in Goshen, Ind. 

Robert was born at home on June 23, 1935, in Shelbyville, to Lloyd and Ruby La Fountain. He married Linda La Duke on Sept. 17, 1966, and they had one beloved daughter Renee (Scott) Friesner who resides in Elkhart.

He is survived by three children, Robin Vanderlay, Kelly Walters, and Eric La Fountain, all of Michigan. His only sister Sharon (La Fountain) Stone resides in Michigan and was at his bedside when he passed. He also has numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren whom he was very proud of and that always brought him joy.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife Linda; his son Mark; two brothers, Jack and Donald; and his favorite companion Spud, a Jack Russell Terrier.

Robert spent his life performing manual labor and was a hard-working man. He took pride in his work and in helping others. He enjoyed working in his yard and landscaping. Robert often helped neighbors with their yardwork and he loved planting flowers.

He was also an avid fisherman. 

Robert was never happier than when he was on the water with his fishing pole.  He attempted to share this hobby with his daughter and granddaughter, but the worms got in the way. Usually he went fishing by himself or with his friends, Loomis, or Ken. 

Robert lived a hard life and he died a hard death, but his faith in God remained constant. He was a faithful husband, a dependable friend, a good provider, and a loving father and grandfather. Sometimes the hardest part of losing someone isn’t having to say goodbye but learning to live without them. Robert will be greatly missed my everyone that knew and loved him. 

Visitation will be Saturday, May 5, at 10 a.m. with a celebration of Robert’s life to follow at 11 a.m. Both will be at Fellowship of Hope Church. A reception will immediately follow the service.

If you wish to attend or send remembrances, the address is Fellowship of Hope, 1618 S. 6th St., Elkhart, IN 46516.

Robert generously donated his remains to IU Medical Research. Robert and Linda will be interned together later at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, an iconic, historic, and beautiful resting place. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Elkhart County Humane Society or Church Community Services of Elkhart.

Dennis Carl Millirons, 66, LFACHE, of The Hills, Texas, passed away with his family by his side on Monday, April 2. This sudden and unexpected passing has left all who knew him with an indescribable sense of loss and sadness. It is here where we will search for words to describe a life so well lived between July 4, 1951 and April 2, 2018.

Dennis was born to Carl and Lily Bell Millirons of Snyder, Okla., where he grew up on the family farm. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. He moved to San Antonio and earned a Master of Science Degree in Health Care Administration from Trinity University. It is here that he met his wonderful Phyllis, his wife of some 41 years. Their life was blessed with the birth of their lovely daughter, Kathryn. The three of them shared life’s adventure as they traveled the country during Dennis’s developing healthcare career.

Dennis developed a wealth of knowledge serving as a health system executive and chief executive officer. He has worked in academic medical centers, complex community hospitals and large teaching hospitals. Dennis led organizations in the Southwest, Midwest and Upper Midwest regions of the United States. He has served on many governing boards and maintained faculty appointments at the University of Oklahoma, RUSH University in Chicago and Trinity University in San Antonio.

Dennis has also served the American College of Healthcare Executives as a member of the Council of Regents in North Dakota. He served as president of the Trinity University Health Care Administration Alumni Association and was a recipient of the Dean Duce Award as outstanding alumnus.

Despite all these professional accomplishments, Dennis, the man, never changed one whit. He was humble, fun, adventuresome, and the most loyal of friends with a raucous laugh that one can still hear if you close your eyes and listen. 

He loved trying new ski trails, food trends and enjoyed all kinds of music and art. He loved the hunt for the perfect antique, could grill anything to perfection and was an absolute wild man on the dance floor.

No matter how busy, Dennis always…always, had time to listen when one needed it most. He was always positive, caring and left you in a better place than when you first spoke.

Dennis’s love for his family was apparent for all to see. He and Phyllis loved life to the fullest, always trying new things, laughing all the way. Their beautiful daughter, Kathryn, just expanded that world of love. Her marriage to Jerry Baston and their two darling girls, Charlotte and Emily, elevated Dennis to “Grandfather,” aka “Dada,” a role he took to, like a duck to water. Dennis’s world and heart were ever expanding and evolving.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Lily Bell Millirons and in-laws Dan and Rowena Calhoun of San Antonio, Texas. He is survived by his wife Phyllis; daughter Kathryn; son-in-law Jerry Baston; and granddaughters, Charlotte and Emily of Surrey, England. He is also survived by brother-in-law Ron Calhoun and his wife Mary; and nieces and their husbands, Laura and Doug Thomas and Jennifer and Steve Cornie.

Dennis Millirons was not done living and we were not ready to let him go. But it is not up to us. Because of the life he led, we know where he is. We can always find him. Just close your eyes and look into your heart…and there he will be…always.

The memorial services will be Monday, April 9, at 11 a.m. in the Chapel of Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 411 Ranch Road, 620 South, Lakeway, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or the charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements are being provided by Weed-Corley-Fish Lake Travis, where the online guest registry and obituary is at www.wcfish.com.

Louis F. LeBlanc, 89, of Allegan passed away Sunday, April 8, 2018. He was born Dec. 19, 1928, in Allegan, the son of the late Ralph A. and Pearl (Marty) LeBlanc. 

Mr. LeBlanc was a life-long resident of Allegan and graduated from Allegan High School, Class of 1947.

After graduation, Louis went on to work for a local sign shop, then proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Returning from the war, he went to work for a furniture company in Allegan for nine years, then for the Perrigo Company for 32 years, retiring in 1994. 

Louis always enjoyed drawing and painting pictures in oils, watercolors, ink, pencil and would also do other crafts, such as woodworking that he would display at the Allegan County Fair each year since 1962.

Louis is survived by his niece Deborah K. LeBlanc; nephew, Lynn R. LeBlanc (Marlene) and family, Jenny and Joe; cousin, Joe D. Mosier and family; cousin, Mary L. Mosier-Breymann and family; and best friend, Kitty Carruthers and family.

Along with his parents, Louis was preceded in death by his brother, Ralph J. and Coral (Limburner) LeBlanc.

Friends and family may gather at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, on Friday, April 13, from 10 to 11 a.m., where a memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Allegan. 

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

William Harvey “Bill” Kellogg, 88, of Allegan passed away Monday, April 9, 2018, at Wings Home in Allegan. Born Feb. 13, 1930, in Chicago, Ill., and raised in northern Indiana, he was the son of the late Robert M. and Evelyn P. (Waigand) Kellogg. 

Bill served his country proudly in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. After he lost his leg to a landmine on May 4, 1954, he returned home to Michigan. 

It was there that he met the love of his life and, after a whirlwind courtship, Mr. Kellogg married Elizabeth A. Gillaspie in 1955. Together they enjoyed nearly 54 years of marriage prior to her passing in 2009. 

He went to work for Apollo Metalworks in Chicago and then moved to Michigan to work for Winchester Steel and eventually retired from Rockwell International. 

Mr. Kellogg was a dedicated family man. His greatest joy in life was to be surrounded by those that he loved and always sought to take care of each of them to the best of his ability.

Mr. Kellogg is survived by his daughters, Rebecca “Becky” Kellogg, Mary (Cal) Kellogg-DeMaagd and Kathy (Jerry) Jones; grandchildren, Jared (Jessica) Kearns, Matthew (Aubree) Kellogg-DeMaagd, Miranda Jones and Savannah Jones (Troy Biesiada); great-grandchildren, Ella, Zachary, Eric (Molly), Kaelei, Caleb, Davian and Maci; sisters-in-law, Lois Gillaspie, Margaret Osman, Kathy (Alan) Brouard and Linda (Cyril) Page; and many nieces and nephews. 

In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by his granddaughter Serena Jones; and his siblings, Robert Leroy Kellogg, Thelma Heidel and Juanita Herpst.

The family will receive friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, on Wednesday, April 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be Thursday, April 12, at 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Rev. Cyril Page will officiate. Burial will follow in Hudson Corners Cemetery. 

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Wings Home, 330 Linn St., Allegan, MI 49010 so that they may continue to provide families with kind, compassionate care through their most difficult days.

William J. “Jim” Dennis, 84, of Otsego passed away Tuesday, April 10, 2018, at Alamo Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was born July 18, 1933, in Otsego, the son of Marshall and Helen (Coburn) Dennis.

Jim proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War and in the Army Reserves. For many years he had worked for General Motors until his retirement.

A lifelong resident of Otsego, Jim was active with the Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge, American Legion and the VFW Post 3030 Men’s Auxiliary. He was a past Exalted Ruler of the Elks Lodge and a past member of the Masonic Lodge. Jim was also active with the National Guard at Fort Custer.

In his free time, he enjoyed traveling and collecting stamps and coins. On June 27, 1953, in Plainwell, he married Winnifred Eddy who survives. Also surviving are his sons, Jim (Carol) Dennis of Cooper, Bill (Becky) Dennis of Plainwell and Kelly (Tina) Dennis of Otsego; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Charlene Brooks.

According to his wishes, cremation has taken place. Friends may visit with Jim’s family starting at 10 a.m., Monday, April 23, at Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego, until the time of the memorial service at 11 a.m. Pastor Darin Youngs will officiate.

Contributions in memory of Jim may be made to the Otsego Elks Lodge.

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

James A. Rhodes, 72, of Allegan passed away Friday, April 13, 2018, at his home. Jim was born Dec. 4, 1945, in Allegan the son of the late Jack and Olga Rhodes and had lived in the area his entire life.

Jim honorably served his country as a member of the United States Army where he served in Vietnam as a Military Police Officer from June of 1966-1967. He enjoyed working on race cars and raced in Kalamazoo for many years.

Jim worked until retirement at General Motors where he was a maintenance welder. He was an avid fisherman and a true family man.

Surviving are his wife of 50 years, Linda; daughter Ellie Foster of Kalamazoo; two grandchildren, Jordan and Remi Densmore; siblings, Carl (Bonnie) Rhodes of Allegan, Brian (Tracy) Rhodes of Pullman and Teresa (Gary) Bronson of Grand Rapids; many nieces, nephews, and friends; and especially his best friend Lynn Zimmer.

He was preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law Kyle Foster.

The family will meet with friends Tuesday, April 17, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Bloomingdale Chapel, D. L. Miller Funeral Home, www.dlmillerfuneralhome.com, where funeral services will be Wednesday, April 18, at 11 a.m. Interment with military honors will follow at Rowe Cemetery.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to either Al-Van Humane Society or St. Jude’s Children's Hospital.

Warren W. McKinstry, 83, of Otsego passed away Monday, April 16, 2018, at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo. He was born April 1, 1935, in Kalamazoo, the son of Clifford and Desdamona (Owen) McKinstry.

Warren proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. For many years he had worked in residential construction in Arizona and Arkansas and then returned to Michigan. He had also worked at Dorgan’s Hardware in Plainwell and the True Value Hardware Store in Kalamazoo.

In his spare time, he enjoyed golfing, bowling, traveling, bird watching and visiting with his many friends.

In July 1994, he married Audrey Gehring who survives. Also surviving are his daughter, Kathy (Wes) Teall of Kalamazoo; three grandchildren, Heather, Chris and Greg; three great-grandchildren, Jacob, Dylan and Royce; brothers, Cliff (Micky) McKinstry of Plainwell and Loren (Ann) McKinstry of Richland; step-children, Ed Bennett, Connie (Paul) Brewster and Darrell Bennett; step-grandchildren, Scott Bennett, Amber (John) Haynes, Tyler Papesh and Mark Brewster; and several step-great-grandchildren and step-great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter Gloria Ludeking.

Friends may visit with Warren’s family starting Friday, April 20, at 11 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1 p.m., at Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego. Celebrant Bill Rose will officiate. Cremation will follow.

Contributions in memory of Warren may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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