John Arthur Henricks, 89, of Sarasota, Fla., passed away on July 18, 2018. He was preceded in death by his parents, Adam Gordon Henricks and Floss Riddy Henricks, and his brother Charles.

John was born in Royal Oak on Aug. 16, 1928. He attended Olivet College, in Olivet, where he met his wife of 68 years, Margaret Beyer Henricks.

John joined the Air Force in 1952, and was part of the Strategic Air Command (SAC). In 1956, he was hired as a pilot by Trans World Airlines (TWA), where his career spanned more than 30 years. Captain Henricks flew many aircraft, completing his career piloting the Boeing 747, and the L1011, based out of JFK International in NYC.

John and Margaret raised their six children in Warsaw, Ind. and Sarasota, Fla., spending summers at the family cottage in Saugatuck. They moved to Sarasota in 1980, where John and Margaret resided for the past 38 years.

John loved reading, sailing, skiing, traveling, and doing many things together with his family. He possessed a dry sense of humor, was a true gentleman, and dearly loved his wife.

He is survived by his wife Margaret; his six children, Eric (Gail), Susan (Robert Hammond), John Russell, Rowena (Perkins), Heidi (Ed Horne) and Heather (Derek Burch); his grandchildren; and great grandchildren.

Graveside services, with full military honors, will be held on Aug. 10, at the National Cemetery, followed by a memorial service, in Sarasota, Fla.

Memorial contributions in John’s honor may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Condolences can be sent to Margaret Henricks, 8735 Midnight Pass Rd #107B, Sarasota, FL 34242.

Julia Anne Layton, 83, of Hopkins passed away Thursday, Aug. 2, 2018, at her home.  Born June 19, 1935, in Fennville, she was the daughter of the late Clarence and Mary Julia (Wells) Miller. 

On June 11, 1955, Julia married Ronald William Layton who survives. Mrs. Layton was a woman of faith who loved her God. She attended LifeChange Community Church for 20 years and had taught Sunday School. 

Mrs. Layton was a terrific homemaker and had been a substitute teacher for Hopkins Public Schools. She also enjoyed the many years she spent at the Allegan County Medical Care Community fixing hair for the residents there.

Mrs. Layton enjoyed reading in her spare time.  Religious, political and historical books were among her favorites. She also loved spending time gardening, taking care of her flowers and sewing, especially little suits for her boys when they were younger. 

Above all else, however, Mrs. Layton especially adored spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband of 63 years, she is survived by her sons, John and Jan Layton, Keith and Janet Layton and Bryan Layton; brother Roy Miller; sister-in-law, Dorothy Harrington and husband Cliff; 13 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. 

Along with her parents, Mrs. Layton was preceded in death by her sisters-in-law, Dot Miller, Donna Miller and Doris Brahlek.

The family will receive friends on Monday, Aug, 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel. A funeral service will be Tuesday, Aug. 7, at 11 a.m. at LifeChange Community Church with Pastor Stephen Jones officiating. Burial will follow in Maplewood Cemetery. 

Memorial donations may be made to LifeChange Community Church, P.O. Box 55, Burnips, MI 49314. 

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

Sandra Pursell Fiebiger, 82, died peacefully on Tuesday, July 31, 2018.

Sandra was born June 22, 1936, in Springfield, Mo., to Ralph and Phyllis Pursell. She married Ted Fiebiger on June 16, 1957, in Grinnell, Iowa. They moved frequently, living in Wisconsin, Ohio, Kansas and Iowa before coming to Plainwell in 1977.

Sandra spent over 40 years in Plainwell and came to call Michigan home. She worked for the Plainwell School system for 20 years and continued to volunteer there after her retirement.

She is survived by three children, Carol Settle (Tim) Conifer, Colo., Brad (Julie) and Anne Wallace (Gary) both of Plainwell; six grandchildren, Brandon (Whitney) of Holt, Mitchell of Grant, Stephanie Taylor (Andrew) and Erik Settle of Lawrence, Kan., and Travis and Shelby Wallace of Plainwell; and two great-grandchildren, Brielle of Holt and Thatcher Wallace of Plainwell.

Sandra was a wonderful mother and grandmother. Her greatest joy was to be surrounded by her family. She loved singing, reading, traveling and playing cards. 

Sandra was active in Sweet Adelines for many years and had a wonderful circle of friends including the “Wilderness Wonder Women” who planned annual travel adventures. She also cherished the more recent big family trips to Telluride, Colo. and Hawaii.

She has been cremated and a memorial service will be at First United Methodist Church in Plainwell on Saturday, Aug. 11. Visitation begins at 10 a.m. and the service is scheduled for 11 a.m., followed by a light lunch and burial at Hillside Cemetery in Plainwell.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be given to the Plainwell Community Schools, Sandra Fiebiger scholarship to help a deserving graduate next spring. Online donations may be made at https://plainwell.revtrak.net or checks may be sent to Plainwell Community Schools, 600 School Drive, Plainwell, MI 49080, indicating Sandra Fiebiger scholarship in the memo field.

Cleon Merton Duryea, 92, of Hopkins passed away Sunday, Aug. 5, 2018, at Ely Manor Nursing Home in Allegan.

Born Dec. 2, 1925, in Monterey Township, he was the son of the late Charles and Vera (Ruehle) Duryea and was the husband of the late Marilyn Ruth (Rankins) Duryea who preceded him in death in 2015. 

Mr. Duryea is survived by his children, Charlene Landrum, Dennis and Cindy Duryea and Jodi Morris; eight grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. 

Along with his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by eight siblings; and his sons-in-law, Richard Landrum and Dennis Morris. 

Friends may meet with the family on Tuesday, August 7, 2018, from 5-7 p.m. at Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel, where funeral services will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. Comer Skinner will officiate. Interment will be in Poplar Hill Cemetery, Monterey Township.  

In memory of Rose “Rosie” Hammer, 91, of Allegan, who passed away Tuesday Aug. 6, 2018, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo surrounded by her loving family.

Rose was born in Wayland on June 16 1927. She was the sixth of eight children born to Lewis and Sophie Ambrose.

Rose was a devoted wife to her late husband Wendall Hammer and a loving mother to her two sons, William “Bill” (Sabrina) Hammer Sr. and Robert “Butch” Hammer. She had four grandchildren, Bill Hammer Jr., Jim (Meredith) Hammer, Seacrette (Travis) Anderson, Ed (Amanda) Hammer and five great-grandchildren, Ellie Hammer, Morgan Anderson, Maggie Hammer, Kylie Hammer and Evelyn Hammer. Rosie has many loving nieces and nephews; as well as her surviving brother Steve Ambrose; and sisters-in-law, Donna Youtzy and Betty Truex. Her loving friends are many.

Those who knew her best knew she loved country music, dancing the polka, and cooking Sunday dinners for family and friends, Ohh the ham and rolls! She loved seeing and spoiling her grandkids “GG’s Kids.” She was an avid sports fan and you could always count on her to give you an update on the Tigers, Lions or even the Cowboys.

Rose worked more than 40 years at Allegan Tubular Products in Allegan. Everyone knew Rosie Hammer. She truly had a heart of gold, and a laugh that filled the room and made us smile. Her interests were traveling, shopping, baking, decorating the home for Christmas, playing poker and cards, and winning at the casino.

She was and is a pillar of strength to us all. The family would like to invite you to a celebration of her life at her home in Allegan, 204 Hudson St., on Aug.12, from 2 to 5 p.m.

Lucile W. “Jerry” Nyberg, 100, of Allegan passed away Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018, at the Allegan County Medical Care Community. She was born Sept. 28, 1917, in Allegan the daughter of Martin and Pearl (Durand) Akom.

Jerry was a 1935 Allegan High School graduate and lifelong resident of the area. She attended Mahar’s Business College and as a young woman had worked as a secretary for the County Road Commission.

On April 7, 1940, at her parent’s home in Allegan, she married her high school sweetheart, Lawrence Nyberg. They were married for more than 50 years and together they operated Nyberg Funeral Home in Allegan from 1940 to 1980.

Jerry was a member of the First Baptist Church in Allegan and the Lady Lions. She enjoyed snowmobiling and waterskiing at Miner Lake, playing bingo, eating candy and spending the winters in Florida.

She was happiest when surrounded by her family and helping others.

Surviving are her daughters, Sandra (Douglas) Grabe of Kalamazoo and Sally (Michael) McCall of Hastings; five grandchildren, Kimberly (Paul) Chaffin, Kelli (Michael) Smith, Kristen (Jeff) Chaffin, Chris Grabe and Melissa (Ed) Mohlman; and 11 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Lawrence in 1991; brother Wilbur Akom; and sister Thelma Stratton. A graveside service will be Saturday, Aug. 18, at 11 a.m., at Hudson Corners Cemetery with Pastor Nathan Smith officiating. Contributions in memory of Jerry may be made to the First Baptist Church in Allegan.

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

Lydia Laurette Hicks, 83, of Allegan, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2018, at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo. 

Born Dec. 24, 1934, in Brunswick, Maine, she was the daughter of the late Edgar and Florence (Deforge) Bergeron. Lydia was a graduate of St. John School and a member of St. John The Baptist Church in Brunswick. 

She loved jigsaw puzzles, playing bingo and coloring.

Lydia is survived by her daughters, Susan Hicks Christman and husband Nick, Gail Hicks Williams and Jacqueline Hicks; grandchildren, Andrea Williams, Holly Williams, Kevin Olson and wife Julia, Chase Christman and wife Julie and Wes Christman and wife Courtney; two great-grandchildren, Lydia and Natasha Olson; her brother Edgar Bergeron Jr.; and sisters, Priscilla Dumont, Suzanne Snavely and husband Ronald and Simonne DeHann and husband Ralph. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Louis Bergeron, Roland Bergeron and Ernest Bergeron; and her sisters, Lorraine DeHann and Lucille Coffill.

At Lydia’s request, no funeral service will take place. A private graveside service will be held at a future date. 

Assisting the family is Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, www.gordenfuneral.com.

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Marcia Irene (Lounsberry) Wedge, 72, went to be with our Lord and Savior peacefully on Aug. 9, 2018, at the Allegan Medical Care Community. 

Marcia was born on March 14, 1946.  She was the daughter of Claude and Vashti Lounsberry.

Marcia graduated from Bloomingdale High School in 1964. She worked at the Bloomingdale Drugstore as a teenager. After graduation, she worked at Freedlens Factory in Allegan and eventually became a homemaker and Autobody Technician for the family business.

She enjoyed cooking, baking pies, canning, gardening, and watching Nascar Racing. She also had a love for yard sales, thrift stores, and Goodwill.

Marcia started Hemo Dialysis July 22, 1996.  She made it known to all she was going to beat the odds.  Marcia fought that battle, with her amazing strength, positivity and smile for 22 years. She was the longest living Hemo Dialysis patient in Michigan. She was a miracle.

She loved any opportunity to have a get-together with her family. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest joy. Marcia had a heart of gold and was loved by all who knew her. She opened her heart and home to anyone who needed it. She was a second mom to several of her children’s friends and would always be there for anyone in need. She will be greatly missed.

Marcia is survived by her daughter Jackie L. Fulton (Marvin); her son Michael J. Wedge; adopted son Gary Comstock; daughter-in-law Tracy McGlwee; sister Georgia Phillips (Tom); brother Art Lounsberry (Terry); father-in-law Pudge Wedge and sister-in-law Marla Wedge; grandchildren, Dylan, Hollee, Megan, Maya and Blayne; great-grandaughter Savannah; special nieces Shawna and Carissa; and many extra grandchildren who called her grammy. 

She was preceded in death by both of her parents and brother James.

A private graveside service will be held. On Aug. 18, at 1 p.m., a Celebration of Life for Marcia will be at the Hartman Conference Center at 690 N. Eastern Ave. Allegan, MI 49010. Family and Friends are welcome.

Alexander R. Priemer, 35, of Saugatuck died Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, from complications of a longtime illness.

Born in Park Ridge, Ill., Alex graduated from Elk Grove High School in 2005. Following high school, he received his bachelor degree in biology from Northeastern Illinois University.

Alex had been a resident of Saugatuck for the past eight years, where he pursued his passions of animals, nature, and, above all, for art.

He is survived by his parents, Roland and Elizabeth Priemer of Des Plaines, Ill.; brothers, David and Daniel, both of Des Plaines; half sister Cecily Bryant of Dallas, Texas; grandmother Krystyna Kasprow, also of Des Plaines; many loving friends; and his dog Lily.

A memorial visitation will be Thursday, Aug. 16, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Saugatuck Chapel, Dykstra Funeral Homes, 520 Lake St., Saugatuck, with wake prayers at 7:30 p.m.

Memorial donations in Alex’s name may be given to Wishbone Pet Rescue Alliance/Allegan County Animal Shelter, https://wishbonepetrescue.org/give/donate-online/

For more information, or to sign an online register book, please visit dykstrafuneralhome.com.

Robert Jay Banks, 93, went to be with Jesus on Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2018, at home among family. He was born in Allegan on Sept. 15, 1924, to Floyd and Ethelyn Banks.

A dedicated husband and father, Robert loved his family. He married Joyce Dornan on May 7, 1946. They celebrated 72 years of marriage in May of 2018.

Together Robert and Joyce raised three children—daughters, Janis DeHaan of Allegan and Linda (Don) Helf of Pioneer, Ohio, and son Daniel (Nancy) of Hudsonville.

Robert was a World War II Army veteran, stationed at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Forces in Europe and served with great pride under General Dwight D. Eisenhower. After being honorably discharged, Robert retired from Rockwell International, and later worked as an apartment manager. He finished his career working part time at Ace Hardware of Allegan.

In life, Robert enjoyed time with his grandchildren, watching Detroit Tiger’s baseball, and completing challenging jigsaw puzzles. He was committed to honoring veterans, participating in the Allegan Memorial Day Parade until the year he passed.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; brother Harold’ granddaughter Denise Marie DeHaan; great-granddaughter Devon Brooke Ryba; and son-in-law Rod DeHaan.

He is survived by his grandchildren, Jason and Kristin Hileski, Dan and Brittany DeHaan, Florin Helf, Dan and Kendall Banks, and Jonathon Banks. He is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, on Thursday, Aug. 16, from 12 noon until 1 p.m. at which time a funeral service will begin.  Committal with military honors will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery on Monday, Aug. 20, at 12 noon.

Robert’s family asks that donations be made in his name to the Hands of Grace Food Pantry of Allegan. They thank you for your prayers and support.

Wayne Krueger, 86, formerly of Saugatuck, died Aug. 10, 2018, in Ocala, Fla.

He was born in Menominee on July 24, 1932, and graduated from Stephenson High School in 1950.

He served in the United States Navy as an aviation electrician for four years.

He graduated from Western Michigan University, Wayne State University and East Coast University where he received his Doctorate of Education.

He was a teacher in Lamphere Public Schools in Madison Heights, a Technical Coordinator at Macomb County Community College in Warren, a Dean of Occupational and Technical Instruction at Kirkland Community College in Roscommon, a Director of Physical Plant Planning at A.B. Dow Associates in Midland, and a Superintendent of Schools in Saugatuck.

He met and married Howardean De Long in 1959, and in 1997 they retired in Ocala, Fla.

He is survived by his wife Howardean of Ocala, Fla.; daughter, Laurie Krueger of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; daughter, Lisa Watton and her husband Ric and their children, Chase Watton and Payton Watton of Cummings, Ga.; and son, Kevin Krueger and his wife Sharrie and their children, Jenna Krueger and Nathan Krueger of Jefferson, Md.; brother, Ame Krueger and wife Dottie of Winter Haven, Fla.

He was preceded in death by his parents, father Paul Krueger and mother Edna Erickson Krueger; sister, Paula Avenger and husband Jack of Houston, Texas; and brothers, Hugh Krueger and wife Marjorie, and Kenn Krueger.

Donald A. Hitchcock, 88, of Allegan passed away Monday, Aug. 20, 2018, at the Allegan County Medical Care Community. 

Born Feb. 13, 1930, in Allegan, he was the son of the late Leo H. and Helen (Walker) Hitchcock.

He worked for Rockwell International for many years before moving to California and later North Carolina where he worked in maintenance. Don was an accomplished wood craftsman and created beautiful furniture in his spare time.

Surviving are his children, Diane and Pat Diskin of Byron Center, Victor Hitchcock of Allegan and Florence Hitchcock (daughter-in-law) of Allegan; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews, four brothers and one sister. 

He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years Carol Hitchcock; son Darrel Hitchcock; parents, Leo and Helen Hitchcock; three brothers, Gerald Hitchcock, Bob Hitchcock and Merle Hitchcock; and one sister Alice Dedrich.

In accordance with his wishes, no services have been scheduled. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Holland. 

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

Vivien Jean Gorman, 87, a longtime resident of Park Ridge and in recent years Glenview, passed peacefully Aug. 19, 2018, surrounded by loved ones appreciative of her nurturing and caring ways.

Vivien was born Feb. 6, 1931, in Chicago, to the late Wilbert Michael Jr. and the late Jean Cecile Walsh Foley. She was preceded in death by her partner of 64 years and love of her life William “Bill” Gorman.

She was loving mother, lifelong role model, and warmly embracing mother-in-law to Bonnie (Ron) Wilkins of Saugatuck; Julie Rice, Peggy (Ron) Bjelopetrovich, Kathryn Sullivan, and Amy (Larry) Thalmann.

Viv, grandmother of 16, was always proud of her growing brood and the burgeoning numbers as their loved ones enriched the family further, Kipp Wilkins (Laurie Schmidt), Ali Wilkins (Rich Bellenbaum) and Tess Wilkins; Beth Stave (fiancée Bryan Buckley), Brian (Mindi) Rice, Cecilia Rice, and Kevin Rice (fiancée Desiree Gonzalez); Becky (Mark) Thalmann, Krista (the late Joe) Schrage, Peter (Bri) Bjelopetrovich and Suzana Bjelopetrovich; Nicole Sullivan (John Olds) and William Sullivan, and Lawson, Carleigh and Jack Thalmann.

She was a great-grandmother to the next generation of 14, Maeve and Fiona Wilkins and Clyde Bellenbaum; Ewan and Logan Stave, Maddi, Ali and Lindsay Rice; Cooper and Grace Thalmann, Tripp and Mila Schrage, and Camdyn and Remy Bjeloptrovich.

Vivien was dear older sister of the late Bill (Ann) Foley, and sister-in-law among this generation of the Gorman family who’ve passed before her; John and Patricia, Tom and Pat, and Maryl and Art Luxem.

She is survived by a multitude of Foley and Gorman nieces and nephews.

Services have taken place. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Avenues to Independence, 51 Busse Highway, Park Ridge, IL 60068, avenuestoindependence.org.

Arrangements were by Donnellan Family Funeral Home, www.donnellanfuneral.com.

Shirley Hope Reeves, made her transition into the next life on August 14, 2018, a few weeks after suffering a stroke. Shirley was born on Feb. 8, 1922, to Minna and Charles in Providence, R.I. and enjoyed good health and joyful celebration much of her 96 years with us.

As the oldest of 11 siblings she embraced her leadership role in the Reeves family and continued throughout her life to share her beautiful energy, open and caring smile and loving attention to all she met. 

Early in her life, Shirley’s mother provided great learning opportunities. The family owned a resort in Old Orchard, Maine, where the whole family worked together. Shirley learned all aspects of the hospitality industry including bookkeeping, and the true ability to stretch a dollar.

Shirley graduated from Brown University and became a teacher for World War II Veterans who were returning home and studying to earn their high school diplomas. She loved to travel and viewed life on a grand scale–visiting Buckingham Palace, cruising on luxury ocean liners, and exploring various parts of Africa on animal safaris.

In the early 1980s, Shirley moved to Saugatuck, into a lovely home on the shore of Lake Michigan. She welcomed numerous friends and enjoyed playing cards, often into the early hours of the morning. 

During the last eight years of Shirley’s life she lived with her dear friend Dennis Konarski in Saugatuck, where they also attended Douglas United Church of Christ.  Shirley continued to enjoy an ever-expanding circle of loved ones in her new home where the doors were opened freely to gatherings of good friends, food, stories, games and laughter.

A memorial celebration will be Saturday, Sept. 8, at 11 a.m. at Douglas United Church of Christ with Pastor Sal Sapienza officiating.

Donations may be made in Shirley Hope Reeves’ name to The Animal Clinic of Holland, 1106 South Washington Ave., Holland, MI  49423. Cards may be sent c/o Dennis Konarski to P.O. Box 543, Douglas, MI 49406.

“A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow”–William Shakespeare

John Arthur Wagner, 70, of South Haven, passed away Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo after losing his battle with cancer. He was born Jan. 14, 1948, to Adolph and Elizabeth (Sawyer) Wagner in South Haven.

John graduated from South Haven High School with the Class of 1967. After the passing of his father Adolph in 1971, John “took over” Wagner’s Plumbing and Heating in South Haven, which was founded in 1963. John worked with his brother Michael serving the South Haven Community until his passing.

He married Lesley Lynn Stephens on Aug. 3, 1968, at the Methodist Church in Bangor. They shared 43 years of marriage before her passing 2011.

John is survived by his children, Todd (Holly) Wagner of Allegan and Kim (Frank) Aldana of South Haven; grandchildren, Maddison, Carter, Carson Wagner, and Talon and London Pirsein; step-grandchildren, Lissy, Tori, Lexy and Zia Aldana; siblings, Mike (Joyce) and Richard (Alyson) Wagner, both of South Haven; niece and nephew, Tiffany and Roger Wagner; and significant other and best friend Julie Wood. He also leaves behind many dear family members and close friends.

John was a Licensed Master Plumber. He was also licensed as an ASSE International Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester, Certified Training Institutes General Contractor, Mechanical Contractor and a Boiler Contractor.

He was a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose and had been a member of the Rotary Club and a past president of the South Haven and Bangor Men’s Bowling League/Men’s Industrial League. He also belonged to the Pipe Fitters Union.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, Aug. 28, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Filbrandt Family Funeral Home in South Haven. Memorial services will be on Wednesday, Aug. 29, at 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in South Haven with Pastor Ron VanLente officiating. John will be laid to rest at the Lakeview Cemetery in South Haven.

A benefit dinner will be Saturday, Sept. 22, at the South Haven Moose Lodge to help with John’s lost wages, business, and medical expenses.

The family is being helped by the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home in South Haven. Kindly share your thoughts and memories on the family’s online guestbook at www.FIlbrandtFFH.com.

If your heart is hurting today, it may be because she took a piece of it with her. Veronica Cimala, 98, of Delton passed away Aug. 23, 2018. Veronica was born Jan. 11, 1920, in Chicago, the daughter of immigrant parents Frank and Ann (Kaleczak) Kania.

Veronica would tell a lot of stories about Chicago. Growing up during the depression, she appreciated anything and everything she had. A huge vegetable garden supplied the family with lots of canned goods through the years. While in Chicago, Veronica drove ambulance for the Veterans Administration, was “Rosie the Riveter” at International Harvester, and worked for Brach’s Candy (think Lucy and Ethel) and Nabisco.

Veronica married “her honey” Victor on Oct. 12, 1946, in Chicago and they were together 57 years, raising four children. She spoke Polish fluently, loved to cook Polish food, and the smell of Capusta, Kielbasa, Gawhompkie, Pierogies, Kolatchkie always filled the house.

Veronica and Victor came to Delton in 1948, to help run the family business, the Delton Café. Veronica was also employed by Hastings Manufacturing for 23 years, retiring in 1986.

Veronica and Victor loved playing penny ante on Saturday nights with George and Betty, and Don and Millie. Occasionally you would see Veronica at the casino and she was lucky enough to visit her family in Poland twice. Besides working full time and running the household, Veronica managed to volunteer at Veterans Administration Foster Homes and participate in their Christmas parties. She was also a member of the Polish Women’s Alliance of Chicago, the UAW local 138, and the VFW Post 422 Women’s Auxiliary, Delton.

Veronica’s Catholic faith was very important to her and it kept her safe and guided her through life. Victor and Veronica were founding members of Saint Ambrose Catholic Church, Delton.

Veronica is survived by sons, Vincent Cimala of Holt and Virgil (Sue) Cimala of Stevensville; a daughter, Virginia (Bill) Juriga of Kalamazoo and June (Bob) Cribley of Eaton Rapids; her grandchildren who called her Busia, Vickie, Ricky, Joe, Cathy, Matt, Chris, David, Taylor, Jen, Jay, Katy, Jeff and Ricky; seven great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. These were her most precious possessions.

Veronica was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Victor in 2004; her daughter Vivian in 1977; and her brother Stanley in 2003.

Veronica’s family will receive friends Tuesday, Aug. 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Williams-Gores Funeral Home, Delton, where the Rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, Aug. 29, at 11 a.m. at Saint Ambrose Catholic Church, Delton, with Rev. Fr. Stanley Witek, celebrant. Burial will take place in East Hickory Corners Cemetery.

Memorial contributions to Saint Ambrose Catholic Church will be appreciated. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral.com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for Veronica’s family.

Thank you to Life Care Center of Plainwell for the care given to Grandma Busia.

Raymond Edward Burza Jr. passed away unexpectedly at the age of 62 on Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018. Ray was born in Paw Paw on Feb. 12, 1956, to Raymond and Shirley (Hoger) Burza, Sr.

Along with his parents, Ray is survived by his wife of 40 years, Cristy (Sprague) Burza; three sons, Matthew (Carrie) Burza, Christopher Burza and Ryan (Bobbi) Burza; grandson Logan; siblings, Julie (Chet) Boothby, Chuck Burza and Cheryl (Rick) Kroeg; and many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

Ray graduated in 1974 from Gobles High School. He was involved in band, drama and many math and science classes. He later graduated from KVCC as a Respiratory Therapist and worked at Bronson, Allegan, Borgess and Select Specialty Hospitals. He was retired at the time of his death.

Friends may meet with the family on Wednesday, Aug. 29, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, from 10 to 11 a.m. at which time a Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m., Rev. Fr. Simon Manjooran officiating. Inurnment will be at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in Ray’s name to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 110 N. Cedar St., Allegan, MI 49010.

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

Donald Lee Shears, 72, of Allegan passed away Sunday, Aug. 26, 2018, at his home. Born May 28, 1946, in Owosso, he was the son of the late Jack Edward and Doris Emily (Spencer) Shears and was the husband of Naomaie (Riddle) Shears. 

Mr. Shears had worked as a welder for most of his life but had also served in the United States Army. In later years he helped his sister, Linda, with transporting clients for her guardianship business.

He was a fan of game shows, especially Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, and loved watching westerns. 

Mr. Shears was a dedicated member of Allegan Assembly of God Church.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Gloria McFarland (Steve Beard), Cynthia (Daniel) Gilbert, Billie (Russell) Dent, Larry Shears, Amy (Jimmy) Hitchcock, Karry (Melissa) Shears, Duane (Tammy) Shears, Christopher (Stephanie) Shears and Amanda (Michael) McKenzie; stepchildren, Franklin (Cheryl) Deater, Larry Deater, Douglas (Julia) Deater and David (Lori) Deater; siblings, Ruth Hungerford (James Garland), Jacquelyn Walker, Linda (Gary) Curtis, Jack (Denise) Shears and Lorn (Nancy) Shears; 34 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. 

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter Cassandra Jenkins; and stepchildren, Jim Deater and Martha Deater.

The family will receive friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, on Tuesday, Aug. 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. A funeral service will be at the funeral home on Wednesday, Aug. 29, at 11 a.m. Private burial will take place at a later date. 

Memorial donations may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice, 530 Linn St., Allegan, MI 49010. 

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

Roger Brenner, 74, of Allegan passed away Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018, at his home in the presence of his loving family. Born Nov. 18, 1943, he was the son of the late Marv and Ardie Brenner. 

Roger was a 1962 graduate of Allegan High School, then joined and served in the United States Army. Roger was employed by Rockwell International and was a UAW member. He also belonged to the American Legion of Allegan, Post 89. 

Roger had many hobbies he loved. Among them were fishing in Canada; hunting, especially moose in Newfoundland; reading; and watching westerns with his wife Madalen. He also enjoyed the sports of NASCAR (Dale Earnhardt, Sr. was his favorite driver), baseball and football. 

Most of all, he loved his family and friends.

Roger is survived by his wife of 51 years, Madalen (Page) Brenner; two sons, David and Robert Brenner; and two grandsons, Tyler and Jacob Brenner. He is also survived by his siblings, Nancy and Jim Page of Richland, Hope Myers of Allegan, Marlene Heckman of Kalamazoo, Debra and Robert Newbre of Kalamazoo, Pam and Jim Sikkema of Richland, Marty Heckman of Kalamazoo, and Pete and Jodi Heckman of Vicksburg; and his dear friend, Paul Maas and wife Marie of Fennville.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, Sept. 4, at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. A funeral service took place on Wednesday, Sept. 5, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Comer Skinner officiating.  Burial will follow in Spring Grove Cemetery in Bloomingdale Township. 

Memorial donations may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice, 530 Linn St., Allegan, MI 49010; or Allegan First Church of God, 1313 Marshall St., Allegan, MI 49010.

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

On Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018, surrounded by his loving family at Mercy Health Saint Mary’s Hospital, Gabryal Lane Lucas-Schroeder, 27, of Grand Rapids, passed forever into our memories and our hearts.

Born Oct. 21, 1990, in Grand Rapids, he was the son of Mary Louise Lucas and David Dean Schroeder. Gabe was a graduate of Allegan High School. His sudden loss leaves behind an irreplaceable void for everyone who knew him, but also a legacy of inherent kindness, gentleness and joy.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his stepfather Louie Cantu; stepmother Susan Schroeder; sister, Chloe Luedecking and husband Jamie and their children, Finn and Maads; grandparents, Don and Sue Lucas, Roy Schroeder and Thomas Dunning; aunts and uncles, Betsy Lucas, Barry Lucas, Martin Lucas, Michael Lucas, Jessica (Lucas) Hernandez, Nancy Lucas, Marc Schroeder, Abe Dunning, Andy Dunning, Aaron Dunning and Lori Frey; and several cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his grandmother Kathy Dunning.

Gabryal’s family has chosen to keep his generous spirit alive by requesting donations through www.giftoflifemichigan.org (Gift of Life Michigan). Gabe himself was an organ donor and saved the lives of three people with his donation. They also ask that friends and loved ones please visit the following websites to donate and help spread awareness of the need for mental health support and suicide prevention: www.afsp.org (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention) and www.bbrfoundation.org (Brain & Behavior Research Foundation)

A celebration of Gabe’s life will be Sunday, Sept. 30, from 1 to 6 p.m. at Historic Bowens Mills, 55 North Briggs Road, Middleville, MI 49333.