Keith Emery Hough, 64, of Allegan passed away peacefully with his family by his side at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids on Oct. 9, 2018. He was the son of Clarence (Bud) And Barbara (Bartz) Hough

Keith graduated from Allegan High School in 1973. While still in high school, he began his more than 50-year career training and racing standard-bred horses. He had many state champions and was known for his knack to hang up a horse, especially a trotter. A few of the more notable horses were Raceway Willy who won the 1985 Dygert Memorial at Hawthorne racecourse. Willy was known for helping Keith purchase his 100-acre farm.

He also trained and raced many quality horses that included Admirals Express, Aeropostale, Incredible Child, Mcguffin, Sheridan Raider, Emery Ho and Kendall Marie, who was also his first sire stake champion. He was also known for helping and teaching many younger horse-people starting their careers and becoming successful at their trade.

He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting waterfowl to small game, deer and fishing on his farm in Allegan. Keith also loved being outdoors playing golf with friends and just a good old-fashioned barbecue on his custom built cookers or smokers.

He loved projects such as welding and building or designing new things to help out with things around his farm or house. Keith also loved watching football and was an avid Los Angeles Rams fan since he was a kid.

He was preceded in death by both parents, Clarence and Barbara.

He is survived by both of his sisters, Norma Miller and Sandra Westin, both residing in California; his wife of 22 years Claudia Hough, stepson Steve Bowerman and step-grandchildren Gregory and Rickie Bowerman; his three sons, Brian Hough, Kevin and wife Ember Hough and Kelly and wife Katie Hough; and grandchildren Kylee Hough, Kendall Hough and Keegan Hough

Keith will be cremated. There will be a memorial and celebration of life at Keith and Claudia’s farm to be announced at a future date.

Jeffery Blair Dixon, 52, beloved son of Katie Dixon, is reunited with his father William Blair Dixon. Jeff passed away Oct. 9, 2018, after a brave battle with Acute Pancreatitis and Cancer.

Jeff was an inspiration to all who knew him. He always had a smile on his face and a joke on his lips.

Jeff was a kind and gentle man who loved spending time with family and friends. After graduating from Michigan Center High School, Jeff worked as a dispatcher for Skipper’s Oil in Fort Lauderdale, moving to Seattle, Wash., in the 90s, Jeff managed El Bocalino fine dining restaurant. Jeff moved to Saugatuck in 2010 to be closer to family where he worked for Joynit Fiber Optics and Blue Star Engineering Group.

Jeff is survived by his loving family, Katie Dixon, Todd and Beth Dixon, Adrian and Kimberly Dixon-Micu; his nephew, Kyle Dixon and Emily Elzey; and his beloved dog Toshi.

There will be a celebration of his life this spring in Michigan and burial with his father.

Bertha Miller, 93, of Allegan passed away Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018, at Allegan General Hospital.

Bertha was born at John Robinson Hospital in Allegan to Lois (Sweet) and Clifford Myers. She graduated from Otsego High School in 1944. On April 25, 1945, she married Robert Miller. They were married 61 years.

Bertha enjoyed dancing, auctions, embroidering and planting flowers. Most of all, she loved being with family and friends. Bertha worked at the canning factory in Fennville, Perrigo, Elan Stationery and for many people in Allegan.

She was preceded in death by her husband and siblings, Clifford Myers, Vernon Meyers, Larry Myers and Della Miller.

Bertha is survived by her brothers, George, Eugene and Les Myers; sisters, Marion Myers, Lucille Harrington and Kathleen Groth; and many nieces and nephews.  She is also survived by her children, Barbara (Jack) Bowen of Bloomingdale and Robert L. Miller of Allegan; grandsons, Troy Miller of Port Huron and Mike (Dori) Bowen of Gull Lake; and three great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, Oct. 18, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Christ Community Church. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. with Pastor Wally Coots officiating. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wishbone Pet Rescue Alliance or Christ Community Church. 

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

Mark Steven VanderMeer, 60, of Allegan passed away Monday, Oct. 15, 2018, at his home with his family by his side.

Born Nov. 19, 1957, in Grand Rapids, he was the son of Thelma J. (Vogelaar) VanderMeer and the late John VanderMeer, and for 37 years was the husband of Maria (Gilbert) VanderMeer.

He fought a terrible battle with stomach cancer, and despite his suffering, he passed away peacefully surrounded by those that he loved.

Like all of us, our dad was an imperfect man who lived an imperfect life, but his last weeks here on earth were just about as perfect as you could get. We were given the most precious gift we could ask for, and that is time. Time to say our goodbyes, to set things right; time to be together as a family; and time to say, “I love you.” If there is beauty to be found in death, we found it. In those last weeks, we were able to celebrate holidays together, tell stories, reminisce, and care for each other in ways that we haven’t done before. 

It is easy when someone dies to look back and dwell on the parts of that person’s life that make us feel regret, sorrow, and loss. Our dad had these struggles, and they could have colored his life in a way that would make it simple to look back and only see the gray. But he was also capable of great love, carried that in his heart, and he showed it the best way he knew how. 

He was proud of his family, and he worked hard to make sure they were well-cared for.  He loved the simple things in life, like camping trips to the Mackinaw Bridge, a fall day, the Detroit Red Wings, a good steak and apple pie. He loved Christmas more than any other holiday. Our dad’s life was abundantly blessed, and he counted his blessings well.  His quiet strength and his joyful spirit shaped his children and grandchildren in such a way that his presence will continue to be felt here in our midst. 

Through the darkness of these past weeks, God helped us all find the last thing we expected: He helped us find our rainbows.

May eternal rest grant unto you, oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon you. May your soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

In addition to his mother and his wife, Mark is survived by his daughters, Jolene (Ben) Clearwater and Andrea (Chris) Dulac; grandsons, Mason, Jacob, Adrian and Mario; brothers, Richard (Carol) VanderMeer and Doug VanderMeer; sister-in-law Sue VanderMeer; mother-in-law Virginia Gilbert; siblings-in-law, Larry (Jennifer) Gilbert, Jeffery (Lauren) Gilbert, Angela (Kevin) Killeen, Christine (David) Doxey and Deborah (Tim) Fry; and many nieces and nephews. 

Along with his father, he was preceded in death by his brother Craig VanderMeer and his father-in-law Carl Gilbert.

The family will receive friends at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church on Friday, Oct. 19, from 10 to 11 a.m. with the Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11:15 a.m., Rev. Fr. Simon Manjooran officiating. Interment will be at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Blessed Sacrament Church Youth or Wings of Hope Hospice.

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

Monte Gene Lamb, 84, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018, at Allegan County Medical Care Community with his family by his side.

Monte loved to spend time riding and working on his Harley Davidson motorcycle and spending time at the VFW.

He was the child of the late Carl and Rose Lamb. Monte is also preceded in death by his wife Jeanette Lamb and sister Nadine Fuentues.

He is survived by his four boys, Bryon (Susan) Lamb, Kevin (Sally) Lamb, Michael (Laura) Lamb and Lorne Lamb; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

A memorial service for Monte will be Saturday, Nov. 3, at 12 p.m. at Chappell Funeral Home, 637 W. Main St., Fennville, MI. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Allegan County Medical Care Community, 3265 122nd Ave. Allegan, MI 49010.

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

Nancy (Sheridan) Zolper was born on Aug. 21, 1944, in the South Shore area of Chicago. She was the daughter of Joseph and Dorothy Sheridan and sister to Richard Sheridan.

Her neighborhood and family, as well as her love of arts, helped define her amazing spirit. She passed away on Oct. 21, 2018, surrounded by her family.

Nancy went to Northern Illinois University where she met her husband Charles Zolper, who became her forever love for more than 50 years.

Nancy took immense pride in her children, Andrew and Amanda. When they were born, she was quick to take a long break from teaching to dedicate herself to raising and spending time with them.

It was also during these years that she and her sister-in-law, Sharon Sheridan, opened the gift store, “The Lighthouse Keeper,” in downtown Saugatuck, which was operated for more than 25 years and became a local landmark.

Those who knew Nancy knew that there was something very extraordinary about her. She was full of kindness, and she shared it with everyone around her. She was always quick to greet people she didn’t know and, within moments, she made them feel like they had been friends for years.

Nancy gave all of her attention to whomever she was with at that moment, and she made that person feel like they were the most special person on the planet. It was a gift Nancy had, and it was magical.

Nancy is survived by her husband Charles Zolper; daughter Amanda (Jason) Reiffen son Andrew (Kimberly) Zolper; and grandchildren, Elliana and Emmalina Zolper.

A celebration of life will be on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at 4:30 p.m. at the Saugatuck Yacht Club, 15 Park St., Saugatuck, MI 49453.

Donations in memory of Nancy can be directed to Memorial Bench, Friends of Saugatuck Women’s Club, P.O. Box 909, Saugatuck, MI 49453.

Further information can be found at www.legacy.com.

Mrs. Barbara Jean (Swikert) Hinkle, born on Feb. 7, 1923, in Otsego Township, passed away at age 95 on Oct. 13, 2018, in Ann Arbor with her children by her side.

She was preceded in death by her husband Harvey and daughter Margery Sue. 

Barbara is survived by her son, David (Debbie); daughter, Kris (Jon); grandchildren, Elizabeth (Michael) and Sarah (Paul); and great-granddaughter Callie. 

She retired as director of medical records from Allegan General Hospital in 1988, after 20 years.

Barbara enjoyed playing cards, baking, music, reading and coloring. But most of all she enjoyed spending time with family and friends. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara’s name may be made to the American Heart Association. 

A memorial service will be Friday, Oct. 26, at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 200 Cutler St., Allegan. Friends and family are welcome to gather at 10 a.m. at the church.

Lawrence A. Buwolda, 61, of Holland passed away Monday, Oct. 22, 2018, at home, surrounded by his family.

Larry was born in Chicago and moved to Saugatuck, where he graduated from Saugatuck High School in 1974. He attended Ferris State University and Michigan State University, where he earned his associate degree. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Davenport University.

Larry worked for Haworth for many years forming lifelong friendships. He will be fondly remembered by friends and family for his love of classic rock, classic cars and passion for golf, but most of all as a loving grandfather, father, brother and friend.   

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Lorraine Buwolda. He is survived by his two children, Kimberly (Jacob) Madsen and Michael (Kara) Buwolda; two grandchildren, Oliver and Fletcher; siblings, Janet (Scott) Rosstedt, Peter “Bud” Buwolda, Donald (Brenda) Buwolda, and Kenneth Buwolda; and many extended family and friends.

A time of visitation to celebrate Larry’s life will be Friday, Oct. 26, from 1 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland. 

Please visit www.lakeshorememorial.com to leave a message or memory for the Buwolda family.

Tom Morris, 69, of Pilot, Va., passed away on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, at Carilion New River Valley Medical Center.

Tom was born April 12, 1949, in Allegan, to Clifford and Mary Lou Morris. He was the eldest of four children, one preceding him in death.

He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps Infantry. Tom served with distinction in Vietnam where he was gravely wounded. Upon his return home in 1968, he married his high school sweetheart, Marcia and together they had three children.

Tom was an elite level distance runner, and a dedicated teacher and coach. He spent his life helping young people to meet their potential. Tom’s sense of humor endeared him to young and old alike. He touched the lives of countless people in indelible ways.

In retirement, Tom enjoyed woodworking, helping his friends and neighbors, and spending time with Marcia. He was a devoted husband, a caring father and a quiet friend to so many. He will be deeply missed.

Tom leaves to cherish his memory his parents, Cliff and Mary Lou; his two sisters, Eileen and Margo; his wife Marcia; their three boys Matthew, Cullen, and Phillip; and three grandchildren.

The family received friends on Sunday, Oct. 21, at Horne Funeral Home and a funeral service was Monday, Oct. 22. in the chapel of Horne Funeral Home. Interment was private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Doctors Without Borders.

To write a tribute, please visit www.hornefuneralservice.com.

Larry R. Thompson, 78, of Saugatuck and formerly of Edwardsburg and Sand Creek, passed to his rest Oct. 22, 2018, in Holland Hospital after an extended battle with cancer.

He was born Nov. 24, 1939, in Elkhart, Ind., the son of Donald and Doris (Withrow) Thompson and graduated from Edwardsburg Schools. He earned a B.S. from WMU and M.A. and Education Specialist from MSU. In addition to teaching government and driver’s education and coaching for 25 years, he was director of Lenawee County driver Safety School, adjunct professor at MSU, transportation instructor at WMU, president of State Traffic Safety Education Association, served on several boards including Madison Township, Lenawee County, Saugatuck City Planning Commission, and Saugatuck Public Schools.

His next 25 years he represented Allegan County Probate Court as a Guardian ad Litem. Larry received a lifetime achievement award from MSU and in 2016 was inducted into Edwardsburg Schools Hall of Fame.

He was married Dec. 22, 1956, in Edwardsburg, to Elizabeth Ann Westfall and she survives in Saugatuck along with their three sons, Bob (Jill) Thompson of Edwardsburg, Rick (Ann) Thompson of Saugatuck and Jim (Jennifer) Thompson of Schoolcraft. There are four grandchildren, Kara (Chuck) Williams, Krin (Etan) Klein, Wyatt Thompson and Ronan Thompson. There are two great-grandchildren, Yoav Klein and Dawson Klein. Also surviving is a brother, Dennis (Irene) Thompson of Cassopolis.

Family and friends may gather on Sunday, Oct. 28, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Paul E. Mayhew Funeral Home, 26863 West Main St., Edwardsburg. The Service of Remembrance will be Monday, Oct. 29, at 11 a.m. in the Edwardsburg Presbyterian Church, 68961 Lake St., Edwardsburg, where all may gather one hour before the services. Officiating will be Pastor Chuck Winter of Battle Creek, a family friend, and interment will follow in Edwardsburg Cemetery on the family plot.

Memorial donations in lieu of flowers, may be made to Edwardsburg Schools Foundation, 69410 Section St., Edwardsburg, MI 49112 or to the Sand Creek School Athletic Boosters, 6518 Sand Creek Hwy., Sand Creek, MI 49279.

Arrangements are by the Paul E. Mayhew Funeral Home, Edwardsburg.

Henry (Hank) Crowell Murfey Jr., died unexpectedly Oct. 8, 2018, in San Diego, Calif., at the age of 85.

He is survived by his three daughters, Cindy Murfey of Plantation, Fla., Pamela Murfey of Navarre, Fla., and Megan Murfey (son-in-law Don Bedford) and grandchildren, Treat and Garrett Bedford of San Diego, Calif.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 44 years Mary Jane Dazey Murfey; and his sisters, Rose Marie (Murfey) Wittl of Iron Mountain and Muriel Ritcher of Chicago, Ill.

Henry was born on April 7, 1933, in Harvey, Ill., to his parents Sylvia (Southwell) Murfey and Henry Crowell Murfey Sr. He attended high school at Morgan Park Military Academy before completing his education at Washington and Lee University in 1954. He served two years in the United States Army and  six more in the Army Reserves before being Honorably Discharged in 1962,

“If it's not fun, it’s not worth doing,” was his motto and hence he moved his family all over the United States while working in the world of finance. Ultimately, he found satisfaction in consulting and working as an expert witness.

Henry was forever the optimist. He also taught his family a lot about love and loyalty. He adored his wife, was a proud father and devoted grandfather.

A celebration of his life will be at his daughter Megan’s home in San Diego Nov. 4. His burial will be in April 2019 at Riverside Cemetery in Saugatuck next to his beloved wife and near his parents and sister Rose Marie.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Juniors in Boating (JIB) at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego, Calif., or to his wife’s favorite park, Secret Woods Nature Center in Dania Beach, Fla.

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

Michael P. Krcatovich, 90, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018, surrounded by family. He was born on Sept. 22, 1928, in Chicago, Ill. to Peter and Matija (Kovacevich) Krcatovich.

Mike married Letha Sanders in 1954 and after his service in the United States Army, settled down to farm just south of Hopkins. Mike worked as a machinist and union steward at the Crescent Pipe and Nipple Co. from which he retired in 1990.

Mike was a member of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church for more than 80 years, belonged to the fraternal order of the Knights of Columbus and served as an usher and Eucharistic Minister. He served the poor and needy through several organizations, the Holy Name Society, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and the Good Samaritan.

He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play sports and coached many baseball and softball teams throughout the years. He was also an avid camper and fisherman.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents; his brother John (Florence) Krcatovich; and his sisters, Rose (Leo) Krause, Mary (Gerald) Solberg and Anna (Rudy) Palenick.

Mike is survived by Letha, his wife of 64 years; his children, Mike (Joanne) Krcatovich, Linnette (Tim) Krcatovich, Janet (Scott) Storey, Linda Krcatovich, Lisa (Kevin) Sheaffer, Tony Krcatovich and Matt (Mindy) Krcatovich; 16 beloved grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; 11 step-great-grandchildren; and his much loved Miss Kitty.

Friends may meet with the family on Monday, Oct. 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, where the Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, Oct. 30, at 2 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with the Rev. Fr. Simon Manjooran, Celebrant. Interment will be at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Cemetery.

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

Marjorie Louise Cook Spaulding, 87, formerly of Allegan, passed away Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018, at Green Acres Nursing Home in Wayland.

Born April 9, 1931, in Battle Creek, she was the daughter of the late Victor and Eva (Byers) Cook and was the wife of the late Robert Spaulding. Marge and Robert married on May 27, 1950, and together raised five children and celebrated 65 years of marriage before Robert’s passing in 2015.  

Marge enjoyed being a homemaker and providing for her family, along with making wonderful memories that they all cherish. She also was involved in the Camp Fire Girls.  Her fondest times, however, were spent with her family.

Marge is survived by four of her children, Daniel Spaulding, Deborah (Jim) Wert, Dennis (Sandra) Spaulding and Dean (Carol) Spaulding; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, with one great-great-grandchild expected in February.

Along with her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Diane Spaulding and her brother, Herb Cook.

Friends may meet with the family on Thursday, Nov. 1, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, where the funeral service will be Friday, Nov. 2, at 10 a.m. Interment will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in Marge’s name to Action International Ministries. 

John Lee Kelley, 77, of Pullman passed away Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, at his home. 

Born Oct. 19, 1941, in Centerville, Tenn., he was the son of the late Ethelee Kelley and Savannah (Campbell) Kelley and was the husband of Alma (Groenheide) Kelley. 

Mr. Kelley had worked as a welder for 41 years at Metal Standard Corporation. He loved spending time on his farm, hosting family and friends in his pole barn. John enjoyed searching for antiques, “wheeling and dealing,” as well as working on and talking about old cars. 

His greatest joy was taking golf cart rides on the farm with Alma and his beloved dogs, and spending time with his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife of 41 years, he is survived by his children and their spouses, Bonnie Pullen (Ernie), Jeffrey Gates (Dawn), Ricky Kelley (Shelly) and Reggie Kelley (Sheila); a brother-in-law, Jarvis Groenheide (Charlene); 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. 

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers and a sister.

A celebration of life will be held in Spring 2019 at Mom and Pop’s. 

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

Richard H. Kruczek, 74, of Saugatuck died Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, at his home.

Richard served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Richard was an active attender of Shekinah Revival Ministries and was a volunteer for the Christian Neighbors organization. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Richard enjoyed making people laugh and was one of the kindest and most gentle persons you could ever meet.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Rita and children, Byron Kruczek of Miami, Fla., and Kim and Todd Martinson of Douglas; grandchildren, Max Kruczek, Natalie, Adam, and Alina Martinson; brother and sisters, Ron and Sandra Kruczek of Craig, Colo., Catherine Cosgrove of Hinsdale, Ill., and MaryJo and Bob McMahon of Indian Head Park, Ill.; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A funeral service will be Tuesday, Nov. 6, at noon at Shekinah Revival Ministries, 1941 Washington Ave., Holland, MI 49423. The Rev. Clif White will be officiating. Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. prior to the service at the church.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Shekinah Revival Ministries Missions Fund.

Arrangements are by Dykstra Funeral Home–Mulder Chapel. To sign an on-line registry or leave a memory please visit www.dykstrafuneralhome.com.

Thomas “Tom” A. Swope, 72, of Allegan passed away unexpectedly Sept. 25, 2018, at his home.

He was the son of the late Robert and Evelyn (Weber) Swope. He was also preceded in death by his wife Wallis “Wallie” Swope.

He is survived by his brothers Ed and Joe of Allegan; sisters Sandy (Chris) Puyear of Columbia, Mo.; and step-children Renee of Allegan and Chris of Plainwell.

Tom enjoyed restoring old airplanes and tractors, along with being very active with his church.

Private family graveside services will be at a later date.

Clarence Jefferson Sinkler Sr., 73, of Allegan passed away Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018 at his home. 

Born April 24, 1945, in Douglas, he was the son of the late Russell Ruben and Edna Mildred (Norwood) Sinkler and was the husband of Marilyn J. (Hillsburg) Sinkler. 

Mr. Sinkler was a loving and dedicated husband, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. The love of his family meant everything to him and being with the ones he loved brought him his greatest joy.

In addition to his wife Marilyn, Mr. Sinkler is survived by his children, Jackie Horton, Rick Horton, Tim (Jeanie) Sinkler, Clarence (Wendy) Sinkler Jr. and Shelly (Jason) Walter; siblings, Thomas Russell Sinkler Sr., Robert Calvin Sinkler Sr. and Barbara Ann Jones; 16 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren. 

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter Deb Johnson and his sister Dorthea Delcour.

In accordance with his wishes, cremation will take place followed by burial with military honors in Fort Custer National Cemetery.

Marianne Somers, 70, of Allegan passed away Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018, at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. 

Born May 1, 1948, she was the daughter of the late Kurt and Dolores (Hawksley) Leibing and was the wife of Keith G. Somers. 

Mrs. Somers worked as an administrator at Loyola University Hospital in Maywood, Ill., for 26 years prior to retiring. She then enjoyed being an antiques dealer at the Allegan County Antique Shows for 10 years.

In addition to her husband Keith, Marianne is survived by her three step-children, Bruce Somers, Carolyn Hanson and Cynthia Medric; and her two brothers, Michael Leibing and Tom Leibing.

Friends may meet with the family at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, on Thursday, Nov. 15, from 2 to 3 p.m., where a Memorial Service will be at 3 p.m.  Inurnment will be at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, Calif.

Kevin Patrick Fitch, 66, passed away on Nov. 6, 2018, at his home in Laketown Township.

Kevin is survived by his wife Ellen (ten Hoor) Fitch; children, Margaret Ellen Perec (Matthew Fletcher) of Fennville, Kevin Patrick Henry Fitch of Saugatuck, and Jude Hayden Fitch, at home; brother, Robert (Yolanda) Fitch of Savannah, Ga.; sisters-in-law, Noreen Fitch of Chesterland, Ohio, Joan ten Hoor (James Dobson) of Sollsbery, Ind., Lois Sterenberg (Russell) of Hillsboro, Ore.; and nieces and nephews.

Kevin was preceded in death by his parents James and Jean Fitch and brother James Fitch.

Kevin’s passing marks the end of five generations of Fitch men sailing the Great Lakes. He sailed in the commercial grain and ore trades and later for Lake Michigan Carferry on the SS Badger. Kevin also drove for the Interurban which he enjoyed greatly and captained a research vessel for the Annis Water Resources Institute, a research organization of Grand Valley State University.

A memorial will be held at a later date. Memorial donations can be made to Hospice of Holland, 270 Hoover Blvd, Holland, MI 49423.

Doris Prohl Deam lived her life like one of her paintings. Strokes full of bold color, deftly and intuitively placed, to form a brilliant and sensitive whole. Doris was a surprising person: so warm, reliable, comforting, and kind, she was also extremely independent, determined, and forthright. She wanted to dwell in the positive, not in the negative.

Doris was born into an energetic German-American household in Milwaukee on Nov. 8, 1928, the beloved daughter of Sophie and Waldemar Prohl and the dear younger sister of Jane Rahn. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in art education from Milwaukee State Teacher’s College.

While attending Ox-Bow School of Art in Saugatuck, on a painting scholarship, she met Prof. Edward L. Deam, FAIA, an architect and fellow artist, and from that time on endeavored to accompany him over dune and dale in their unique and complementary interests for their 67-year marriage.

Doris had a long teaching career, first as an elementary school teacher in Philadelphia and Highland Park, Ill., and then as a remedial reading teacher for 22 years at Elm Place School in Highland Park after receiving a reading specialist graduate degree from National College of Education.

Parallel to her teaching career ran her life as a painter in which she produced hundreds of paintings, first in watercolor then in acrylic and oil, which were exhibited in local and national juried art shows and represented in private collections. Doris wrote, “I paint to encourage the beauty of life,” and she always brought her creative ideas into her classrooms.

Bisecting it all was her life as a devoted mother of four children—Karin, Norman, Nancy, and Judy—for whom she concocted endless and fantastic art projects and birthday parties.

Doris succumbed to pneumonia on Nov. 7, 2018.

In addition to her husband and children, she is survived by her sister, four grandchildren whom she adored, as well as a full and much-loved group of extended family and friends who were very important to her.

Visitation for Doris will be at the Highland Park Presbyterian Church, 330 Laurel Avenue, Highland Park, Ill., on Saturday, Nov. 17, at 10 a.m., followed by a service at 11 a.m. For information or directions please contact Kelley & Spalding Funeral Home at (847) 831-4260 or www.kelleyspaldingfuneralhome.com.