Virginia Mae Wieland, 94, of Douglas passed away Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. She was born May 6, 1924, the daughter of the late Floyd and Florence (DeFriest) Banks.

Virginia is forever with her late husband of 72 years, Kenneth D. Wieland. The two married in 1942, moving to Saugatuck in 1952, falling in love with the Saugatuck area where they owned and operated Wielands Flowers for more than 30 years.

Virginia also enjoyed being a local realtor for more than 20 years for Century 21. Her loves were boating, going for short rides, wintering in Florida and having family get togethers.

Virginia will be lovingly remembered by her daughters, Sally and Bud Naughtin, Sherry “Teed” and Dave Schulz; grandchildren, Michelle (Ken), Scot (Denise), Laura (Steve), Paige (Jeff); and nine great-grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held in the spring with interment at the Fort Custer National Cemetery in Battle Creek.

Memorial donations to honor Virginia may be made to Kindred Hospice, 625 Kenmoor Ave. SE, Suite 115, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.

Arrangements are being provided by Chappell Funeral Home, Fennville,  www.ChappellFuneralHome.com.

Christine Helen Ksiazek passed away, Nov. 10, 2018, in Allegan at Allegan Country Estate at the age of 95.

She was born July 24, 1923, in Chicago, Ill., to the late Anton A. Miniat and the late Helen K. (Podgorski) Miniat.

In 1955 she and her husband Edward moved from Chicago and made their life long home in Allegan. Christine and the late Edward Ksiazek were married for 59 years and raised two sons.

Christine enjoyed bookkeeping and her first employment was as a comptometer operator for Montgomery Wards in Chicago. Christine’s love for children later led her to a career at the Allegan County Developmental Center where she worked with special needs children for many years before retiring.

Christine also was a 4-H leader and taught many children how to cook and sew. She also assisted her very special friend Irene Goodrich with Awana’s for many years and impacted many people’s lives throughout her life’s journey.

She was preceded in death by her husband Edward Ksiazek; son Robert Ksiazek; and her beloved sister Florence (Miniat) Nance. 

She is survived by her son Donald of Hemlock, N.Y.; nephews, Thomas Nance of New London, N.C. and Dennis Soszynski and wife Nancy of Chicago, Ill.

In her later years, Christine was especially grateful for her dear friends, Pamela Ashley and Diana Wright; and her many friends and neighbors. And the wonderful care she received at Country Estate by Sheila Devers and Nancy Hammer.

A Celebration of Life Mass will be Nov. 30, at 11 a.m. at the Blessed Sacrament Church in Allegan followed by a luncheon in the Church Hall. Interment in Hudson Corners Cemetery will take place after the luncheon.

Memorial donations may be made in Christine’s name to Grace Hospice at 2725 Airview Blvd., Ste 101, Portage, Ml 49002.

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

Pastor William Carr, of Portland, Mich., born on Feb. 17, 1938, in Lake Odessa, passed away at age 80 on Nov. 8, 2018, in Stevensville.

He never lost his joy of the Lord, and even in his time of sickness he was sunshine and life-giving to those around him, always looking for a friendly conversation and any way to give or get a smile.

William was the beloved husband of Carolyn. He is survived by his brothers, Robert (Diane) and Charles (Connie); his sister Sandra (Lee); his children, Kimberly (Dale), Kari (Mike), Kelly (John), Josh (Lynn), Robin (Mike), Terryl (Ann) and Rod (Ondreia); and his dear grandchildren, Kristin, Mitchell, Josiah, Sydney, Wesley, Ben, Alexis, Taylor, Fisher, and Payton. 

Friends and family are welcome to attend the memorial service Monday, Nov. 26, at 11 a.m. officiated by Rev. Robert Lynch, at Allegan United Methodist Church, 409 Trowbridge St., Allegan, MI  49010

Barbara Balgoyen, 82, of Allegan passed away Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, at Allegan Country Estates in Allegan.

She was born May 19, 1936, in Chicago, Ill., to Arthur and Ethel (Olson) Bergman. The family moved to Monterey Center in 1949, where her father ran the general store.

On June 21, 1954, in Burnips, Barb married Thomas Balgoyen who preceded her in death June 18, 2018.

Barb was a former saleswoman for the Allegan Flashes, she sold Tupperware and Nature Sunshine Herbs and she retired as an administrative assistant from the Allegan Intermediate School District.

A longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Allegan, Barb enjoyed being a Sunday School teacher. She loved to grow beautiful roses and she was a wonderful cook.

Barb is survived by her sons, Greg (Kim) Balgoyen of Allegan and Jeffrey Balgoyen of Holland; her grandchildren, Jenna (Mark) Jolink, Aubrey (Kollin) Peacock and Hailey Balgoyen; and her sister Beverly Pike.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Tom.

Friends may visit with Barb’s family starting at Monday, Nov. 26, at 1 p.m., at the First Baptist Church of Allegan, until the time of the funeral service at 2 p.m., with Pastor Nathan Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Hudson Corners Cemetery.

Contributions in memory of Barb may be made to the First Baptist Church of Allegan or Wings of Hope Hospice.

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

Florence Jones, 96, of Hopkins passed away Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018, at the Laurels of Sandy Creek in Wayland.

Born Feb. 8, 1922, in Burnips, she was the daughter of the late George and Rose (Bush) Cartwright. On March 2, 1940, she married John H. Jones and he preceded her in death on Nov.21, 2000. 

Mrs. Jones had worked for Hopkins schools and was a dedicated homemaker. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother who will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Mrs. Jones is survived by her children, Johnnie and Schrie Jones of Pierson, Judy and Don Collier of Hopkins, Vikki and Dave Blakeslee of Burnips and Ron and Pam Jones of Hopkins; 20 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. 

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her son Larry Jones; her daughter Bonnie Walker; and 11 siblings.

The family will receive friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel, on Monday, Nov. 19, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m.  A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Andrew Phillips officiating. Burial will follow in Poplar Hill Cemetery.  Memorial donations may be made to The Laurels of Sandy Creek, 425 East Elm St., Wayland, MI 49348. 

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

I will miss walking on the soft earth of summer, being immersed in cool waters, the sweet smell of a pine tree, my gardens bursting with daisies, seeing my five beautiful babies, and feeling the warm embrace of my loving husband.

I am love and laughter and light. Red is my favorite color. Chocolate is my favorite food. I am genuine, kind and I love wholeheartedly. If you know me well, you know I am Irish and mischievous.

I was born to Alice and John Finley on April 23, 1934, in Janesville, Wis., and am the youngest of four children. I am a strong and independent woman, with a deep faith. I believe in heaven, God and Jesus.

I believe equally in angels, gnomes and fairies and the magic found in nature. From wide oceans to quiet forests, this is where I’ve found my peace. When I met Mother Theresa, she became my weathervane. She pointed me to a Christianity that believes in an equality to all people. I taught my children “the best way to change the world” is “to be the change.”

I never met a stranger and loved listening to their stories and giving hope when needed. My life’s mission was to serve others. From working with disabled children to teaching babies to swim to transitioning catholic nuns into retirement.

I loved music and the arts and the people I met while doing embroidery, knitting and weaving. I traveled the world but my most favorite place has always been in my home surrounded by family.

I send eternal love to my husband Emil “Sonny” of 64 years; my five children, Mary, (Stephen), Sue (John), Tom (Becky), Karen (Gordon) and Jayne (Jimmy); 12 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; and my dog Lucy.

I lived, I loved, I soared.

Memorial contributions may be made to the following places Rosemary loved dearly: Hospice of Holland, 270 Hoover Blvd, Holland, MI 49423; Christian Neighbors Inc., P.O Box 43, Douglas, MI 49406; or Wishbone Pet Rescue Alliance, P.O. Box 124, Douglas, MI 49406.

Donald Edwin Loew, 74, of Dorr, passed away Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, surrounded by his family. He is now sleeping in Jesus, having died in the full assurance of Christ’s resurrection. 

Born July 23, 1944, in Allegan, he was the son of the late Paul M. and Thelma C. (Mulliken) Loew and was the husband of Janice (Engelsman) Loew. 

Mr. Loew had been a member of the Allegan Seventh Day Adventist Church since he was saved in 1997. He had been the head elder at the church for 20 years.

Mr. Loew grew up on the family farm and continued to farm throughout his life.  Through all his married life he was very active in tractor pulling competitions.

In addition to his wife of over 49 years, Janice, Mr. Loew is survived by his children, Martin (Pam) Loew and Andrea (Kelly) Walechka; a sister Nancy Watson; siblings-in-law, Alnora (Ervin) Mast, Hildreth (Henry) VanDyken, Sharon Engelsman, Jerold (Carol) Engelsman, Glenn Engelsman, Carol (Jim) Timmer and Allyn (Cindy) Engelsman; cousins, Polly and Wanda; grandchildren, Donnie Loew, Rose Loew, Daniel Loew and fiancé Brouke and Emily Walechka; great-grandson Wystone Loew; and several nieces and nephews. 

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother David Loew; brothers-in-law, Terry Watson and Warren Engelsman; and sister-in-law Carol Engelsman.

The family will receive friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, on Wednesday, Nov. 21, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. A funeral service will be Friday, Nov. 23, at 11 a.m. at the Allegan Seventh Day Adventist Church. Interment will be in Salem Township Cemetery. 

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

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

Cozella Franklin, 93, of Fennville passed away at home with family by her side on Saturday, Nov 17, 2018.

Visitation will be Friday, Nov. 23, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and funeral services at 1 p.m at Chappell Funeral Home in Fennville. Burial will follow at Pearl Cemetery in Fennville.

Cozella was born in Marianna Arkansas to Benjamin Franklin and Queen Victoria Franklin on Sept.13,1925. She graduated from Morton High School in Marianna, Ark. Cozella moved to Detroit in 1945. She worked as a cosmetologist, teacher’s aide, store owner and retired as the owner of an adult foster care home.

After retirement, she moved to the Fennville area in 1983. She has traveled most of the United States and ventured to eight European countries. She was a collector of sorts, diligently storing away documents, pictures and memorabilia from an early age to ensure the family history was preserved.

Cozella was one of 20 siblings. Her parents and 15 other siblings preceded her in death.

Cozella is survived by her daughter Rudeine Flournoy; two sons, Rudolph Franklin and John Franklin; one grandson Marcus Clark (Jennifer); three great grandchildren, Jalysa Clark, Isaiah Clark and Emery Clark; sisters, Gladys Bynum, Eonia Smith, Ora Gibson and Shariotta Hackney; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

The family of Cozella Franklin wishes to extend their sincere thanks to LifeCircles of Holland for going above and beyond in her care.

Cozella, your great sense of humor and infectious laugh will be truly missed.

Lorri Ann Fields, 56, passed away on Oct. 29, 2018, at Life Care Center in Plainwell.

She was born on Aug. 27, 1962, the daughter of Larry W. and Carolyn J. Fields.

She was a 1984 graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Home Economics and a past Honored Queen of Bethel 19, International Order of Job’s Daughters.

Lorri is survived by her brothers, Tony (Carey L. Justice) Fields and Rob (Kim) Fields; an aunt Linda Harris and an uncle Bill Harris; and nephews, Conner Fields, Rhys Fields, Simon Fields and Ben Hibbs.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

The family wishes to thank the staff and residents of Life Care Center in Plainwell.

The family held a private service celebrating the life of Lorrie Ann at the Bethel Cemetery, Logansport. 

Steven Christopher Pigeon, 66, of Hopkins passed away Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2018. at his home.

Born Nov. 5, 1952, in Allegan, he was the son of the late Edmund and Jennie (Stevens) Pigeon and the loving husband of Katheryn Colleen (Larr) Pigeon for over 41 years. Steve also leaves behind his children, Ed Pigeon, Angie “Bear” Pigeon, Pearl (Matt) Heeren and Chris “Doc” (Megan) Guy; eight grandchildren, Gracie, Ike, Dameon, Dylan, Max, Al Bob, Ryan and Brittney; one great-grandson Levi; his siblings, Mary Pigeon, Helen Hillman, Art (Pat) Pigeon, Norm (Leslie) Pigeon, John (Lorraine) Pigeon; sisters-in-laws, Debbie Pigeon and Faith Pigeon; Pat Loonsfoot and Stephanie Pigeon; and his faithful dogs, Black Ash Willie and Darrel.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Edmund and Jennie and his four siblings, Sandra Rose, Edmund Pigeon, Andy Pigeon and Cindy Pigeon.

Steve served proudly in the United States Army Airborne as a paratrooper during the Vietnam War. After the war he worked in construction, roofing, siding and concrete work. Though work was important to him, his devotion to his wife, children and grandchildren always took precedence over everything. Steve loved teaching the art of black ash basketry to his children and grandchildren. Along with his family, he shared his knowledge with his native communities and many school districts in the area. Steve was known for his generosity and showed his family how to be kind and giving to others by always sharing what he had. Steve had many wonderful qualities, his unmatched humor, use of puns and quick-wittedness stands out to all those who knew him.  His absence in their lives will be deeply felt forever.

Friends may meet with the family on Friday, Nov. 23, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Luella Collins Community Center, 419 126th Ave., in Shelbyville, where the Funeral Service will take place on Saturday, Nov. 24, at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in the Bradley Indian Mission Cemetery, Wayland Township.

Please join the family for a luncheon after the burial at the Luella Collins Community Center.

Virginia Mary Irons, 83, of Kalamazoo, passed away Friday, Nov. 23, 2018, surrounded by loved ones at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo. She was born at home in Mesick in 1935, to Magnus and Mary Hoseit and lived there until moving to Kalamazoo.

In 1976, Virginia graduated from Tracy Beauty Academy, after which she decided to study for and received her GED high school certificate in September 1977. This enabled her to continue her cosmetology studies, becoming an instructor in December of that same year.

For a few years she taught cosmetology at Tracy Beauty Academy, then teaching at American Beauty College in Kalamazoo, where she experienced first-hand the tornado of May 13, 1980, that devastated the downtown area.

She loved spending time with her family, watching butterflies and nature programs on TV, and before succumbing to arthritis, was a wonderful seamstress.

Virginia is survived by her children, Robert (Tammy) Bailey of Kalamazoo, Louis “Zeke” Irons of California, Joyce Buckallew of Kalamazoo and Timothy Irons of Kalamazoo; eight grandchildren; a sister, Ella (Jerry) Long of Cadillac; and many nieces and nephews.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and a sister.

According to her wishes, cremation has taken place. Friends may meet with Virginia’s family on Thursday, Nov. 29, from 5-8 p.m., at Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego. Private burial of ashes will take place at Mesick-Sherman Cemetery in Mesick at a later time.

Contributions in memory of Virginia may be made to Rose Arbor Hospice where she received wonderful care for the past two months and to whom we are eternally grateful.

Messages of condolence may be posted at www.winkelfuneral home.com.

Leonard Jay Beltman, 80, passed away Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, quietly at his home surrounded by his family following a difficult battle with Parkinson’s Disease. 

Mr. Beltman served his country honorably in the United States Army from 1961 to 1963.

He is survived by his wife Marcia of almost 60 years; two sons, Scott (Trina) Beltman and Robin (Gayla) Beltman; four grandchildren, Lance, Marc (fiancé Ebony Haynes), Lisa and Bradley Beltman; brother-in-law Loren (Mary) VerBurg; niece Laura (Mark) Anderson; two nephews, Steven (Yvonne) VerBurg and Lewis (Cathy) VerBurg; one aunt, Emma Barkel; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Les and Barb Lampen, Bob and Carol Lampen, Rick and Vicky Lampen; and several cousins. 

Mr. Belman was preceded in death by his parents, Gerrit and Janet Beltman; and sister, Amy VerBurg.

A funeral service will be Wednesday, Dec. 5, at 2 p.m. at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Poplar Hill Cemetery. 

Memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE First St., Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131. 

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

Susanna “Sue” (Marcinek) Christman, 78, of Allegan, peacefully passed away on Monday, Dec. 3, 2018, at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo.

Susanna was born on Aug. 8, 1940, in Wayland, the daughter of Edward and Adeline (Pawlowski) Marcinek.

She was an active member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Allegan. She graduated from Western Michigan University with both undergraduate and graduate degrees in teaching. She worked for 28 years primarily as a kindergarten teacher for Allegan Public Schools. 

After retirement she began volunteering at Allegan Public Library and Allegan General Hospital, and she and Dale had a very active social life with many friends. She also became a prolific quilter and enjoyed selling her creations at craft shows. She especially enjoyed selling items in her granddaughter Landria’s store and was known as “Grandma Sue” to everyone there.

Susanna is survived by her husband, Dale R. Christman, of 59 years of marriage; four children, Nick and Sue Christman, Stacey (Christman) and Michael Pniewski, Timothy and Amy Christman, and Karen (Christman) and Brian O’Shaughnessey; as well as nine grandchildren, Chase, Wesley, Kevin, Katherine, Elizabeth, Landria, Livia, Ian and Jennifer.

Sue was the eldest child and is survived by nine brothers and sisters and many nieces and nephews.  Family was very important to Sue and all of her family will miss her dearly.

Visitation will be Friday, Dec. 7, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Gorden Funeral Residence in Allegan, with funeral mass on Saturday, Dec. 8, at noon at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Allegan.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Wings of Hope Hospice in Allegan. 

Orville Lee Funk, 71, of Allegan passed away Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, at his home with family at his side. Born Oct. 16, 1947, in Burnips, he was the son of the late Leo and Florence (Goodman) Funk. 

Orv had worked at Haworth for more than 30 years as a furniture upholsterer. He was a talented woodworker who shared his furniture with many people throughout Allegan. 

Orv was an avid golfer, enjoyed fishing on his boat and deer hunting. He also belonged to a pool league and loved playing cards on poker night. 

Orv could often be found making new friends and having a good time with his family, all while never being without his hat or his little buddy, Asher.

He is survived by his children, Stephanie (Joe) Ruel, Corey (Sarah) Funk, Marcia Funk and Sara Hitchcock; siblings, Ronald (Clarilla) Funk and Elaine (Rick) Kimber; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Orv is also survived by his companion of the last 15 years, Edith Beckers; her children, Avril (Steve) Leach, Shelia (Trevor) Chalmers, Holly (Rob) Hoskins and Jack (Sara) Beckers; and her 10 grandchildren. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Tony Lee Funk; and siblings, Jim Funk and Junior Funk.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, Dec. 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel. A funeral service will be at the funeral home the following day, Friday, Dec. 7, at 11 a.m. with burial to follow in Maplewood Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the family.

Toby Lynne Prymula, 68, of Allegan passed away Monday, Dec. 3, 2018, in Grand Rapids.  Born Feb. 20, 1950, in Allegan, she was the daughter of the late Kenneth C. and Theo Pauline (Bussey) Plotts and was the wife of the late Michael Dean Prymula. 

Mrs. Prymula was the owner of Eastside Grocery in Plainwell for many years.  She also had worked as a fitness instructor and a medical billing specialist. 

Mrs. Prymula loved to travel, especially to anywhere warm near the ocean. She was a fan of romantic comedies. 

Mrs. Prymula had a warm and generous spirit. She was always making sure that everyone had the help that they needed. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of her life and they will all miss her dearly.

Mrs. Prymula is survived by her children, Cari Prymula, Michelle (Terry) VanPatten, Milisa (Kyle) Baxter, Leah (Charlie) TerAvest, Aaron Prymula and Jenny (Jeff) Kosiorowski; siblings, Sharon (Chet) Boyston, Judy (Mort) Wright, Gary Plotts, Janet (Bob) Buckmaster and Sue (Jim) McDonald; mother-in-law Elnora Prymula; grandchildren, Andrew, Darcy, Heather, Bailey, Leon, Meredith, Caley, Myah, Samantha, Ophelia, Gavin, Kollin and Bradyn; and great-grandchildren, Emma, Holly, Gideon, Rowen and Olivia.

A memorial service will be at a later date. 

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

Connie Frances Luyk, 69, of Port St. Lucie, Fla., formerly of Allegan, was welcomed into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018, in West Palm Beach, Fla. 

After a long and unwavering fight against alzheimer’s, Mom made sure to hang on through her second favorite holiday, Thanksgiving Day, bringing her family together and reminding us all the things we are thankful for. 

Connie was born on Aug. 13, 1949, in Allegan to loving parents, Elmer and Frances (Miks) Sandahl. Connie attended church faithfully her entire life and was a true prayer warrior for anyone and everyone she knew, and many she didn’t know. 

Many knew her from her time working at the Credit Union and the family owned Subway in town, but her favorite job other than raising her family was the many years she ran a home daycare. She was responsible for helping to raise dozens of children in the Allegan area, many of which have gone on to become incredibly successful in life. 

Above all else, she lived for being a wife, mother and grandmother and truly adored her family. Her happiest moments were when the family would get together for holidays, parties and gatherings; you could always find mom sitting back and soaking in the sounds of the family’s laughter. 

In her spare time mom could always be found out in one of her many gardens where there always seemed to be a path leading to yet another garden. She also loved hand-baking and decorating a special themed cake for all the grandkids over the years. 

She was an amazing, hardworking and caring woman who loved her family and loved the Lord and will be dearly missed by all who were privileged to know her. 

After their chance meeting at “The Note” in Wayland, Connie was united in marriage on April 6, 1968, to her loving, faithful and devoted husband of more than 50 years, Ronald Luyk, who survives. Also surviving are her four adoring children, Laurie (Paul) Southwick, Matthew Luyk, Jason (Heather) Luyk and Shaun (Jessica) Luyk; loving grandchildren, Keith Southwick (Alyssa Hopkins), Mary Southwick (Jesse Seckel), Anna Southwick (Austin Simmons), Kathryne Luyk, Christopher Luyk and Elizabeth Luyk, Abby Luyk and Jackson Luyk; many grand-fur babies that loved her; and many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Gary and Dan Sandahl. 

Funeral services have been held and interment took place at Oak Grove Cemetery in Allegan. 

Connie’s children would like to give a much deserved and appreciated thank you to their Dad Ron for retiring into the full-time role of caretaker after Mom received her diagnosis over 10 years ago. Dad stepped up in a way that is indescribable and unforgettable caring for Mom, epitomizing what marriage vows should look like and their children will never have strong enough words to express their gratitude to him for all he has done over the years. Thank you, Dad…we love you!

Sandra Jean Carpenter, 65, of Hopkins passed away Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. Born Feb. 10, 1953, in Grand Rapids, she was the daughter of the late Eugene and Maxine (Dixon) Rabideau. 

Sandra married Robert “Kim” Carpenter on Aug. 17, 1979, and they enjoyed more than 39 years of marriage. She retired from Tiara Yachts after 37 years of employment and spent several years as a Project Hope Volunteer. 

Sandra was also a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. One of her favorite pastimes was sitting outside in the sun watching the birds. She also loved playing with children and babies, especially her great-grandchildren. 

Sandra had a warm and welcoming spirit. She considered her friends her family and strangers her friends.

In addition to her husband Kim, Sandra is survived by her children, Sandra Lynn Carpenter (Heidi Smith), Joseph Michael (Melanie) Carpenter and Molly Bea Carpenter (Bryan Arenivas); siblings, Terry Rabideau (Margaret Fouse), Florence (John) Kerley and Lynn (Terry) French; grandchildren, Dakota Carpenter (Jasmine Callahan) and Joshua Carpenter; two great-grandchildren, Raymond Carpenter and Ellie Carpenter; her beloved canine companion, Drake; special friends, Becky and Ron Miller and their family; and an incredible amount of extended family members and dear friends who were family to her that are too numerous to list by name. 

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Patricia Rhinehart, Bill Rabideau, Ed Rabideau, Louie Rabideau, Don Rabideau, Nora Kerley, Molly Bea Rabideau and Bonnie Tusing.

The family will receive friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel, on Thursday, Dec. 13, from 1 to 3 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. A funeral service will be at the funeral home at 11 a.m. the following day, Friday, Dec. 14. 

Memorial donations may be made to Project Hope of Northeast Allegan County, P.O. Box 241, Dorr, MI.

Joan Joyce Skinner, 84, of Fennville passed away at her home with her loving family by her side. Joan is the child of the late Charles and Agnes Stasik. She loved the town of Fennville, working as a secretary for the schools for 27 years.

Joan loved to work in her greenhouse, planting flowers and vegetables, spending time in the kitchen baking, and spending time with her family meant the world to her. She also enjoyed her time with her weekly card group where they would play cards and share laughs.

Joan is survived by her children, David (Donna) Skinner of Fennville, Michael (Karen) Skinner of Livermore, Calif., Scott (Diana) Skinner of Fennville, Susan (William) Zawila of Fennville, and Meri-Jo (Toni) Skinner of Livermore, Calif.; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and her nephew Daryl (Mary Lou) Bailey.

Joan is preceded in death by her three siblings.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Holland, 270 Hoover Blvd., Holland, MI 49423, or the American Cancer Society, 1400 West Milham, Kalamazoo, MI 49024.

Interment will take place in the summer of 2019.

Andrew Sage VerHoeven, 18, of Allegan passed away Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018, at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.

Born Nov. 22, 2000, in Grand Rapids, he was the son of Keith Loren VerHoeven and Rebecca Kristine (Bateman) VerHoeven.

Andrew was a senior at Allegan High School and attended the Engineering/CADD program at ACATEC. He was looking forward to graduation next year.

Andrew was a proud Christian who knew and loved the Lord personally. He was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church in Allegan where he participated in the youth group. Andrew was a quick-witted, humble young man who never let anything slow him down. He completed many triathlons and took advantage of every opportunity to try something new that came his way, including hunting. He was an avid video gamer and loved Star Wars.

Andrew was blessed with the gift of a warm and caring soul. People were drawn to him naturally and his kind, generous nature ensured he always encouraged and lifted the spirits of others.

In addition to his parents, Andrew is survived by his sister, Megan Grace VerHoeven; grandparents, Gary and Karma Bateman and Lee and Lois VerHoeven; aunts and uncles, Dennis and Kim Bateman, Leann and Mark Parker and the Rev. Kevin and Suzanne VerHoeven; and many cousins and special friends.

The family will receive friends at First Baptist Church, Allegan, on Tuesday, Dec. 18, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. A funeral service will take place at the church on Wednesday, Dec. 19, at 11 a.m. with visitation for one hour prior.

Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church, 1290 32nd St., Allegan, MI 49010; or Greater Michigan MDA, 2133 University Park Drive #400, Okemos, MI 48864. Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

David Kizer, 68, passed away on Dec. 4, 2018, with his daughter by his side.

A passionate sports fan; he enjoyed softball, golf, and bowling.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Virgil Kizer and Coral Mae Myers; and his brother, Robert (Bob) Kizer.

He is survived by his sister, Darlene Joostberns; his sister in-law, Joyce (Jones) Kizer; his daughter, Elizabeth (Gary) Patrick; his grandchildren, Jay and Zara; his best friend, Frank Michaels; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be Dec. 28 at 3 p.m. at Merson Church, 3313 102nd Ave., Gobles MI 49055.

Mermorial donations may be made to Merson Church.