Duncan Alexander Clarkson, born Dec. 18, 1933, to Hugh and Florence Clarkson of Kalamazoo, passed away Nov. 17, 2018.

Duncan worked at Western Michigan University from 1964-1983 in the admissions office, before moving onto the University of Michigan and Kalamazoo Valley Community College where he retired in 1996.

Duncan is survived by his wife Nita Brumm Clarkson who lives in Winter Haven, Fla., and five children, seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Helen Darby, 90, of Allegan, passed away Monday, Dec. 17, 2018.

Helen was born Oct. 17, 1928, the daughter of Wilbur J. and Helen A. (Matusek) Darby.

She graduated from Allegan High School in 1946 as one of the top 10 in the class.

She was employed as secretary to Prosecuting Attorney Dwight M. Cheever from May 1951 to June 1957. She then served as Municipal Court Clerk for the City of Allegan from July 1957 to November 1965. She then served as Probate Register for Allegan County from November 1965 to May 1984. She was then employed in the Probate Department of the Orton, Tooman, Hale, McKown and Kiel law firm until her retirement in 2007. Helen was presented the Liberty Bell Award in May 1979.

Helen was a member of the Board of Directors for the Allegan Community Federal Credit Union for 40 years. She was also a long-time member of the Allegan United Methodist Church and was active in the church for many years.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Edward.

Surviving are her brothers Wilbur Darby and Joseph (Marilyn) Darby; niece Diane (Kenneth) Kamps; nephew Kenneth J. (Joy) Darby; great-nephew Casey C. Kamps; great-niece Kendi Jo Kamps; and step great-nieces Kathleen Emmons and Haley Emmons.

In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. A graveside service will take place Wednesday, Dec. 26, at Mallory Cemetery at 1 p.m. with Pastor Robert Lynch of Allegan United Methodist Church officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to Allegan United Methodist Church.

Dorothy J. Brumm, 83, of Otsego, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2018, at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo.

She was born June 27, 1935, in Sandusky, Mich., the daughter of William and Minnie (Monzo) Schultz.

Dorothy was a wonderful homemaker and took pride in keeping a beautiful home for her family. She was a two-time cancer survivor and enjoyed traveling the United States and spending winters in Arizona. Dorothy also enjoyed growing and selling vegetables from her garden.

She had attended Cooper Congregational Church.

On Dec. 15, 1952, in Marlett, Mich., she married Richard Brumm, who survives.

Also surviving are her children, Sherry Buck of Ludington and Rick (Terri) Brumm of Otsego; four grandchildren, Stacy (Brent) Daggett, Lisa (Jason) Lloyd, Matthew (Amanda) Brumm and Chris Brumm; along with four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother Ralph.

According to her wishes, cremation has taken place. Contributions in memory of Dorothy may be made to the American Cancer Society. Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.

Michael Johnson, 37, of Allegan, was suddenly taken from us to be with the Lord on Thursday Dec. 6, 2018.

Michael was the son of Jaime Huitt LaFountain and the late Donald Johnson, Sr. Michael had recently found his true love Joanna Bloom and this past summer they became husband and wife. Michael liked to play basketball on occasion, and he enjoyed watching football and hockey on television as well as spending and enjoying time with his wife. His favorite sports teams were the Michigan Wolverines, Green Bay Packers and Detroit Red Wings.

Michael is survived by his mother Jaime LaFountain, his wife Joanna Johnson, his brother Don Johnson II (Lisa DeArmond) of Martin, his sister Sarah (Corey Ford) of Allegan and his sister Shannon Johnson (Juan Cortez) of Allegan, his sister Rebecca Johnson (Johnny Dowling) of Alaska; daughters Kayle Johnson and Alexis Johnson of Alaska; stepdaughter Sara Mayer of Allegan; Joanna’s mother, Eileen Boylan of Plainwell; Joanna’s father, Leo and Sue Bloom; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father Don Johnson, Sr. and wife Sandra, his sister Brandi Johnson of Allegan, his grandparents Marvin Huitt and Mickey Addair of Allegan, his grandparents Philip and Margaret Johnson of Illinois and several aunts and uncles.

In loving memory, memorial service for Michael will be at Bridge Church, 247 N. Main St., in Allegan on Saturday, Dec. 29, at noon with Pastor Roger Bird officiating. A luncheon will follow the service.

Maria Elaine Hutchins, 77, of Fennville passed away on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018. She was the child of the late Biago and Lucia Ingallinera.

Maria loved to paint, play cards with her weekly card group and enjoyed spending time with her loving family.

Along with her parents, Maria is preceded in death by one brother and six sisters.

Surviving is her husband of 56 years, Jim Hutchins, of Fennville; daughter Dawn (David) Ghormley of Houston, Texas; grandson Caleb Schayweker of Houston, Texas; sisters, Cindy (Harven) Piper and Rose Onken, of Holland; and many loving nieces and nephews.

A memorial visitation will be at Fennville United Methodist Church, 5849 124th Ave., Fennville, MI 49408, on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019, from 1 to 4 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to an organization of one’s choosing.

The family is greatly appreciative of Grace of Douglas, Golden Orchards, Ely Manor and Southern Care Hospice for assisting Maria and the family.

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

Raymond “Ray” Dansfield, 83, went to the Lord on Dec. 21, 2018, after a brief illness resulting from a fall at his home in St. Joseph, Mich.

Ray was born in St. Joseph on Nov. 2, 1935. His father was Frank Denison, a well-known yacht builder in both Saugatuck and Fort Lauderdale, and his mother was Gladys (Petersen) Dansfield of St. Joseph who married Frank Dansfield, and who raised Ray as his son.

Ray’s wife and soul mate of 32 years, who preceded his death, was Kay Marie Zitta-Dansfield, who died in October 2011.

He is survived by his brothers, Kenelm W. Denison, Franklin A. Denison Jr., and Christopher W. Denison all who live in South Florida; as well as his sister-in-law Clara Dansfield of St. Joseph and her two sons, Jim Dansfield and Gary Dansfield, his nephews.

Ray was preceded in death by his brother Donald Dansfield in 1996.

Ray graduated St. Joseph High School and then attended the University of Miami in 1953. After that he joined the United States Navy and was stationed in Alaska and then finished college at the University of Colorado. He then moved to London to work at the Royal Opera House where he stayed and lived for over a decade. It was there that he developed his love for not only opera but the fine ballet company that was also in London. Classical music was his passion as well. 

After this he moved back to the St. Joseph area and worked at Northwestern Airlines at the St. Joseph Benton Harbor airport before he met Kay Zitta, whose parents owned and operated Zitta’s Grill in St. Joseph and where they both owned and managed The Depot (now Silver Beach Pizza) from 1989-1997 at Lion’s Park Beach. Both Kay and Ray were an important part of the food culture of St. Joseph at that time. Ray and Kay “made it official” and married at the courthouse in St. Joseph in Dec. 9, 2005.

Ray’s gracious and loving character was evident to anyone who met him. “He was a gentle man,” was a phase often said about him.

A Celebration of Life Service will take place at First Congregational Church of St. Joseph in the spring of 2019.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel of St. Joseph, Michigan. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.

Nancy A. Lemke nee Mahan, 84, of Park Forest, Ill., passed away on Dec. 23, 2018.

She was the beloved mother of Lynn A. Hibbs; loving grandmother of James R. (Evelina) Hibbs and Esther (Frank) Barker; great-grandmother of Elaina, Eriana, Julian and Kayden; dear sister of Mary (late Dean) Hardy and the late James Mahan.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, James and Mary Mahan. 

She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Visitation is Friday, Dec. 28, from 4 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 7 p.m. at Smits, Steger Memorial Chapel, 3045 Chicago Road, Steger, Ill. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Allegan on Saturday, Dec. 29, at 11 a.m. Central time.  For more information, call (708) 755-6100 or visit www.smitsfh.com.

George Vincent Brown III, born March 26, 1937, son of George V. Jr. and Ellen Frances (Crowe), graduated Brookline High School class of 1954 and Harvard College, 1958.

After a brief stint in The Army National Guard, he joined John Hancock Insurance as a mortgage loan analyst in 1959.

Among his accomplishments at Hancock were the financing of the property which became the city of Aventura, Fla., the Watergate complex in Washington D.C. and the Hancock building in Chicago.

He married Eleanor Anne Coppola in February 1960. That marriage dissolved in 1992. He joined Ford Motor Credit Co. as director of commercial real estate lending in 1969, served as vice president, commercial industrial and real estate lending before joining Ford Motor as executive director- financial services group, from which position he retired in 1993. During his tenure at Ford, he was instrumental in acquiring First Nationwide Financial Corp., U.S. Leasing, and the Associates Finance Company. He also spearheaded the financing of the Renaissance Center in Detroit.

On his retirement, he moved to the resort community of Saugatuck-Douglas. He became active in civic affairs, serving as chair of the Douglas Planning Commission, member of the Douglas Historic Preservation committee, and Treasurer of his church.

In December 1993 he became the life partner of Gregory (Gregg) M. Kurek, they were married in New York in 2011.

Brown discovered a love of painting after attending a summer session at The Oxbow School of Art in Saugatuck in 1993. He opened his own studio-gallery in Douglas from 1999 to 2004.

In recent years he has divided his time between Michigan and Fort Lauderdale, Fla. where he became a full time resident in 2015.

As a full time resident, George became an active member of the United Church of Christ Fort Lauderdale where he chaired the Chancel redesign and renovation and was the visionary and driving force in the development of the Garden of Memories. He also volunteered his time as a garden and grounds tram tour driver at the historic Bonnet House.

His greatest joy was that of being a first tenor in the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida where he was able to join in not only in song but also in brotherhood with his fellow chorus members.

George was preceded in death by his father George V. Brown, Jr.; his mother Ellen Francis Crowe; and a younger brother Walter.

He is survived by his husband Gregg M. Kurek; four children, George V. IV (Loren), Elizabeth Ronan Gates, Andrew David, and Peter Robert (Jaye Chen); nine wonderfully talented grandchildren, Ryan Gates, Amanda Gates, Emmett Brown, Ray Brown, Lucius Brown, Alyssa Vincent, Jasper Brown, Imogen Brown and Graham Brown; and a brother, Ray and Eleanor Coppola Brown.

Celebrations of Life are planned for the spring in Fort Lauderdale and in the summer in Douglas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida, 2040 N. Dixie Hwy., Ste. 218, Wilton Manors, FL 33305

Michael D. Bronson, 71, of Allegan passed away Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018, at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo from complications of heart and kidney failure and COPD.

He was born on Aug. 12, 1947, in Plainwell, the son of Elwin and Virginia (Campbell) Bronson. Mike proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War where he received a Purple Heart Medal.

For many years he had worked at Parker Hannifin. Mike was a devoted Detroit Lions and Tigers fan and enjoyed motorcycles, wood carving and model planes. He was also active in the VA program for those suffering from PTSD; he received help for himself and he was able to be a mentor for others.

On April 11, 2006, he married Judith Hiemstra who survives. Also surviving are his son, Paul Bronson and granddaughter, Hollieh Bronson. Mike was cared for in his later years by Allison Whitmore who was like a daughter to him. He is the beloved brother to Mary (Randy) Lober and Sherri Bronson; uncle to Joe (Kecia) Bronson and Sarah (Chris) Lake; and great-uncle to five great-nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his cat, Festus.

He was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother, Mark Bronson.

According to his wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial celebration and burial of ashes will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery at a later time.

Contributions in memory of Mike may be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America.

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

, of Allegan passed away Thursday, Dec. 27, 2018, at Ely Manor Nursing Home. Born Feb. 21, 1936, in Allegan, she was the daughter of the late Roslyn and Vivian (Chandler) Gowens. 

Mrs. Younger was the widow of the late George Mitchell, RB Johnson and Thomas Younger. She was also preceded in death by her brother Michael Gowens and infant sister Yvonne Gowens. 

Mrs. Younger was a lifelong resident of Allegan and had worked for Allegan Tubular for more than 25 years. She liked to travel and play bingo. Above all else, she loved to spend time with her nieces, nephews and family.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Jeff Gowens (Barb Simpson) and Sharon Smith; a grandson Stevie Mitchell; a great-granddaughter Zarah; siblings Ronnie Gowens, David Gowens and Karen Spraggins; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to the staff of Ely Manor for the eight years of dedicated and compassionate care they provided.

The family will receive friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, on Tuesday, Jan, 8, from 12 to 1 p.m., at which time a memorial service will begin. Brett Simone of Allegan Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses will officiate. Inurnment will follow at Kendall Cemetery in Gobles. 

Memorial donations may be made to Ely Manor.

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

Esther Hazel Grigsby (Pedersen) passed away peacefully in Kalamazoo on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, at the age of 86. 

Esther is survived by her children, Cristine Green (Bill Cronen), Jill Woods (Mary McCreadie), Nick (Connie) Grigsby, Kurt Grigsby and Holly (Tim) Norman; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Norman Grigsby in 2006; parents, Laurits and Anna Pedersen; brothers, Herman, Carl and Nelsey; sisters, Viola, Della and Francis; and her daughter-in-law Kathie Grigsby.

Esther was born on Dec. 16, 1932, in Fennville. She married the love of her life, Norman Grigsby in 1949. Esther and Norm were small business owners much of their lives, starting with a milk route when they were first married and eventually retiring from The NorEsta Cane and Reed in Allegan.

Esther was a basket making teacher and active in her community. Esther was also a member of the Otsego Methodist Church.  

A celebration of life is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 20, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Royal Estates Community Clubhouse in Kalamazoo. In lieu of flowers, the family has designated the following charities to accept donations in her memory: American Cancer Society or Area 17 Special Olympics (in memory of her good friend Lamar Hacker).

The family would like to thank the staff at Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan and Rose Arbor for the care provided to her this past year.

The only daughter of Erie Edward Beer and Nellie May Johnson Beer was born on Sunday, July 20, 1919, in Bellefontaine, Ohio. She married Byron Wilson Henry on April 28, 1939, at the First Lutheran Church in Bellefontaine with only family present.

She and Byron both graduated from Bellefontaine High School in 1937 and 1938. Byron enlisted in the military service the day after Pearl Harbor and was shipped out in July 1942.

Their only daughter, Marsha Lyn Henry Kontia, was born on Monday, March 15, 1943, and was 13 months old when her father returned from the service. The family lived in Bellfontaine, Ohio, until 1954 and then moved to Ann Arbor.

Helyn was first and foremost a mother and homemaker and later served as the secretary for the dean of the Medical School at the University of Michigan. She retired in 1979 and moved to Ft. Myers, Fla., and enjoyed life in the sunshine. She later moved to Sebring, Fla., and in 2001, moved to the Douglas area to be near her daughter.

Helyn enjoyed almost 20 years at this location and recently had health problems leading to her residency with the angels. She was a caring, giving, grateful, and generous individual and was dearly loved by her family.

She is survived by her daughter Marsha and her husband Loren and two grandchildren, Kjersti Lyn Kontio (Randy) of Harbor Springs and Kerrick Loren Kontio (Melissa) of Holland. Also surviving are seven great-grandchildren, Kyler Patrick (Tori), Krandall Rose (Nick), Kerigan Elizabeth, Kameron Nicholas, Madison Lauren, Keaton Elliott and MacKenzie June. The great-grandchildren reside in Midland, Chicago, Harbor Springs, , Muncie, Ind., and Holland.

At Helyn’s request, cremation has taken place and she will be resting next to Byron and her parents at the Philadelphia Cemetery, Logan County, Ohio.

Family fondly remembers her 99th birthday party held this past July.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Saugatuck Douglas Historical Center, P.O. Box 617; Douglas, MI 49406.

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

Freida “June” (Massie) Hickey, 89, of Allegan, one of the most loving of mothers, grandmothers and a sweet human being, passed away at the Allegan County Medical Care Community on Dec. 26, 2018.

June was born on March 21, 1929, in South Lima, New York, the daughter of Herbert and Ruth (Rumfelt) Miller. She is survived by her six children, Larry B. Massie, Donald J. Massie, William L. Massie, Robin D. Massie, Rick B. Massie and Eileen R. Jarvis; her sister Thelma “Mickey” Johnson; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her son Thomas G. Massie; two grandchildren; three brothers; one sister; and her husbands, Wallace B. Massie, Gene Anstis and Richard Hickey.

The family wishes to thank the staff of the Allegan County Medical Care Community for the wonderful care they provided her.

A memorial celebration of June’s life well lived will take place Sunday, Jan. 13, at 1 p.m. at the Oshtemo Community Center, 6407 Parkview Ave., Kalamazoo.

Timothy A. Raab, 59, of Allegan passed away Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019, at Borgess Hospital. Tim was born Dec. 27, 1959, in Allegan, the son of the late Aubry and Charlotte Raab and had lived in Allegan his entire life. 

Tim was a true family man and cherished time spent with his grandkids. He loved baking with his granddaughters and was a master at X Box. 

Surviving is his wife of 27 years, Lorie; children, Adam (Krystyn), Amos (Rochelle), Amanda Jane, Amanda Dawn (Randy) Barnhart, Anthony (Abbra); 19 grandchildren; three sisters; 10 brothers; awnd several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter Ashlly. 

Following his wishes, cremation has taken place. A graveside service will take be Thursday, Jan. 10, at 1 p.m. at Lindsley Cemetery. 

Arrangements are entrusted to the Bloomingdale Chapel, D. L. Miller Funeral Home, www.dlmillerfuneralhome.com.

Alfred W. McClelland, 89, of Allegan went to be with his Lord on Dec. 28, 2018. Born outside of Arlington, Ohio, Nov. 25, 1929, son of the late Clay McClelland and Beula (Koder) and Orrie Newman.

Al was raised in Ohio along with his sister, Mary Gail, and graduated from Montpelier High School in 1947, and then graduated from Toledo University with a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy in 1952.

Al told many stories of his days working on the railroad during the summers between college semesters. He was then called to serve in the United States Army during the Korean war. After his honorable discharge, he secured a position at Merck in Whitehouse Station, N.J., where he met Grace Tanzi who became his bride on Sept. 14, 1957. 

Al spent most of his life raising six children, 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He and Grace traveled quite extensively and enjoyed life together with their family until Grace’s death in July of 2012.

Al was a wonderful husband and father, he loved spending time with his family, enjoyed softball, basketball, golf, fishing, reading books and attending many school and sporting events.

He truly enjoyed his career in the pharmaceutical industry, including his tenure at Merck, Miles Laboratories and at Perrigo Company where he eventually retired from in 1996. 

He also was a member of the Elks Lodge and Knights of Columbus.

Al is survived by his six children, Bob McClelland, Jim (Anna) McClelland, Pat (Jana) McClelland, Joanne (Mike) Heggen, Peggy (Scott) Milbocker, and John (Maulin) McClelland; 10 grandchildren; three great-granddaughters; three sisters-in-law, Mary Basarab, Lois Tanzi, and Pat Tanzi; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife Grace; his son Thomas Allen McClelland; parents, Clay McClelland and Beula and Orrie Newman; one sister Mary Gail (McClelland) Figgins; six brothers-in-law, Lou Tanzi, Harry Tanzi, Frank Tanzi, Matt Lutz, Mike Basarab and John “Mickey” Tanzi; and one sister-in-law Ann Lutz. 

Cremation has taken place with internment in the Blessed Sacrament Cemetery. A Memorial Mass will be on Saturday, Feb. 23, at 11 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. The family will receive friends at the church following the service. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Wings of Hope Hospice, Wings Home or Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. 

A very special thank you to the staff at Briarwood Assisted Living for taking excellent care of Al these last four years.

JoAnn B. Fusee, 86, of Otsego passed away, Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019, at Wings Home in Allegan. She was born Nov. 19, 1932, in Detroit, the daughter of Arnold and Dorothy (Coleman) Miller.

The granddaughter of immigrants, JoAnn was an animal lover and friend to all. She was a member of VFW Post 3030 Ladies Auxiliary.

In 1949, she married Ronald G. Stull and in 1970 she married Robert Fusee.

Surviving are her son, Ronald W. (Marisa McNeely) Stull of Pullman; grandchildren, Shannon (Marcel) Anderson of Virginia, Thomas Montgomery, Nicole Stull of Georgia, Christopher (Catherine Carlisle) Stull of Georgia, Alexander McNeely of New York and Anne McNeely of Texas; six great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and her best friend, Lee (Nick) Cary.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son Roger Stull; and daughter Vicki Stull.

According to her wishes, cremation has taken place. Burial of ashes will be at Mountain Home Cemetery in Otsego.

Contributions in memory of JoAnn may be made to the ASPCA or the Humane Society.

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

Alene Nancy Montgomery, 84, of Plainwell went to be with her Heavenly Father on Monday, Jan. 7, 2019.

Mrs. Montgomery was born Dec. 23, 1934, at home in Allegan County to the late Clare William Charles and Violet Gale (VanHouten) Charles. She was the wife of the late Richard Sheldon Montgomery who preceded her in death in 2017 after 38 years of marriage.

Mrs. Montgomery had worked for Kal-Equip for some time prior to starting her own business as a seamstress where she specialized in custom draperies and furniture upholstery. She was a talented quilter who shared her craft with many around the world by contributing to Lutheran World Relief through her church, Immanuel Lutheran Church. She was a longtime member there. 

Mrs. Montgomery also enjoyed painting, gardening and animals. She especially liked to watch dog and horse shows. She was often found taking things apart and then putting them back together to see how they worked. Above all else, however, she was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. There was no place she would rather be than with her grandchildren.

Mrs. Montgomery is survived by her daughters, Patricia (Ralph) Rybicki and Starr (Rich) Adams; stepchildren, Carolyn (Joseph) Durecki, Richard Montgomery, Donald (Laurie) Montgomery, David (Julie) Montgomery and Kathleen (Nick) Carimi; 15 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. 

Along with her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by two grandsons and her stepdaughter-in-law Rena Montgomery.

The family will receive friends at Immanual Lutheran Church on Friday, Jan. 18, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at which time a memorial service will begin. Inurnment will take place in Poplar Hill Cemetery, Monterey Township. 

Memorial donations may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church. 

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

George David Vuillemot passed away peacefully on Jan. 1, 2019.

George is survived by his loving wife Nancy of 28 years. He is also survived by his children Liz and Jack Wilson, Andrew and Julie Vuillemot, Annie and Mark Buchtrup, and Sherry and Jo Upton; and proud grandpa to eight grandchildren.

George lived an adventurous life from stock car racing to calf roping. In his younger days, he raised Arabian horses and worked as an outrider at the harness horse race tracks in the Chicagoland area.

Before retiring, he ran a successful hunt club and bird dog training kennel. Along with that, he raised his prized Championship Field trial dogs. 

In 2011, Nancy and George retired to Milford to be close to family.

A private family celebration will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to The National Infectious Disease Center at http://www.nfid.org/donate.

Donald Edgar Crowell, 89, of Orlando, Fla. passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019. He was born in Plainwell. He proudly served his country in the United States Army, stationed in Germany.

Don was a retired Vice President for Mueller Brass, where he worked for more than 40 years prior to his retirement. He lived in Strathroy, Ontario for many years, as well as Michigan, Mississippi, Tampa, Fla., and finally Orlando.

Don was very talented at woodworking and was a member of the Radio Control Flying Clubs in Strathroy and Tampa.

He was preceded in death by his wife Joyce in October 2014, and his brother Robert in September 2017.

Don is survived by his daughters, Kathy (Mike) Farris of Pearl, Miss. and Kris (Mahmud) Dhanani of Orlando; as well as five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

His final resting place will be Sarasota National Cemetery, Sarasota, Fla. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be shared on the tribute wall at www.steversonhamlinhilbish.com.

Ken Hatten Sr., 76, of Allegan passed away Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019, in Kalamazoo. He was born July 17, 1942, in Otsego, the son of George and Margarite (Rex) Hatten.

Ken had been a truck driver, carpenter and factory worker. He loved hunting, fishing, visiting nursing homes, bowling and following NASCAR.

Ken enjoyed organizing arts and craft projects at his apartment complex and spending time with his family and friends.

Surviving are his children, Jamie Briggs of Kalamazoo, George Briggs of Lawton, Jody Briggs of Kalamazoo, Donna Jo (Tommy) Coffee, Shawn Hatten, Kimberly Hayworth and Kenneth Jr. (Jennifer) Hatten, all of Indiana; many grandchildren; his siblings, Shirley, Doug, Roger and Barbara; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Bud, Joe, George, Stormy, Jerry, Velma and Evelyn.

Friends may visit with Ken’s family on Saturday, Jan. 12, from 2 to 4  p.m. at Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego. Cremation will follow.

Contributions in memory of Ken may be made to Wishbone Animal Rescue.

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