Russell Cronberg, 100, of Cheshire Township, died Monday, Aug. 22, 2016, at Resthaven Care Center in Holland.
Mr. Cronberg was born June 11, 1916, in Chicago, Ill., the son of the late Fred G. and Esther (Fors) Cronberg. He worked for Bohn Aluminum for more than 30 years in South Haven while raising a family with his late wife Alice.  
Russell was a dedicated husband and father. He loved animals, music, chocolate and going for walks.
Surviving are his four children, Candis and Leland Greek, Cindy and Ed Reimink, Fred and Ruth Cronberg and John and Karen Cronberg: five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.  
He was preceded in death by his wife Alice; one brother Al Cronberg; one sister Evelyn Carlson; and one grandson Tim.
Friends may meet with the family on Thursday, Aug. 25, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, where funeral services will be Friday, Aug. 26, at 11 a.m., Pastor Daniel Barkholz officiating.
Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery, Allegan.
Memorial donations may be made in Russell's name to Al-Van Humane Society (http://al-van.org/), 73303 8th Ave., South Haven, MI 49090.  
 

Marilyn Louise Bindemann, 77, of Hannibal, Mo. passed away at 10:22 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, 2016 at her home.
Marilyn was born on Oct. 3, 1938, in Allegan, the daughter of J. Frank and Ona (Baker) Terry.
Marilyn was united in marriage to Charles Bindemann on Jan. 15, 1960, in Allegan at the First United Methodist Church by the Rev. Cermak.
Marilyn graduated from Allegan High School in the class of 1956. She went on to further her education at Davenport Institute in Grand Rapids. Marilyn and her husband were founders of Accu-Therm, Inc., where she held the position of CFO.
Marilyn was a lifelong Methodist, most recently she is a member of Park United Methodist Church.  Marilyn also attended Florida United Methodist Church where her husband serves as a lay minister. Throughout her life Marilyn was very involved with the United Methodist Church.  Her participation included United Methodist Women, teaching Sunday school, camp counselor and other church activities.
Marilyn was a former member of the Chapter JH P.E.O.  She also enjoyed serving as a den mother for Cub Scouts and volunteered with Girl Scouts when her children were younger. She later enjoyed going to local schools and reading to the children.
Marilyn enjoyed sailing at Mark Twain Lake with her husband. She also enjoyed sewing, reading, gardening and cooking.  She was notably known for her cabbage balls, pigs in a blanket, butterscotch pies and "frozen desert" fudge nut freeze.  Marilyn also enjoyed going to her grandchildren's concerts
Survivors include her husband, Charles Bindemann; one son, Dr. Alan Charles Bindemann and wife Major Stephanie, USAF, retired of Springboro, Ohio; one daughter, Diana Sue Malin and husband Charles David of The Woodlands, Texas; four grandchildren, Alex David Bindemann, Mason Charles Bindemann, Sarah Marjorie Malin Young and husband Taylor, and Hannah Terry Malin; one brother Gordon Terry of Allegan; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Marilyn was preceded in death by her grandmother, Mina Tracy "MeMa;" one granddaughter Rachel Elizabeth Bindemann; one brother Robert Terry; and two sisters-in-law, Lottie Terry and Judy Terry.
Funeral services will be Thursday, Aug. 25, at 11 a.m. at Park United Methodist Church in Hannibal. Pastor Bob Seaman will officiate. Burial will be in the Grand View Burial Park.Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the church.
The family is being served by the Smith Funeral Home & Chapel, in Hannibal.
Pallbearers will be Arnold Sharp, David Erskine, George Lewenczuk, Don LaFuse, Norman Olson, and Mike Treaster.
Memorial contributions may be made to the James E. Cary Cancer Center, The Heifer Project, Park United Methodist Church or Florida United Methodist Church.
Online condolences may be made to the family and video tribute viewed by visiting www.smithfuneralhomeandchapel.com.

Yvonne "Suki" L. Jorgensen, 68, of Cheshire Township, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2016, at her home.
Mrs. Jorgensen was born Feb. 9, 1948, in Allegan, the daughter of the late Jake and Dorothy (Weber) Mowrey. She was a Class of 1966 Allegan High School graduate and over the years initiated a luncheon group of her classmates. It was a fun group that would meet every few months just to stay in touch and update each other on their lives.
Yvonne was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Allegan. She also volunteered many hours in assisting with the Cheshire Township elections.
She loved being a homemaker and providing for her family, always showing them how much they meant to her. When she did work outside the home, she was employed by the Perrigo Company and the Chicora Store.
She had a wonderful way of dealing with people and those who came in contact with her always left more uplifted and happy. She had an easy spirit and shared her warmth freely with others, helping to make them happy.
Suki is survived by her loving husband Donald; their children, Sonia and Michael Anoskey, Nannette and Robert Lawrence, Chantel Freeman and Tanya Moore; seven grandchildren, Heather, Riley, Chandler, Jacob, Trevor, Gavin and Brandon; one brother Jake Mowrey; two sisters, Kristine Opas, Marleah and Rich Simons; two sisters-in-law, Margaret McCormick and Nancy Jorgensen; and several nieces and nephews.
Friends may meet with the family at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, on Saturday, Aug. 27, from 1 to 3 p.m., where the rosary will be recited at 1 p.m. A Memorial Mass will be on Monday, Aug. 29, at 11 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. The Rev. Father Alan P. Jorgensen will officiate.
Memorials may be made in Yvonne's name to Benjamin's Hope in Holland, 15468 Riley St., Holland, MI  49424 and Wings of Hope Hospice, 530 Linn St., Allegan, MI 49010.
Arrangements are being provided by Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, www.gordenfuneral.com.
 

Helen (Beck) Walters, 92, of Bentheim went home to be with her Lord and Savior Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016.
She is survived by her children: Mary Gibbs of Bentheim, Bob and Cris Walters of Bentheim, Rog and Phyllis Walters of Hamilton, Dianne Jacobs of Saugatuck, Larry and Joyce Walters of Bentheim and Keith and Ann Walters of Bentheim; 12 grandchildren, Helen and Craig Zeerip, Chad and Rebecca Walters, Robert and Charity Walters, MaryJo and Will Mulder, Matt and Zena Walters, Pam and Jason Brenner, David Jacobs, Heather and Travis Bouwman, Ryan and Jennifer Walters, Aaron and Sarah Walters, Samantha and Michael Zeerip and Elizabeth and Gavin Mc Cracken; two step-grandchildren, Jack and Carolyn Schrotenboer and Norm and Evelyn Lyzenga; 34 great grandchildren; and sisters-in-law, Marie Beck and Betty Cliffman.
Helen was a member of Bentheim Reformed Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband Syrene on August 26, 2014, her son-in-law Ted Gibbs and her grandson-in-law Mike Wierenga.
Visitation will be Tuesday, Aug. 30, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Bentheim Reformed Church in the Family Life Center, 3997 38th Street, Hamilton, 49419. The funeral service will be Wednesday, Aug. 31, at 11 a.m. at Bentheim Reformed Church. Interment will be in Bentheim Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be given to Bentheim Reformed Church. Arrangements are being provided by Langeland Sterenberg Funeral Home, www.yntemafh.com.
 

Sandra K. Hammer, 61, of Allegan, passed away Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016, at Wings Home in Allegan.  Mrs. Hammer was born March 5, 1955, in Allegan, the daughter of Everette and Treva (Kelsey) Snyder.  
Sandra worked for Kessler's in Wayland and also at Haworth and Friedlens, both in Allegan. A favorite hobby of Sandra's was sewing, it was like second nature to her; she spent her whole life sewing. Some of her other hobbies were reading, gardening and shopping-oh how she loved to shop!  
One thing she loved more than shopping though was being a wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed watching her grandchildren and always provided warmth, comfort and love. She was truly a special woman who gave so much to her family.
Sandra is survived by her loving husband Robert; three children, Robert and Jeannie Hammer, Angelia Herbert and Samuel Smith and Barbara Ann Menkel; eight grandchildren, Michael, Kelsey, Alishia, Isiah, Ian, Zoey, Alaura and Leann; three great-grandchildren, Aiden, Avi and Timmy; her mother Treva Snyder; three brothers, Greg and Tammy Snyder, Raymond Snyder and David Snyder; three sisters, Debrah Bodine and Tony Schmitt, Theresa Bolen and Linda Snyder; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and brothers and sisters-in-law.  
She was preceded in death by her father Everette Snyder.
 A celebration of life for Sandra will be Sunday, Sept. 11, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Trowbridge Township Hall.  
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.  
Arrangements are being provided by Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, www.gordenfuneral.com.
 

Roger E. Borst, 66, of Trowbridge Township, passed away Friday, Aug. 26, 2016, at his home. Mr. Borst was born May 13, 1950, in Allegan, the son of Earl and Betty (Wiley) Borst.
He was an Allegan High School Class of 1968 graduate. He was also a United States veteran, serving in the Vietnam War. After his service in the military, he came home and owned and operated his own trucking business. During the past several years, he worked for Don Cook at Cook Equipment.  
Roger loved vehicles and his most treasured vehicle was his bike. Spending time out riding was probably his favorite pastime activity.   
Roger was a friendly and caring person who enjoyed lending a hand, especially if it meant working on cars, trucks, bikes or other equipment.
Roger is survived by his mother Betty Borst; one sister, Jackie and Rich Rimkus; one niece, Erica and Ted Stender; one nephew, Justin and Maria Oram; two great-nieces, Elli Stender and Adrian and Andis Wheeldryer; two great-nephews, Seth Stender and Grant Stender; one great-grandniece Hailey Wheelydryer; and one great-grandnephew Remington Wheeldryer.  
He was preceded in death by his father Earl Borst.
There will be a private graveside service at a later date.  Interment will be at Mallory Cemetery, Trowbridge Township.  
Arrangements are being provided by Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, www.gordenfuneral.com.

Raymond Stanley Kamyszek, 96, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Aug. 30, 2016. He was born and raised on a farm in Hopkins.
Raymond devoted 41 years of service to Herb Chevrolet as an automotive mechanic. Raymond's little grey truck was well known, and he will be missed by the community.
Raymond will be lovingly remembered by his children, Phil and Ruthie Kamyszek, David Kamyszek, Tom and Leslie Kamyszek, Edie and Dave Edwards, and Lawrence and Sharon Kamyszek; grandchildren, Phil (Angie Garza) Kamyszek, Tim (Melissa Eden) Kamyszek, Tracy and Jim Hitzler, Robin and Sam Garza, Mike (Jesse Wood) Kamyszek, Jorden (Mike Williams) Alessio, Davey and Shannon Edwards, Christine and Lucas Spoor, Lisa (Dan Patrick) Edwards, Steve and Becky Kamyszek, Nikki Kamyszek, Michelle (Mike Rasnake) Kamyszek, Hannah Kamyszek, Sarah and Brad Haynes, Collin Kamyszek and Brandon Kamyszek; his nephew, Jim and Linda Kibby; and his great-grandchildren, Jacob, Jared, Justin, Riley, Brett, Cole, Zander, Cruz, Vinny, Garrett, Austin, Quinten, Ariel, Destyni, Izaac, Haley, Darren, Annika, and Rayna; Great-great-grandchildren Mara, Kevin and Leira.
Raymond was preceded in death by his loving wife Florence; his parents, Frank and Helen Kamyszek; and brother Stephen Kamyszek.
A Mass of Christian burial for Raymond was Friday, Sept. 2, at St. Therese Catholic Church, 128 Cedar St. Wayland, MI. A day of visiting with Raymond's family was on Thursday, Sept.1, at the Kubiak-Cook Funeral Home, 312 N. Main St. Wayland, MI. Interment was at St. Stanislaus Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Therese Catholic School.
The family welcomes messages and memories in their online guestbook at www.kubiakcook.com.
 

Kathleen R. Dunning, 71, of Allegan, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, at Wings Home in Allegan.  
Mrs. Dunning was born Jan.27, 1945. in Muskegon, the daughter of the late William D. and Bertha (Pohl) Hassinger.  
Kathy graduated from Reeths-Puffer High School in Muskegon and went on to further her education at Muskegon Business School. Her skills were put to good use working at Allegan Printing Supply for about 12 years and Electro Heat Inc. in Allegan for approximately 20 years as their secretary and bookkeeper.  
In her earlier days, Kathy loved to go camping and enjoyed being surrounded by nature. She had her furry felines that were very special to her.  She was a member of the Allegan United Methodist Church, where she was fortunate to make lasting friendships throughout the years.  Kathy was also a member of the Allegan TOPS group.
She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend and a woman who knew how to give to others without any expectations of receiving in return. Her beautiful smile and gentle soul will be missed by all those who knew her.
Kathy is survived by her devoted husband Thomas; her children, Lori and Jeff Frey, David Schroeder, Marc Schroeder, Abe and Marie Dunning, Andy Dunning, Aaron and Jennifer Dunning; seven grandchildren, Chloe, Gabryal, Leeann, Rowan, Adam, Hannah and Bryan; one great-grandson Finn; and one brother, William and Tina Hassinger.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Franklin Hassinger.
Friends may meet with the family on Saturday, Sept. 10, at Allegan United Methodist Church from 12 to 1 p.m., where the memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Pastor Robert Lynch will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Kathy's name to Best Friends Animal Society-Utah, 2005 South 1100 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84106, https://utah.bestfriends.org/ and Wings Home, 330 Linn St., Allegan, MI 49010, www.wingshome.org.
Arrangements are being provided by Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, www.gordenfuneral.com.
 

Rudolph H. Ellinger, 96, of Kalamazoo, passed away Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, at Friendship Village in Kalamazoo.  
Dr. Ellinger was born in Hopkins on Aug. 18, 1920, the son of the late Waldo and Gertrude (Wechter) Ellinger. He was a Hopkins High School Class of 1936 graduate and went on to earn his bachelor's degree from Michigan State University. He did his graduate work at Iowa State where he received his PhD in Bio Chemistry.  
Rudolph used his knowledge working as a food scientist for many food companies during his career. Outside of work, he loved photography and raising orchids.
Rudolph is survived by his loving wife Julia; two children, Debra Ellinger and Steven and Gina Ellinger; one granddaughter Alison Fournier; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his brother Arthur Ellinger and sister Myrta Lambert.
A memorial service to celebrate Rudolph's life will be held Tuesday, Sept. 6, at 10 a.m. at Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel. Pastor Roger Lambert will officiate. Arrangements are being provided by Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel, www.gordenfuneral.com.
 

Verna L. McCarrick of Allegan and Holland, entered her eternal home quietly on Monday, Sept. 5, 2016, in a nursing home in Grand Rapids.
Verna was an amazing artist who excelled as a watercolor, oil and acrylic painter, ceramicist and author. She served as a past president of the Holland Garden Club, consistently winning awards for her creativity and use of flowers. For many years, she traveled throughout Michigan sharing her talent and skill.
Verna was born in Oak Park, Ill. After attending Monticello, she married Bill Vandenberg Jr. from Holland. They had two children, Kristy Vandenberg of Kerrville, Texas, and Charles Vandenberg of Grand Rapids. She married Harley Hill in the 1970s, and they lived together on Beeline Road in Holland. After his passing, she married Edward McCarrick from Grandville in May 2004.
She enjoyed harness racing and loved her horses. One of her greatest passions was fishing in both Pentwater and on Anna Maria Island in Florida. She found a way to incorporate this into her art with porcelain fish, now located in many private art collections.
Verna leaves behind a legacy of art and a life well lived.
She is survived by her brother Harry Sandberg of Grand Rapids; her daughter Kristy, and son Charley; as well as her stepsons, Bill III, Terrance and Thomas; and her grandchildren, Zachary, Kayley, Layne and Chase Vandenberg.
There will be a private memorial service in the near future.

Clarence "Clare" VanPolen, 56, of Allegan passed away Aug. 31, 2016. He was born Dec. 26, 1959.
He is survived by his wife Gail; mother Ester (Faye); sons, Luke and Gage; stepdaughters Jade and Tiarra; brother Robby; and grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Clare was preceded in death by his father Robert and sister Becky.
Cremation has taken place.
A memorial luncheon will be Saturday, Sept. 24, at 1 p.m. at the Moose Lodge in Otsego.

Grace (Kelsey) Scarberry, 88, passed away peacefully on Aug. 30, 2016, in Lantana, Fla. She was born June 8, 1928, in Martin, the daughter of Tom and Katie (Richardson) Kelsey.
Grace graduated from Martin Public Schools in 1945. On Sept. 8, 1951, she was united in marriage to Dean Scarberry, who preceded her in death on Jan. 31, 1997.   
She was a dedicated social worker in Akron, Ohio, and south Florida, and touched the lives of countless children whom she helped throughout her career. She volunteered both at her local library and hospital, continuing to give back to her community.
She is survived by sisters, Mary Walker of South Rockwood and Anne Johnson of Lantana, Fla.; brothers, Robert Kelsey of Martin, Charles Kelsey of Caro and John Kelsey of Southside, W.Va.; daughter Carol Bailey of Detroit; son Dale Scarberry of Pompano Beach, Fla.; and favorite grandson William Bailey of Peabody, Mass.
She will be sorely missed.
Memorial services will be on Saturday, Sept. 24, at 11 a.m., at Martin United Methodist Church, 969 East Allegan Street, Martin, MI 49070.
In lieu of flowers, her wishes are for donations to be made to J.C. Wheeler Library, P.O. Box 226, Martin, MI 49070.

Myron "Bud" Hoffman, 82, of Allegan Township went to be with his Lord and Savior Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016, at Briarwood Assisted Living in Allegan.
Mr. Hoffman was born July 12, 1934, in Hamilton, the son of the late Arthur and Perelene (Nykerk) Hoffman. He was a 1952 Holland High School graduate and a veteran of the United States Army.  
He owned and operated Hoffman's Produce from 1958 to 1998, where everyone knew him as Bud. He was a true "people person" who had a kind and gentle nature, making everyone feel like they mattered.  
Bud attended Hamilton Christian Reformed Church, First Reformed Church in Allegan and was currently under spiritual care through St. Peter's Lutheran Church of Dorr.   
He enjoyed watching and supporting all Allegan sports. Later in life he also taught himself how to oil paint.
He is survived by his children, Deborah Fortney, Doug and Deb Hoffman, LuAnn and Scott Sulzener, Brian and Connie Hoffman, Steve and Heather Hoffman, and Sheila Hoffman; 15 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Lloyd and Karal Hoffman.
Bud was preceded in death by his first wife Faith; his second wife Char; and grandson Josh.
Friends may meet with the family on Thursday, Sept. 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, where the funeral service will be on Friday, Sept.  23 at 11 a.m. Pastor Stephen Otto will officiate. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery, Heath Township.
Memorial donations may be made in Bud's name to a hospice of one's choice and Allegan Sports Boosters.
Arrangements are being provided by Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, www.gordenfuneral.com.

Doug K. VanOmmen, 55 of Allegan passed away Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016, at his home. Doug was born Jan. 24, 1961, in Plainwell, the son of the late Donald and Henrietta VanOmmen and had lived in the Allegan area the past 18 years.
Doug was a great man with a big heart. He loved woodworking and his hobby farm.
Surviving are his wife Jessica, whom he married Feb, 20, 2005; four daughters, Jennifer VanOmmen, Stephanie Scholten, Wendy Delong and Mindy Cranfield; six grandchildren, Tessa, Anna, Laila, Hunter, Breann and Korbyn; and three sisters, Jan, Cathy and Leann.
Following his wishes, cremation has taken place. A private graveside service will be at a later date.
Arrangements are being provided by Bloomingdale Chapel, D. L. Miller Funeral Home, www.dlmillerfuneralhome.com.
 

Janet Wolbrink, 93, of Holland, died Sept. 22, 2016. She was born Feb. 25, 1923, in Sea Cliff, N.Y., to Joseph H. and Ann E. Bogart.
Her husband of 49 years, Robert Wolbrink, and her sister M. Esther Bogart preceded her in death.
She moved to Holland in 1941 to attend Hope College, where she received a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management. Shortly after graduation, Janet met and married Robert and remained in Western Michigan.
She is survived by her five children, Mary Ann (James) Braun of Woodbridge, Conn., Robert (Janis) Wolbrink, Allen Wolbrink and Nancy (Bill) Beery of Douglas, and James Wolbrink of Detroit; grandchildren, Heidi (Nick) Reynolds of Farmington, Minn., Anne (David Merryfield) Rucker of Minneapolis, Minn., Daniel Wolbrink of Holland, Joseph Rucker of Minneapolis, Minn., Allison Klosner of Long Beach, Calif. and Vanessa (Zach Fryer-Biggs) Wolbrink of Washington, D.C.; as well as seven great-grandchildren.
Janet was a member of the Community Church of Douglas. She served on several community boards, including the Board of Education of Saugatuck Public Schools and the Board of Trustees for the Allegan Community Foundation.
Janet's hobbies included: cooking, boating, needlepointing, knitting and socializing with her many friends. She was an enthusiastic supporter of the arts, and a serious watercolor artist her entire life.
A memorial service will be Monday, Oct. 3, at 1 p.m. at Community Church of Douglas. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the Community Church of Douglas or the Saugatuck Scholarship Foundation.
 

Betty L. Phillips, 93, of Bloomingdale passed away Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016, at Meadow Woods Nursing Home in Bloomindale. She was born Jan. 1, 1923, in Valparaiso, Ind., the daughter of Charles and Mabel (Catherman) Burroughs.
Betty graduated from Otsego High School in 1941. Later that same year, on Aug. 10, in Allegan she married Lester Phillips.
Betty had worked for the Allegan County Intermediate School District for 25 years as a teacher's aide in the special education department until her retirement in 1984. After her retirement she traveled across the United States and enjoyed spending her summers camping at Selkirk Lake in Shelbyville.
In her spare time Betty loved reading, playing cards, golfing and bingo.
Surviving are her children, Robert (Linda) Phillips of Arizona, James (Judy) Phillips of Kalamazoo, Michael (Linda) Phillips of Gobles, Terry (Gloria) Phillips of Allegan and Thomas (Karen) Phillips of Plainwell; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; along with her sister-in-law Joan Burroughs.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Lester in 1989; son Ronald Phillips in 2008; and brothers, Orrin "Tex" Burroughs in 1992, and Robert Burroughs in 2015.
Friends may visit with Betty's family starting at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego, until the time of the funeral service at 1 p.m. Pastor Jim Davis will officiate. Burial will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta on a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Betty may be made to Great Lakes Hospice Foundation, 900 Cooper St., Jackson, MI 49202.
Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.
 

Billy R. "Hillbilly" Swinney, 81, of Plainwell passed away Sept. 28, 2016, surrounded by his family at his home in Plainwell. He was born May 11, 1935, in Franklin County, Ala., the son of Austin and Irene (Thomas) Swinney.
Billy had worked at Coopers Foundry, Essex and had retired in 2000 from Hammond Machinery and Roto Finish. After his retirement he enjoyed doing masonry work, especially chimney repairs.
In his spare time he loved fishing, bingo, meeting his friends for coffee at Harding's, playing pool at the VFW and also enjoyed woodworking and making birdhouses for his family. Billy had a great sense of humor and loved his family very much.
In 1989, in Alabama, he married Marion Riley who survives. Also surviving are his son Jason (Kim) Swinney; step-son Greg Evink; nine grandchildren, Kristen, Jason "JR," Joseph, Ashley, Dillon, Lexie, Hunter, Lauren and Casey; two great-grandchildren, Emily and Payton; and his siblings, Birdy and Taff.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Betty, Alvin, Junior and WC.
Billy's family would like to thank Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan for their compassionate care and support.
According to his wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be Saturday, Oct. 1, at 4 p.m. at Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego. Celebrant Bill Rose will officiate. Burial of ashes will be at Mountain Home Cemetery at a later date.
Contributions in memory of Billy may be made to his family for expenses.
Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.
 

Robert Wesley Harps, 51, of Allegan passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. Rob was born July 21, 1965, in Plainwell, the son of Robert and Laura (Root) Harps. He loved to help his friends and family, he was a handyman, and could fix or repair just about anything. He loved to cook, enjoyed spending time fishing, and loved taking care of his cats.  
Surviving are his mother Laura "Jean" Cunningham; his brother Dale Harps; his companion Robin LaDuke and her daughter Rachel; and many friends.  
He was preceded in death by his father Robert J. Harps, and his son John Aleman.  Friends may meet with the family on Wednesday, Oct. 12, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon, at the Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, where a celebration of life service will be at noon.  
Memorial contributions may be made to Pathways, MI, 412 Century Lane, Holland, MI 49423.
Arrangements are being provided by Gorden Funeral Residence, www.gordenfuneral.com.
 

Our beloved father, Joseph Gagen Stockdale Jr., 90, born Dec. 6, 1925, in Allegan, the son of Joseph and Lillian Stockdale, passed away on Oct. 5, 2016.
He graduated from Allegan High School, and after a brief time in New York City, graduated from the Fagan School of Drama. He then went into the Navy during World War II. He graduated from Western Michigan University with a B.A., received his M.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and his Ph.D. from the University of Denver.  
July 4, 1947, he married the beautiful love of his life Robin Fastenrath. The two of them were one of the 14 original members of the Village Players, which later became the Barn Theater in Augusta. They went on to have five children.  
His illustrious career spanned more than 40 years as he passionately pursued directing, teaching and writing; culminating with becoming Dean of Theater Arts and Film in 1975 at the State University of New York at Purchase. He directed 138 professional productions and worked closely with many notables including James Earl Jones, Frances Farmer and Anne Revere. In addition, he was the artistic director of the Woodstock Summer Theater, directed off-off Broadway and was a contributing writer for TheaterWeek.  He also acted in some 60 productions.
A scholarship endowment is named in his honor at Purdue University where he spent 25 years. He was also awarded the National Samuel French Award for Excellence in playwriting instruction.
He has recently authored five books, "Man in the Spangled Pants" (Jack Ragotzy and the first years of the Barn Theater), "The Architecture of Drama: Plot, Character, Theme, Genre, and Style,""Taking Tennessee to Hart" (not a Travel Book!), "April East," and his memoir, "Stages: A Life in the Theater." 
For us children, he was a profoundly dedicated father, grandfather and great-grandfather in which words, both in quality and quantity, can never fully describe. Our deep love and respect for him will go on as he is forever remembered and cherished. He was our hero!
He is survived by his five children, Laurie Striedinger (Tony), Joe III, David, John and Larkin Walsh (Art); six grandchildren, Nathan, Charles, Stephen, Michael, Ben and Jake; and six great-grandchildren.  
He was predeceased by his devoted wife of 68 years, Robin, who passed on Jan. 11, 2015.
A special, loving thank you to Jane and Tom for the priceless care they gave our father and to the Kalamazoo Skyrise residents who were so lovely to both our parents.  
Friends may meet with the family on Friday, Oct. 7, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel. A graveside service will be at 1:30 p.m. at Trowbridge Methodist Cemetery, Trowbridge Township.  
Memorials may be made to Rose Arbor Hospice, 5473 Croyden Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49009.  
Arrangements are being provided by Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, www.gordenfuneral.com.

Clarence "Tink" H. Wilcox, 68, of Allegan died unexpectedly on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, doing what he loved to do. He was born in Allegan on March 5, 1948, son of the late Max "Mike" and Louise (Miller) Wilcox.  
Tink was a Class of 1966 Allegan High School graduate. He went on to attend Iowa Wesleyan College. He worked for the Perrigo Company in various roles for more than 25 years, achieving the position of vice president of manufacturing and packaging, which he held until his retirement in 1995.  
Tink was a very generous man and was well loved by all his family and friends. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed spending hours on the golf course. He touched many lives and will be missed greatly.
Survivors include his son, Dr. Ryan and Abbie Jo Wilcox; granddaughters, Adelyn and Nellie Wilcox; his sisters, Grace Ann Switzer, Carol and Jerry Beach, Marie "Chic" and Lee Heckman; brother, George and Maureen Wilcox; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Friends may meet with the family on Friday, Oct. 14, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, where the funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15. Pastor Robert Lynch will officiate. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery.
Memorials may be made in Tink's name to the World Gospel Mission/Rick and Lori Lampen, www.wgm.org/lampen, P.O. Box 948, Marion, IN 46952-0948 and the United Methodist Church of Allegan, 409 Trowbridge St., Allegan, MI 49010.
Arrangements are being provided by Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, www.gordenfuneral.com.