Mitchell Lawrence Wright went to be with his Lord on March 16, 2020. Born to Helen and Forrest Wright of Plainwell on Dec. 20, 1938.

Mitch was the second of six children. Mitch attended Allegan High School and then worked as a Farmhand and tractor repair man until joining the U.S. Navy in 1957.

Once out of the Navy, Mitch met Dianne Elaine Green, the love of his life. They married March 16, 1961. Together they raised four children, Michael (Fe) James of Portage, Robert Wright of Holland, Kim Colburn-Cranfield of Three Rivers, and Jeffery (Margaret) Wright of Kalamazoo.

Mitch had several employers but worked primarily for Rockwell in Allegan and enjoyed 30 years in trucking.

Mitch enjoyed hunting, fishing, spending time with the grandkids, bowling and volunteering at Christ Community Church of Allegan. He also enjoyed eating out and visiting with friends.

Mitch is survived by his wife of 59 years; their four children; 16 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; his siblings, Steven (Diana) Wright, Philip (Barbara) Wright, Bruce (Marian) Wright and sister in law Gloria Wright; as well as a host of friends and family who love him. He was preceded in death by his brother Roger Wright.

Services will be at a later date at Christ Community Church of Allegan by Pastor Wally Coots.

Ernest G. Cochran, 81, of Allegan passed away Saturday, April 4, 2020, at the Wings Home in Allegan.

He was born April 23, 1938, in Butler, Ohio, the son of Eugene and Ruby (McCullough) Cochran.

Ernie proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. He worked at Rockwell International for 22 years, KTS Saw and Clausing Industrial Inc. until his retirement in 2001.

As a young man Ernie was a skilled basketball player and had coached little league in Ohio. He was an Ohio State University fan and loved taking his grandchildren fishing and camping. Ernie was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Otsego and a leader for the Lutheran Boy Pioneers.

On Oct. 3, 1959, in Otsego, he married Janice Winter who survives. Also surviving are his children, Randy (Kim) Cochran of Florida and Melody (Tim) Mohrland of Allegan; six grandchildren, Ashley, Kyle, Shannon, Trey, Amber and Audrie; great-grandchildren, Peyton, Ella, Lilly, Arla, Charlotte and one other due soon; siblings, Sharon (Dan) Workman, Connie Cochran, Dennis (Mary Beth) Cochran and Timothy Cochran all of Ohio; sister-in-law, Sandy Cochran of Ohio; along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant sister, Caroyln and brothers, Larry and Ronald Cochran.

Private family services will take place on Wednesday, April 8, at 11 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in Otsego with Pastor Nathanial Timmermann officiating.

Friends wishing to participate may view a livestream of the service at www.peaceotsego.org.

Cremation will follow. Burial of ashes will take place at Trowbridge Township Cemetery at a later time.

Contributions in memory of Ernie may be made to Peace Lutheran Church of Otsego or to the Wings Home of Allegan. Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.

Eager to meet her Savior and to be reunited with her husband, Raymond, Jean Sebright of Hudsonville entered Heaven on April 4, 2020.

Jean was born Aug. 17, 1925, to Ben and Tiena Nakken of Wayland.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Raymond, grandson Chad Cook and nine siblings.

She spent her life as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her thoughtfulness and daily prayers for her family will be immensely missed. She worked for many years alongside her husband at Hopkins Elevator, the family’s business.

Jean will be greatly missed by her loving family, daughters, Shirley (Gary) Cook of Clarksville, Tenn., Mary (Ed) Tolsma of Jenison, Joyce (Tony) Morgan of Allegan, and Jayne (Kevin) Brenner of Hopkins. More than anything, Jean enjoyed her 12 grandchildren, Kevin (Donna) Cook, Dan Cook, Lesley (David) Chapman, Jeff (Jody) Tolsma, Jamie (Chad) Stiles, Jon (Andria) Tolsma, Tracy (Chad) Nightingale, Pat (Autumn) Morgan, Kyle Brenner, Kirsten (Matt) Warners, and Kalli (Nick) Mascorro and 24 great-grandchildren. Jean’s surviving sisters are Myrtle (Roy) Miller and Elaine Van Overen; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Nakken and Evelyn Nakken; and brother-in-law, Jim (Sue) Sebright.

A graveside memorial service will be held for the immediate family with interment at Poplar Hill Cemetery in Allegan County.

Memorial contributions may be made to DeVos Children’s Hospital, 100 Michigan St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. The family is being served by VanderLaan – Hudsonville, www.vanderlaanfuneralhome.com.

Harold Jay Hicks, 64, of Fennville passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, April 6, 2020.

Born July 6, 1955, in Douglas he was the son of the late John and Betty (Hinman) Hicks and the loving husband of Deana (Dalton) Hicks.

Harold was the youngest of 13, known by his sisters as “Baby Jay.” He brought life and laughter into their lives.

Harold was a hard worker, retiring from Donnelly Corporation in Holland.

He loved his Coke and had a passion for collecting Coca-Cola memorabilia. In his free time, one would find Harold woodworking. He was a jack of all trades and was always eager to help anyone in need. One of his favorite sentiments was “be good or be good at it.”

Harold is survived by his wife of 47 years, Deana; his four children, Jayson (Christine) Hicks, Clifton Hicks, Danielle Hicks and Roxsane Morales; seven grandchildren, Katelyn Hicks, Jordan Hicks, Christopher Hicks, Makayla Hicks, Mya Hicks, Cayla Baker, and LaShoune Allen; one great-grandson, Kaisen Allen; six siblings, David (Annie) Hicks, Shirley (James) Murphy, Panzy Mooneyhan, Linda Parsons, Tiny Covington, and Lavern Owens.

Along with his parents, John and Betty, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle Hicks; one granddaughter, Myra Chloe Jimenez; and six siblings, RC Hicks, John Wayne Hicks, Perry Hicks, Joyce Moore, Ora Jean Shirley and Bonnie Holtsclaw.

A Celebration of Life will be at a later date. Please follow our website, www.chappellfuneralhome.com, to learn when a date has been determined.

Barton Henry Bos went to be with our heavenly Father on April 10, 2020, at 12 a.m.

He was the son of Barney and Minnie (Eldrenkamp) Bos, born in Chicago on Dec. 8, 1940. His family moved to Martin, MI when he was 5 years old. Brothers and sisters are: Ettamae Talsma (husband George Jr.), Gerald Bos (wife Gwen), Alyce Huizenga (husband Robert), and Jack Bos (wife Marlene).

He attended East Martin Christian School and later graduated from Martin High School in 1958. He enjoyed playing football and walked over 5 miles to attend every practice and game.

After graduation, he joined the U.S. Army with a stint of service from 1958 to 1961. He served in Berlin, Germany, in the Armor Tank Division as a loader, gunner, and tank commander.

After the service, he worked for Kalamazoo’s renowned Gibson Guitar factory until they closed (18 years) and then 10 years for Humiston Keeling. He retired after working the next 20 years for his stepson, Dan Boniface, at Boniface Heating and Air Conditioning.

Bart was a member of Shelbyville United Methodist Church for over 45 years and was also a member of the VFW.

In October 1972, he married the love of his life, Delores Williams, and inherited a huge, loving family. He became a stepfather to four children, Denice Holcomb, Diane Whitcomb (husband Jack), Debra Stevenson (husband Rod), and Daniel Boniface (wife Deborah). He was so blessed with 11 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. He truly enjoyed his family.

In retirement, Bart volunteered for 10 years at Project Hope, enjoyed fishing with friends, tinkering around with scrap metal and keeping up with his loyal friends by meeting monthly to play cards. He was a true loyal friend.

A private memorial will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Comfort Care Hospice, Son-Life Camp, or Shelbyville United Methodist Church.

Mary Ann Hesche went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, April 11, 2020, at Appledorn Assisted Living South at the age of 87.

She was born on Nov. 14, 1932, in Grand Rapids, daughter of Andrew and Marie Hoffman. Mary is survived by her beloved husband of 67 years, Ron; children, Dawn (Larry) Meiste, June (Gary) Walega, Ken (Lisa) Hesche, and Rhonda (Mark) Kuyers; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her son, Larry; parents and stepfather Sieger Heys; sister Martha Schut (Hoffman) and husband Herbert; and brother Cornelius (Neil) and wife Verda (Johnson).

While growing up, Mary and her family lived on a 100-acre farm in Ada. She very much enjoyed the farming lifestyle. She especially loved her horse, Sparky, whom she named after the sparks that came off his shoes when trotting on hard surfaces.

Mary graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School in 1950 and began working for the Keebler Company in Grand Rapids. She also joined a softball league. Coach Ron took a shining to her and, as they say, the rest is history. In 1952, they married and moved to Lake City, where the couple lived for a year. They then moved to Fennville where they remained for the next 42 years. They built their dream home in Holland and remained there until they moved together to Appledorn Assisted Living.

Mary’s priorities in life were 1) God/Jesus, 2) family, 3) friends, 4) everything else. These priorities were very evident in the way she lived her life.

She was a strong, independent woman, but what mattered most to her was her family. She was a devoted wife and mother and did all she could to make certain her children knew that a personal relationship with Jesus was the only way to have Eternal Life. High on Mom’s priority list was making sure she honored our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ by helping others in need. She did so through her church and by being active in her community. At church, she was the Women’s Church Guild President, a Sunday School teacher, a member of the choir, and many other functions.

In the community, she was PTA president, band booster president, and Cub Scout den mother, while at the same time raising her five children.

Mary worked for several years at Michigan Fruit Canners in Fennville and, over a short period of time, with only a high school diploma, she was promoted to quality control manager. She also worked for Creative Dining Services at Hope College, where she was known for her much-sought-after chocolate chip cookies and legendary banana bread.

Grandma Hesche adored every one of her grandkids. She enjoyed every moment with them, either as their babysitter or traveling long distances just to visit. She would organize fun projects—often involving her glue gun—and take them on outings like garage sale-ing or going to the park. Grandma Hesche knew just how to make each of her grandkids feel special and, above all, loved.

She was an encourager and a joy to be around. Whether you called her Mom, Grandma, or Mary, she left an indelible mark on each one of our lives and we’ll miss her dearly.

A public gathering will not be held at this time, however, a memorial celebration is being planned for a future date to be determined.

David S. Kamyszek, 67, of Wayland, walked with Jesus to his Heavenly home on Friday morning, April 10, 2020.

He was preceded in death by his mom and dad, Ray and Florence Kamyszek.

He is survived by his siblings, Phil (Ruthie) Kamyszek, Tom (Leslie) Kamyszek, Edie (Dave) Edwards, and Lawrence (Sharon) Kamyszek; several loving nieces and nephews; several precious great-nephews and nieces; and many cousins and friends. David will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Because of the current health crisis, a private family viewing will be held with interment at St. Stanislaus Cemetery. A Celebration of Life Mass and luncheon will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan or St. Therese Catholic Church. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.kubiakcook.com.

Lawrence E. Bleeker, 80, of Diamond Springs, went to be with his Lord on Good Friday, April 10, 2020.

He attended Diamond Springs Wesleyan Church and worked in various businesses, retiring from Bosch in Grand Rapids. He enjoyed welding and mechanical work along with raising beef cattle for many years. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving from 1960 to 1962.

Lawrence is survived by his wife of 58 years, Gayle; daughters, Kinda and Tim Loew of Hamilton, Kelli and Tom Rozema of Holland, and Lynette Bleeker of Dallas; 10 grandchildren, Abby and Andy Perdok, Aaron and Theresa Loew, Alyssa and James VanDyk, Andrea and Gabe Stille, Allison and Brandon Geurink, Jacob and Jessica Rozema, Jessica and Ryan Hulst, Molly Rozema, Megan and Shawn Kroll, and Bailey and Hunter Verschoof; 10 great-grandchildren; sisters, Lavina (Don) Barkel and Nellie Brower; in-laws Barb Bleeker, Hazel Polityka, Norma Punches, Dennis (Lois) Commons, Beverly (Max) Commons, Beverly (Bob) Commons; and many nieces and nephews.

A family graveside service will be held on Thursday, April 16, in Salem Township Cemetery with the Rev. Mark Inman officiating.

Memorial contributions may be given to Diamond Springs Wesleyan Church, 3562 136th Ave. Hamilton, MI 49419.

The family is being served by Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home. To leave a condolence, please visit www.langelandsterenberg.com.

Edward Nathan Yetzke passed away April 4, 2020, surrounded by his family in Atlanta, Texas. He was 96, born in St. Joseph July 5, 1923.

He fought in World War II and was awarded the “Combat Infantry Badge” following the Luzon Campaign in the Philippines where he parachuted into enemy lines with the 11th Airborne paratroopers.

Ed is survived by his wife, Ruth (they celebrated their 50th anniversary last year) and sons Edward R. (Lori) Yetzke of Stevensville, John (Marge) Yetzke of Watervliet, Keith (Karla) Yetzke of Pullman, and Brian K. (Terry) Smith of Atlanta, Texas. He is survived by seven grandchildren, Todd (Carrie) Yetzke and Tricia (Charlie) Racine, Shane Yetzke, Chad Yetzke, Rebecca Smith, Amanda (William) Carter, Kelsey (Dylan) Smith; and 11 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Emma (Walters) Yetzke; son, Patrick Yetzke; granddaughter, Heather Metz; and all of his siblings.

He enjoyed fishing a lot, hunting, going to church, horse buggy rides with Pat Tomberlain, crossword puzzles and spending time with his family and friends.

A memorial will be held at a later date.

Edward Nathan Yetzke is being cremated under the direction of Queen City Funeral Home.

Gerald Nestor Draney, 81 of Allegan passed away on April 14, 2020, at Ascension Borgess Hospital from lung cancer.

Born Nov. 15, 1938, in Freedom, Wyo., he was the son of the late Ivan and Mable (Nestor) Draney. Gerald was one of seven children and proudly served in the 101st Airborne.

He met and married Georgia Ann Bellingar in Chicago on July 9, 1960. Gerald was a loving husband and he and Georgia enjoyed being married and raising their four children together. He worked 20 years for Rockwell International as an electrician and 25 years for Allegan Tubular Products.

He loved to fly fish and camp. Almost every year he would go to Wyoming to enjoy the mountains and fishing. Over the years he also enjoyed radio control boats and planes. Their house was one filled with love and respect and always a whole lot of fun and laughter.

Gerald leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Georgia Ann; son, Christopher (Marina) Draney of Lansing; his two daughters, Cindy (Wes) Gaddis of Lexington, N.C., and Tammy (Donnie) Oetman of Allegan; his grandchildren, Eric, Abby, Eli, Adam, Alex, William and Joseph Gaddis, Shelly and Steven Delong, Hannah and Trevor Oetman, Andreas (Amanda) Jenrich, Jeff (Codi) Draney, and Samantha (John) McClellan, Sebastian and Tristan Draney; 13 great-grandchildren; his brothers, Elwyn (Carolyn) Draney and Dale (Lorie) Draney; sisters, Diane (David) Lemmon, Donna (Kirk) Rodgers and Lorie Muir; many nieces and nephews; and special pets, Ozzie and Patches.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Michael Draney; sister, Carole; his mother- and father-law, George and Hazel Bellingar.

Cremation has taken place. Due to the Covid-19, no celebration is able to take place at this time. Please check back to our website, www.gordenfuneral.com, to be updated on when a celebration date can be set.

Coy Robert Wallace went home to Jesus on April 13, 2020, at age 85.

Coy was born to Coy and Ruth Wallace on July 7, 1934, in Corsicana, Texas. He lived in Texas most of his life, but his career moved him to New Hampshire, Michigan, Tennessee, Illinois and Florida, before he finally retired back in Granbury, Texas. After the passing of his wife (Audrey), he moved back to Michigan to live with his youngest son (Kent) until his passing last week.

Coy met his wife Audrey Joyce (Laurance) Wallace in 1953 in Arlington, Texas. They married Jan. 22, 1955, and went on to have three children, Kathleen (Wallace) and Ken Perkins, Kevin Wallace, and Kent and Becky Wallace.

In addition to being a dedicated, faithful husband and father who loved his family most of all, Coy also loved sailing, biking and playing golf with his sons. Throughout his entire life, he held an unwavering faith in God, which he loved celebrating weekly with his church family at Granbury Presbyterian Church.

Coy joins his wife Audrey and sister Joanne Hedrick, who preceded him in death and await him in Heaven.

Coy is survived by his children, Kathy, Kevin and Kent; his grandchildren, Kyle, Kathryn, Rachel, Jacob, Hannah, Robert, Christopher, Zackary, Samuel, Michael, Benjamin and Nathan; and 24 great-grandchildren.

Revelations 2:10 “...be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”

Carolyn Dawn Hays, 87, of Allegan, passed away Friday, April 17, 2020, at Briarwood Assisted Living.

Born September 8, 1932, in Allegan, she was the daughter of the late Ansel Peter McNutt and Ethelyn (Wynn) McNutt.

She was the widow of the late James Judson Hays who preceded her in death in 1997.

Carolyn had worked for many years at the Allegan County Courthouse as a secretary in the Friend of the Court Office. She enjoyed going out to eat at area restaurants and meeting new friends.

Carolyn is survived by her sister, Charlene Bender; nephew, Brian (Jamie) Bender, and his children, Kerah, Briann and Raydin Bender; and nephew and nieces, Paul (Jan) Hays, Vicki (Joe) Butcher, Michelle (Tim) Cooper and Krista Bender, and their families.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Judson Hays; her son, Judson P. Hays; and her brother-in-law, James Bender.

In accordance with recent regulations, services for Carolyn will be held privately. Interment will take place in Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice, 530 Linn St., Allegan, MI 49010. Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, is assisting the Hays family with arrangements.

Kathleen Claudia Reynolds went to be with the Lord on April 20, 2020, at Meadow Woods Nursing Home in Bloomingdale.

Kathleen was born in Detroit, July 28, 1946. She was the daughter of Gerald Reynolds and Dorothy (Wiley) Reynolds.

Kathleen was a member of the Church of God for 10 years. She had an avid passion for cooking, and it was evident any time you were with her. She would bake, in her daughter’s words, “The best homemade bread in the world,” and she had a knack for cooking up hundreds of Christmas cookies as well, during the holiday season. Kathleen loved her family, and absolutely adored and cherished her grandkids and great-grandkids.

Kathleen accomplished a lot during her many years on earth. She went to college for psychology and then became a principal for special needs students at Hillside Learning and Behavior Center, also known as the Allegan Development Center, for several years. Kathleen also served as a laborer at the Life Savers Plant in Holland, where she would always bring home something sweet for her children. She loved her family and will be missed dearly.

Kathleen is survived by her children, Dan Horn, La Rae and Roland Rawson II, Gretchen and Matthew Clemons, and daughter-in-law Lisa Sanchez; and siblings Gary Reynolds, Candice Statler, David Reynolds, Jeanie Reynolds, and Matthew Reynolds. There are 14 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her son, Artie Sanchez; and her brother, Glenn Reynolds.

Private memorial services will be taken care of by the family at a later date and time.

Gerald Lavern “Vern” Cochran, of Allegan passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2020, at the age of 88.

Vern was born on May 22, 1931, in Holland. He was the son of Samuel and Cydnia (Knapp) Cochran.

He served his country proudly in the U.S. Navy, serving on an aircraft carrier.

He was married to Christine “Chris” Johnson and together they had three daughters: Cathy, Janis and Nancy.

Vern developed TriPonds Camping in the 1960s. He retired from Rockwell International and operated Cochran Tree Farm after his retirement. Vern has nurtured many pets over the years, usually one more pet than she could appreciate. In his spare time Vern enjoyed woodworking, birdwatching, card playing, and countless projects. Traveling throughout all 50 states brought him a lot of pleasure.

Vern is survived by his wife, Christine; three daughters, Cathy (Rich) Espinoza, Janis (Kirk) Reynolds, and Nancy (Mike) Bylsma; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

While visiting Vern’s webpage at www.avinkcremation.com, please take time to sign his guestbook by lighting a candle and/or sharing a memory with the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to your local Humane Society, Habitat for Humanity, or place and tend to a bluebird house in Vern’s memory.

The family is being cared for by the Avink Funeral Home & Cremation Society, 129 South Grand, Schoolcraft, MI 49087, (269) 679-5622.

Clarence G. Anderson passed away Sunday, April 26, 2020, at Briarwood Assisted Living in Allegan.

Born April 20, 1924, in Chicago, he was the son of the late Axel and Anna (Larson) Anderson and the husband of the late Lois H. (Haase) Anderson.

Mr. Anderson was a lifetime member of First Presbyterian Church of Allegan and worked 38 years for Rockwell International, retiring in 1984. He and his wife, Lois, raised three boys together and loved doting on their five grandchildren.

Mr. Anderson leaves behind his three boys, Philip (Sonja) Anderson, Douglas (Debra) Anderson and Brent (Rhonda) Anderson; his five grandchildren, Andy (Tara), Kevin (Rachael), Carrie (Shane), Amanda and David; and his three great-grandchildren, Hadley, Rowan and Amelia.

Along with his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by his brother, Roy Anderson.

In accordance with recent regulations regarding the pandemic, and in an effort to maintain the health and safety of loved ones, Clarence will be privately laid to rest at Poplar Hill Cemetery. Anyone wishing to have a private moment of prayer and pay their final respects to Clarence may visit Gorden Funeral Residence, 528 Trowbridge St., Allegan on Thursday, April 30, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; the family will not be present.

Paul “Gene” Milbocker went to be with the Lord on April 25, 2020.

He was born on Feb. 27, 1940, to Sylvester and Margaret (Pack) Milbocker.

Gene worked in his family’s business, Milbocker & Sons, for many years and then changed careers and went to Menasha Paper Mill where he retired.

Throughout the years he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing pool. He had a long time love of tinkering with and restoring antique cars which included his dream of rebuilding a 1932 Ford Pickup (hotrod) which he finished before his health declined.

Surviving are his wife, Shirley, of 56 years; daughter Michele (Jeff) Koster; granddaughter Joanna and a very special great-granddaughter Jazzmin; sister Julie (Wayne) Burton; brother Michael (Onalee); sister-in-laws, Vera, Jean and Darlene; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Buster, Robert, James and David.

According to his wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Contributions in memory of Gene may be made to Chicora Country Chapel or Renewed Hope Health Clinic in Allegan.

Marion Florence Fleming, 89, departed this life and entered her Heavenly home on Saturday, May 2, having suffered complications from an early-April stroke. Her life will be celebrated for months and years to come by many who knew her and especially by her large family together with her church family.

She was known to be strong, deeply caring, frugal, generous, outgoing, independent, and hardworking. She was born on Feb. 11, 1931, in South Haven to Fred C. and Florence (Samuelson) Lammlin. The Lammlins were a second-generation German immigrant family and so Marion was bilingual into her young adult life. She had an older brother, Earl, and a younger brother Fred. This family was no stranger to tragedy and difficulty as Florence Lammlin died in 1948 when Marion was 17. Mr. Fred C. Lammlin later married Verona Bodfish Merleau, whose children are James and Freda.

Marion was a faithful assistant to her family in farm work and housework. She graduated from South Haven High school in 1949 as part of a large class that formed lifelong friendships and referred to itself as the Forty-Niners.

She fell in love with a sturdy and rambunctious farm boy from Casco, Lynn Fleming. This relationship was sparked with some prompting from Lynn’s younger brother Marvin and quickly blossomed. They were soon engaged and were married on Oct 7, 1950. Five children were born to the union: four daughters and one son. Mr. Fred Lammlin was once questioned as to how he became mixed up with the Flemings. He insisted that just because his daughter was married to a Fleming didn’t mean he was mixed up.

Together, Lynn and Marion owned a farm in Casco where they worked and raised their family. Marion wore many hats with apparent ease. She was a loving mother of her five children and later many grandchildren and great-grandchildren all of whose birthdays and anniversaries she memorized.

She kept flower gardens, fed calves, raked hay, chopped silage, kept the books, managed finances, mowed lawn, kept the house, tackled remodeling projects, and was an accomplished singer, an excellent cook and a confectioner who made famous peanut brittle. She and Lynn hosted the annual Casco sauerkraut production for many years. Marion was an active member of Casco United Methodist Church, where she was a faithful member of United Methodist Women and the church choir. She also taught children’s Sunday School.

Marion was a friend to everyone she knew, even strangers. A bigger heart could hardly be found. Her passing comes just five months short of their 70th wedding anniversary.

She will be missed by everyone she knew, including her cats. She had an unshakeable faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and so her family and friends are rejoicing that she is restored to perfect peace and fellowship in the presence of God. She will no doubt be enjoying eternal life with no restrictions and limitations.

Marion Fleming was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Earl and James, and her sister-in-law Sandra Lammlin.

She is survived by her husband, Lynn; her children, Marilyn and Tom Jessup, Marie Fleming and Lyle McKee, Dan and Karen Sicard Fleming, Carol and Peyton Wood, and Beth and Rick Seiler; 31 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; her brother, Fred Lammlin; and her sister, Freda Winkel.

Memorial contributions can be made to Casco United Methodist Church or to The Mobility Project in care of Casco United Methodist Church at 880 66th St., South Haven, Mich.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors and their works do follow them” (Revelation 14:13).

Kindly share your thoughts and memories on the family’s online guestbook at www.FilbrandtFFH.com.

The family is being helped by the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home in South Haven, 637-0333.

Seth William Belden, 34, of Allegan passed away Friday, May 1, 2020, unexpectedly.

Born Sept. 20, 1985, in Allegan, he was the son of Ron and Sandy (Harris) Belden.

Seth had served his country honorably as a sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was stationed in Okinawa and served a tour in Iraq.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in nursing and worked at Woodbridge Medical Clinic. Seth was on track to complete his master’s degree soon and begin work as a nurse practitioner.

He was a proud member of Duck’s Unlimited and loved going goose hunting. He had also enjoyed the time he spent coaching soccer with AYSO.

Seth’s greatest love was for his family. He cherished the time spent with each of them and had been a devoted son, brother, uncle, grandson and friend to many.

In addition to his parents, Ron and Sandy, Seth is survived by his sister, Brande Gillies; brother, Lee (Kristie) Belden; nieces and nephews, Ella, Zinnia, Levi, Judson, Hunter, Finn, Tempy and Sereniti; grandparents, Ron and Betty Belden; aunts and uncles whom he loved very much; friends whom he could always count on; and his faithful companions, Drake and Kuma.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Charles Harris; and his grandmother, Arvema Northrup.

A memorial service will take place at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 15829, Arlington, VA 22215; or to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.

Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, is assisting the family with arrangements.

William H. Tange passed away on April 28, 2020.

He was born in Allegan in January of 1930, the son of William C. and Else Tange.

He graduated from Allegan High School in 1948 and later attended Hope College. During the Korean War he proudly served in the U.S. Air Force spending three years overseas in England, Germany and French Morocco.

A lifelong Allegan resident, he worked as plant superintendent for over 30 years at the Imperial Carving Company.

He was a past Exalted Ruler of the Elks Lodge #1621, past member of the Eagles #2315, a life member of the National Amateur Trapshooting Association and the Michigan Trapshooting Association. He belonged to the Gun River Skeet and Trap Club and Fennville Rod & Gun Club. He was a life member of the RAF Burtonwood Association and a past Vice Commander in the American Legion.

For many years William worked in the agricultural hall during the Allegan County Fair enjoying meeting and chatting with all the participants. He also worked as an election inspector during the Allegan elections for 20 years.

He is survived by two children, John (Jeannie) Tange of Portage and Janet (David) Burgoyne of Allegan; two stepdaughters, Jennifer (Larry) Brown of Allegan and Lucie (Paul) Johnson of Douglas; daughter-in-law, Laurie Tange of Allegan; grandchildren, William R, Jennifer, Amanda, Chanel, Shawn, Kailee, Sarah and Benjamin; and several great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife and children’s mother, Beverly; his second wife, Charlotte; his son, William Jay; granddaughter, Kathryn; and stepson, Harold.

Per William’s wishes there will be no formal services, cremation has taken place, and inurnment will be at Lindsley Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Allegan County Animal Shelter; he had a tremendous love for animals and helping those in need.

Judith A. Farrer, 74, passed away peacefully April 16, 2020, surrounded by family and wonderful hospice staff.

She was born Sept. 27, 1945, in Oak Park, Ill., to William (Chief) and Isabel Stout.  She graduated from Lyons Township High School and attended Whitewater College.

In 1989, Judie met her current husband and the love of her life, Gordon.

She loved sports, especially water skiing.  The way she could lay herself down while skiing and touch the water with her fingertips was a sight to behold.  Judie also loved her family, good food, socializing with friends, helping in her community, and listening to her husband’s band.

Judie was a quick learner and had an amazing business savvy which catapulted her into many leadership positions in her community. Judie had several jobs throughout her lifetime in which she excelled. There were two that stood out and exemplified her commitment to making her community a safer place for all.  Judie was the Executive Director of the American Red Cross and a County Commissioner for Allegan County. 

Once retired, Judie was excited to pursue something she always wanted to do—painting. Judie had other passions, such as gardening, the company of her grandchildren around the pool, and volunteering.  Judie served on the Board of Directors for Saddle Bag Lake Resort Association. She also volunteered for Allegan General Hospital in their Infusion Center where she gave others with cancer hope.  She knew the toll cancer takes on an individual and was helpful in starting a cancer support group for her community.  She enjoyed working with the Allegan Community Players and the Children’s Theatre.  Nothing gave her as much joy as working with Cabaret and the wonderful cast, crew, and amazing following.  The Cabaret Band Show always generously donated all the performances’ proceeds to Wings of Hope Hospice where she spent her last days in the Hospice Home.

Judie was preceded in death by her Father William and Mother Isabel.

She is survived by her beloved husband Gordon;  her daughter Jennifer (Eric) and grandson Josh; her son Christopher; her stepdaughters, Shannon (Scott) with grandchildren Charlie and Sam, and Shelley (Dave) with grandchildren Max and Kate; her brother William (Chely); sisters Susan (Gus) and Nancy (Bill); as well as several cousins, nieces, nephews, and her cherished dog Zoe.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place.  Family and friends will meet this summer to celebrate her life.