Charles “Chuck” Suchland, 69, passed away on June 26, 2020.

He was born on May 3, 1951, in Celina, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Suchland Sr. and Mildred Suchland; brothers, Kenton and Earl “Sonny” Suchland.

Surviving family includes wife, Vickie; sons, Brian (Amanda Myers) Suchland, Eric (Krista Lusk) Suchland, Aaron Wright; daughter, Amber Wright; and grandchildren, Ella Snyder and Emma Lusk.

A gathering of family and friends will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, July 11, at Newcomer, NW Chapel, 10051 Brewster Lane, Powell, OH 43065. To leave a message for the family visit www.NewcomerColumbus.com.

Arlene Bernadine (Selander) Hill, 82, died July 11, 2020, in Allegan.

She was born on Dec. 18, 1937, in Cokato, Minn., to Carl Bernard (Benny) and Alvida (Noyed) Selander, the youngest of their three children. She was baptized at Cokato Lutheran Church on Jan. 23, 1938. She met Rodney Hill during high school and the two attended Augsburg University in Minneapolis, Minn., where Arlene earned a B.A. degree in music education. They married on Aug. 16, 1959, and raised two children together.

Arlene was a gifted pianist and shared her love of music with her many private piano students. She also taught elementary music and directed choirs in schools in Davenport, Iowa; and East Grand Rapids. In later years, she enjoyed playing duets with her friend Nan for their music club. She was a talented cook who enjoyed making and sharing meals with her family and friends. She operated a muffin business in Detroit that sold muffins at many small grocery stores and also worked as a customer service representative for a medical supply company in St. Clair Shores.

Throughout her life, Arlene was an active member of Lutheran congregations in Minnesota, Iowa, and Michigan, teaching Sunday school and VBS, playing piano and organ, singing in the choir, and sharing her talents in other ways. She also volunteered her service to many community organizations, including Hurley Medical Center in Flint, where she coordinated a pediatric activity program, and Lutheran Social Services of Michigan, which honored her as volunteer of the year in 2000.

Arlene and Rod loved to travel and camping was a favorite family summer activity. As a couple, they traveled to Australia, New Zealand, China, Scandinavia, and throughout Europe and the United States. They especially enjoyed visits to Ohio and Minnesota to visit their children and grandchildren.

Arlene is survived by her husband of nearly 61 years, Rodney, and their children, Grier and Sue Ann Hill and Marla (Hill) and Jon Holt, and their families, including Nichole Hill and Paul Popovski; Joseph and Megan Vaughn, Allison and Joseph; Stephanie and Nate McDonough; and Evan Holt and Julia Holt.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister and brother-in-law, Elaine and James Mortensen; her brother Donald; her father- and mother-in-law, Elmer and Alice Hill; and her brother-in-law Clifford Fashant.

Her cremains will be interred in the memorial garden of Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church, South Haven, Michigan. A hymn sing funeral will be celebrated later when larger gatherings and full-throated singing are permissible.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mission Endowment Fund of Peace Lutheran Church, 06321 Blue Star Memorial Hwy., South Haven, MI 49090; the Mayo Savold Scholarship Fund at Augsburg University, 2211 Riverside Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55454; or Samaritas, 8131 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit, MI 48214.

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

Mary Brainard, 87, of Hopkins passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on July 8, 2020.

She was preceded in death by her parents Clyde and Nellie Green and sister Kathy Green.

She will be lovingly missed by her husband of 69 years, Gordon; daughter Ruthie; son Bub (Brenda); grandchildren Tony (Stacey), David (Jennifer), Whitney, Aaron (Britany), and Cody (Katie); great-grandchildren Kelli, Joshua, Samantha, Skylar, and Nick; brothers and sister Jack and Carleen Hartman, Albert Sonny Green, Elizabeth (Sookey) Teed; and many nieces and nephews.

Mary loved her family and her cat Sugar. She also loved to cook and bake.

A small family service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Wings of Hope Hospice in Allegan.

The family would like to thank the Wings of Hope Hospice for their excellent care for the past two years.

Shirley M. Friedl, 85, of Bloomingdale went to be with her Lord Friday, July 10, 2020.

Shirley was born Aug. 14, 1934, in Melrose Park, Ill., the daughter of the late Max and Alida Stoll and had lived in the Bloomingdale area since 1972.

Shirley met her husband Bob at Summit Bible Church in Illinois following his service in the military. They then went on to serve the Lord through their ministry, God’s Helping Hands, where Shirley personally wrote all of the teaching lessons.

She was known by many as Aunt Shirley. Shirley followed in her mother’s footsteps and became a nurse in her earlier years.

Surviving are her three children, Robin (Jeffery) Awe, Bob Jr. (Juanita), and Brian (Denise); grandchildren, Jason Awe, Holly Brown, Amber Knobloch, Courtney Awe, Kendra Knobloch, Logan Awe, Jordan Awe, Rondelle Friedl, Ashley Friedl, Abigail Armbruster, Brandon Friedl, Benjamin Friedl, Autumn Friedl, Mackenzie McGuckin, and Sarai Miller; 20 great-grandchildren; a sister Joanne Rowe; sisters-in-law, Margaret Wagner and Nancy Yahr.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bob in 2016, a daughter Renee McGuckin in 2013, and a brother Max Stoll.

Following her wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial gathering will be planned in the future. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to God’s Helping Hands.

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

Pete S. Hetzel, 75, of Allegan passed away Friday, July 10, 2020, at Borgess Medical Center.

Pete was born July 17, 1944, in Ashland, Ohio, the son of the late Peter and Marjorie Hetzel and had lived in the Allegan area since 1976.

Pete honorably served his country as a member of the U.S. Air Force where he earned the rank of Captain.

A graduate of Ohio State University, Pete owned and operated a feed and fertilizer business and also served as Township Clerk for Cheshire Township for many years. He enjoyed operating his sheep farm and loved to square dance.

Surviving is his loving wife of 53 years, Donna.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Following his wishes, cremation has taken place. No services are being scheduled at this time.

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

Margaret Mabel Valdez, 86, of Allegan passed away among family Wednesday, July 8, 2020, at Briarwood Assisted Living.

Born Feb. 18, 1934, in Glennonville, Mo., she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Margaret (Eberhard) Hustedde, sister of Anthony, Marie, Jake, and Francie, and was the widow of the late Walter E. Valdez.

She attended St. Teresa Catholic School in Glennonville, Mo. Mrs. Valdez was a longtime member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. She graduated from St. Teresa High School in Glennonville, Mo., and then attended Sienna College in Memphis, Tenn. Mrs. Valdez continued her education at St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing, also in Memphis, Tenn., and completed her schooling at St. Francis Hospital School of Anesthesia in Peoria, Ill., graduating in 1956. She worked for many years as a certified registered nurse anesthetist prior to retirement from Kalamazoo Anesthesiology PC in 2009.

Mrs. Valdez is survived by her children, Ricardo Valdez and his fiancee Dorrie Parker, and Pamela (Jim) Fachini; grandchildren Justin and his wife Leah, Anthony, Shelby, Walter and Giovanna; and great-grandchildren, Finley, Remi and Maxwell.

The family received family and friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, on Monday, July 13, from 5 to 7 p.m. where the Rosary was recited at 6:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial was at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church on Tuesday, July 14, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Father Simon Manjooran officiating. Interment followed at Blessed Sacrament Cemetery, Allegan.

Due to the COVID-19 virus, the family requested that social distancing and masks be utilized.

On July 9, 2020, Edward Bernard Clark Jr., 77, born September 1, 1942 in Allegan Hospital, went to his resting place in heaven. Preceding Edward in death are his parents, Edward Clark Sr., mother, Phyllis Page Clark, nephew Daniel Walters, ex-wife and friend, Susan Harrison Clark.

Edward was born and raised in Allegan, graduated Allegan High School, and shortly after joined the army. While serving Edward starting writing one of his bunky's pen-pals. This was Edwards future wife Susan Harrison Clark from England (deceased 2009). They moved back to Allegan where they got married and had four surviving children, Dean VanBragt, Curtis Clark with Pam Clark, Elizabeth Clark and Sophia Clark. Also surviving Edward, sister, Joyce Clark Walters and husband Ed; eight grandchildren, Bradley Gilbert, Amanda Jabori, Anna Clark, Destiny, Sierra and Taelen Mckenzie, Brionna Harper and Jocelyn Evink; and two nieces, Sue Walters Trump with Michael and Deb Walters Doty with Greg.

Patricia Grochowalski, age 82, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2020. She was preceded in death by her son, David Grochowalski Jr. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 35 years, David Grochowalski; her children Pam (Steven) Rosendall, Julie (Ralph) Fluger, Kevin (Jennifer) Grochowalski; five grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

Patricia loved to cook for her family and friends.

Per her wishes, cremation has taken place. Patricia will be laid to rest at Rosedale Memorial Park at a later date. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.kubiakcook.com.

Kenneth Robert Rewa, 59, of Hopkins, MI passed away Sunday, August 2, 2020 at his home. Born July 5, 1961 in Allegan, he was the son of Marilyn (VandenBerg) Rewa and the late Robert J. Rewa. Kenneth worked in the con- crete industry for much of his life. Throughout his career he had worked for VanLaan Concrete before going into business for himself as the owner and operator of Action Concrete. Because he loved to take care of everyone else, Kenneth spent much of his time off from work helping others. He would mow lawns and plow snow for friends, neighbors and family but would never accept payment for his time. Kenneth enjoyed going for walks to relax. His greatest joy came from being a grandfather and he cherished the time the he spent with his family.

Along with his mother, Marilyn, Kenneth is survived by his children, Tom (Katie) Rewa, Amanda (Matt) Modreske and Lauren (Job) Rewa; siblings, Suzanne (David) Selvig, Kelly (Pete) Elliott and Anthony Rewa; and grandchildren, Kylee, Keira, Ely, Klint, Kenadie, Evelyn, Fiona and Colby. In addi- tion to his father, Robert, he was preceded in death by his brother, Joey Rewa.

The family will receive friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel, on Thursday, August 6, 2020 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A graveside funeral service will take place at the St. Stanislaus Parish Cemetery on Friday, August 7, 2020 at 12:00 PM with Rev. Fr. Christopher Derda officiating. A luncheon will follow at the residence of Tom and Katie Rewa, 2140 137th Avenue, Hopkins, MI. Memorial donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Giving, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 are suggested.

Sharon Kay DeMann went to be with her Lord July 28, 2020. She was born in Martin, Michigan on April 10, 1942 to the late Floyd and Sarah (Wagner) Washburn. Sharon was a lifelong resident of Martin and enjoyed her winters in Leesburg, Florida. On June 9, 1961 she married the love of her life, Ronald Gene DeMann. Together they raised three children on the family farm. Sharon was very crafty and especially enjoyed painting. She was an avid golfer and went on a yearly trip with the girls. She also shared her heart with her beloved dogs and other animals over the years.

Sharon was larger than life in her tiny body. She had a great sense of humor with a contagious laugh. She loved nothing more than spending time with her family. Some of the best memories occurred around the dining room table. Her faith was strong and helped her throughout her life, especially the last few years.

She is survived by her loving husband, Ron, her three children; Randy (Kathy) DeMann, Amy (Dave) Meert, and Ryan (Angie) DeMann, her grandchildren; Ryan (Tina) Gurn, Levi (Kristen) DeMann, Dustin (Jessica) Meert, Jenna (Ryan) Meert, Abby (Kurtis) Dame, and Brittney (Josh) DeMann, Madison Jeffreys, and Bradley Jeffreys, great grandchildren; Sienna Meert, Braelyn Meert and two baby boys on the way, brother Dale (Georgia) Washburn, and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers; Jerry Washburn and Gene Washburn, and her grandson Cody Meert.

Memorial service 1:00 p.m. Thursday, August 13, 2020 at The Gathering, 1058 Lincoln Road, Allegan. Please stay for a time of fellowship/ visitation with the family immediately following the service. Due to COVID-19 concerns, it is recommended that people that attend please wear mask and observe social distancing, as well as any of the current CDC guidelines imposed on the day of the event.

While visiting Sharon’s webpage at www.mccowensecord. com please sign the guestbook by lighting a candle, and/or sharing a memory with the family. Memorial donations can be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.

On Friday, August 14, 2020, Jack Beckers, loving husband, father, and grandfather was taken abruptly at the age of 91. Jack was the son of John L Beckers and Florence Ascheman Beckers. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Richard Beckers. He is survived by his loving wife, Sally, his five children: Kelly Beckers (Roberta), Julie Sosnowski (Bob), Jackie Goforth (Bill), Chris Beckers (Companion, Shawn), Kitty Rauschert (Ken), and his adoring 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandson, numerous nieces and nephews and his sister Shirley Switek.

Jack was born in Chicago on April 30, 1929, shortly before the big stock market crash.  A few years later, his father bought a farm, and the family moved to Allegan, Michigan. They were members of the Church his father built, Blessed Sacrament, where Jack was an altar server. Life on the farm taught Jack the value of hard work, which guided him throughout his life.

He graduated from Allegan High School in 1948 and was known as one of the best linebackers Allegan ever produced, selected on the all-conference team and recipient of the Van Melle Award. He earned 5 varsity letters in football and track and served as varsity co-captain of the football team.

After graduation, Jack joined the Navy where he proudly served his country during the Korean War and played on the Navy football team. Upon his honorable discharge, he attended General Motors Technical Institute (Kettering University).

Shortly after graduation, he snagged his wife Sally (homecoming queen, of course) with his red convertible and charm. In 1960, Jack built a home on Dumont Lake in Allegan, where his children enjoyed an idyllic childhood.  Jack and Sally just celebrated 65 years of marriage.

Jack worked as a master mechanic at Goodwin Road Construction. In 1975, after the closing of Goodwin, he moved to the metro Detroit area, where he worked for John Carlo Road Construction as a master mechanic until 1994. Upon retirement, he returned to his beloved hometown of Allegan.

No grass grew under Jack’s feet, so retirement wasn’t for him. He went to work for Peterson Riverview Nursery, where he enjoyed being back on a farm. He loved assisting the Peterson’s with anything that needed to be done: fixing tractors, working in fields, driving families out to pick out their Christmas Trees, and helping them cut them down.

In 2000, Jack was inducted into the Allegan High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He was a loyal fan and supporter of Allegan High School athletics. It didn’t matter who was on the field or court. Jack was in the stands supporting, cheering, and encouraging all the kids. He believed the commitment to sports, athletics, and health to be an important foundation for success in life. He remained an avid tennis player well into his 80’s.

Jack’s love for the outdoors was evident to all.  He maintained a large and abundant garden his entire life. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Life was a big adventure for Jack, and he never wasted a day.  Hunting that bear, skydiving, waterskiing, boating, snowmobiling, parasailing, he pursued them all well into his 80s, and he only recently gave up driving his motorcycle at 90.

Jack loved his family deeply and tackled life with a never-quit-mentality.  He was a man of faith and honor. He only saw the good in each and every one, and each and every situation. He was like a father to many, especially the Peterson Family, and a grandfather and friend to whomever he met along the way.  He traveled many miles on his motorcycle.  He blessed his family with spending time on the lake, fishing and waterskiing at the numerous family cottages.  He treasured his grandkids and they treasured him. His grandkids called him “The Legend”. Nothing kept Jack down, and he was a fine example of how to live life fearlessly. He had the heart of a servant, always willing to help anyone, anywhere. He always left people better than he found them.

We are sure heaven is livelier with him there and that his guardian angel is now breathing a great sigh of relief!

The family will receive friends at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church on Tuesday, August 18, 2020 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.  The Rosary will be recited at 7:30 PM.  Mass of a Christian Burial will take place at the church on Wednesday, August 19, 2020 at 11:00 AM.  Inurnment with military honors will follow at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church Cemetery.  Memorial donations may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice, 530 Linn Street, Allegan, MI 49010; the Allegan All-Sports Booster Club, 1560 M-40 North, Allegan, MI 49010; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or the Shriners Hospitals for Children, Attn: Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.

Marva Irene Chappell, 82, of Allegan, MI passed away Friday, August 14, 2020 at Allegan County Medical Care Community.  Born November 17, 1937 in Allegan, she was the daughter of the late Francis and Arvada (Hall) Shimmons.  Marva was the widow of Bruce Chappell with whom she shared more than fifty-three years of marriage prior to his death in 2013.  She and Bruce were members of the Allegan Eagles where she loved to go dancing.  Marva was a devoted mother and took great pride in seamlessly managing the household for the twenty-three years their children were at home and beyond. 

For more than twenty years, Marva had also worked at Perrigo.  While there, she took up matchmaking as a hobby.  Marva spotted a handsome man who also worked at Perrigo and arranged a date for her oldest daughter.  It turned out that her instinct was right, and it was a perfect match! 

Marva had a funny personality and was sassy at times.  She was also a truly kind person and was well liked by everyone she met.  Marva made many friends, for instance, while residing at Vicinia Gardens.  There she was known as the “Queen of Wii Bowling”.  She also enjoyed playing bingo and winning prizes for her grandchildren.  Marva loved her Ford Mustang convertible and traveling with her sisters.  Having her nieces, nephews, grandkids and friends over to swim in their pool also brought her great joy.

Marva adored her grandkids and could often be found under a blanket singing songs to them.  She was always sure to dress up for them on Halloween.  Marva was known for serving them green ketchup and no one made better potato salad or French toast than she did.  She was dedicated to supporting them in every way possible and had loved attending their sporting events and school activities as much as possible.

Marva is survived by her children, Dalene (Brian) Anson, Jeff Chappell and Michelle Chappell; her twin sister, Myrna Shimmons; grandchildren, Jessica, Josh, Patrick, Mike, Steve, Jenny, Tyler and Riley; and great-grandchildren, Madison, Gracie, Kiley, Hailey, Carson, Joey, Victoria and Wesley. 

Along with her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Greg Chappell; daughter, Melissa Davison; and sisters, Lorraine, Mardell and Marcia.

The family will receive friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, on Thursday, August 20, 2020 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.  Burial will take place privately in Hudson Corners Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice, 530 Linn Street, Allegan, MI 49010.

Stephen Anthony Wrobleski, 73, of Watson Township, MI passed away Saturday, August 15, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family.  Born March 7, 1947 in Allegan, he was the son of the late Hubert F. and Helen I. (Hula) Wrobleski and was the husband of Zandra Joyce (Rabishaw) Wrobleski.  Stephen had been a longtime member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.  He was a dairy farmer until 1995.  He then worked in maintenance at Sunrise Acres, where he retired from in January of 2020.

In addition to his wife of fifty-two years, Zandra, Stephen is survived by his children, Theresa (Lyn) Snyder, Tom (Sherry) Wrobleski and Jennifer (Mark) Hodges; siblings, Carl (Barbara) Wrobleski, James (Jackie) Wrobleski, Virginia Kaminski and Charles Wrobleski; and five grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel, on Wednesday, August 19, 2020 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM.  Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Thursday, August 20, 2020 at 11:00 AM with the Rosary being recited at 10:30 AM.  Rev. Fr. Christopher Derda is officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  Memorial donations may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice, 530 Linn Street, Allegan, MI 49010; or Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1871 136^th Avenue, Dorr, MI 49323.

Arthur L. Lane Jr., age 90, of Saugatuck Township died Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020 at Douglas Cove, formerly known as Grace of Douglas.

Art was born in Detroit on May 16, 1930, to Arthur Leroy Lane Sr. and Ella Mae (Ruth) Lane. The family moved to Port Huron where he graduated from Port Huron High School.

He went on to attend the University of Michigan, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Journalism.

After service in the U.S. Army, Art returned to the Midwest and worked for Lindsay Schaub Newspapers in East Saint Louis and Champaign-Urbana, Ill. He then went to work for the Southern-Illinoian, which covered four small towns in southern Illinois.

Two weeks after he began work, he met Kathryn (Kit) B. Erickson, also from Detroit. Kit always jokes that she didn’t know if she knew him well enough to buy him a Christmas present, but then by New Years Eve of 1961 they were engaged.

The couple married on March 10, 1962, in Detroit. Both worked for the Southern Illinoian, but spent their spare weekends looking for other small, weekly newspapers who were looking for a new staff. 

In the meantime, they occupied themselves having children. Eric Arthur Lane was born in 1963, Christopher Decker Lane in 1964, Joseph Andrew Lane in 1966.

Art and Kit purchased and took over the weekly newspaper, The Commercial Record, in Saugatuck in March of 1967. Art was the editor and publisher and Kit specialized in the weekly sports column. 

Art and Kit then had their fourth son, Douglas McElroy Lane, on Feb. 11, 1968, appropriately named for his birthplace. The Lanes bought a house in downtown Douglas and lived there for 38 years. They then moved into a small condo in Douglas before settling into their home on the 11th hole of Clearbrook Golf Course.

Art packed so much life into his 90 years. He was an avid member of the Holland Windmill Chorus and performed in several Gilbert and Sullivan performances with the West Michigan Savoyards.

He was a member of the Ganges United Methodist Church. He was a world traveler, a golfer at Clearbrook Golf Club, a fisherman, a grandfather and a great grandfather.

Art loved Marro’s pizza, woodworking like his father and frequenting the Saugatuck-Douglas District Library to read the newspaper. He loved all things historical and was an active member of the Saugatuck community. 

Art was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Lane Sr. and Ella Mae Lane (Ruth).

He is survived by his wife, Kit, of 58 years; sons, Eric Lane of Florida, Chris (Melissa) Lane of North Carolina, Joe (Marnie) Lane of Traverse City, and Douglas Lane of Saugatuck; grandchildren: Allyson (Corey) McNabb, Sawyer Lane, Chandler Lane, Sierra Lane, Mackenzie Lane, Claire Lane, and Rebecca Lane; great grandchildren; Grace and Bryce McNabb; sister: Nancy (Cullen) Grant of Florida; as well as many friends and relatives.

A funeral service will be held at noon Wednesday, Aug. 12, at the Ganges United Methodist Church, 2218 68th St., Fennville, MI 49408. Rev. Marcia Tucker will be officiating. Graveside services with military honors will take place at Douglas Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11, at Dykstra Funeral Homes-Saugatuck Chapel, 520 Lake St., Saugatuck and from 11 a.m. to noon prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be given to Saugatuck Parks and Recreation; c/o Saugatuck Township.

To sign an online registry or leave a memory please visit www.dykstrafuneralhome.com.

John R. Walker, son of the late Jesse (Bud) Walker and the late Ellen Walker, was born on July 26, 1942.  He died on April 29, 2020, at the age of 77, due to complications of late-stage alzheimers.  He grew up in Fennville, MI and resided in Macomb, MI.  He worked at GM for 34 years. After retiring he worked at TORCA and the Clinton Macomb Public Library.  He was a loving husband to Mary (Orjada) for 47 years.  John was a wonderful father to two sons.  Both Mark (Brandon) from Dallas, TX and Matthew (Victoria) from St. Clair, MI are a living tribute to the goodness of their father.  John has two sisters, Marlynn Starring from Fennville, MI and Carolyn Nash from Mishawaka, IN.  He had many nieces and nephews.  He was loved and cherished by all.  His spirit, wit, humor and smile will be remembered forever.  John thrived on seeing, doing and traveling. Life was not long enough for him.  His body was cremated and his gravesite will be in Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township, MI.  His memorial celebration has been delayed due to the covid virus.

James Patrick “Pat” Kelly of Allegan, formerly of Hastings, passed away Thursday, August 20, 2020 at Wings of Hope Hospice House in Allegan.  He was 92 ½ years old.

Born in Hastings, February 23, 1928, Pat was the sixth son of Frank and Gladys (Beck) Kelly.  He also had one younger sister.

He graduated from Hastings High School in 1946.  After High School Pat served in the U.S. Amy, at one time stationed in the Aleutian Islands.

On October 8, 1950 he married his high school sweetheart, Julianne Cooper.  Together they raised 7 children, all of whom survive: Frank (Wendy) Kelly, Ann (Mark) Prymula, Mona (Lyle) Thomas, Nora Kelly (Joe Wilson), Colleen (Von) Haning, Jim (Tracy) Kelly, John (Ruta) Kelly. Also surviving are 19 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents,  Julianne (his wife), his brothers; Frank R. (Bob), Hugh A., Donald N., Howard (Miles), William T. (Bill), and his sister, Mary Ellen Goggins. Also preceding him in death were granddaughters Nadine West, and Meghan Haning, and Great grandson Alexander J. Thomas.

Pat grew up working various jobs in Hastings. He told his daughter about using a horse-drawn plow to clear snow from streets and sidewalks downtown Hastings as well as summers spent working clean-up on the midway and grandstand at the Barry County Fairgrounds. 

As an adult he worked at Barry County Lumber before moving to Allegan to work for the Cavin Rudisill Company at Allegan Builders Supply.  He eventually bought that lumber yard and operated it as Kelly’s Home Center.  He opened a second location at Merson Corners in 1979 and continued in business until his retirement when he sold the business to Legg Lumber.

He was a very generous man both in tangible offerings and in opinions.  He was known to have a crusty exterior but an inside made of pure marshmallow.  He especially loved his grand and great grandchildren, being increasingly smitten as each new one came along.

He had a big heart and was always thinking of others. When he heard someone was sick or something bad had happened he would make arrangements to get a rotisserie chicken and a cherry pie delivered to them. Sometimes a delivery of flowers or a stuffed teddy bear was more appropriate, and he made that happen, too.

People were not alone in benefitting from Pat’s generous nature. He was always an animal lover. His early years were spent caring for cows, horses, dogs and cats. There was rarely a time when he didn’t have a pet or two in his house.  He spent his recent months feeding the birds, cats, squirrels, turkey and deer that found their way to his yard.

 He set a fine example of keeping promises and saying what you truly mean. His passing leaves a great hole in our family and we will miss him tremendously.

Due to the Covid 19 pandemic no public service will be held.  If you wish to make a memorial donation in his name, please consider; Wings of Hope Hospice, or the Allegan Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

The family is being served by Gorden Funeral Home, Allegan Chapel.

Larry Raby, the longtime manager of the Coral Gables entertainment complex in Saugatuck, has died. He was 56. 

Having forged numerous friendships and professional relationships across West Michigan and beyond over the past three decades, Larry was known to many, particularly among his closest friends, as the “king of the one-liners.” 

“He was the funniest man I’ve ever known,” said Coral Gables owner Mike Johnson. “God, he could make me laugh. And then, when I’d try to get serious, he still would make me laugh.”  

Larry’s wit was at times acerbic, always cynical and irreverent, and genuinely funny. Another friend put it this way: “Larry had this unique ability to take a complex issue, instantly boil it down to its essentials, and deliver a one-liner that was not only spot-on, but hysterical.” 

A graduate of West Ottawa High School and in failing health over the past year, Larry could often be found sitting on the porch of the Gables, keeping watch over his city, and chatting with both employees and passersby.  

Larry was a fixture in Saugatuck. He will be missed. A memorial service will be held on Sept. 13 at 1 p.m. outside at the Beach Bar at Gables. 

Larry is survived by his daughter Caitie Zacker, his mother Jan Nelson, his stepfather Dave, older sister Nancy Benson, brother Marty Raby (Leanne), brother Kent Raby (Carrie), along with nephews and nieces Trevor, Ciera, Paityn, and Sydney.  

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