Barbara J. (Nelsen) Eckardt, 73, of Allegan passed from this life surrounded by her family on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016.  
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Agnes (Bywater) Nelsen and her younger sister Susan.  
Barb graduated from Schurz High School in Chicago. She spent more than12 years working in special education as a teacher's aide for the Chicago Public School system, retiring in 2004.
Barb leaves behind her husband and soulmate Jon; her children, Debbie and Rob Eyrich, Jamie and Scott Flanagan and Chris and Joanne Eckardt; her grandchildren, Joel, Lauren, Brad, Kim, Mason, Ryan, Damien and Dominic; her sister, Judy and Rich Lubben; several nieces and nephews; and many, many dear friends from their time spent between Michigan, Illinois and Florida.
Today, let us celebrate her life and all the good times. Let's remember her crazy laugh (once she got going) and her love of thin crust pizza, hot dogs, vanilla ice cream and good old-fashioned popcorn. Let's remember her favorite pastimes-"directing traffic" and "delegating."  But most importantly, we will always remember her love of a good party. You may have thought you were just stopping by to say hi, but before you knew what hit you, you were staying for dinner!
A celebration of life will be Sunday, Dec. 4, at 1 p.m. at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel. A second celebration of life will be Saturday, Dec. 17, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Moretti's, 1175 W. Lake St., Barlett, Ill.  
A special thank you goes out to all of those at Wings of Hope Hospice and Wings Home in Allegan, who helped care for Barb. Their compassionate care not only for her, but for all the family members, was incredible and extremely supportive.  
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to Wings Home, 530 Linn St., Allegan, MI 49010.  
Arrangements are being provided by Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, www.gordenfuneral.com.
We all love and miss you to the moon and back!
 

Dale Orr, 90, of Allegan passed away peacefully Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016, at Briarwood Assisted Living in Allegan.
He was born into a loving family on June 5, 1926, to Walter and Ethel (Hicks) Orr in Martin where he learned the value of hard work. He married Janis Miller on Aug. 20, 1966, and shared 49 years of marriage before her passing in 2015.
Dale was proud to be a farmer, an American, and to be free. He had a drive to do what was right and fair. Dale worked at Mead Papermill for more than 40 years as a millwright, electrician, and fabricator. He loved God and was an honest and loyal provider for his family.
He loved a small town and, if given the time and conversation, would either know you, your family, or be related to you. Dale loved horses, mules, pie, the Allegan County Fair, and good old country music.
Dale lived with the realization that through all the twists and turns in his life, nothing was a mistake and that God led him every step of the way. He loved to bake chocolate chip cookies and banana bread and had his own recipes with secret ingredients.
Dale loved his family and was very proud of them. He would often tell anyone who would listen about his children and grandchildren.
He was preceded in death, along with his parents and wife, by a son Dale Orr, Jr.; daughter-in-law Marilyn Orr; and siblings, Robert Orr and Darlene DePaolo.
Dale is survived by five children, Kathy and Joe DeGrandchamp, Brenda and Philip Johnson, Travis and Amy Orr, Trevor and Nadene Orr and Abby and Jeremy Fogg; 15 grandchildren, Bret and Gabriela, Brianne and Raul, Katelyn and Brad, Alyssa and Kyle, Molly, Joseph, Jamison, Trevor, Lauren, Emily, Meredith, Parker, Sawyer, Miller and Archer; four great-grandchildren, Sebastian, Benjamin, Micaela and Calvin; and brother Kenneth (Marjorie) Orr.
A private graveside services will be held.
Family and friends are invited to The Silo in Allegan to celebrate Dale's life on Friday, Nov. 25, from 3 to 5 p.m.
Contributions may be made in Dale's memory to Hospice of Holland, 270 Hoover Boulevard, Holland, MI  49423.
Kindly share your thoughts and memories on the family's online guestbook at www.FilbrandtFFH.com.
Arrangements are being provided by the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home of South Haven, (269) 637-0333.
 

Ernest Nicks, 80, of Saugatuck, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016, at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo. He was born Aug. 9, 1936, in High Splint, Ky., and has spent more than 50 years in the Saugatuck area.
Ernest worked for Harris Pie in Saugatuck for more than 25 years, and also worked for TLC in Holland. He truly enjoyed woodworking and selling his projects.
Ernest is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Irma (Gleason) Nicks of Saugatuck; children, David and Chris Nicks of Pullman, Terri Nicks of Kingsley, John Nicks of Fife Lake, Sheila McKeehan of Corbin, Ky., Lisa Lawson of Corbin, Ky.; siblings, Janice, Emma, Brenda, Kathy, Henrietta, Tami and Jack of Williamsburg, Ky.; 16 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.
At Ernest's request, cremation has taken place and a service will be Wednesday, Nov. 16, at 11 a.m. at Riverside Cemetery in Saugatuck.
An online registry book is available at www.chappellfuneralhome.com
 

Howard C. Harrington, 84, of Allegan passed away Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016, at Allegan County Medical Care Community. Howard was born July 10, 1932, in Cheshire Center, the son of Ernest and Blanch (Noble) Harrington.  
Howard proudly served his country in the United States Navy for eight years. Following his military service, he was employed at Morgan Appliance where he was a repairman and delivered gas, always going above and beyond for his customers.  
Howard was a member of the Allegan Eagles 2315, was an avid Detroit Tigers fan and enjoyed golfing and playing cards.
Howard was preceded in death by his beloved wife Iva Pearl Harrington in 2001; his parents; two sisters, Lorraine Brenner and Ruthie Belgoyen; and three brothers, Elver, Dwayne and Donny Harrington.  
He is survived by a daughter, Peggy (Don) Graham of Noblesville, Ind.; two grandchildren, Rene (Alan) Moore of Greenwood, Ind., and John Graham of Carmel, Ind.; a sister, Frances Tyler of Portage; and many nieces and nephews whom he adored.
Cremation has taken place, and he will be laid to rest at Oakwood Cemetery, Allegan, beside his wife.  
Arrangements are being provided by Avink Funeral Home Cremation Society, Schoolcraft.  
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.avinkcremation.com.
 

Marvin J. Ballard Jr. (Jim), 62, passed away peacefully at home Thursday, Nov. 20, 2016, in Fennville.
Jim was born Aug. 13, 1953, in Hastings to Mary and Gwen Ballard,
Surviving are his three children Dennis, Lisa Carnegie and Adam; grandchildren, Jamy and Shaneebree Ballard and Jayla and Claire Carnegie.
The family will meet with friends Saturday, Nov. 19, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Monterey Township Hall., passed away peacefully at home Thursday, Nov. 20, 2016, in Fennville.
Jim was born Aug. 13, 1953, in Hastings to Mary and Gwen Ballard,
Surviving are his three children Dennis, Lisa Carnegie and Adam; grandchildren, Jamy and Shaneebree Ballard and Jayla and Claire Carnegie.
The family will meet with friends Saturday, Nov. 19, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Monterey Township Hall.

Vernon George McCormick Jr., 73, of Montague and Sun City, Ariz., passed away Nov. 5, 2016, with his wife and son at his side.  
Vernon's greatest love in life was God and family. He was born to the late Vernon Sr. and Dorothy (Hodgenboom) McCormick, Jan. 21, 1943. Vernon graduated from Allegan High School and Western Michigan University. He retired from Steelcase in Grand Rapids in 1999.  
Vernon is survived by Barbara, his wife of 18 years; son Michael (Efrain) McCormick of Chicago, Ill.; daughter Shari (Devin) Decator of Grandville; stepsons, Jason (Michele) VanderBerg and Jeff (Val) VanderBerg; and eight beautiful grandchildren.  
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Sharon Arlington in 2006; and the person who he loved and admired, his stepmother Dorothy Gail McCormick in 2007.  
Private graveside services will be at Rosedale Memorial Park Cemetery in Grand Rapids. Please direct memorials to either of two organizations invaluable to the McCormick family, Lewy Body Dementia Association, www.lbda.org or Benevilla, www.benevilla.org.

Clarence "Clare" Leroy Disselkoen, 89, finished his earthly race and joined His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, Nov. 14, 2016.  
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lorene; his five children, Randy (Terri), Jack, Dan (Diane) Disselkoen, Merry (Mike) Vermeer, and Laurie (Randy) Elders; his grandchildren, Robyn (Daniel) Russell, Kaitlyn (Justin) Swan, Steve (Christa) Disselkoen, Grant Vermeer and fiancée Kaitlin Huissen, Drew Vermeer, Nick (Sarah) Disselkoen, Tony Disselkoen, DJ Disselkoen, Trent (Kelly) Elders, Tara (Graham) Schultze and Troy Elders; and great-grandchild Abby Disselkoen. He also leaves behind his sister Ruth Terpstra, Don Disselkoen, and sister-in-law, Margaret Disselkoen.  
Clare was a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ. After he graduated from Reformed Bible Institute, he planted and pastored churches at Beacon Light Church, Woodville CRC, Fellowship CRC, Saugatuck CRC, Fennville Reformed, Bravo CRC and Reformed Baptist in Holland.  
Clare was also a United States World War II veteran. He was a man of prayer; he beseeched God daily for His presence to guide his family and friends.  
Clare's loved ones miss him dearly, but grieve with hope; for, they know that Jesus will raise Clare up at the last day. To God be the glory forever and ever, Amen!  
Funeral services are Friday, Nov. 18, at 11 a.m. at Zaagman Memorial Chapel with his grandson, Pastor Stephen Disselkoen officiating.  
Memorial contributions may be made to Park CRC in Holland for their outreach program or Billy Graham ministries.  
Arrangements are being provided by Zaagman Memorial Chapel, 2800 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.

William "Bill" Henry Astle Jr., 82, passed away peacefully at home in Otsego, Nov. 17, 2016, wrapped in the love of family and friends, and in the care of Allegan Wings of Hope Hospice.
Bill was born Jan. 11, 1934, in Camas, Wash., the third child and first son of William "Butsy" Astle and Catherine "Vonnie" (Furlotte) Astle. By the age of 3 he and his family moved to Plainwell, where his dad was a foreman at the paper mill. Bill was president of his senior class and an all-star athlete in basketball, baseball, and football. In 2012, he was honored to be inducted into the Plainwell High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
Bill spent four years in the United States Air Force and then attended Western Michigan University. He married Sally Bowers in 1963 and was blessed with four daughters.
Bill was an art director for International Paper Company and a purchasing manager for Flexfab, which brought him to Hastings in the 1980s. He left the business world to be resident manager of YMCA Camp Manitoulin for 14 years, which he said was the best job he ever had.
He married Judy Hughes in 1996, and in retirement continued working for Amway, Camp Henry and Heifer International. Judy and Bill returned to Michigan to live in Otsego in 2008.
Over the years Bill was a member at Lutheran, Methodist, Baptist, Episcopal, and Presbyterian churches. He was passionate about the outdoors, skiing, cycling, backpacking, and photography, and became an avid adaptive skier and cyclist since 2004, conquering Hemlock in a monoski at his beloved Timber Ridge dozens of times.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, "Butsy" and "Vonnie" Astle; his sister Beverly Madden (Bill); brother-in-law George McLaughlin (Betty); and first wife Sally (Bowers) Astle.
He is survived by wife Judy Astle; sisters, Betty McLaughlin and Barbara Pleyte (Gary); four daughters, Sarah Dean (Jeff), Connie Fox, Laura Benevides (Carl) and Rebecca Allen; step-children Ben Hughes (Jennifer) and Jennifer Robelli (Erik); and grandchildren, Meghan Fox, Nick Meyers, Tyler Robelli, Maxwell Benevides, Ben Fox, Aiden Hughes, Ethan Hughes, Celia Robelli and Eliana Robelli. He is also survived by eight nephews and three nieces, and their children and grandchildren.
A celebration of his life will be Friday, Nov. 25, at 5 p.m. at Timber Ridge. Visitation begins at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Bill Astle Fund at Timber Ridge Ski Area, 07500 23 1/2 St., Gobles, MI 49055.

Vivian R. Roberts, 91, passed away Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016, at Trillium Woods in Byron Center.
Vivian was born Dec. 11, 1924, in Hopkins, the daughter of the late Martin and Elizabeth (Wamhoff) Pueschel. She graduated from Hopkins High School in 1942 and attended Davenport Business College.  
On Sept. 1, 1952, she married Gale Roberts and they resided on the Robert's farm their entire married life. From 1956 until 1984, Vivian was employed in the personnel department at Rockwell International. She was also a charter member of Epiphany Lutheran Church in Dorr.
Vivian is survived by many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by eight siblings, Esther Pueschel, Bruno and Ruth Puschel, Ernest and Margaret Pueschel, Albert and Dorothy Puschel, Edgar and Hulda Puschel, Lily and Everette Duryee, Robert and Helen Pueschel, and Alma and Norwood Haveman.
Friends met with the family on Sunday, Nov. 20, at Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel.  The funeral service will be Monday, Nov. 21, at 11 a.m. at Epiphany Lutheran Church in Dorr, Pastor David Fleming officiating. Interment will be at Poplar Hill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Epiphany Lutheran Church, 4219 Park Lane, PO Box 245, Dorr, MI 49323.  
Arrangements are being provided by Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel, www.gordenfuneral.com.
 

Ann Lou Olendorf (nee Christensen), 72, of Saugatuck Township, died Nov. 20, 2016, in Grand Rapids, following a hemorrhagic stroke.
Mrs. Olendorf was born on Sept. 25, 1944 in South Haven, to her parents, Leonard and Neva Christensen. She graduated from Hope College in 1969 and acquired a master's degree from Grand Valley University in 2005. She married Donald Olendorf in 1973.
Ann was a loving wife who adored her children and grandchildren. Her soft kisses and hugs will be treasured memories.
Ann was a patient and supportive educational leader with a passion for children in poverty with promise. She was an avid sailor who spent 30 years visiting the remote spots of the Great Lakes on her beloved "Isle of Skye."
Mrs. Olendorf is survived by her husband Donald; her brother Chuck; mother-in-law Mary Olendorf; daughters, Krista Willertz (Chris) and Sonja Skerbeck (Jamie); son Eric Olendorf (Megan); and 10 grandchildren, Raegan Willertz, Alec Willertz, Maria Willertz, Joseph Skerbeck, Sophia Skerbeck, Nicholas Skerbeck, Emma Olendorf, Andrew Olendorf, Matthew Olendorf and Charlie Olendorf.
Kindness and optimism were her greatest strengths.
Mrs. Olendorf will be buried in a private ceremony on Dec. 12. A memorial service will be on Sunday, Dec. 11, at 2 p.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church, 252 Grand St. in Saugatuck. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Ann's life. Visitation will be at the church at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Fennville Educational Foundation, P.O. Box 231, Fennville, MI.
Arrangements are being provided by Dykstra Funeral Home.
 
 

Mathew J. Spreitzer, 93 of Allegan, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016, at Vista Springs Riverside in Grand Rapids.

Mr. Spreitzer was born March 18, 1923, in Allegan, the son of Mathew and Catherine (Kowalski) Spreitzer.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving in World War II.

On Jan. 9, 1960, Matt married his true love, Helen Mary Hanley, and moved to Allegan to raise their family. He was a longtime and active member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. He worked as a machinist for Rockwell International for over 23 years.

Mathew enjoyed making blankets for his family and friends and loved to work in his vegetable garden. He was also an avid deer hunter, shooting his last deer when he was 86.

Mathew is survived by his children, Dr. Alberta and Dr. Mitch Klein, Josephine Spreitzer and Jacqueline Spreitzer; four grandchildren, Jennifer, Melanie, Lauren and David; and his brother, Donald and Janice Spreitzer.

He was preceded in death by his wife Helen and brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Anne Spreitzer.

Friends may meet with the family Sunday, Nov. 27, from 3 to 5 pm, at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, with the Rosary being recited at 3 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, Nov. 28, at 1 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, the Rev. Father Ben Huynh Celebrant.

Memorial donations may be made in Mathew’s name to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church or Saint Vincent de Paul Society, 110 N. Cedar St., Allegan, MI 49010. Interment will follow at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Cemetery.

Arrangements were made through Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, www.gordenfuneral.com.

George H. Chandler Jr., 79, of Allegan, passed away peacefully Nov. 25, 2016, at Wings of Hope in Allegan after an extensive battle with cancer. George was born Oct. 24, 1937, in the Kalamazoo area; he was the oldest of three sons born to George Sr. and Corretta (Ryder) Chandler and was a lifelong area resident.

He married Sue Carol Lockner in 1959 and they were married for 47 years. They raised four children together, Diane (Patrick) Fitzsimmons of Allegan, Karon Sue Chandler, Mark (Patricia) Chandler of Galesburg and Tammy Chandler of Kalamazoo.

George retired as a truck driver from B&B Trucking in Kalamazoo. His earlier employment included hauling steel and prior to that working at a local paper mill.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and spoke often of his time spent in Texas and Germany while enlisted.

George enjoyed spending time with his friends and family playing cards, bingo and socializing. He also loved traveling and watching movies and shows, especially westerns.

He was preceded in death by both of his younger brothers, Jerry Lee Chandler and Franklin Charles Chandler; his wife, Sue Carol (Lockner) Chandler; his daughter, Karon Sue Chandler; a grandson, Alan Michael Chandler; a granddaughter, Brandy Lynn Chandler; and his lifelong friend Richard Van Antwerp. He has had 16 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. George will be dearly missed by all of those who knew and loved him.

A memorial service to commemorate his life will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th St., Kalamazoo, with Pastor Greg Carlson officiating. Interment will follow at Genesee Prairie Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family at the funeral chapel from 1 p.m. until time of the service.

Please visit George’s personalized web page at www.langelands.com to sign the online guest book or leave a message for the family.

Richard “Dick” Philo Crisman Sr., 77, of Allegan, passed away Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, at his home. Mr. Crisman was born Jan. 11, 1939, in Allegan, the son of the late George P. and Josephine E. (Pifer) Crisman.

Dick was a mechanic by trade and spent over 25 years working at an auto sales dealership, Gordon Bahre, in Allegan. While most men might find mowing the lawn more like a job, Dick loved to mow the grass and enjoyed being outside in the fresh air. He also spent time strumming on the guitar.

With his large family, spending time together was always entertaining with much smiles and laughter being shared. He will be greatly missed.

Surviving is Dick’s loving wife, Sharon; his nine children, Richard and Corinne Crisman, Renda and Ray Raab, Ronda and Jim Weeks, Robin and Alan Dumont, Roxana and Scott Swaim, Terry Burkhead, Mike and Ruth Burkhead, Gilbert Burkhead, and Karla Steinke; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his brother Roger “Pete” Crisman and Bunny Showers; and his stepsister, Mary Tourangeau.

He was preceded in death by four sisters: Joann, Barbara, Betty and Maxine.

Friends may meet with the family on Thursday, Dec. 1, from noon to 1 p.m. at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, where the funeral service will be at 1 p.m., Pastor Dan Holly officiating. Arrangements were made through Gorden Funeral Residence, www.gordenfuneral.com.

Martha A. Eaton, 79, of Hamilton, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, Nov. 25, 2016. Mrs. Eaton was born Dec. 2, 1936, in Columbus, Ohio, the daughter of the late Lester and Dixie (Smith) Downing.

Martha was a fun-loving and giving person. She enjoyed being around people and sharing great stories and laughter.

Some of her favorite things to do were quilt, grow vegetables and then can them, and spend time going to garage sales to find that special bargain. Her adventurous spirit brought about her love for traveling.

Though she truly loved traveling, being home and around her family brought her just as much happiness. Their time together always created much laughter and joy.

Martha is survived by her four children, Lester and Teresa Mason, Kathy and Ken Wheatley, Kenneth and Wendy Mason, and Willard and Margie Mason; 19 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and her sister, Barbara and Luther Gaffney.

Friends may meet with the family on Friday, Dec. 2, at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, from noon to 1 p.m. where the funeral service will be at 1 p.m., Pastor Paula Lancaster officiating. Interment will follow at Salem Township Cemetery.

Arrangements were made through Gorden Funeral Residence, www.gordenfuneral.com.

Clair F. DeMull, 90, of Holland, died Friday, Nov. 25, 2016, at an area care center.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Genevieve in 2013, a son-in-law, Dennis Huisman in 2005, and a great grandson.

Clair was a member of Maplewood Reformed Church and taught and coached in Allegan and West Ottawa High Schools.

He is survived by his children, Joan DeMull of Grandville, Ross DeMull of Allegan, and Jackie and Butch Myers of Allegan; grandchildren, Rachel and Mike Hill, Matthew and Laurie Myers, Nathan Myers, and Leah and Jeremy VanderVeen; stepchildren, Sheryl and Tom Driesenga of Grand Rapids, Nancy and Nick Dykhuis of Holland, Laurie and Ed Schierbeek of Holland, and Jeanne Huisman of Holland; step-grandchildren, Leslie and Marcus Wysocki, Derek and Joy Driesenga, Nick Dykhuis II, Angela and Kyle Tjepkema, Rachel and Shane Colby, Bryan and Amanda Huisman, and Matthew Huisman; 21 great-grandchildren; sister Ann Tolis of Kalamazoo;and sister-in-law Pearl Schippa of Holland.

The DeMull family would like to thank Sandy Freeman for the care she gave Clair the past several years.

Funeral services will be at noon Wednesday, Nov. 30, at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St. Holland with the Rev. Aaron VanDer Veen officiating. Burial will be in Gibson Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be given to Laketown Township Parks.  www.langelandsterenberg.com

Robert L. Smalla, 80, of Allegan, passed away Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, at Stanford Lodge in Plainwell.

Mr. Smalla was born Jan. 18, 1936, in Allegan, the son of the late John and Donna (Jackson) Smalla.

He was a Class of 1954 Allegan High School graduate and a veteran of the U.S. Army. Robert attended Trowbridge United Methodist Church. He was also a lifetime member of the Allegan Eagles Club.

During his lifetime, Robert worked at various places: Goodwin and Sons; Pickett and Schreur for over 20 years; Equipment and Gravel in Grand Rapids for 15 years; and then, during his semi-retirement years, he delivered flowers for Wieland’s and snowplowed. He was a member of Local 324 Operating Engineers for over 50 years.

When Robert wasn’t working, he loved to camp and go bowling. Spending time with his family and friends, enjoying the outdoor life, was something he thoroughly enjoyed.

Robert is survived by his devoted wife Judy; his children, Laurie Smalla, Chrisanne and Greg Erb, David and Judith Smalla, and Scott Smalla; two grandchildren, Daniel and Iris; his brother, Roger and Nancy Smalla; his sister Doris Janulis; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Timothy Lee Smalla; his brother and sister-in-law, Jack and Alice Smalla; his sister Beth Thomas; and his two brothers-in-law, Russell Thomas and John Janulis.

Friends may meet with the family on Friday, Dec. 2, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel. Funeral services will be Saturday, Dec. 3, at Trowbridge United Methodist Church at 1 p.m., Celebrant Bill Rose and Pastor John Moore officiating. Interment will be at Blackman Cemetery, Trowbridge Township.

Memorial donations may be made in Robert’s name to Hospice of S.W. Michigan and the Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements were made through Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel www.gordenfuneral.com.

Robert M. Kelsey, 91, of Martin, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016, at Wings Home in Allegan.

Mr. Kelsey was born Jan. 20, 1925, in Martin, the son of the late Thomas and Catherine (Richardson) Kelsey.

He was a Class of 1943 Martin High School graduate and a veteran of the U.S. Marines, serving in World War II. He has been a member of the American Legion Post 84 in Otsego and the Martin Area Vets for numerous years.

He and his late wife, Beverly, spent their lives together working their dairy farm and providing for their family. Together they raised two children and leave behind many wonderful memories of their time on the farm.

Robert is survived by his children, Alice Kelsey and Thomas Kelsey; one grandson, James Harrington; two brothers, John and Kay Kelsey and Charlie Kelsey; and two sisters, Mary Walker and Anne Johnson.

He was preceded in death by his wife Beverly and two sisters, Grace Scarberry and Ruth Smith.

Friends may meet with the family on Sunday, Dec. 4, from noon to 2 p.m. at Martin United Methodist Church, where the funeral service will be at 2 p.m., Pastor Sean Kidd officiating. Interment will be at East Martin Cemetery, Martin Township.

Memorial contributions may be made in Robert’s name to Wings Home, 530 Linn St., Allegan, MI 49010.

Arrangements were made through Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, www.gordenfuneral.com.

Steven R. Bell, 59, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016, at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. Steven was born June 23, 1957, in Allegan, the son of Ralph and Joan (Linsner) Bell.

He graduated from Allegan High School in 1976. Steven was the owner of Bell’s Roofing & Remodeling for over 20 years. Steven was a man that had no boundaries, a practical joker that found joy in making people laugh, a man with unlimited ideas, a person who lived life the way he wanted to without caring what anyone thought of him.

He loved his family to no end and thought the world of his girls. He enjoyed home projects, working in his yard, tending to his chickens, and “tinkering” with things just to keep busy, there wasn’t a thing he couldn’t fix.

Surviving are his wife Rosalinda Bell of Allegan; daughters, Amanda and David Vasquez of Zeeland and Katie Bell and Eric Miner of Ypsilanti; three grandchildren, Logan, DJ, and Gauge of Allegan; three siblings, Thomas Bell of Allegan, Kathy and Jim Stewart of Otsego, and David Bell of Allegan; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father Ralph, mother Joan, and nephew Bojo.

Per Steven’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. At a later date, a memorial for family and friends will be arranged.

June Eileen Damber, 77, of Allegan, passed away Monday, Nov. 28, 2016, at Grace of Douglas Nursing Home in Douglas. Mrs. Damber was born March 6, 1939 in Holland, the daughter of the late John and Evelin (Wood) Moeller.

She worked for Donnelly Corporation for more than 17 years. Spending time with her family and friends was one of June’s favorite pastimes. She loved being with her grandchildren and being a big part of their lives.

Music held a special place in June’s heart too. Playing the piano and singing helped to fill a great passion for June.

She also had her wonderful dogs to keep her company and she loved doting on them and having them close to her.

Her loving spirit and beautiful smile will be missed by all who knew her.

June is survived by her children, Jerraldine Sobota, Janice TenHarmsel, Jennifer and Mike Garza, Jayne and Howard Irving, John Damber Jr., JoAnn and Joe Lara, and Tina Reith-Rahn; 16 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; one brother, Jack Moeller; one sister, Linda Chlup; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband John L. Damber; one granddaughter, June Rose Sobota; one sister, Kathryn; two sons-in-law, Joseph Sobota and Glenn TenHarmsel; one grandson-in-law, Aairk Kimberlin Sr.; and one nephew, J.B. Ledbetter.

Memorial donations may be made in June’s name to Wings of Hope Hospice, 530 Linn St., Allegan, Mich. On the same day of her birth, a graveside service will be March 6, 2017, at 1 p.m. at Millgrove Cemetery. A Celebration of June’s Life will directly following that; more details to come. Interment will be at Millgrove Cemetery, Valley Township.

Arrangements were made through Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, www.gordenfuneral.com.

Gwendolyn Judy Thomas, 72, of Kalamazoo, died Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, at Borgess Medical Center.  Gwendolyn Judy Thomas was born Aug. 21, 1944, in New Orleans, the daughter of David Merlin Thomas Sr. and Eula Mae (Bocage) Thomas.

“Judy,” as the family liked to call her, started her education in Gretna, La., at All Saints Catholic School.  In 1948, the family moved to Chicago, then to Grand Junction in 1957, and finally to Allegan where Judy graduated from Allegan High School.

Judy attended business school in Chicago and nursing school in Cutlerville. She worked at various jobs, including working with youth at the Allegan County Juvenile home and as a nurse’s aide.

Judy loved to read, especially about natural remedies and nutrition. She would frequently suggest supplements to her family members for any kind of complaint they might have. She also loved to play cards and bingo with family. Judy truly loved being around her family.  She experienced immense joy when the great nieces and nephews would come to visit her.

Judy leaves to cherish her memory her mother, Eula Thomas; brothers, Jim Thomas, David (Holly) Thomas, and Elton Thomas; sister Sherry (Tim) Thomas-Cloud; sister-in-law, Michelle Thomas; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death is her father David Merlin Thomas Sr.; sisters, Melva Thomas Roy, Betsy Thomas Payton; and brother Terry Thomas.

There will be no visitation. A memorial service will be at Christ Community Church, 3370 113th Ave., Allegan, MI 49010, on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Rowe Cemetery, Cheshire Township.