Jill Blythe Sprague, 38, of Allegan died Friday, Dec. 23, 2016, at her home. Born Aug. 2, 1978, in Radford, Va., she was the daughter of Judith Buchanan and David Sprague.
Jill graduated from Allegan High School in 1997. She later earned her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Michigan State University. While at MSU Jill was awarded the Outstanding Peer Advocate Award and was the administrator of the Psi-Chi Chapter of the International Honors Society in Psychology. She was the Co-founder of the MSU Psychology Scholars Association and was given the PRISM Award by the City of Lansing.
Jll attended Purdue University for five years where she pursued her PhD in Early Child Development. She had a passion for teaching and the arts and was a beautiful dancer, singer and actress. She always dressed creatively and had a smile that will light up our lives forever.
Jill is survived by her mother Judy Buchanan; father and stepmother, David and Betty Sprague; brother Will Sprague and wife Eve; sisters, Laura Sprague and Annie Sprague; aunts and uncles, Kay Stamer and Karl Anis, Rinda Brewbaker, and Mary and Phil Sprague; nieces, Imani and her wife Kristen Beauford and Heshima and Olivia Sprague; nephew Luke Sprague; cousins, Elisebeth Stamer, Pamela Sprague, James and Donna Brewbaker, and Rogers and Joleen Brewbaker; and many other cousins.
She was preceded in death by her identical twin sister Jennifer Sprague; her grandparents, Ed, Jane, and Barbara Buchanan, and Ralph and Madola Sprague; and her uncle Tom Sprague.
An interactive celebration of Jill's creative life will be Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017, at 4 p.m. in the parish hall of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd. The public is invited to bring pictures and memories of Jill to share. Arrangements are being provided by Gorden Funeral Home, www.gordenfuneral.com.
 

Ivah Jean Scherpinsky, 74, of Fennville passed away Sunday, Dec. 25, 2016, at her home. Born Oct. 20, 1942, in Holland, she was the daughter of William and Grace Hopkins.
Ivah enjoyed spending time with her family, friends, and animals.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, Robert VanDine and Edward Scherpinsky. Surviving is her son Robert J. VanDine of Fennville; brother Lewis Wayne Hopkins of Saugatuck; special grandchildren, Chase, Chance, Ryan, Larry, Cherish and Alexus.
At her request, cremation has taken place and no services are planned.
An online registry book is available at www.chappellfuneralhome.com.

Maria M. McKenzie, 78, of Allegan went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, Dec. 26, 2016. at her home surrounded by her loving family. Mrs. McKenzie was born June 8, 1938. in Alice, Texas, the daughter of the late Pioquinto and Refugia (Rivera) Hernandez.  
Maria was a wonderful wife and mother, providing a loving and nurturing environment for her family. She took great pride in her home and children and loved being surrounded by her family. She especially enjoyed all of her grandchildren.
Maria is survived by her six children, Noelia and Dennis Ross, Orlando and Angie McKenzie, Esther and Kevin Grindstaff, Oscar Jr. and Elizabeth McKenzie, Martha and Jerry Davenport and Arthur and Nancy McKenzie; 22 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.  
She was preceded in death by her husband Oscar; brother Frank Hernandez; and sister Maggie Garza.
Per Maria's wishes, there will be no visitation or services held.  
Memorial donations may be made in Maria's name to Spectrum Health Hospice and Palliative Care, 750 Fuller Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.  
Arrangements are being provided by Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, www.gordenfuneral.com.
 

John C. Pahl, 96 of Allegan, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016, at Wings Home in Allegan. John was born May 13, 1920, in Fennville, the son of the late William and Bernice (Surprise) Pahl.

He graduated from County Normal, then went on to earn his two-year teaching certificate from Western Michigan University. John taught at two different one-room school houses.

He served honorably in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and Korea as an air traffic controller.

After serving his country, John returned to Allegan. He owned and operated the Allegan County Abstract Office for 57 years, during which time he also ran the health department.

Always having a love of history, John founded the Allegan Historical Society and served on its board. He became known as Allegan’s local historian and also authored many books. He was particularly fond of the Civil War era and all of its history. Michigan State University recognized his dedication to history and educating others when they conferred upon him an Honorary Historical Degree. His dedication to history and Allegan assisted in revitalizing and re-opening the Allegan Regent Theatre.

John was also a charter member of Christ Community Church and served as a true servant of the Lord.

John is survived by his two daughters, Susan Madalinski, Diana Pahl and Chris Lawrence; two grandchildren, Gerald Madalinski and Chris and Brandi Madalinski; 12 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Ida Jean VanderPoppin.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Alice; two grandchildren, Mary Jo and John Phillip; and one great-grandson, Joseph William.

Friends may meet with the family on Thursday, Jan. 5, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Christ Community Church where the funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Pastor Wally Coots and G. Patrick White, co-officiating. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorials may be made in John’s name to Wings Home, Allegan Historical Society or Christ Community Church. Arrangements were made through Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, www.gordenfuneral.com.

Arthur "Dale" Brown, 73, of Fennville passed away Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016, at his residence. Born Aug. 8, 1943, in South Haven, he was the son of Arthur and Helen (Anthony) Brown.
Dale had lived in the Fennville area for all of his life. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marine Reserves for six years. Dale was active in the community as a rocket football coach for more than 15 years, and also as a member of the Fennville High School Football Chain Gang for 20 years.
He worked at Bohn Aluminum in South Haven for 30 years as a machinist.
Dale was preceded in death by his parents; sister Helen Bell; brother Howard Brown; and niece Bethany Mulac.
Surviving are his wife of more than 50 years, Becky Brown; daughter Missy Roe; and son Tony (Michelle) Brown, all of Fennville; grandchildren, Jackie Tripp and Skylar Roe of Fennville, Michael Tripp of Covert, AJ Brown, Abby Brown and Alaina Brown of Fennville; and great-granddaughter Serena Tait of Fennville. Also surviving are his brother Richard and Sharon Brown of Grand Rapid; sister Cheryl Brown of Douglas; and several nieces and nephews.
At Dale's request, cremation has taken place and a friends and family luncheon will be on Saturday, Jan. 7, at Clyde Township Hall, 1679 56th St., Fennville, MI 49408 from 11a.m. to 1 p.m.
An online registry book is available at www.chappellfuneralhome.com
 

Stanley D. Brouwer, 94, of Gobles passed away peacefully at home, Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017.  Stanley was born Feb. 9, 1922, in Grand Rapids, the son of Thomas and Fredericka (Buss) Brouwer and lived in the Gobles area for the majority of his life.
He served with the 8th Air Force during World War II and flew on the B-26 bombers. Stanley was a lifetime member of Allegan VFW Post 3667, a member of the 8th Air Force West Michigan Historical Society Wing, and member of the Bloomingdale Christian Church. He was an avid fisherman, gardening with his wife, and woodworking.
He is survived by his two sons, Stanley and Bert Brouwer; three step-sons, Terry (Karen), Michael (Luanne) and Brian (Lori) Herbert; four grandchildren, Tara, Joline, Amanda, and Samantha; six step-grandchildren, Teresa, Tara, Megan, Tony, Paige and Alexis; eight great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife Mildred L. Brouwer; son Aaron Brouwer; and his brothers and sisters.
The family will meet friends Tuesday, Jan. 10, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bloomingdale Chapel, D. L. Miller Funeral Home, www.dlmillerfuneralhome.com, where the funeral service will be at 1 p.m. with Pastor Luke Veldt officiating. Interment will follow in Robinson Cemetery.
The family suggests memorials be made to Bloomingdale Christian Church or to Allegan VFW Post 3667.

Suzanne M. Gauthier, 64, of Plainwell passed away Thursday, Jan. 5, 2017.  Suzanne was born Dec. 10, 1952, in Flint, to Vincent and Loretta (Colwell) Gauthier.  She was united in marriage to Wesley "Wes" VonSeggern on Nov. 5, 1982.  
Suzanne is survived by her husband Wes VonSeggern; son Aaron VonSeggern; mother Loretta Gauthier; siblings, John (Shelly) Gauthier and Ed (Kelly) Gauthier; and several nieces and nephews.  
Suzanne was preceded in death by her father Vincent and brother James Gauthier.
The family will greet friends on Sunday, Jan. 8, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th St.  
Funeral mass will be Monday, Jan. 9, at 11 a.m. at St. Margaret Catholic Church, 766 Farmer St., Otsego, MI 49080,  Fr. Benjamin Huynh officiating.  A private burial will be at a later date.  
Memorials in Suzanne's name may be directed to Multiple System Atrophy Coalition, multiplesystematrophy.org or to Wings of Hope Hospice, Allegan.  
Arrangements are being provided by Langeland Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo. For obituary and condolences, please visit Suzanne's personalized page at www.langelands.com.

Linda Black, 69, of Kalamazoo died Jan. 7, 2017, peacefully at her home with her family at her side. She was born June 27, 1947, in Saginaw, the daughter of Joe and Betty (Crawford) Cramer.
She graduated from Chesaning High School and worked at Social Security where she met her husband. After giving birth to her two children she was then a secretary at Pine Trails Elementary School in Allegan. Her last 16 years were spent traveling, volunteering, and making a home in Kalamazoo together with friends and family.
She was an open, warm, and caring person who always lived the fullest life possible.  She touched many lives and will be greatly missed.  
Linda was preceded in death by her parents; by her sister Germaine Boyles; and her brother Morgan Cramer.
Surviving are her husband of 41 years, Bob Black; two children, Joe Black (Sammi Xu) and Jessie Black; two grandchildren, Lily and Justin; sister Judy Brawley and brother Joe (Penny) Cramer; and many nieces and nephews.
Cremation will take place. Services will be Saturday, Jan. 14, at 2 p.m. at Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Dr. Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900, followed by a reception in the Life Story Center.
Please visit Linda's personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can read her story, archive a favorite memory or photo and sign her online guestbook before coming to the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Loaves and Fishes or a charity of one's choice.

Helen Sophie Pease, 92, passed away Dec. 17, 2016, in Bozeman, Mont. She is now with the Lord Jesus Christ and her beloved husband, James Leroy Pease, who preceded her to be with the Lord June 20, 2009.
She was born July 7, 1924, to Max Theo Schroeter and Ella Schroeter in Steger, Ill.
Her two sons, James B. Pease and David L. Pease, and her daughter-in-law, Barbara Pease were by her bedside in her home where she had been under loving hospice care since January of 2015.
She is survived by her two sons and daughter-in-law of Bozeman; nine great-grandchildren; three grandsons; one granddaughter; and her sister Adeline Towne.
She always smiled and told everybody to "Remember God loves you and So do I."
Funeral services will be at Bloomingdale Christian Church in Bloomingdale, Mich. on Saturday, Jan. 14, at 11 a.m.  
Arrangements are being provided by Bloomingdale Chapel, D. L. Miller Funeral Home, www.dlmillerfuneral.com.

Dannie Lee Belden, 72, of Allegan, passed away with his family by his side, Jan. 4, 2017, at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo. He was born Oct. 3, 1944, in Plainwell to Gerald and Kathryn (Slater) Belden.
He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to many.
A 1963 graduate of Allegan High School, Dan worked at Rockwell for 22 years before working for Hurbert and Tarpley Construction. He was also a self-employed building contractor for six years, and worked at Parker Hannifin for 16 years before retiring in 2007.
Dan was a loving, generous man with a marvelous sense of humor. He enjoyed draft horses and gardening. He especially loved hooking his horse up to a buggy made by his father and going for long leisurely rides.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents and his father and mother in-law, Stanley and Bethel (Root) Schmitt.
He is survived by his wife Sherlene (Schmitt) Belden; children, Debra (Peter) Olsen, Scott (Kimberly) Belden, Henry "Barry" Junker, Bart Junker and Marnie (Ric) Shingledecker; brothers, Rodney (Jan) Belden and Larry (Deb) Belden; sister, Linda (Dick) Beilby; as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Per Dan's wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be no funeral. A private celebration of Dan's life will be at a later date.  
Memorial donations may be made in Dan's name to Hospital Hospitality House, 527 W. South St., Kalamazoo, MI  49007, phone (269) 341-7811.
 

Kenneth A. Hotchkiss, 89, of Allegan, passed away Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017, at Ely Manor.  Born Aug. 27, 1927, in Grand Rapids, he was the son of the late Ogden E. Hotchkiss, Sr. and Ruth Wood Hotchkiss, and was the husband of Donna Truax Hotchkiss.  
Mr. Hotchkiss graduated from Allegan High School in 1946. He was a veteran of the United States Army having served in Japan during World War II. After his time in the service, he worked for Eaton Corporation for 30 years before retiring as a regional sales manager.
Mr. Hotchkiss was a member of the Eagles and the American Legion. In his spare time he enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time at his cottage on Eagle Lake where he was known as a great water skier.
He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Hotchkiss is survived by three children, Gary and Julie Hotchkiss, Julie and Matt English and George and Karen Hotchkiss; nine grandchildren, Ryan (Carrie) Hotchkiss, Danielle (Daniel) Mireles, Kasie (Doug) Meyaard, Trevor Hotchkiss, Cory Krotz, Tracy (Nick) Demitropoulos, Mason English, Sasha Hotchkiss Wilson and Shane Hotchkiss; 22 great-grandchildren; and his sister-in-law Lavina Hotchkiss.  
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Bud Hotchkiss.
The family will receive friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, on Wednesday, Jan. 11, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. A funeral service will begin at 12 p.m. at the funeral home with burial immediately following in Oakwood Cemetery. Pastor G. Patrick White will officiate.  
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wings Home, 330 Linn St., Allegan, MI  49010.  
Arrangements being made provided by Gorden Funeral Residence, www.gordenfuneral.com.
 

Col. Howard C. Strand, (Ret.) MI ANG, 95, of Battle Creek, proud American and military aviator, passed away on Jan. 8, 2017, after a short illness. He was born on June 28, 1921, in Otsego.
Howard was part of the greatest generation. He was raised on a farm and later as part of his military career had met astronauts, flew many dignitaries including governors and congressman and attended meetings at the White House.
He is well known in the area for his years as commander of the ANG base in Battle Creek, his years as chairman of the Battle Creek Balloon Air show, commander of American Legion Post 54 and his many letters to the editor.
Col. Strand had an outstanding military career with numerous achievements and awards. He had a total of 38 years of service between World War II, Korea, Air War College, and the Michigan Air Guard. Always a fighter pilot, he flew 21 different aircraft. He was Battle Creek ANG base commander and Wing Commander at Selfridge ANG for 29 years before retiring in 1981, and was recently honored by the present commander for his many years of service to the Guard.
Howard and Loretta spent many wonderful years together, wintering in Florida and traveling to different parts of the world. Dancing to the Lou Boyd Band at Burnham Brook was one of his favorite past times. Howard was an avid reader who kept the library busy.
He was preceded in death by his parents Mildred and Carl Strand; three sisters,Yvonne, Marylaine and Viola; his oldest son Kenneth; and son-in-law Jim Slone.
Surviving are his beloved Loretta; six children, Jack (Judy) Strand, Duane (Marie) Strand, Jacqueline (Brett) Grable, Frances Slone, Cheryl (Tim) Jones and LuAnne (Dave) Upson; daughter-in-law Joyce Strand; brothers, Milton Strand and Fred (Bonnie) Strand; sister Joyce (George) Galloway; 18 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery on Thursday, Jan. 12, at 2:30 p.m. A luncheon and celebration of life will be at the American Legion Post #54 in Battle Creek, on Friday, Jan. 13, at 1 p.m.  
Memorial contributions may be directed to S.A.F.E. Shelter, P.O. Box 199, Battle Creek, MI 49016.  
Arrangements are being provided by Kempf Family Funeral Homes.

Stephen A. Keech Sr., 60, passed away Monday, Jan. 9, 2017, at his home in Kalamazoo.
A funeral service will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th St., Kalamazoo. Private burial will be at Lake View Cemetery, South Haven.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Loaves and Fishes or Kalamazoo Gospel Mission. Please visit Steve's personalized webpage to leave a condolence to his family at www.langelands.com.
He was born on Oct. 26, 1956, in Allegan to Robert Rex and Betty (Edwards) Keech. Siblings are Linda (Arizona), Julie, Cindy and Dave. A graduate of Allegan High School, Steve married Karen Coffey in 1974 and had two wonderful children, Steve (Lori Carr) and Lisa.
He married Susan Siferd on June 26, 2013, and was stepfather to Yvonne (Amy DeRosier), Samuel, Andrea, and Robert (Lucy Wang) Siferd. He was proud grandfather of Tyler Ackerman, Jas Keech, and Kryn Grauman.
Steve rode in the rodeo as a boy and wore snakeskin boots as a man. He was a builder, plumber and mechanic and will be remembered for his humor and generosity, his inventive solutions to all problems mechanical, his amazing Halloween and Christmas displays, and ear-splitting 4th of July fireworks.
He knew how to make an engine hum and turned out some sweet custom golf carts for Ellis Sales in Kalamazoo. He loved NASCAR (go, Tony, go Kevin!) and George Strait, Amish pie, and an ice cold Bud.
With his beloved pup, Brandy beside him, he gave golf cart rides to neighborhood kids and on summer weekends captained his 12-foot dinghy down the channel in South Haven.
He hoped to vacation in Florida in February and catch lobster in Maine next summer, but when his five-year battle with cancer ended, so did those dreams. He took part in three different clinical trials at Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit; his doctor and nurses cried at his passing. His family is grateful that he is beyond pain and disability. We love you, Steve. God bless you.
 

Patricia R. "Patty" Pearson, 64, of Otsego went home to be with her Lord, to lie in the grass and look up at the blue sky and to see her daddy's face, on her 47th wedding anniversary, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017. She was born in Plainwell on July 9, 1952, the daughter of Kenneth and Betty (Dekilder) McLaughlin.
Patty had worked at several area businesses including, Boulter's Gifts in Otsego, Bright World in Kalamazoo, Neurosurgery of Kalamazoo and had also sold Avon and taught aerobics. In her spare time Patty loved going shopping in Shipshewana and decorating for Halloween and Christmas.
On Jan. 10, 1970, at St. Margaret Catholic Church she married her grade school sweetheart, Michael Pearson who survives. Also surviving are their two beautiful children, Amy Arlene and Michael Kenneth who were her strength to live every day; her loving grandsons, Joshua and Jacob Wood who kept her life happy every day; her wonderful son-in-law Bill Wood who rescued her from time to time; her mother Betty McLaughlin; sister Sandy (Gary) Zantello; her in-laws, the Pearson family who always supported and prayed for her; special friends, Sharon Watson, Debbie DeYoung, Elizabeth Zadney and Ted Martin, without their support she wouldn't have gotten through many days and her beloved kitty, Callie Mae.  
She was preceded in death by her father and many extended relatives.
Friends may meet with Patty's family from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 13, at Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego, with a Rosary Service at 7:30 p.m.. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, Jan. 14, at 11 a.m. at St. Margaret Catholic Church, Otsego with Rev. Fr. Ben Huynh and Rev. Fr. Donald Klingler officiating. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Watson Township.
Contributions in memory of Patty may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice of Allegan or St. Margaret Catholic School.
Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.
             
 

John H. Kiss, 83, of Fennville passed away on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017, at Golden Orchards Assisted Living Facility. Born March 16, 1933, in Chicago, Ill., he was the son of John and Grace (Henry) Kiss.
John proudly served his country as a member of the United States Air Force during the Korean War. On July 25, 1953, he married Lucille E. Kluck in Douglas, spending 62 years together until her passing on April 22, 2016.
John was a longtime resident of Fennville, where he owned and operated John's Auto Service with Lucille. John was active in the community as a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Douglas.
John is preceded in death by his parents; one grandson; one great-grandson; and his brother Stephen Kiss.
Surviving are his children, Mary and Gary McCracken, John and Lisa Kiss, Karen Knight and Kirk Thompson, Pat and Jerry Onken, Jean and Rondell Bushee, Helen and Rod Steanburg, all of Fennville, Charles and Virginia Kiss of Colorado, Thomas and Paula Kiss, Lou Ann and Brad Fries and Joseph and Cindi Kiss, also of Fennville; 26 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Sunday, Jan. 15, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. with a rosary at 4 p.m. at Chappell Funeral Home, 637 W. Main St., Fennville. A Mass of Christian burial will be at St. Peter's Catholic Church on Monday, Jan. 16, at 11 a.m. with Fr. Robert Flickinger officiating. John will be laid to rest in Fennville Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made in John's name to SouthernCare Hospice Services, 1633 28th St. SW, Suite D, Wyoming, MI 49519.
An online registry book is available at www.chappellfuneralhome.com
 

George Anthony "Tony" Thias, 86, of Lansing passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Jan. 12, 2017.
Tony was born on June 12, 1930, to Hungarian immigrants, Henry and Barbara (Toth) Thias, in a simple farmhouse off the shore of Lake Michigan. He was able to keep the turn-of-the-century home where he enjoyed having his family and friends around him. Tony was a modest man yet dedicated to providing the very best for his family.
He was an active member of St. Mary Cathedral and graduated from Michigan State University, where he met his wife of 62 years. He was co-president with his wife, Bobbie, of the MSU Take-Down Club, was an avid MSU sports fan and enjoyed traveling.
Tony had a lifelong career in insurance beginning in 1958, with the Mourer-Foster Insurance Agency in Lansing. In 1977, he formed Thias Insurance Agency. In 1981, he was a founding member of America One in Lansing and America One, Inc. He was a member of the Lansing Insurance Agency Association, Michigan Insurance Agency Association, Optimist Club of Lansing and the Knights of Columbus.
Tony was a self-taught trumpet and piano player and attended the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp for many years. He was in the Senior Class Band where he routinely played for retirement homes. He was also a member of the Kiwanis Band.
He had a lifelong passion for nature, especially his birds, and world history. Tony was one of the most self-educated and self-read individuals around. He could converse with anyone he met about any topic from anywhere in the world.
Tony loved meeting new people. His well-known opening question to someone he was meeting for the first time was always, "So, where are you from?"
Surviving are his six children, Thomas J. Thias, Margaret A. "Peggy" Thias-Kronner, John A. (Julie) Thias, Peter G. Thias, Maureen A. (Greg) Walton and James P. (Nadia) Thias; seven grandchildren, Brian Benet, Elizabeth, Anna and Maria Kronner, Marisa and Eric Thias, and Sarah Walton; nieces, nephews, and several great-nieces and nephews.  
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Barbara; an infant daughter Barbara Catherine Thias; and daughter Patricia Ann Benet.
The funeral mass will be Friday, Jan. 20, at 10 a.m., at St. Mary Cathedral, Lansing, with the Rev. Msgr. George Michalek as Celebrant. The family will receive friends at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, where the Rosary will be prayed at 7:15 p.m. The Rite of Interment will be at the Gibson Cemetery, Laketown Township.  
Memorial contributions may be made to Sparrow Hospice, c/o Sparrow Foundation.  Online condolences may be left for his family at www.EstesLeadley.com.
 

Walter Fredrick Ladwig, 89, who many called Bud, went to be with the Lord on Dec. 30, 2016. He was born May 5, 1927.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife Kay Ladwig and his only daughter Patricia Ladwig, both of Allegan.  
He is survived by two grandchildren, Steve Chavez and Angela and Ernie McDaniel of Allegan; and five great-grandchildren, Brooklynn and Silas McDaniel and Aidan, Steven and Shae Chavez.
He spent most of his time running a TV/ VCR business out of his home. He was a very active person. He was an amazing baseball player and bowled professionally on a league for many years.  
Bud was a frequent coffee drinker at Village Inn and a diehard Cubs fan. In recent years, he spent leisure time golfing with friends and working on crossword puzzles was his pastime.  
He was a very loved husband, father, papa and great-papa. He will be dearly missed.  
There will be no services at this time.

Terry W. Strong, 67, of Allegan passed away Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2017, at his home.
Terry was born Nov. 18, 1949, in Kalamazoo, the son of Clyde and Alta (Case) Strong and has lived in the Allegan area all of his life.
He enjoyed fishing, camping, watching sprint car racing, and vacationing.
Surviving are his son, Charles (Tara Spohn) Strong; step-son, Michael (Rachel) Lonsbury; three grandchildren, George Strong, Thomas Lonsbury and Kasey Lonsbury; two brothers, David and Clyde Strong, both of Allegan; sister, Sally (Bill) Starks of Allegan; several nieces and nephews; and good family friends, Linda (Joey) Everetts.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Julie May Strong and granddaughter Rebecca Lynn Strong.
According to his wishes, cremation has taken place.
Arrangements are being provided by the Bloomingdale Chapel, D. L. Miller Funeral Home, www.dlmillerfuneralhome.com
 

Betty Lou Campbell, 86, of Allegan passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017. She was born in Allegan on June 9, 1930, the daughter of the late Clyde and Bertha (Canfield) Meade.
Betty remained a life long resident of Allegan and was always proud of her community. Betty was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister who will be missed. Her warm smile and gentle personality made her a joy to be around.
Betty loved meeting people and made special friends including many at the Allegan County Medical Care Facility. She loved playing Bingo and coloring in adult coloring books, and never missed an opportunity to enjoy a strawberry shake.
Above all, Betty loved her family and leaves them with wonderful memories to cherish.
She is survived by her daughter, Barbara (Larry) Hughes and daughter-in-law Diane Arndt; many grandchildren, including Amy, Toni, Bill, Doug, Sean, Laura, Greg, Tracy, Lisa, Ronnie, Beth Ann, Alan, Robin, Leslie, Violet, and Audrey; several great-grandchildren; siblings, Lucy (Arlo), Allen (Susan), Joe (Cheryl) and Barry (Judy); and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in passing by her husband Donald Arndt; son Donald V. Arndt; step-daughters, Peggy (Ron) Weeks and Donna (David) Oisten; siblings, Joyce (Milton), Eugene (Joyce), Dean (Adalie), Charlotte (Aubrey), Josephine (Paul) and Catherine (Everett).
In accordance with her wishes, cremation will take place and her life will be celebrated during a memorial dessert bar on Saturday, Jan. 28, at 2 p.m. at Allegan Medical Care Facility, 3265 122nd Ave., Allegan, for friends, family, and staff. She will be laid to rest at Poplar Hill Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Allegan County Medical Care Facility, c/o Joldersma and Klein Funeral Home in Kalamazoo.
Family and friends may share a condolence message online at www.joldersma-klein.com.
 

Dorothy Zea Stough, 94, of Allegan passed away Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017, at Allegan County Medical Care Community. Dorothy was born March 9, 1922, in Grand Rapids.  She was married to her husband John for more than 50 years and together they raised three children, Ted, Linda and Val.
After her last child was born, Dorothy went back to Allegan High School and graduated in 1953, so she could go to nursing school. While at nursing school, she obtained her LPN. From 1969 to 1974, she worked as a charge nurse at the TB Sanitary State Mental Hospital in Kalamazoo. Throughout her life, she also worked as a private nurse taking care of former Congressmen and former mayors. She also took care of her parents.
In 1974, Dorothy decided to open her own ear piercing business called, "Golden Dot."  She traveled all over the state of Michigan in her motor home stopping at Ames, Big Wheel, and K-Mart parking lots, running her business inside their stores.
Never having a dull moment in her life, Dorothy became a private investigator in Kalamazoo in 1965 and worked there until 1969.  She held memberships with the Business Professional Women for two years and the Lady Elks for 20 years. She worked as the secretary for the Lady Elks in 1979-80, and was the secretary and vice president of the Michigan State Employees for five years.  
Dorothy was a member of the First Baptist Church of Allegan.
In her "down-time," Dorothy enjoyed crocheting and sewing. She also liked to paint with water colors and other crafts. She traveled all over and really enjoyed camping.  She always enjoyed getting visitors, especially if you were a child, they lit up her world.
Dorothy is survived by her three children, Ted and Leona Stough, Linda Ware, Val and Norm Smith; several grandchildren; great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.  
She was preceded in death by her husband John Stough.
Funeral services were Monday, Jan. 9, at Gorden Funeral Residence. Pastor Wally Coots officiated. Interment was at Millgrove Cemetery, Valley Township.
Memorial donations may be made in Dorothy's name to Dollars for Scholars or Allegan County Medical Care Community.