Mr. Leo L. Gagnon Sr. of Twin Lake

Mr. Gagnon, age 81, died Monday, June 14, 2010. He was born May 9, 1929, in Muskegon, to Leo and Leota (Misner) Gagnon. He had worked at CWC as a welder, and later a supervisor, for 31 years, retiring in 1984. Proudly serving his country in the US Army during the Korean Conflict, Mr. Gagnon was a member of American Legion Post #225 in Fremont. He was preceded in death by 2 sisters and 1 brother.

FAMILY: His children, Frank (Frances) Gagnon of Spring Lake, Dawn (Jeff) McPherson of Spring Lake, Leo Jr. (Lori) Gagnon of Fremont, Gary (Lori) Gagnon of Whitehall, Chris (Karen) Gagnon of North Muskegon; 16 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 1 sister; 2 brothers; his long-time love, Ernestine Cleveland of Twin Lake.

SERVICE: Friday, June 18, 2010, at 11:00 AM, at Clock Chapel-Whitehall, with Mr. Keith E. Olds officiating. Interment will be made in East Dalton-Oakhill Cemetery in North Muskegon where a Military Salute will be conducted.

VISITING HOURS: Thursday, 6-8 PM, at Clock Funeral Home, 413 S. Mears Ave., Whitehall.

DONATIONS: American Cancer Society, 12723 N. Bellwood, Suite 20, Holland 49424.
 

Mr. Lincoln V. Gale of Muskegon

Lincoln V. Gale, age 88, died peacefully at his home, July 26, 2011, surrounded by his family.  He was born June 30, 1923, in Muskegon, to Augustus and Hilda (Lederle) Gale. Proudly serving in the US Navy during World War II, he was married to the former Lois (Archambeau) Boonstra, who preceeded him in death in 2001. He worked for many years in sales, last working as an associate at Pine Street Furniture Co.  Mr. Gale was a member of Don Rea VFW Post #8846 and a Life member of Muskegon Eagles Aerie 668. He was preceeded in death by an infant daughter, May, his parents and brothers, Gerrol Gale, Truman Gale, Marvin Gale and Stan Gale.

FAMILY: Very special friend, Delores Brems of Muskegon; his children, Alan (Ofelia) Worrell of CA, Debbie Smith of Grand Rapids, Diane (Jerry) Januzzi of Gaylord, Alan (Patti) Gale, Laura Gale and David (Louise) Archambeau, all of Muskegon; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; 4 sisters, Virginia Lynn, Sally (Lynn) Felt, Carol (James) Johnston and Lois Kinstner; 3 brothers, Robert Gale, Carl (Dottie) Gale and Everett (Kelley) Gale;  and numerous nieces & nephews.

MEMORIAL GATHERING AND MILITARY SALUTE: Friday, August 19, 2011, at 12:00 PM, at Don Rea VFW Post #8846,  1061 Witham Dr., North Muskegon.

DONATIONS: American Cancer Society, 12723 N. Bellwood, Suite 20, Holland 49424.

Mr. Keith, E. Gascho of Montague

Keith Edward Gascho Sr. of Montague, Michigan, joined his Heavenly Father on August 4, 2010. Keith was born to Edgar and Vivian (Bittner) Gascho on June 25, 1943 in Detroit, Michigan. He married Janice Lee Hulce on July 25, 1970. They lived in the White Lake, Montague area where they raised their three sons, for 38 years.  Keith had a Bachelor of Science in Education from Wayne State University and a Master of Divinity from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He spent the last 8 years of his career as a design engineer working at L3 Communications. Keith was a Godly man whose example impacted the lives of many people. Although he was quiet by nature, his faith was made well known to all by the way he lived his life.  He was quite involved in church ministries and enjoyed teaching an adult Sunday School Class.

He is survived by his wife Janice Lee (Hulce) Gascho, and sons Edward (Becky) Gascho, Alan (Traci) Gascho, Keith Gascho Jr.; brother, Richard (Vicki) Gascho; and three grandchildren, Hannah, Kayla, and Aidan.

SERVICE: Tuesday, August 10, 2010, at 11:00 AM, at Bridge Bible Church, 5035 Henry St., Muskegon, with the Rev. Eric J. Strattan and the Rev. Robby Richardson officiating. Interment will be made in Oakgrove Cemetery-Montague.

VISITING HOURS: Monday, 2-4 and 6-8 PM at Clock Funeral Home, 413 S. Mears Ave., Whitehall.

DONATIONS: Harbor Hospice, 1050 W. Western Ave., Suite 400, Muskegon 49441 or Wings of Mercy, 10720 Adams St., Holland 49423-9153.

Mrs. Ruth A. Gerhart of Whitehall 

Ruth Alma Gerhart, age 84, died February 21, 2010. She was born November 2, 1925, in Kokomo, Indiana, to Cadle C. and Rose Marie (Gray) Irick. She was married to James M. Gerhart, who preceded her in death in 2002. Ruth and Jim moved to Whitehall in 1970. Mrs. Gerhart worked in various dental practices in Muskegon and Norton Shores until retiring. She was preceded in death by 2 sisters.

She is survived by her children, James Cadle (Cheri) Gerhart and Elaine R. (Royce) Fillmore, her grandchildren, James I. Gerhart and Margaret E. Gerhart, and a great-grandson, Jack M. Gerhart.

FUNERAL LITURGY: Thursday, February 25, 2010, at 1:00 PM, at St. Mary of the Woods Catholic Church, 150 Church St., Lakewood Club, with the Rev. Fr. Donn P. Tufts presiding. Interment will be made in Oakhurst Cemetery-Whitehall.

VISITING HOURS: Thursday, 12:00 PM (Noon) until service time, at the church in Lakewood Club.

DONATIONS: Harbor Hospice, 1050 W. Western Ave., Suite 400, Muskegon 49441 or Christian Care Senior
Care, 1150 McLaughlin Ave., Muskegon 49442.
 

Mrs. Dorothy C. Gibbs (Widow of William Sr.) of Whitehall 

Dorothy C. Gibbs, age 86, died June 26, 2010. She was born October 8, 1923 in Claybanks Township, Oceana County, to August and Clara (Jonseck) Schmiedeknecht. In 1946, she married William H. Gibbs Sr., who preceded her in death in 1993. Mrs. Gibbs had been a homemaker all her life and was a communicant member of St. James Lutheran Church in Montague. She was preceded in death by a sister, Katharine, and a brother, LeRoy.

FAMILY: A daughter, June (Larry) Halgren; a son, Lou (Barb) Gibbs; 7 grandchildren, Kristie Eilers, Pam (Sonny) Stock, Michael Gibbs, Brian Puls, John Puls, Andrea Tanner and Stephanie Giorio; 11 great-grandchildren; a sister, Donna Sharp; a brother, Warren Schmiedeknecht; several nieces & nephews.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Friday, August 6, 2010, at 11:00 AM, at St. James Lutheran Church, 8945 Stebbins St., Montague, with the Rev. John W. Brooks officiating.

DONATIONS: Building Fund of St. James Lutheran Church, 8945 Stebbins St., Montague 49437.
 

Mr. Jon S. Glassner of Montague 

Jon S. Glassner, age 37, died July 28, 2010. He was born March 21, 1973, to Stephen and Deborah (Aurich) Glassner. On January 25, 2003, he married the former Carol Grant. A graduate of Holton High School, he was a self-employed masonary contractor, owner of Jon Glassner Construction Co., and had attended Fifth Reformed Church in North Muskegon.

FAMILY: His wife, Carol; 4 children, Curtis Glassner, Jaeger Glassner, Joliene Glassner and Kevin Aishe; his parents, Stephen & Deborah Glassner; a grandmother, Joann Aurich; 1 sister, Melissa Bradley; 1 brother, Kurt (Melissa) Glassner; other special family members, aunts, uncles, nieces & nephews.

SERVICE: Monday, August 2, 2010, at 11 AM, at Fifth Reformed Church, 2330 Holton Rd., North Muskegon, with the Rev. Kevin S. Pyecraft officiating.

VISITING HOURS: Sunday, 3-5 PM, at Fifth Reformed Church in North Muskegon.

DONATIONS: Glassner Family Expense Fund, c/o Clock Funeral Home of White Lake, Box 128, Whitehall 49461-0128.
 

Mrs. Patricia N. Whiting Goeres of Rothbury (widow of Walter) 

Patricia N. Whiting Goeres, age 72, died September 10, 2010, at home, surrounded by her family. She was born May 15, 1938, in Hart, to George and Charlotte (Beardsley) Whiting. On September 7, 1988, she married Walter Goeres, who preceded her in death in 2007. Mrs. Goeres was a homemaker all her life and a loving caregiver to family members who needed assistance. She was a member of White Lake VFW Post #3256 Auxiliary and Algot Johnson American Legion Post #69 Auxiliary. Pat loved gardening, fishing, wildlife and the outdoors. She was preceded in death by two sons, Jay A. Holm and Roger G. Holm, and a brother, George E. Whiting.

FAMILY: 2 daughters, Debra VanderLeest of Montague and Dawn (Patrick) Miehlke of Manistee; 2 sons, Dennis (Karen) Holm of TN and Michael (Teresa) Holm of OH; step-children, Walter Lee (Tina) Goeres of AZ, Robert (Kim) Goeres of AZ, Marlisa Ann (Bruce) Bradfield of Cadillac and Heidi (Andrew) Rynberg of Hesperia; 20 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Tuesday, October 5, 2010, at 2:00 PM, at White Lake VFW Post #3256, 9370 Walsh Rd., Montague.

VISITING HOURS: One hour prior to service time, October 5, 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM, at VFW Post #3256 in Montague.

DONATIONS: Goeres Family Expense Fund, c/o Clock Funeral Home of White Lake, Box 128, Whitehall 49461 or American Cancer Society, 12723 N. Bellwood, Suite 20, Holland 49424.
 

Mr. Clifford E. Goericke of Montague

Clifford E. Goericke, age 82, died November 3, 2011, at his home with his family at his side. He was born December 23, 1928, in Muskegon, to Otto and Thelma (Ball) Goericke. A graduate of Muskegon Heights High School, where he excelled in track & field and held long standing records in the pole vault. On November 29, 1952, in Muskegon, he married the former Marian L. Bither. A pattern maker by trade, he had worked at several pattern shops until retiring. Mr. Goericke was an avid golfer, enjoyed bowling and loved farming. He was a Life member of White Lake Eagles Aerie #3214. Clifford was a kind and gentle man who loved his family and taught his family to appreciate nature and be kind to animals. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Karla, in 1981, a son, Russell, in 2001, and a brother, Douglas Goericke.
FAMILY: His wife, Marian; 1 son, William (Julie) Goericke of Spring Lake; 3 daughters, Jeanne (Garth) Aslakson of Cadillac, Janet (Jon) Chambers of Sparta and Mary Goericke of Coopersville; 4 grandchildren, Emily, Rebecca, Jared and Alyssa; a special niece, Michelle Jensen.

SERVICE: Monday, November 7, 2011, at 11:00 AM, at Clock Chapel - Whitehall. Interment will be made in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Montague.

VISITING TIME: Sunday, 4-7 PM, at Clock Funeral Home, 413 S. Mears Ave., Whitehall.

DONATIONS: Pet's Best Friends, Box 66, Montague, 49437 or West MI Spay and Neuter Clinic, 6130 Airline Rd., Fruitport, 49415.
 

Mr. Lowell Douglas "Doug" Goodrich of Montague

Mr. Doug Goodrich, age 77, passed away peacefully after a long illness. He was born February 19, 1932, in Shelby, to Lowell E. and Helen (Parker) Goodrich.

On March 14, 1953, he married the former Doris H. Pedersen, who preceded him in death in 2005. He proudly served in the US Army for two years. Doug was co-owner and operator of Meyer Plumbing & Heating 1959 until 1977, then later Meyer Well Drilling from 1977 until 1982.He also was licensed in the areas of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, Class A Boilers and as a contractor, as well as being a registered inspector, serving in White River Township, Oceana County and Holton Township. Doug also enjoyed participating in the annual Showboat Musical and loved to entertain children as a clown in the annual White Lake Christmas Parade. He was a member White Lake Eagles Aerie #3214 and Algot Johnson American Legion Post #69.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Duane Goodrich and a sister, Jean Benson.

FAMILY: 1 son, David (Carrie) Goodrich; 2 daughters, Deborah (Craig) Harris and Diane (Peter) Fitzgerald; grandchildren, Kristina (Keil), Brandon, Tiffany, Scott, Katelyn, Matthew and Ryan; great-grandchildren, Eirwen and Isley; a sister, Joyce Flanders. Special friends Letty, Missy, John and Mary.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Sunday, August 9, 2009, at 3:00 PM, at Clock Chapel-Whitehall, with Mr. James K. Tanis officiating.

VISITING HOURS: Sunday, 1-3 PM, at Clock Funeral Home in Whitehall.

DONATIONS: MI Parkinson Foundation, 30400 Telegraph Rd., Suite 150, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 or MAPS Scholarship Fund in Memory of Doug Goodrich, 4900 Stanton Blvd., Montague 49437.
 

Mrs. Patricia Lynn Grant of Whitehall

Patricia L. "Pat" Grant, age 69, died Tuesday, November 22, 2011. She was born January 19, 1942 to Earl and Edith (Staple) Johnston. On July 9, 1960 she married Donald Grant, her husband of 52 years. Pat spent her adult life caring for others. she first opened "Patsy's Homestead Adult Foster Care" for the elderly, then cared for developmentally disabled adults for 18 years until retirement in 2001. Mrs. Grant was preceded in death by her parents Earl and Edith, a brother Doug, and a sister Peggy.

FAMILY; Her husband Donald, one daughter Kathy Williams (Rob Hunt), two sons: Ken (Kelly) and Mark (Dawn) Grant. Grand children Amanda (Jared) Wiggins, Dustin Williams, Kyle, Kandas and Kainan Grant, Alex Ellison, Jodi Barker, Sami and Josh Grant, Great grand children Madison and Clayton Wiggins and Logan Bluhm. She is also survived by a twin sister Bonnie , sister Nancy and several nieces and nephews.

SERVICE; Saturday, November 26, 2011, at 11:00 A.M. at Life Change Church, 3084 Whitehall Rd., North Muskegon, MI, with Pastor Mark Hacker officiating.

VISITING TIME; Saturday,November 26, 2011, from 10:00 til 11:00, at the church in North Muskegon.

DONATIONS: American Cancer Society, Northwest Michigan Office,129 Jefferson SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
 

Mr. Douglas J. Grattafiori of New Era 

Douglas J. Grattafiori, age 46, died December 30, 2010. He was born October 2, 1964, in Dearborn, to Charles and Assunta "Sue" (Chiesa) Grattafiori. On August 20, 1988, he married the former Jan Braithwaite. Doug worked for Andrie Inc. in Muskegon.

FAMILY: His wife, Jan; a son, Charlie Grattafiori of New Era; his parents, Charles & Sue Grattafiori of Montague; 2 sisters, Cathy Grattafiori of Livonia and Lisa Myers of Redford; a brother, Mark (Shelly) Grattafiori of Rothbury.

MEMORIAL MASS: Thursday, January 6, 2011, at 11:00 AM, at St. James Catholic Church, 5179 Dowling St., Montague, with the Rev. Fr. Donn P. Tufts presiding.

DONATIONS: Grattafiori Family Expense Fund, c/o Clock Funeral Home of White Lake, Box 128, Whitehall 49461.
 

Mrs. Mae V. (Misek) Greinke (Widow of Ralph) of Montague 

Mae  V. Misek Greinke, age 83, died Sunday, March 27, 2011. She was born June 19, 1927, in Rothbury, to Joseph J. and Mary (Hain) Misek. On October 4, 1947, in Muskegon, she married Ralph O. Grienke. He preceded her in death. Mrs. Greinke worked at Howmet Corp., retiring in 1994, and was a member of St. James Lutheran Church, as well as VFW Post #3256 Auxiliary. She was preceded in death by a son, Keith Greinke, and sisters, Ethel Wilkinson, Helen Schmiedeknecht, Charlotte Gust and Eleanor Deyman, and a brother, Raymond Misek.

FAMILY: A daughter, Janet (Rick) Gifford of New Era; grandchildren, Dawn Amundson of Montague, Kristy McLouth of Shelby and Michael Gifford of TX; great-grandchildren, Jared, Megan and Natalie Jahnke, Ashley Amundson and Amanda McLouth; a sister, Josephine Cederquist; a brother, Joe  Misek; in-laws, Raymond Greinke, Donald Schmiedeknecht and Mary Misek.

SERVICE: Wednesday, March 30, 2011, at 11:00 AM, at St. James Lutheran Church, 8945 Stebbins St., Montague, with the Rev. John W. Brooks officiating. Interment will be made in Oakgrove Cemetery-Montague.

VISITING HOURS: Tuesday, 5-8 PM, at Clock Funeral Home of White Lake, 413 S. Mears Ave., Whitehall.

DONATIONS: Memorial Fund of St. James Lutheran Church, 8945 Stebbins St., Montague 49437.
 

Mr. L. Dale "L. D." Grieve of Montague 

L. Dale "L. D." Grieve, age 61, went Home to be with his Lord and Savior on September 2, 2010. He was born August 19, 1949, in Muskegon, to Leslie and Florence (Schlief) Grieve. On December 14, 1971, in West Palm Beach, Florida, he married the former Patricia "Pat" Edwards. Mr. Grieve served 22 years in law enforcement in West Palm Beach, Florida, before retiring and moving to the White Lake area. He was a member of White Lake Baptist Church in Montague.

FAMILY: His wife, Pat; 1 son, Andrew (Jaime) Grieve of Montague; 1 grandson, Christian Bihler; a sister, Roxanne Venski of Florida; cousins, Jim (Merry) Grieve of Montague, Jill (Bob) Bosch of Rothbury; aunt, Phyllis (Marvin) Rosenberg of Coldwater; and stepmother, Dr. Josephine Grieve of Muskegon.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Was held Tuesday, September 7, 2010, at 11:00 AM, at White Lake Baptist Church, 5280 Dowling St., Montague, with the Rev. Steven L. Rodenburg officiating.

DONATIONS: Memorial Fund of White Lake Baptist Church, 5280 Dowling St., Montague 49437.
 

Mrs. Phyllis A. Griffin of Montague (widow of Keith) 

Phyllis A. Griffin, age 81, joined her husband and daughter in Heaven on October 13, 2010. She was born December 15, 1928, in Jackson, to Merton and  Madalyn Mosher.  On September 3, 1949, in Napoleon, MI, she married Keith N. Griffin, who preceded her in death on October 29, 2004. Mrs. Griffin, along with being a homemaker, had worked in the wax department at Shellcast. She was an active member of Montague United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir for many years. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Colleen Balon, and a son-in-law, John DeWolfe.

FAMILY: 3 daughters, Linda DeWolfe of Whitehall, Carol (Randy) Ackerberg of Montague and Cheri (Doug) Raeth of Whitehall; 9 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; a son-in-law, David Balon.

SERVICE: Saturday, October 16, 2010, at 11:00 AM, at Montague United Methodist Church, 8555 Cook St., Montague, with Rev. Randall R. Hansen officiating and Mr. James K. Tanis as Eulogist. Interment will be made in Hubbard Cemetery-White River Township.

VISITING HOURS: Friday, 6-8 PM, at Clock Funeral Home, 413 S. Mears Ave., Whitehall.

DONATIONS: Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75625-0309.
 

Mr. Willard E. Grossenbacher of Whitehall 

Mr. Grossenbacher, age 91, died August 28, 2009. He was born on August 13, 1918, in Chicago, to Francis A. and Emily E. (Winters) Grossenbacher. In 1944, he married the former Mary Jane Miesch, who preceded him in death in 1999.. Mr. Grossenbacher owned and operated Edgewood Mobile Home Park and the Edgewood Store, retiring in 1977. He was preceded in death by 2 sisters and 5 brothers.

FAMILY: 2 sons, Richard (Pamela) Grossenbacher of Belmont and Roger (Margaret) Grossenbacher of Grand Rapids; 3 grandchildren, Rick Grossenbacher of CA, Dana (Jerry) Jansma of Kalamazoo and Philip (Angela) Beckwith of Shanghai, China; 2 great-grandchildren, Lindsey Jansma and Kollen Jansma, both of Kalamazoo; a sister-in-law, Margaret LaMorte of Muskegon.

SERVICE: Tuesday September 1, 2009, at 1 PM, at Clock Chapel-Whitehall, with the Rev. Donald Jansma officiating. Entombment will be made in St. Mary's Mausoleum in Muskegon.

VISITING HOURS: Monday, 6-8 PM, at Clock Funeral Home in Whitehall.

DONATIONS: Humane Society & Animal Rescue, Box 93, Muskegon, 49443 or Harbor Hospice, 1050 W. Western Ave., Suite 400, Muskegon 49441.
 

Mr. Raymond M. Hams Jr. of Montague 

Mr. Hams, age 84, died Thursday, September 3, 2009. He was born August 4, 1925, in Fremont, to Raymond M. Sr. and Laura (Warner) Hams. He proudly served in the US Navy during World War II in the South Pacific, seeing action in the Iwo Jima campaign. On August 30, 1946, he married the former Lois Riggle in Muskegon. She preceded him in death in 1997. Mr. Hams worked as a machinist at Teledyne Continental Motors for 36 years, retiring in 1979. He was a member of Friendship Bible Chapel in Montague and had served on the White Lake Senior Center Board of Directors. He was preceded in death by his wife, a son, Thomas Hams, a sister Lillian, and a brother, Charles.

FAMILY: 1 daughter, Linda Hams of Montague; 1 son, William (Deborah) Hams of Montague; 2 grandsons, James (Heather) Hams of Whitehall and Scott (Janet) Hams of Montague; 4 great-grandchildren, Kaleb, Lauren, Matthias and Payton.

SERVICE: Wednesday, September 9, 2009, at 1 PM, at Clock Chapel-Whitehall, with Mr. Ed Burdick officiating. Interment will be made in Oakgrove Cemetery-Montague.

VISITING HOURS: Wednesday, 11:30 AM until service time, at Clock Funeral Home in Whitehall.

DONATIONS: White Lake Senior Center,  8741 Ferry St., Montague 49437.
 

Mrs. Wanda M. Haas of Whitehall 

Wanda Haas, age 88, passed away Monday, January 3, 2011, in Whitehall, surrounded by her family. She was born August 15, 1922, in Shinston, West Virginia, the first child of Arvil and Lena (Harrison) Miller. After graduation from high school, she married Chester Booth and moved to Ohio. Wanda divorced some years later and eventually married Edward Haas who preceded her in death in 1971. Wanda and her family moved to the White Lake area in 1955. She had various employment adventures including working in a "company store" in West Virginia, telephone operator at Chase Brass Co. in Cleveland, Parson's Dry Goods in Whitehall, was The Patchwork Store manager in Grand Haven, and finally, owning her own boutique in Ft. Myers, Florida. Wanda worked to age 77 before retiring. She returned to Whitehall in 2002 to finish out her retirement years in the White Lake area.

Wanda had two brothers, Don and Arvil Miller, and a sister, Gerry Ford, all deceased. She leaves to cherish her memory, 1 daughter, Penny (Don)  Johnson, and three sons, Jay (Joyce) Haas of Bashor, Kansas, Jeff (Rosemary) Haas of Norvel, Michigan, and Scott Haas of Key West, Florida; seven grandchildren, Kim, Sean, Michael, Mark, Kelly, Joe and Michelle; one great-grandson, Alden.

Cremation has taken place and a CELEBRATION OF LIFE will take place on her birthday, Monday, August 15, 2011, 2-4 PM, at the home of Penny and Don Johnson in Whitehall.

DONATIONS: American Diabetes Association, Grand Rapids MI Office, 3940 Broadmoor Ave. SE, Suite 100, Grand Rapids 49512.
 

Beldon P. Hasty, age 65, died November 17, 2011, with dedicated family at his side. He was born April 22, 1946, in Hart, to Vernon and Avis (Haenke) Hasty. A graduate of Hart High School, where he served as its Marching Band Drum Major, Beldon also was a graduate of Peggy White Hair Styling Academy and was a Certified Master Hair Stylist. He worked at Tieke Haute Salon in Grand Rapids for a number of years. He later attended Wayne State University School of Mortuary Science and became a very capable Licensed Funeral Director. He worked at Clock Funeral Home in Muskegon for a number of years and presently was part of the staff at Clock Funeral Home in Whitehall and Ludington and King Funeral Home in Hart. He was preceded in death by his parents Avis and Vern, a brother, Gary, and sisters, Cheryl Showalter and Priscilla Dennison. Beldon was a talented hair-stylist, a compassionate and well thought of funeral director, and a friend to many. He will be greatly missed by those closest to him.

FAMILY: Many beloved nieces and nephews, grand-nieces & grand-nephews, great-grandnieces & great-grandnephews, in-laws, and a special friend, David Malmquist of CA.

SERVICE: Was held Sunday, November 20, 2011, at 7 PM, at King Funeral Home, 2370 N. 72nd Ave. Hart, with the Rev. Lorraine T. Boucon officiating. Interment will be made next to his family in Hart Cemetery.

DONATIONS: Crystal Valley Care Fund, Box 451, Hart, MI 49420.
 

Mr. Clyde O. Hatch of Whitehall 

Clyde O. Hatch passed away on May 28, 2009, at his cabin in Grayling. He was born on December 30, 1925, to Elmer and Edna (Packard) Hatch. He attended Muskegon Heights schools and graduated in 1944, from Walkerville High School. He immediately joined the US Navy and served through the end of World War II on the USS Bell, as a fireman. He married Dorothy E. Kokx on November 8, 1947, in Weare, Michigan.

He was employed by GTE of Michigan for 31 years before he retired in 1977. He was a Charter and Life member of White Lake Eagles Aerie #3214. He was also a member of Twin Lake Civic Club and served on the Twin Lake Board of Education. He served as caretaker of Michillinda Beach Association for about 16 years.

Of his many loves was going north to his "Cabin" in Grayling, watching the deer and other various wildlife. He was very devoted to his family and friends. He looked forward each year to the family reunion and never missed attending. Mr. Hatch was preceded in death by four brothers, Russell, Hubert, Clinton and Robert, and also by two sisters, Doris & Beatrice.

SURVIVORS include his wife of 61 years, Dorothy; four children, David (Jill) Hatch of Ludington, Nancy (Walter) Gray of Muskegon, Mary Stabler of Merritt Island, FL and Eileen (Steve) Jenkins of Holland. He also leaves behind 12 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and his beloved sister, Vera Campbell of Rapid City, MI.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE: Thursday, June 4, 2009, at 11:00 AM, at Clock Chapel-Whitehall.

DONATIONS: Mercy Hospice of Grayling, 201 Meadows Dr., Suite A, Grayling, MI 49738.
 

Mrs. Gladys Ethel (Stevens) Hay of Whitehall 

G. Ethel Stevens Hay, age 91, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on February 25, 2011. She was born September 5, 1919, in Rothbury, to Victor and Louise (Timmich) Lohman.  She graduated from Montague High School and Hart County Normal School.  She taught for a short time in a one room school house before her marriage in 1942 to Arthur M. Stevens, who preceded her in death in 1984.  In 1987, she married Lewis J. Hay, who also preceded her in death. Ethel loved being outside with her flowers and was ready to take on anyone in a game of cribbage. She worked at Howmet Corp. for nearly 28 years until retiring. She was a member of St. James Lutheran Church in Montague, had been active in the women's groups at the church, and had been church secretary at Peace Lutheran Church in prior years. She was preceded in death by a son, Bruce Stevens, 5 sisters, Lucille Barrs, Dorothy Reed, Bernice Norberg, Eunice Fekken and Gertrude Peterson, and 4 brothers, Melvin Lohman, Martin Lohman, Lester Lohman and Leo Lohman.

FAMILY: Ethel is survived by 4 daughters: Sharon Bruce of Grandville, Bette Curtis of TX, Eloise (Bruce) Baxter of Whitehall, and Susan (Kenneth) VanBergen of Montague; 2 sons, Daniel (Joy) Stevens of Grandville and Jeffrey (Melanie) Stevens of Whitehall; 20 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; 3 brothers, Wesley Lohman, Alvin (Aleta) Lohman and Donald (Dale) Lohman.

SERVICE: Monday, February 28, 2011, at 11:00 AM at St. James Lutheran Church in Montague, with the Rev. John W. Brooks officiating. Interment will be at Oakgrove Cemetery-Montague.

VISITING HOURS: Sunday, February 27 2011, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at Clock Funeral Home of White Lake, 413 S. Mears Ave., Whitehall.

DONATIONS: Memorial Fund of St. James Lutheran Church towards construction of the Youth Activity House, 8945 Stebbins St., Montague 49437
 

Mrs. Lura L. "Pattie" Heller of Montague 

Lura L. "Pattie" Heller, age 69, died December 21, 2010. Born March 4, 1941, in Muskegon, to Clinton and Bertha (Ashley) Seymour. A homemaker all her life, Pattie was married to Dr. Gordon N. Heller on June 21, 1978, in Muskegon. She was a communicant member of Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church in Rothbury, a Red Cross Water Safety Instructor, a volunteer for the American Red Cross and was involved with the Whitehall Jr. High School Equestrian Club. She was preceded in death by a son, Stuart B. Ladd.

FAMILY: Her husband, Dr. Gordon Heller; a daughter, Stephanie (Shawn) Scholl of CO; 2 sons, Scott Ladd (Dawn Kari-Ladd) of Spring Lake and G. Stuart Heller (fiancee, Dawna Carpenter) of Montague; 4 grandchildren, Clinton Ladd & Franklin Ladd of Gillette, WY and Tabor Scholl & Tyler Scholl of CO; 2 sisters, Amy (David) Phillips of GA and Norma (Brian) Binns of Whitehall; 2 brothers, Michael Seymour of Whitehall and Bryan (Patricia) Seymour of Caledonia.

MEMORIAL MASS: Thursday, January 6, 2011, at 11:00 AM, at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, 2964 W. Winston Rd., Rothbury, with the Rev. Fr. Phillip J. Witkowski presiding.

DONATIONS: Companion Animal Veterinary Services, 3099 S. Oceana Dr., Shelby 49455.

DONATIONS: Companion Animal Veterinary Services, 3099 S. Oceana Dr., Shelby 49455.
 

Mrs. Fern L. Henriksen of Montague 

Mrs. Fern L.Henriksen, age 91, died April 17, 2010. She was born March 3, 1919, in Big Rapids, to Otto and Elizabeth (Rschke) Martz. A homemaker all her life, she was married to Hartvic C. Henriksen, who preceded her in death in 1995. Mrs. Henriksen was a communicant member of St. James Lutheran Church. She was preceded in death by a sister, Esther Hales, and a brother, John Martz.

FAMILY: 1 son, Phillip Henriksen of Montague; 1 daughter, Diane Branch of Winona , MN; 2 grandchildren, Phillip Jr. (Nicole) Henriksen of Cadillac and Kelly Henriksen (Omar Haitum) of Ann Arbor; 3 great-grandchildren; 1 sister, Grace (Russ) Dunkel of Big Rapids; 2 brothers, Hrold (Marge) Martz of Grand Rapids and Robert (Murlin) Martz of Big Rapids.

SERVICE: Wednesday, April 21, 2010, at 1:00 PM, at St. James Lutheran Church, Montague, with the Rev. John W. Brooks officiating.

VISITING HOURS: Wednesday, 12:00 PM (noon) until service time, at the church in Montague.

DONATIONS: Memorial Fund of St. James Lutheran Church, 8945 Stebbins St., Montague 49437.
 

Mr. Allen B. Higgins of Montague, Mi (formerly of Berwyn, IL)  

Mr. Higgins, age 88, died Thursday, April 8, 2010. Born September 1, 1921, in Clinton, IA to Colin and Edith (Ballou) Higgins, he graduated from Illinois Wesleyan College and earned a Master’s degree at the University of Illinois. On June 12, 1948, he married the former Margaret Finley in Riverside, Illinois.  Mr. Higgins served as Athletic Director of District #99 for the Cicero Public Schools in IL for 34 years, retiring in 1983. In 1994, Allen and Margaret moved to the White Lake area where they had been long time summer residents.

Mr. Higgins was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, the Montague United Methodist Church, and White Lake Lodge #198 F & AM. He proudly served his country in the US Army during World War II. Mr. Higgins was preceded in death by sons David and James and grandson Grant Kidman of CA.

FAMILY: His wife of 61 years, Margaret; daughters Amy Kidman of CA; Cynthia Billington (Charles) of  IL; Janice Higgins of WI; and Catherine (Scott) Brower of IL;   13 grandchildren; a sister, Anne (Charles) Nelson of MD; and a daughter-in-law, Linda (James) Higgins of MA. 

MEMORIAL SERVICE:  Saturday, May 1, 2010, 11:00 AM, Montague Methodist Church, 8555 Cook St., Montague, with the Rev. Randall R. Hansen and Mr. James K. Tanis officiating.

VISITING HOURS:  10:00 AM until service time, at the church. 

DONATIONS: Memorial Fund of Montague United Methodist Church, 8555 Cook St., Montague, MI  49437 or MHP VNS & Hospice, 888 Terrace St., Muskegon, MI  49441.
 

Mr. Wendell P. Hill of Whitehall

Wendell P. Hill, age 85, of Whitehall, died January 11, 2012. He was born in Muskegon County on May 20, 1926, to Dr. William F. and Maude (Price) Hill. He served as Superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools in Kent County for 16 years, retiring in 1982. Prior to that, he was Superintendent of Hillsdale Community Schools, Hile Public Schools, and Assistant Superintendent of the newly consolidated Mona Shores Public Schools. He served in the US Navy in World War II in the Pacific.

FAMILY: He is survived by his wife, Sandra. Also surviving are his children, Roger Hill, Sharon Kelley and Marsha Hill-King, and his grandchildren, Jody Lausen, Megan Merrill, Cassie Emery, Carrie Goodrich, Roger Hill Jr., Jeremy King and Brooke King.

SERVICE: Private services have been held.

DONATIONS: White Lake Community Fund, Box 42, Whitehall 49461.
 

Mrs. Ramona S. Hines of Whitehall 

Mrs. Hines, age 84, died June 4, 2009. She was born July 7, 1924, in Joliet, IL, to Earl and Hazel (Knickerbocker) Roth. She had lived in the White Lake area the past 10 years, coming from St. Charles, MO. On February 24, 1968, in Altamonte Springs, FL, she married John Hines. She received an Associates Degree from Joliet Junior College, had worked for the Diocese of Central Florida for 20 years, was a member of St. Peter's By-the-Lake Episcopal Church and was a member of the White Lake Chorale.

FAMILY: Her husband, John; a daughter, Christal (Charles "Burt") Jackson of Whitehall; a son, Philip (Tracy) Hyatt of FL; a step-daughter, Gail (Don) Combs of TX; a step-son, Greg (Missy) Hines of AR; 13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren.

GATHERING: A gathering of family and friends will be held Wednesday, June 10, 2009, at 9:30 AM, at the weekly morning Eucharist Service at St. Peter's By-the-Lake Episcopal Church in Montague, with the Rev. Fr. Everett H. Kline presiding.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Will be held at a later date and announced at that time.

DONATIONS:  Memorial Fund of St. Peter's By-the-Lake Episcopal Church, 8435 Old Channel Trail, Montague 49437.
 

Bennett W. Hoffman "Ben" of Montague 

Bennett W. "Ben" Hoffman, age 11, died May 22, 2010. He was born June 13, 1998, in Fremont, to Dan and Laurie (Bennett) Hoffman. A member of Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church in Rothbury, Ben was in the 6th grade at NBC School in Montague. He was preceded in death by grandparents Wallace and Alma Hoffman.

FAMILY: His parents, Dan and Laurie Hoffman; a sister, Emily Hoffman of Whitehall; a brother, Drew (Beth) Hoffman of Whitehall; grandparents, Bruce and Carol Bennett of Ludington; his beloved cat, Cally; many aunts, uncles and cousins.

FUNERAL LITURGY: Thursday, May 27, 2010, at 11:00 AM, at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, 2964 W. Winston Rd., Rothbury, with the Rev. Fr. Phillip J. Witkowski presiding. Interment will be made in Oakgrove Cemetery-Montague.

VISITING HOURS: Wednesday, 4-8 PM, at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church in Rothbury.

DONATIONS: Bennett Wallace Hoffman Memorial Fund, c/o Clock Funeral Home of White Lake, Box 128, Whitehall 49461.
 

Mrs. Barbara R. Holmblade of Whitehall 

Barbara R. Holmblade, age 56, died July 3, 2010. She was born December 18, 1953, in Portland, Maine, to Arnold and Irma (Duludde) Cliff. On December 23, 1980, she married Bruce Holmblade, and had lived in the White Lake area the past 30 years. A 1972 graduate of Mona Shores High School, Mrs. Holmblade had worked at Holly's Bistro in Muskegon and later was an assistant manager and sales associate in the jewelry department of J. C. Penny. A certified master gardener in Michigan, she had also been a Red Cross volunteer. She was preceded in death by her father, Arnold, and a sister, Cynthia Cliff.

FAMILY: Her husband, Bruce; a daughter, Kari Kolberg of Rothbury; her mother, Irma Cliff Myers; sister, Marcia Nameney of IN, sister and best friend, Judy Cliff Boyle of Ada and her son, Dugan, and sister, Connie Johnson of ME; special friend, Frank Sallgren.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE: Saturday, July 10, 2010, at 1:00 PM, at the family home, 3920 Nestrom Rd., Fruitland Township, Whitehall.

DONATIONS: Noah Project, 5205 Airline Rd., Muskegon 49444.
 

Mr. John T. Holmblade of Alma (formerly of Whitehall) 

John T. Holmblade, age 91, died July 12, 2010. He was born February 9, 1919, in Rochelle, Illinois, to Nels A. and Syneva C. (Weeks) Holmblade. A 1937 graduate of Whitehall High School,  he proudly served in the US Army during World War II, in the 2nd Armored Division, seeing action in North Africa and in Europe. On November 24, 1945, in Whitehall, he married the former Lila Spicklemire. Mr. Holmblade was a tool & die maker and had worked at Howmet Corp. for nearly 30 years, retiring as a supervisor in Inspection in 1981. Mr. Holmblade was a member of Lebanon Lutheran Church of Whitehall and later of Trinity Lutheran in Mission, TX, White Lake Lodge #198 F & AM, White Lake OES Chapter #201 and Algot Johnson American Legion Post #69 of Whitehall. He also served for a time on the Fruitland Township Board of Trustees. In his retirement, he was able to pursue a passion for travel and he and his wife traveled extensively. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, James Holmblade.

FAMILY: His wife, Lila; 1 daughter, Dorothy (Bill) Elliott; 4 sons, Phillip (Pama) Holmblade, Bruce Holmblade, Brian (Juanita) Holmblade and Paul (June) Holmblade; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 1 sister, Amy Jean (Philip) Knorr.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Saturday, August 14, 2010, at 11:00 AM, at Lebanon Lutheran Church, 1101 S. Mears Ave., Whitehall, with the Rev. Douglas M. Ogden officiating.

DONATONS: Memorial Fund of Lebanon Lutheran Church, 1101 S. Mears Ave., Whitehall 49461
 

Mrs. Kathleen M. Houghteling of Whitehall

Kathleen M. Houghteling, entered into eternity to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, September 20, 2011. She was born March 15, 1924, in Walkerville, to Daniel and Grace (Cocking) Cole. She was married to Jack C. Houghteling on November 15, 1942, in Walkerville. Mr. Houghteling preceded her in death in 1987. Mrs. Houghteling worked as an Executive Secretary at General Telephone Co., retiring in 1980, and was a member of Rothbury Community Church. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Jackie, in 1945, and a sister, Ruth Raby.

FAMILY: Her daughters, Marla Houghteling (Norm Mottl) of Harbor Springs, Frances (Richard) Paxson of Whitehall and Beth (Rusty)VanDerVeer of Hesperia. Grandchildren, Courtney (Jason) Niblick of Shelby, Raymond VanDerVeer of Hesperia, Allison (Jake) Kelly of Grand Rapids, Wendy (Jim) Braam of Jenison and Andrea (Erik) Schliewe of Grand Rapids. Great-grandchildren, Tessa Niblick, Ezra Braam, Addison Schliewe and soon-to-be born Baby Boy Kelly. Sister, Beth Swanson and sister-in-law, Josephine Houghteling.

SERVICE: Monday, September 26, 2011, at 11:00 AM, at Rothbury Community Church, 2500 Winston Road, Rothbury, with the Rev. James C. Enns officiating. Interment will be made in Fairview Cemetery, Walkerville.

VISITING TIME: Sunday, 3-5 PM, at Clock Funeral Home, 413 S. Mears Ave., Whitehall.

DONATIONS: Alzheimer's Association, 1740 Village Dr., Suite 336, Muskegon 49442-4282 or Rothbury Community Church, 2500 Winston Rd., Rothbury 49452.
 

Mr. William L. "Bill" Hubbard Of Whitehall 

William Lee Hubbard, age 43, passed away unexpectedly, yet, peacefully, on the morning of July 11, 2011. Bill was born on February 1, 1967, to William S. and Donna (Read) Hubbard. He graduated from Montague High School in 1985, during which time he was part of the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp International Band that toured the Scandanavian Countries. He then went on to  Michigan State University for 4 years, during which time he was an active member of the MSU Spartan Marching Band and remains an alumni to this day. He had worked as an I.T. Specialist for a number of years. Music was an essential component of his life and everything he participated in revolved around music and theater. Bill was a member of Caulder City Concert Band, LGBA World Band Association, Michigan PRIDE Committee, West Michigan PRIDE, Speak Equal, Equality Band of Michigan and had served as Board Secretary, Librarian and Coordinator of WMI. He also was a member of the Sons of the American Legion, Algot Johnson American Legion Post #69. He was preceded in death by his father, William Sherman Hubbard, grandfather, Lincoln L. Read, step-father, Richard L. Gibson, grandmother, Mabel V. Read, and grandmother, Irene Wentzloff.

FAMILY: Survivors include his mother, Donna Gibson, a sister, Karen Hubbard (Don Manies); a niece, Jamie Hubbard; 2 nephews, Joshua Hubbard and Jessie Hubbard (Katie Mader); a great-niece, Aliyah Mader-Hubbard; special friends, Deb Herlein and Nathan Bauer; aunts, uncles, cousins.

MEMORIAL GATHERING: Sunday, July 24, 2011, from 2-5 PM, at Algot Johnson American Legion Post #69, 803 E. Colby St., Whitehall.

MEMORIAL TRIBUTE: Sunday, July 24, 2011, at 3 PM, at the American Legion Post.

DONATION: Memorial Fund of Algot Johnson American Legion Post #69, 803 E. Colby St., Whitehall 49461.
 

Mrs. Dorothy A. Hulce of Twin Lake 

Dorothy Alice Hulce has joined her Lord and Savior, June 28, 2010. Dorothy was born April 8, 1925, in Ravenna. She married Merton Lewis Hulce in 1941. Together they lived in the White Lake area since 1958. Merton and Dorothy spent many years ministering to others. They are remembered by many for their hosted gatherings in their back patio. In her retirement, Dorothy spent most of her time enjoying her grandchildren and has left a big impact on their lives. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Merton, and her parents, George and Cora Cook.

She is survived by daughter, Janice (Keith Sr.) Gascho, sons Terry (Louann) Hulce and Brad (LuAnn) Hulce; grandchildren, Edward (Becky) Gascho, Alan (Traci) Gascho, Keith Gascho Jr., Christina (Jeff) VanKuiken, Heather (Drew) Orlando, Virginia (Paul) Davidson, Drew Yeaton, Ann Hulce and Matt Hulce; 9 great-grandchildren; sister-in-laws, Thelma Liikala and Peggy (Al) Ackerman.

SERVICE: Friday, July 2, 2010, at 11:00 AM, at Clock Chapel-Whitehall, with the Rev. Eric Strattan officiating. Interment will be made in Oakgrove Cemetery-Montague.

VISITING HOURS: Thursday, 6-8 PM, at Clock Funeral Home, 413 S. Mears Ave., Whitehall.

DONATIONS: Harbor Hospice, 1050 W. Western Ave., Suite 400, Muskegon 49441
 

Mr. Glen A. "Buz" Hulet of Montague 

Glen "Buz" Hulet, age 71, peacefully passed away on July 14, 2010 following a brief illness. He was born February 11, 1939, in Ludington, to Harold and Estelle (Haviland) Hulet. On October 24, 1964, in Superior, Nebraska, he married the former Margaret "Marge" Miller. He worked for GTE/Verizon for 33 years, retiring as Western Division Switching Services Manager in 1992. He was a member of St. James Catholic Church in Montague, a member of White Lake Eagles Aerie #3214 and a member of Our Lady of White Lake Chapter of Knights of Columbus. He was preceded in death by a brother, Harold "Bud" Hulet. Buz enjoyed riding his motorcycle, deer hunting, gardening, long walks, casino trips, traveling and especially spending time with his family and friends.

SURVIVING FAMILY: His wife, Marge; 3 children, Laurie (Charles) Flagstead, Mark (Janice) Hulet and Raymond (Laura) Hulet; 4 grandchildren, Kristin, Zachery, Matthew and Austin; 5 sisters, Marjorie Carlson of Nevada, Marilyn (Carroll) Sweet of California, Madeline Chmielewski of Manistee, Joan (James) Carey of Ludington and Jean (Joseph) Maloney of Manistee; brothers & sisters-in-law, Diane VanBerkom of North Dakota, Bernice Miller, Rita Miller, Betty (Jerome) Mazour, Rosemary Rowley, Alfred (Agnes) Miller, Wilfred (Helen) Miller, Bernard (Joan) Miller and Gene Miller, all of Nebraska, as well as many nieces & nephews.

MEMORIAL MASS: Friday, July 23, 2010, at 11:00 AM, at St. James Catholic Church, 5179 Dowling St., Montague, with Rev. Fr. Donn P. Tufts presiding.

VISITATION: Friday, 9:00 AM until service time, at St. James Catholic Church.

DONATIONS: St. James Catholic Church Memorial Fund or Harbor Hospice, 1050 W. Western Ave., Suite 400, Muskegon 49441.
 

Mrs. Margaret Cook Hunt of  Whitehall  -   November 23, 1913 - July 28, 2010 

Margaret Cook was born to David and Grace Lewis Cook on November 23, 1913, in Baltimore, Ohio. She was the 6th of 8 children. The family had some house rules that kept it in order: everyone was expected to keep busy, if you wanted to know something you were to find the answer yourself, and singing was a means of worship, entertainment and sharing within the family. Margaret continued to use these guidelines throughout her life, becoming the teacher to many, a great source of local history and lore, a singer in several local groups, an accomplished craftswoman, and even into her mid-nineties, busy with one project or another. She added to those tenets her own friendly smile and eagerness to share; stories, jokes, baseball scores were some of her favorites. 
 

After graduation from Wooster College, Margaret was married to Howard Hunt, a young social worker. They lived in Indiana and New Jersey before Howard became the Executive of the War Chest (now United Way) in Muskegon, Michigan. With three small children of her own, Margaret saw the plight of families where women were suddenly thrown into the work force and needed child care. She convinced the War Chest to begin the first day care center in Muskegon and spent many hours working there herself to be sure it got well started. 

The family, now with 4 children, moved to Whitehall in 1948 to establish a Christmas tree nursery. With the move, Margaret enjoyed the welcoming spirit of the area, especially in the activities of the While Lake Community Club. In the mid-fifties, Howard bought another nursery in the Fennville area and moved there permanently, leaving Margaret with 5 children. In what became typical Margaret fashion, she found a sitter for the youngest kids, and got a job teaching in the Whitehall schools, providing for the family. During the summers she attended classes at Central Michigan College and earned her masters’ degree. 
 

For 25 years teaching was an exciting career for Margaret. She was also active in the Congregational Church, singing in the choir and eventually serving as a deacon.  In the 60’s, after she finished her graduate work, she worked during the summers in the tourist information booth for the chamber of commerce. Helping others find the perfect place to stay was right up her ally. She continued to help others after her retirement, taking a leadership role in taping the sermons to share with the elderly at Whitehall Manor, spending every Saturday at the Manor chatting with the residents, keeping them in touch with the larger community. 

Margaret had an almost obsessive interest in genealogy, which of course required computer skills which she picked up quickly, especially when she realized that communicating with her grandchildren was going to necessitate such skills. The work in genealogy introduced her to far flung cousins with whom she communicated for years.
 

Even into her late 80s Margaret was the driver for many folks who no longer could drive themselves, and was volunteering as a respite caretaker for Home Care Services, Inc. Her skill at knitting and other needle work has been appreciated by her grandchildren, and by others for knitted caps that are just right to keep a senior warm when their activity is limited. With the advent of the Friends of Art which became the Arts Council, Margaret served as a board member and booster. She has even taken some turns at the Wren Gallery for artists who need the time to work on their craft. 
 

Margaret’s five children (Pat Hunt, Natalie Van Tassel, John Hunt, Peggy Angelina Richter, and Elizabeth Villaverde) and their partners enjoyed a history cruise with her on July18 as part of an annual family get together. She became ill just days afterward and died at her home.  Margaret is survived by one brother, Dr. John Cook of Jackson, Ohio, her children, their various partners and spouses, nine grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and many nephews and nieces. She was loved and well cared for by Peter and Jan Johnson, Russell Reagan, and Betty Bloomberg. She was pre-deseased by one grandchild and 6 of her siblings. Her family is appreciative of the support and love of all those who have touched her life.
 

CELEBRATION OF MARGARET'S LIFE: Sunday, August 8, 2010, from 1:00-3:00 PM, at Lakeside Inn, 5700 N. Scenic Dr., Whitehall.
 

DONATIONS: Friends are asked to remember Margaret's favorite charities, White Lake Arts Council,  8695 Ferry St., Montague 49437 or White Lake Congregational United Church of Christ, 1809 S. Mears Ave., Whitehall 49461.
 

Mrs. Gertrude A. Hunter (widow of William) Whitehall 

Gertrude A. Hunter, age 84, died March 17, 2010. She was born August 10, 1925, in Suttons Bay, to Albert and Gena (Olson) Setterbo. On May 12, 1946, in Suttons Bay, she married William H. Hunter, who preceded her in death in 2001. Mrs. Hunter had worked as a ward secretary at Muskegon General Hospital for more than 20 years, retiring in 1987. She was a communicant member of Faith Lutheran Church. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Elizabeth Johnston, a brother, Melton "Mickey" Setterbo, and two sisters, Arlene Mortenson and Elizabeth Hartle.

FAMILY: Her children, Cynthia (William) May of Muskegon, William (Sherry) Hunter of Muskegon, Karon (Gary) Jackowski of Virginia, Cheryl (Greg) Gerrans of Norton Shores and Carol (John) Kring of Whitehall; many grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Thursday, March 25, 2010, at 11:00 AM, at Faith Lutheran Church, 707 E. Alice St., Whitehall, with the Rev. Micheal D. Kroll officiating.

DONATIONS: Harbor Hospice, 1050 W. Western Ave., Suite 400, Muskegon 49441.
 

Marilynn Elaine Irey of Whitehall
04/19/33 – 01/22/12

Marilynn was born to Annabelle (Neuman) and Harvey Nicklas on April 19, 1933 in Chicago, Illinois. Having vacationed many years in the White Lake area, she made her home in Montague in 1954.

She was employed by HarborLight Credit Union (formerly Howmet Credit Union) as a loan supervisor until her retirement in January 1996, where she then served on the credit union’s Board of Directors for three years. She was a charter member of the White Lake Eagles #3214 Ladies Auxiliary having served such offices as President, Past Madam President and Treasurer. She also served as Treasurer of the White Lake Ladies Bowling League for 30 years in addition to being secretary for five years.

Marilynn enjoyed counted cross stitch, crossword puzzles, crocheting, reading, watching the Detroit Tigers and playing scrabble with her sister. Her greatest enjoyment was watching her sons and grandchildren in whatever activity they were involved in.

Marilynn’s family was exceptionally close knit and never did an “I love you” go unspoken. Whether it was football, basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball or wrestling, you could count on seeing her smiling face in the stands.
SURVIVORS include sons Brian (Linda) Irey, Brad (Barb) Irey; grandchildren Kirsten (Marcus) Iverson, Audra (Bradford) Riley, Jordan (Kaitlin Olds), Conlan and Logan; great granddaughter Madison Elaine Iverson; sister Carol Gerich; several nieces and nephews and many special friends. She was preceded in death by son Denny, one brother Clark Nicklas, and two sisters Jackie Nicklas, and Bonnie Stepler.

SERVICE: Thursday, January 26, 2012, at 2 PM, at Clock Chapel-Whitehall, with the Rev. Bruce A. Beach officiating.

VISITING TIME: Wednesday, 5-8 PM, at Clock Funeral Home, 413 S. Mears Ave., Whitehall.

DONATIONS: Harbor Hospice (for Poppen House), 1050 W. Western Ave., Suite 400, Muskegon 49441.
 

Mr. William A. Jackson Jr. of Montague 

Mr. Jackson, age 79, died Sunday, November 22, 2009. He was born May 11, 1930, in Baldwin, to William Sr. and Mary (Duffing) Jackson. On September 30, 1950, he married the former Eleanor VanBrocklin in Baldwin. Mr. Jackson worked in the concrete and masonary business for 53 years, retiring from Consumer's Concrete in 1990. He was preceded in death by a son-in-law, William Barrett.

FAMILY: His wife, Eleanor; his children, Linda (Chris) Sluyter and Anetta (Richard) Lohman, both of Whitehall, William (Meri) Jackson of Twin Lake, Sue Barrett of Rothbury, Tom Jackson of Montague, David (Glenda) Jackson of FL, Shelly (Kevin) Hanke and Rita (Bob) McConaughy, both of Montague; 16 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 4 brothers; 8 sisters.

SERVICE: Friday, November 27, 2009, at 3:00 PM, at Clock Chapel-Whitehall, with the Rev. Verne Wright officiating.

VISITING HOURS: Friday, 1-3 PM, at Clock Funeral Home in Whitehall.

DONATIONS: Jackson Family Expense Fund, c/o Clock Funeral Home, Box 128, Whitehall 49461.
 

Mr. Jay A. Jager Sr. of Montague 

Jay A. Jager Sr., age 70, died April 30, 2011. He was born September 28, 1940, in Muskegon, to Benjamin and Virginia (Lundquist) Jager.

He had worked for Mayflower Van Lines until retiring and was a member of White Eagles Aerie #3214. He was preceded in death by a sister, Linda Jager.

FAMILY: 3 sons, Troy Jager of MO, Jay Jr. "Bud" Jager and Scott Jager, both of Muskegon; 2 daughters, Kimberly Jager of Muskegon and Tracy Jager of Whitehall; 11 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; 1 sister, Lorna (Robert) Cavanaugh of Whitehall; 1 brother, Ben Jager of Montague.

SERVICE: Private services have been held.

DONATIONS:  Jager Family Expense Fund, c/o Clock Funeral Home of White Lake, Inc., Box 128, Whitehall 49461.
 

Mr. Hans J. Johnson of Montague

Hans J. Johnson, age 87, died October 21, 2011, in Muskegon. He was born January 20, 1924, in Muskegon, to Hans Sr. and Nellie (Conklin) Johnson. Hans was a dedicated employee and worked for many years at White Lake Foundry and Old Century Forge, retiring in 1974.

FAMILY: Hans family included 6 sisters, Emma, Josie "Bing", Betty, Hilda, Nellie and Violet, and 3 brothers, Arthur, Vernon and Raymond.

SERVICE: Private services have been held.
 

Mr. Leo G. Johnson of Montague 

Mr. Johnson, age 78, died March 25, 2010. He was born December 23, 1931, in Muskegon, to Gustave and Pauline (Miel) Johnson. On November 4, 1953, in Cross Plains, Tennessee, he married the former Marie Conn. She preceded him in death on January 11, 2009. Mr. Johnson worked as a color mill operator at Whitehall Leather Company (Genesco) in Whitehall until retiring. He proudly served in the US Army as a paratrooper during the Korean Conflict. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Melvin Johnson, Harvey "Ed" Carson and an infant brother.

FAMILY: His children, Nancy (Michael) Hennessy, Diane (Stephen) Lutz, Linda (Dan) Mahoney and Debra Yordy; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 4 sisters, Donna Hein, Mary (Kenneth) Bernhardt, Ruth McClellan and Bessie (Merle) Bernhardt; 2 brothers, Paul (Patsy) Carson and Charles "Charlie" Carson.

SERVICE: Monday, March 29, 2010, at 11:00 AM, at Clock Chapel-Whitehall, with the Rev. Jonathan D. Rager officiating. Interment will be made at Oakgrove Cemetery-Montague. A MILITARY SALUTE will be conducted at the cemetery by White Lake VFW Post #3256.

VISITING HOURS: Monday, 9:30 AM until service time at Clock Funeral Home in Whitehall.

DONATIONS: Harbor Hospice, 1050 W. Western Ave., Suite 400, Muskegon 49441.
 

Mr. Terry L. Kamhout of Rothbury 

Terry L. Kamhout, age 67, passed away unexpectedly on December 30, 2010, at Mercy Hospital, surrounded by his loved ones.

Terry was born April 12, 1943, to Glen and Ruth (Crow) Kamhout of Montague, at Mercy Hospital in Muskegon. He was adopted and raised by his grandparents, Lester and Mammi Kamhout of Montague. He was married to the former Carole Ann (VanSlyke) Highland on June 7, 1980, in Montague.

Terry was an avid fisherman and loved to farm and raise animals until 1991. He also drove truck and was a security guard for Howmet. He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandparents, and a grandson, Adam Spear.

FAMILY: He is survived by his wife, Carole; daughters, Brenda (Tom) Kerkstra of Rothbury and Darlene Bitten of Reed City; sons, John Kamhout of Reed City, Mark (Ann) Highland of NC, Mike (Becki) Spear of Whitehall, Brian Spear and Ken Spear, both of Muskegon; 14 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; 1 sister, Michelle (Mark) Norton of NY; brothers, Chase (Debbie) Kamhout of Spring Lake, Scott Kamhout of Muskegon, Dean Kamhout and James (Shirley) Scarfia of NY; an aunt & adopted sister, Helen (Eldon) Taylor of Muskegon; mother-in-law, Joyce VanSlyke; brother-in-laws, Terry (Marcia) VanSlyke of Spring Lake, Ray (Eve) VanSlyke and Randy (Brenda) VanSlyke, both of Montague.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE: Friday, January 7, 2011, from 2-4 PM, with Prayer and Time of Sharing beginning at 3 PM, at Algot Johnson American Legion Post #69, 803 E. Colby St., Whitehall.

Andrea K. Kelly of Twin Lake 

Andrea K. Kelly, age 35, died April 17, 2010.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Saturday, May 1, 2010, at 10:00 AM, at Holton American Legion Post #397, 9150 Holton Rd., Holton.

DONATIONS: Kelly Family Expense Fund, c/o Clock Funeral Home of White Lake, Box 128, Whitehall 49461.
 

Lacey M. Kessler of Montague 

Lacey M. Kessler, age 23, died March 14, 2010. She was born March 27, 1986 in Muskegon, to David and Dawn (Kanouff) Kessler. A graduate of Montague High School, on December 13, 2009, in Shelby, she married Jesse Lee. A homemaker, Lacey had attended Shelby Seventh Day Adventist Church and had been active in the 4H program for many years. She was preceded in death by her mother, Dawn, and grandfather, Henry Kessler.

FAMILY: Her husband, Jesse Lee; a son, Daniel Marshall; her father, David Kessler; a sister, Cortney Kessler; grandparents, Mary Kessler and Don & Patricia Kanouff.

SERVICE: Friday, March 19, 2010, at 3:00 PM, at Clock Chapel-Whitehall, with Pastor Ron R. Mills officiating. Interment will be made in Oakhurst Cemetery-Whitehall.

VISITING HOURS: Thursday, 2-4 and 6-8 PM, at Clock Funeral Home in Whitehall.

DONATIONS: Kessler-Lee Family Expense Fund, c/o Clock Funeral Home, Box 128, Whitehall 49461.
 

Mrs. Mary E. Kessler (widow of Henry) of Montague

Mary E. Kessler, age 83, joined her husband and her Savior in Heaven on January 10, 2012. She was born August 24, 1928, in Muskegon, to Sidney and Ella (Leifer) Hamstra. Mary was a homemaker and farm wife and a member of St. James Lutheran Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry, and a grand-daughter, Lacey.

FAMILY: Her children, Judy (David) Schaner of Grand Haven, Patty Postema of North Muskegon, Linda (Roger) Morris of Lake Orion, Arlene (Joe) Bierman of Grand Haven, and David Kessler of Montague; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; 1 sister, Carolyn (Cliff) Colburn; 1 brother, Sidney Jr. (Bettie) Hamstra.

SERVICE: Sunday, January 15, 2012, at 3 PM, at St. James Lutheran Church, 8945 Stebbins St., Montague, with the Rev. John W. Brooks officiating.

VISITING TIME: Saturday, 3-7 PM, at Clock Funeral Home, 413 S. Mears Ave., Whitehall.

DONATIONS: American Diabetes Association, Grand Rapids office, 3940 Broadmoor Ave. SE, Suite 100, Grand Rapids 49512 or American Cancer Society, Northwest MI Office, 129 Jefferson St. SE, Grand Rapids 49503.
 

Mrs. Marleis J. "Jeannette" Kesteloot Of North Muskegon 

Marleis J. Kesteloot, age 68, died August 10, 2009. She was born August 18, 1940, in Bloomington, IL, to William and Hazel (Runion) Chamberlain. A most wonderful mother and friend to her daughter, Sheli, she had worked as a customer service representative most of her life, retiring from Dake Corp. A Red Cross Volunteer for many years, Mrs. Kesteloot was a member of Community United Methodist Church in North Muskegon.

FAMILY:  1 daughter, Sheli Kesteloot; 1 son, Jeffrey Kesteloot; 3 grandchildren; 2 sisters, Suzanne Sannizzaro and Jacquelyn (Jim) Sharp; 2 brothers, William (Vickie) Chamberlain and Gary Chamberlain (friend, Gigi); several nieces & nephews.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Sunday, August 16, 2009, at 2 PM, at Community United Methodist Church, 1614 Ruddiman Ave.,  North Muskegon, with the Rev. Robert K. Lynch officiating.

VISITING HOURS: Sunday, 1 PM until service time, at the church in North Muskegon.

DONATIONS: Kesteloot Family Expense Fund, c/o Clock Funeral Home of White Lake, Box 128, Whitehall 49461.
 

Mrs. Carolyn Joy Kies-Genson of North Muskegon 

Mrs. Joy Kies-Genson, age 67, died January 6, 2010. She was born November 22, 1942, in Muskegon, to Gerald and Vesta (Moore) Kies. On May 16, 1991, she married Leland Genson in Muskegon. Mrs. Genson had been a homemaker all her life. She was preceded in death by a son, James Price, a grandson and 2 brothers.

FAMILY: Her husband, Leland "Jake" Genson; children, Kathy (Barry) Daul, Nancy (Herbert) Dunlap, Mary (Michael) Hamann, Paula (Roland) Baker, Rick (Brenda) Genson, Gordy (Linda) Genson, Harry Genson, Greg (Karen) Genson and Lee Genson; 19 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Judy Grosephend and Leona Kies; 1 brother, Jerry Kies.

SERVICE: Monday, January 11, 2010, at 1 PM, at Clock Funeral Home in Whitehall, with Darry Hichue officiating.

VISITING HOURS: Sunday, 6-8 PM, at Clock Funeral Home in Whitehall.

DONATIONS: Genson Family Expense Fund, c/o Clock Funeral Home, Box 128, Whitehall 49461.
 

Mr. Carl A. Klotz Jr. of  Hesperia 

Mr. Klotz, age 67, died February 7, 2010. He was born July 15, 1942, in Wheeling, WV, to Carl Sr. and Helen (Sutton) Klotz. He proudly served in the US Marine Corps during the Vietnam Conflict and then served as a police officer in Troy, Ohio, and later for Mokena, Illinois for a total of 12 years. On August 14, 1976, in Illinois, he married the former Patsy Smith, and had lived in the Hesperia area the past 13 years, coming here from Downers Grove, IL. A member of Whitehall United Methodist Church, Mr. Klotz had worked for the Diebold Company over 38 years, and currently worked at Facilities Resource Group of Grandville. 

FAMILY: His wife, Pat; 1 son, Samuel (Gerri) Klotz of TX; 1 grandson, Samuel Klotz of TX.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Friday, February 12, 2010, at 6 PM, at Whitehall United Methodist Church, 117 S. Division St., Whitehall, with the Rev. Gayle S. Berntsen officiating. A MILITARY SALUTE will be held at the time of the service.

DONATIONS: Klotz Family Expense Fund, c/o Clock Funeral Home of White Lake, Box 128, Whitehall 49461
 

Mr. David J. Knapp of Rothbury 

David J. Knapp, age 41, died February 12, 2011. He was born March 23, 1969, in Grand Rapids, to Gary L. Sr. and Gloria (Dill) Knapp. A graduate of Montague High School, he had worked at Shellcast Corp. and had been a member of VFW Post #3256 Men's Auxiliary.

David loved sports, especially football.  He was a member of Raider Nation and was a tried and true Montague Wildcat.  He loved deer hunting and fishing and was always so happy when he bagged that special deer.  He will be remembered as a fun loving and all around friendly guy, and was  loved greatly by his family and friends (even those he had just met).

He was preceded in death by grandparents, Merritt Ednie, Lillie Ednie and Norman Dill, an aunt, Marsha Brown, and a cousin, Bryan Brown.

FAMILY: The love of his life, Rachael Bush, and her son, Ryan Glover; 2 daughters, Savannah Jane Moore and Kylie Jae Knapp; his parents, Gary Sr. and Gloria Knapp; his grandparents, Arthur & Emily Knapp and Cleo Dill; a sister, Erin (Sean) France; 2 brothers, Gary Jr. (Deann) Knapp and Ryan Knapp (Melissa Dobson); nieces, nephews and cousins.

SERVICE: Wednesday, February 16, 2011, at 11 AM, at Shiloh Tabernacle, 460 E. Tyler Rd., Dalton Township, with the Rev. James Kolbe officiating.

VISITING HOURS: Tuesday, 5-8 PM, and Wednesday, 10-11 AM, at Shiloh Tabernacle, in North Muskegon.

DONATIONS: Knapp Family Expense Fund, c/o Clock Funeral Home of White Lake, Box 128, Whitehall 49461.
 

Mrs. Lucille N. Knapp of Spring Lake (formerly of Whitehall)

Lucille N. Knapp, age 87, passed away Tuesday, January 3, 2012, in Grand Haven. She was born May 9, 1924, in Muskegon, daughter of Alton and Charlotte (Jacobson) Forward. Her mother preceded her in death in 1934, and her father then married Dorothy Loss, who raised Alton's five children, her own three children, and the three children they had together. On May 23, 1942, Lucille married Russell Knapp, who preceded her in death January 4, 2000. Mrs. Knapp went to work for the newly formed MISCO in Muskegon and retired from Howmet Corp. in Whitehall with over 30 years of service, working as a metal technician in many areas of the company. She loved the White Lake area, and also enjoyed travel with her sisters Comille, Jean and Francis, as well as with daughter, Joni, especially to the Traverse City area. Lucille also loved spending time with her grandchildren, especially with overnight stays and short trips. She was preceded in death by sisters, Lois Loss and Blossom VanderVelde, and brothers, Ronald "Corky" Forward and Alton "Jack" Forward.

FAMILY: A daughter, Joni Baker; 3 grandchildren, Jeffrey (Susan) Baker of Fruitport, Jennifer (Rae) Baker and Joel (Kate) Baker, both of Spring Lake; 5 great-grandchildren, Morgan, Jeffrey II, Kelvin, Madeline and Maxwell; 4 sisters, Comille Coburn, Jean Jensen, Francis VanDyke and Geraldine Fox; 2 brothers, John Loss and Ted Forward.

SERVICE: Private services have been held.

DONATIONS: Hospice of North Ottawa, c/o Clock Funeral Home of White Lake, Box 128, Whitehall 49461.
 

Mrs. Daisy B. Hill Knollinger, of Whitehall 

Mrs. Daisy Hill Knollinger, age 93, died Wednesday, September 16, 2009. She was born November 27, 1915, in Battle Creek, to George M. and Rena (Burns) Hower. In 1932, she married James Hill, who preceded her in death in 1962. In 1969, she married William Knollinger, who preceded her in death in 1992. Mrs. Knollinger was a beautician who owned and operated Daisy's Beauty Shop until retiring in 1982. She was a member of Fruitland Baptist Church. Mrs. Knollinger was preceded in death by a son, John Hill, a daughter, Barbara Novak, and 3 brothers, Donald Hower, Eugene Hower and Roy Hower.

FAMILY: 1 daughter, Connie Lang of Montague; 3 sons, James (Suzanne) Hill of Whitehall, William Hill of Rothbury and Donald (Peggy) Hill of TX; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

SERVICE: Monday, September 21, 2009, at 1:00 PM, at Clock Chapel-Whitehall, with the Rev. Gene Walter officiating. Interment will be made in Restlawn Cemetery-Muskegon.

VISITING HOURS: Monday, 12:00 PM (Noon) until service time, at Clock Funeral Home in Whitehall.

DONATIONS: Harbor Hospice, 1050 W. Western Ave., Suite 400, Muskegon 49441.
 

Mrs. Irma Kollaritsch of  Montague  (widow of Joseph) 

Mrs. Kollaritsch, age 93, died Tuesday, June 16, 2009. She was born in Chicago, January 17, 1916, to Joseph and Rosalie Laschober. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph, in 1984. They had lived in the Montague area since 1951. Irma was an active member of St. James Lutheran Church. She was preceded in death by one sister and five brothers, all of Chicago.

FAMILY: 1 son, Joseph and wife May, of Whitehall; 1 daughter, Irma and husband, John Sampson, of Huntington Woods; 5 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren.

SERVICE: Friday, June 19, 2009, at 1:00 PM, at St. James Lutheran Church in Montague, with the Rev. John W. Brooks officiating. Interment will be made in Oakgrove Cemetery-Montague.

VISITING HOURS: Thursday, 2-4 & 6-8 PM, at Clock Funeral Home in Whitehall.

DONATIONS: Memorial Fund of St. James Lutheran Church, 8945 Stebbins St., Montague 49437.
 

Mrs. Charlotte J. Kowalski (widow of Bruno) of Montague 

Charlotte J. Kowalski, age 93, died March 8, 2011. She was born February 22, 1918, in Montague, to Edward and Alice (Lecus) Hall. A homemaker all her life, on May 25, 1940, in Muskegon, she married Bruno J. Kowalski, who preceded her in death. She had been involved in 4-H, Girls Scouts of America and National Campers and Hikers Association. She was preceded in death by siblings, Stanley Hall, Russell Hall and wife, Pearl Hall, Rosella Stout and Phillip Hall and a son-in-law, Robert Wilson.

FAMILY: Daughter, Jeannette (John) Koennecke of NJ, son, Robert (Rena) Kowalski of Montague and daughter, Kathy Wilson of Montague; 11 grandchildren, Jacqueline (Andrew) Henry, Ronald (Darcy) Kowalski, Lonnie (Julie) Kowalski, Charla (Richard) Pachmayr, Ty (Dana) Wilson, Joseph Wilson, Russell (Shelley) Kowalski, Dondi Kowalski, Jon (Joy) Crane, Karrie (Steve) Twork and Michael (Jill) Crane; numerous great-grandchildren; a sister, Coralois Beegle of Dalton.

SERVICE: Private services have been held.

DONATIONS: Kowalski Family Expense Fund, c/o Clock Funeral Home of White Lake, Box 128, Whitehall 49461.
 

Mrs. Jeanette R. Kreger of Montague 

Jeanette R. Kreger, age 84, died Wednesday, March 23, 2011, in Florida. She was born September 26, 1926, in Spring Lake, to Jacob and Mary (Spangler) Schropp. She was married to Charles Kreger, who preceded her in death in 1990. Mrs. Kreger had worked in the finishing department at Howmet Corp. until retiring. She was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Agnes Augustine and Barbara Ramthun.

FAMILY: 1 son, David (Nonne) Kreger of CO; 2 daughters, Linda Walker of Muskegon and Kathy (Wally) Speese of North Muskegon; 6 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 3 brothers, Robert (Dorothy) Schropp of Hesperia, Fred (Barbara) Schropp of Scottville and Daniel (Carol) Schropp of Muskegon.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: A memorial service is planned for and will be announced later.

DONATIONS: American Diabetes Association, Grand Rapids office, 3940 Broadmoor Ave. SE, Suite 100, Grand Rapids 49512.
 

Mrs. Ruth Irene (Mund) Kowalski

Ruth Irene (Mund) Kowalski, age 92, of Whitehall, MI, formerly of Montague, MI, passed away January 26, 2011 at her home. Her son Bruce, and fiancée Vicki Ericsson, provided loving care for Ruth in their home in Whitehall during her final years. The family would like to extend special thanks to Rhonda Scouten, James Tanis, Pastor Randall Hansen, niece Joan (Longnecker) (Schneider) Brooks, granddaughter Robyn Kowalski, and Tracy VanGuisen of Harbor Hospice for their special kindnesses during Ruth’s decline.

Ruth was born August 26, 1918 in Otto Township east of Rothbury , MI , to Adolph Lewis and Lena Christina Henrietta (Reuss) Mund. She is survived by daughter Lenée Owens (Conrad) of Sarasota, FL; sons William Kowalski (Linda) of Peshtigo, WI and Bruce Kowalski of Whitehall, MI; sister Edith Dovey of Louisville, TN; and four grandchildren, Paul Kowalski of Milwaukee, WI; Byron Kowalski , with U.S. Navy, Bremerton, WA; Keli Kowalski of Nederland, CO; and Robyn Kowalski of Whitehall, MI.

She was preceded in death by her parents and step-father Herman Newman; husband William, long-time area PGA golf professional, in 1993 after 52 years of marriage; siblings Carl Mund, Mildred Longnecker, Dorothy Strahl, Robert Mund; and granddaughter Alyssa Owens.

Ruth taught kindergarten in the Montague Schools from 1952 to 1981. Prior to that, she taught 1937-38 at the Flower Creek one-room schoolhouse in Claybanks Township and at Rothbury School from 1939 to 1941. The many joys in her teaching career included having as pupils the children of her former students.

She began teaching with a County Normal School certificate and later earned a Bachelor’s degree in education from Western Michigan University. Her interests in the arts inspired her children Lenée and Bruce to pursue degrees in music and art, respectively. Her natural curiosity in the ways of nature inspired her son Bill to become a soil scientist and conservationist. Each year, Ruth would gather Monarch chrysalis so that her kindergarten class could witness the wonder of butterfly metamorphosis.

Ruth was a member of the Montague United Methodist Church and the White Lake Garden Club. She enjoyed the proximity of Lake Michigan and was often seen walking the beach, enjoying the water and soaking up the sun. Ruth also enjoyed the Tuesday women’s league at Old Channel Trail Golf Course.

Memorial service (refreshments to follow) will be held on Tuesday, February 22, 5:00 p.m. at Montague United Methodist Church , 8555 Cook St. , Montague, with Rev. Randall Hansen officiating and Mr. James Tanis as Eulogist. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in her memory be sent to Harbor Hospice - 1050 W. Western Ave., Suite 400 - Muskegon , MI 49441
 

Mr. Albert L. Kroll "Shorty" of  Montague 

Mr. Albert "Shorty" Kroll, age 79, died August 31, 2009. He was born October 11, 1929, in Detroit, to Paul E. and Mae (Thomas) Kroll. A life-long self-employed carpenter, he married the former Shirley Smith on August 30, 1952, in Whitehall, and was a member of White Lake Wesleyan Church. He was preceded in death by a sister, Betty McGoran.

FAMILY: His wife, Shirley; 2 sons, Michael (Mary) Kroll of Kalkaska and Gary (Shannon) Kroll of Twin Lake; 5 daughters, Sandra (Ronald) Crebassa of Grant, Karen (Joe) Fessenden of Hesperia, Susan Kroll of Montague, Linda (Jim) Callender of Whitehall and Paulette (Robert) Brown of Ferry; 16 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; special friend, Glen LaFever.

SERVICE: Friday, September 4, 2009, at 11:00 AM, at White Lake Wesleyan Church, 503 S. Division St., Whitehall, with the Rev. Thomas E. Coffey officiating. Interment will be made in Eagles/Oak Grove II Cemetery, Rothbury.

VISITING HOURS: Thursday, 6-8 PM, at Clock Funeral Home in Whitehall.

DONATIONS: Kroll Family Expense Fund, c/o Clock Funeral Home, Box 128, Whitehall 49461.
 

Carol A. Thomas Kroll of Muskegon (formerly of Montague) 

Carol A. Thomas Kroll, age 58, died at her home on January 10, 2011. She was born on May 2, 1952, in Shelby, to Joseph and Alma (Blumerick) Thomas. She was a member of Algot Johnson American Legion Post #69 Auxiliary in Whitehall.

FAMILY: 2 sons, Jason (Lisa) Kroll and John Kroll; 3 grandchildren, Savanna, Jaclynn and Tanner; her mother, Alma Thomas; 1 sister, Lois Tyndall; 2 brothers, Paul (Connie) Thomas and Jerry (Dorene) Thomas; special companion, Jerry Bomers.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE: Saturday, January 15, 2010, from 2-4 PM, at Algot Johnson American Legion Post #69, 803 E. Colby St., Whitehall.

DONATIONS: Kroll Family Expense Fund, c/o Clock Funeral Home of White Lake, Box 128, Whitehall 49461.
 

Mr. Henry J. Jr. "Hank" Laham of Whitehall 

Mr. Henry J. "Hank" Laham Jr., died September 5, 2010. He was born November 16, 1935, in Muskegon, to Henry A. and Victoria (Corey) Laham. He had worked in maintenance at various facilities for 25 years, retiring in 2009. A member of Algot Johnson American Legion Post #69  in Whitehall, he proudly served his country in the US Marine Corps for 5 years and the US Army for 2 years. He was preceded in death by a son, Joseph Laham, and a sister.

FAMILY: 1 daughter, Margie (Ben) Payne of New Era; 4 grandchildren; a sister, Victoria (Octavius) Bosse of New Era; a special friend, Barbara Near of Whitehall.

MEMORIAL SERVICE and MILITARY SALUTE: Friday, September 10, 2010, at 11:30 AM, at Algot Johnson American Legion Post #69, 803 E. Colby St., Whitehall, with Salute conducted by the Honor Squad of Post #69.

DONATIONS: Laham Family Expense Fund, c/o Clock Funeral Home of White Lake, Box 128, Whitehall 49461
 

Mrs. Margerie M. LaPree of Montague

Margerie M. LaPree, age 73, went to be with the Lord on January 9, 2012. She was born March 19, 1938, in the Village of Lakewood Club, to Lewis and Anna (Reynolds) Goodrich. On April 10, 1954, she married the love of her life Richard LaPree. Mrs. LaPree was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was a member of White Lake Wesleyan Church.
She will be greatly missed by her FAMILY: Her husband, Richard, of 57 years; her children, Larry (Mary) LaPree of Montague, Robert LaPree of Montague, Greg (Diane) LaPree of Hart, Richard LaPree Jr. of Montague; Patricia (James) Cranmer of Grand Rapids and Barbara (Eric) Anderson of Montague; 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 1 sister, Mary Ann (Bob) Duncan of Muskegon; 3 brothers, Jim (Karen) Goodrich of Montague, Chuck (Dorne) Goodrich of Roann, IN and Richard (Dawn) Goodrich of Whitehall.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Friday, January 20, 2012, at 1:00 PM, at White Lake Wesleyan Church, 503 S. Division St., Whitehall, with the Rev. Thomas E. Coffey officiating.
 
DONATIONS: Can be made to White Lake Wesleyan Church in memory of Margerie LaPree at 503 S. Division St., Whitehall 49461.
 

Mary J. Larson of North Muskegon 

Mary J. Larson, age 61, died Sunday, February 6, 2011. Living in the area all her life, she was born November 12, 1949, in Muskegon, to Walter and Katie (Seeley) Larson. Mary was a long-time member of White Lake Wesleyan Church. She was preceded in death by a sister, Sue Fitch.

FAMILY: 1 daughter, Jessica Larson (James Grenell) of North Muskegon; 3 brothers, Thomas Larson of Whitehall, James (Mai) Larson of Oklahoma and Ernest (Andrea) Larson of Twin Lake; nieces, nephews and cousins.

SERVICE: Saturday, February 12, 2011, at 3 PM, at Clock Chapel-Whitehall, with Rev. Thomas E. Coffey officiating.

VISITING HOURS: Saturday, 1-3 PM, at Clock Funeral Home of White Lake, 413 S. Mears Ave., Whitehall.

DONATIONS: Larson Family Expense Fund, c/o Clock Funeral Home of White Lake, Box 128, Whitehall 49461.
 

Mrs. Martha M. Lash of Montague 

Mrs. Lash, age 69, died March 29, 2010. She was born April 18, 1940, in Tryonza, Arkansas, to Arthur W. and Lena (Wilson) White. On September 26, 1959, in Shelby, she married Robert Lash, and with him, had lived in the area the past 50 years. She had worked in wax inspection in at Howmet Corp. for 28 years, retiring in 1999. She was preceded in death an infant son, Anthony, and a daughter, Sandra.

FAMILY: Her husband, Robert; her children, Susan (Dennis) Cavanaugh of SC, Robert (Carolyn) Lash of Montague and Sharon Lash of Muskegon; grandchildren, Sara (Cris) Wood, Justin Mulder, Megan Cavanaugh, Stacey Mulder (Dan Jones), Shelley Mulder (C. J. Armstrong), Carlee Cavanaugh, Michael (Malisha) Lash and Matthew Lash; great-grandchildren, Peyton Wood, Chris Lash and Shea Lash; her mother, Lena White of Whitehall; 1 sister, Joyce Blohm of New Era; 3 brothers, Sam (Connie) White of Whitehall, Randy (Debbie) White of North Muskegon and Jerry (Cheryl) White of Muskegon; special grand-dog, Casey.

SERVICE: Saturday, April 3, 2010, at 1 PM, at Clock Chapel-Whitehall, with the Rev. Jonathan D. Rager officiating. Interment will be made in Hubbard Cemetery-White River Township.

VISITING HOURS: Saturday, 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at Clock Funeral Home in Whitehall.

DONATIONS: Lash Family Expense Fund, c/o Clock Funeral Home of White Lake, Box 128, Whitehall 49461.
 

Mrs. Donna M. Schmitt Lathers of Whitehall 

Donna M. Schmitt Lathers, age 83, died August 2, 2011. She was born October 1, 1927, in Grand Rapids, to John and Sadie (Quist) Gelderbloom. Earning a Bachelor of Arts degree at University of Michigan, she taught high school English for Whitehall Public Schools until retiring. She was married to John Schmitt, who preceded her in death in 1971, and later married William Lathers, who preceded her in death in 2005. Mrs. Lathers was a communicant member of St. James Catholic church in Montague. She was preceded in death by a grandson, Stephen Schmitt Jr., and two brothers, Ken Gelderbloom and Rodger Gelderbloom.

FAMILY: 3 sons, David (Mary) Schmitt of FL, Stephen (Tammie) Schmitt of Mears and Karl (Christine) Schmitt of Whitehall; 8 grandchildren, Donna Jo (Ron) Spoelhof, Derek Schmitt, David Schmitt Jr., Stacy (Joe) Petree, Samantha Schmitt, Erica Schmitt, Monika Schmitt and Kendal Schmitt; 5 great-grandchildren, Avah Schmitt, Emma Schmitt, Theresa Spoelhof, April Spoelhof and Sadie Spoelhof; 1 sister, Susan Robson of Wyoming; 1 brother, James Gelderbloom of Rockford.

FUNERAL LITURGY: Wednesday, August 17, 2011, at 11:00 AM, at St. James Catholic Church, 5089 Dowling St., Montague.

DONATIONS: Community Foundation for Muskegon County, The John & Donna Schmitt Scholarship Fund, 425 W. Western Ave., Suite 200, Muskegon 49440-1101 or Memorial & Honor Program, St. Jude Children Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905.
 

Mrs. Jacqueline D. Lewis of Montague 

Jacqueline D. Lewis, died April 21, 2011. She was born January 25, 1933, in Watersmeet, Michigan, to Raymond L. and Helen E. (Thoreton) Nye, who preceded her in death. On November 6, 1971, in Whitehall, she married her husband of 40 years, Dennis Lewis. Mrs. Lewis was preceded in death by a sister, Beverly Ryan, and 2 step-brothers, John "Alden" Popps and Lloyd "Buzz" Popps.

FAMILY: Her husband, Dennis; her children, William (Theresa) Becker, Timothy Becker, Marcia (Peter) Malits and Kathy Becker, all of FL; step-daughter, Laura (Roger) Mulder of Whitehall; step-sons, John (Lucy) Lewis of FL and Jeff Lewis of Whitehall; 16 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; her sisters, Gwendolyn Norkett (her twin sister) of Montague, Billy Rae Carpenter of FL and Colleen (Roy) Sokolowski of Whitehall; 3 brothers, R. Keith (Jenny) Nye and Shannon (Bibbs) Popps, both of Whitehall and Sherwood (Poun) Popps of UT; her mother-in-law, Gladys Lewis; brother-in-law, Leslie (Bernelle) Lewis. 

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Saturday, April 30, 2011, at 1:00 PM, at Clock Chapel-Whitehall.
 

Mr. Donald W. Lipka of Montague 

Donald W. Lipka, age 83, died January 12, 2011. He was born September 10, 1927, in Oak Park, Illinois, to Wendell and Opal (Wadleigh) Lipka. Earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan, he proudly served his country in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. On June 19, 1959, in Ovid, he married the former Winifred Duiker. Mr. Lipka was an independent insurance agent with the White Lake Insurance Agency until retiring. He was a former Mayor of the City of Montague, a Life member of White Lake VFW Post #3256, a Life member of Algot Johnson American Legion Post #69, a member of Montague-Whitehall Rotary Club, a member and Past Worshipful Master of White Lake  Lodge #198 F & AM, an active member of the Montague Museum, had been an American Red Cross volunteer working on blood drives and had been active with the Montague Museum.

FAMILY: His wife, Winifred; 1 daughter, Summer (Darryl) Williams of Montague; 2 sons, Chris (Michele) Lipka of Grand Rapids and Kurt (Valerie) Lipka of Belding; 7 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 1 sister, Laila Wackernagel of Montague; 1 brother, Jack (Flo) Lipka of Montague.

SERVICE: A Memorial Service will be planned and announced for later in the year.

DONATIONS: Memorial Fund of Montague United Methodist Church, 8555 Cook St., Montague 49437 or White Lake Lodge #198 F & AM, 5425 Dowling St., Montague 49437.
 

Mr. Clifford N. Longcore of Whitehall 

Clifford N. Longcore, age 86, died July 28, 2011. He was born October 8, 1924, in Grant, to Ray and Julia (Spencer) Longcore. Proudly serving in the US Army during World War II, he was married to the former Hazel Murphy, who preceded him in death in 1984. He then married the former Thelma Hopper Baker, who preceded him in death in 2010. He was currently married to the former Uria "Jerri" DeLong, who has been a delight and a blessing to him and a joyful partner. Mr. Longcore was contractor, owning and operating White Lake Construction Co. until retiring in 1989. He was a member of Faith Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by a son, Kevin Longcore, a sister and three brothers.  

FAMILY: His wife, Jerri; 1 daughter, Linda (John) Matthews of Holland; 1 son, Russell (Julie) Longcore of GA; grandchildren, Joseph Shinkle of OR, Katie Shinkle of CO, Melissa (Dan) O'Connell of Holland and Russell Longcore Jr. of GA; a step-son, Don DeLong of New Era; great-grandchildren, Abigail, Morgan & Austin O'Connell and Ezekiel Shinkle; 2 sisters, Iva Hodges of Muskegon and Margie (Marlin) Holton of Spring Lake; 1 brother, Rev. Dr. Howard (DeeAnn) Longcore of Jenison.

SERVICE: Sunday, July 31, 2011, at 1:30 PM, at Faith Baptist Church, 3593 Whitehall Rd., North Muskegon, with the Rev. James A. Swierenga officiating. Interment will be made in Chubbick Cemetery-Kent City.

VISITING HOURS: Saturday, 4-7 PM, at Clock Funeral Home, 413 S. Mears Ave., Whitehall.

DONATIONS: Memorial Fund of Faith Baptist Church, 3593 Whitehall Rd., North Muskegon 49445.
 

Mrs. Thelma M. Longcore of Whitehall 

Mrs. Longcore, age 81, died March 29, 2010. She was born April 2, 1928, in Ann Arbor, to Chauncey and Elma (Thompson) Hopper. A resident of Whitehall for 54 years, she was married to Robert Baker on June 15, 1950, in Ann Arbor. He preceded her in death in 1981. She married Clifford Longcore on November 2, 1985, in Montague. He survives her. She had worked as a secretary at White Lake Baptist Church for many years, retiring in 1985, and was currently a devoted member of Faith Baptist Church in North Muskegon. She was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Earl Hopper and Harold Hopper and a sister, Inez Hopper.

FAMILY: Her husband, Clifford; a daughter, Brenda (Todd) Bartlett of Montague; 2 sons, Steven Baker of CA and Jeffrey (Melody) Baker of WI; step-daughter, Linda Shinkle of Montague; step-son, Russell (Julie) Longcore of GA; 6 grandchildren, Leah (Dan) French of Rothbury, Kyle Bartlett of Muskegon, Corey Bartlett of Montague, Melissa (Daniel) O'Connell of Holland, Russell Longcore Jr. of GA, Joseph (Lisa) Shinkle of OR and Katie Shinkle of AL; great-grandchildren, Abigail, Morgan & Austin O'Connell of Holland, Isaac French of Rothbury and Ezekiel Shinkle of OR; 1 brother, Carl (Opal) Hopper of Ann Arbor; nieces & nephews.

SERVICE: Friday, April 2, 2010, at 11:00 AM, at Faith Baptist Church, 3593 Whitehall Rd., North Muskegon, with Rev. James A. Swieringa officiating. Interment will be made in Oakhurst Cemetery-Whitehall.

VISITING HOURS: Thursday, 6-8 PM, at the church in North Muskegon.

DONATIONS: Faith Baptist Church, for Faith Promise Missions, 3593 Whitehall Rd., North Muskegon 49445.
 

Ms. Enrica Ranae Lorenz of Wyoming, MI 

Enrica Ranae Lorenz, age 27, died Sunday, August 15, 2010, while swimming in Lake Michigan at Muskegon. She was born December 19, 1982, in Muskegon, to Donald and Jane (Lorenz) Smith. She had worked as a sales associate at Pizza House in Grand Rapids. She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Darnell McClain, her grandfather, R. Randal Lorenz, an uncle, Randall Lorenz and a cousin, David Lorenz.

FAMILY: A daughter, Kaliyah Lorenz; 2 sons, Elijah Lorenz and Jadkiss Wilson; grandmothers, Ida Smith of Muskegon and Anne (Duane) Lorenz of Whitehall; 2 sisters, Thelma Young and Shantrice Huston; brothers, (Donald) Philip Lorenz of Grand Rapids, Detrick Williams and Billy Mallory; aunts & uncles, Louanne Kelly, Stephen Lorenz, Greg Lorenz, Jeffrey Lorenz, Stacie Lorenz, Larry, Jeff, Glen, Snap, Dale, Curtis, Johnny, Barbara, Carolyn, Bevery, Gail, Tellma & Potraile; nieces & nephews; many extended family members. 

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Friday, August 20, 2010, at 11 AM, at Evangelical Covenant Church of Whitehall, 900 S. Warner St., Whitehall, with the Rev. Thomas G. Beeghly and Mr. James K. Tanis officiating.

DONATIONS: Lorenz Family Expense Fund, c/o Clock Funeral Home of White Lake, Box 128, Whitehall 49461.
 

Mrs. Sandra J. Lutz LPN of Muskegon

Sandra J. Lutz LPN, age 55, died Saturday, December 10, 2011, in Muskegon. She was born January 4, 1956, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Louis J. and Juanita M. (Stratton) Richardson. On August 17, 1991, she married James C. Lutz, who preceded her in death in 1999. She had worked at Heartland Health Care Center of Whitehall from 1990 until 1999. She was preceded in death by a son, Christopher Lutz, in 2002.

FAMILY: Her children, Hollis (Connie) Edwards of Rothbury, Juanita Bowers of TN, Ronnie Edwards and George Lutz, both of Muskegon; 12 grandchildren; 2 sisters, Suean (Stanley) Hampton and Teresa Lee, both of MO; a brother, Louis (Dee) Richardson of Michigan.

SERVICE: Sunday, December 18, 2011, at 4 PM, at Clock Funeral Home, 413 S. Mears Ave., Whitehall, with the Rev. Barbara Riley-Baldwin officiating.

VISITING TIME: Sunday, 2-4 PM at Clock Funeral Home in Whitehall.

DONATIONS: Lutz Family Expense Fund, c/o Clock Funeral Home, Box 128, Whitehall 49461.