Andrew Payne
Oct 27, 2025
Andrew Theodore Payne, 49, passed away at home in Battle Creek, Michigan on October 27, 2025. He was born in Alberta, Canada to William and Judith (Schlaack) Payne on December 17, 1975.
Andrew's greatest source of pride and joy in this world was his daughter, Julie. Next to that, his work as a welder within the Sheet...
David Thorson
Oct 25, 2025
David Lewis Thorson, age 55, of Big Rapids, Michigan, passed away on October 25, 2025, in his hometown. He was born on November 29, 1969, in Big Rapids and was raised in Stanwood by his loving grandparents, Hank and Hilda Thorson.
David graduated from Morley Stanwood High School in 1988 and went on to proudly serve his...
Richard W. Emorey
Oct 21, 2025
Richard Wayne Emorey, 90, of Paris, passed away peacefully with his daughters by his side on October 21, 2025.
He was born on July 14, 1935, to Howard and Prudence (Keys) Emorey. Richard married the love of his life, Patricia Kloostra, and together they shared 45 wonderful years of marriage.
An outdoorsman through and through,...
Jerry O'Connor
Oct 21, 2025
Gerard James O'Connor passed away surrounded by family on October 21, 2025 in Stanwood, Michigan. He was born on August 8, 1940 to James and Catherine O'Connor in Teaneck, New Jersey.
Jerry lived an incredibly rich and interesting life. He spent his early childhood in Whitestone, NY, playing stickball and serving as an altar boy. The family...
Joseph Petty
Oct 20, 2025
Celebrating a Life of Adventure, Stewardship, and Service
Joseph B. Petty, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away on October 20, 2025, in Newaygo, Michigan, at the age of 81. Born on April 12, 1944, in Evanston, Illinois, Joe's life was a vibrant tapestry woven with adventure, service, travels, and exploration.
A Life...
Delores Verburg
Oct 14, 2025
Delores Jean Verburg passed away at her home in Howard City on October 14, 2025. She was born on March 15, 1945 in Grand Rapids to James Tuttle Sr. and Evelyn (Ducavas) Tuttle.
Playful at heart, Delores loved playing cribbage with Dick Verburg and Katie Raymond, taking casino trips, bowling and her pets. She also enjoyed hunting...
William Fitzgerald Jr.
Oct 14, 2025
William Francis Fitzgerald Jr., 98, of Stanwood, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2025 at Faith Hospice Trillium Woods in Bryon Center, Michigan surrounded by his children. He was born in Detroit on February 23, 1927 to William Francis Fitzgerald and Ella Belle (Chrystler) Fitzgerald.
Bill shared countless stories of his childhood, growing up in Detroit with...
Florence L. Pemberton
Oct 12, 2025
Florence Loraine Pemberton, of Big Rapids, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2025 at the age of 96. She was born in Big Rapids on January 23, 1929 to Fred and Opal (Bacon) Jenkins.
A local resident all her life, Florence graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1947. She was married to Virgil Allers for 57...
Frank Christie
Oct 12, 2025
Frank Christie, of Mecosta, passed away on October 12, 2025 at the age of 78. He was born on July 22, 1947 to Chris and Eleanor (McLeod) Christie.
Always with a positive attitude and sharp mind, Frank was a man who could make anyone smile. Despite limitations, he was brave and strong, and he would help anyone...
Richard L. Batchelder
Oct 8, 2025
Richard Lynn Batchelder, 74, of Rodney, passed away on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. He was born on June 10, 1951, in Big Rapids, the son of Herbert and Bertha (Ripley) Batchelder.
Richard was united in marriage to his beloved wife, Sherry, who preceded him in death in 2015. He was employed by the Michigan National Guard for...
Jeffrey L. Christensen Sr.
Oct 6, 2025
Jeffrey Lynn Christensen Sr. of Morley, Michigan passed away peacefully on October 6, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.
Jeffrey was born to Einar and Doris (Towne) Christensen on September 22nd, 1963, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Jeff will be remembered by all as someone who was always there whether you needed a helping hand, or someone to talk...
Lloyd R. Berry
Oct 5, 2025
Lloyd R. Berry, of White Cloud, passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on October 5, 2025. He was born on December 4, 1932 in Grand Rapids to Loyd and Edith (Brooks) Berry. He was lovingly known as "Buck" and "Roger" to many.
As a young man, Buck served four years in the Air Force during...
Dylan Marek
Oct 1, 2025
Dylan Levi Marek of Stanwood passed away on October 1, 2025 at the age of 17. He was born on November 1, 2007 to Casey and Anneke (Veenstra)Marek in Grand Rapids.
Dylan was a joy to the people who were privileged to know him. He was a devout Christian who attended The Woods Church and was proud...
Rex L. Hampel
Sep 29, 2025
Rex Leland Hampel, of Rodney, went to be with his Lord on September 29, 2025 at the age of 73 surrounded by his family. He was born on July 25, 1952 to Bruce and Evelyn (Maguire) Hampel in Rodney, where he lived his whole life.
After his graduation from Chippewa Hills High School in 1970, Rex earned...
Faith Wilson
Sep 28, 2025
Faith Wilson, 26, of Lake, passed away on Sunday, September 28, 2025. She was born on July 21, 1999, in Saginaw, the daughter of Terry Wilson and Jolene Nieznajko.
Faith graduated from Beaverton High School with the Class of 2018. She was very artistic and had a deep love for poetry and music, often turning her poetry...
Kathleen Joy Payton
Sep 22, 2025
Kathleen Joy Payton, age 71, passed away unexpectedly on September 22, 2025. She was born on August 26, 1954, to Clifford and Lillian (Dunn) Atwood.
Kathy spent more than 20 years working in Home Health Care. She lovingly cared for her own mother for more than six years, an experience that deepened her compassion for helping others....
Mary Kleckler
Sep 20, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Elizabeth (Voorhees) Kleckler (87) of Big Rapids, Michigan, who passed away on September 20, 2025 at the Big Rapids Fields. She was born on May 17, 1938 in Cadillac, Michigan to Frank and Alice (Harris) Voorhees.
She married Wayne Kenneth Kleckler on June 26, 1954,...
Marilyn J. Dodge
Sep 20, 2025
Marilyn Joan Dodge, 93, of Chippewa Lake, passed away peacefully with her daughters at her side on September 20, 2025. She was born May 22, 1932, to Leo Mack and Frances (O'Connell) Mack in Detroit.
Marilyn married Harry Dodge on July 7, 1951. They lived in three different homes built by Harry on Chippewa Lake before moving...
Thomas K. Wilber
Sep 18, 2025
Thomas Kenneth Wilber, of Big Rapids, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2025 at the age of 55. He was born to Ken and Gerry (Hull) Wilber in Lakeview on August 17, 1970.
Tom was a farm boy at heart. Growing up, Tom loved to help his grandfather on the farm. This passion carried into his adulthood...
Kathleen R. Denslow
Sep 18, 2025
Kathleen Rose Denslow, 74, passed away on September 18, 2025. Kathie was born on June 27, 1951 to Kenneth and Donna (Simon) Helms. She met the love of her life Tommy Denslow, and they married August 31, 1968. For 57 years they built a life of love and comfort together.
Kathleen spent over 27 years being a...
