Robert R. “Rob” Rockelein, age 55, formerly of Leonidas died Friday, Sept. 16, 2016 at Three Rivers Health. He was born in Sturgis on July 6, 1961 the son of the late Joseph L. and Alice M. (Kelly) Rockelein and was a lifetime resident of St. Joseph County. Rob attended the Pathfinder Center in Centreville and later worked at ARCH Workshop. He liked motorcycles, tractors, and farm equipment. Rob had a sunny disposition and was always ready to share a kiss and a hug.

Rob is survived by seven siblings, Karol (Perry) Kirkham of Centreville, Karen (Chris) Lucas of Colon, Mary Ellen Tompkins of Vicksburg, Jeanne Ann (Mark) Bankhead of Battle Creek, Kenneth (Constanza) Rockelein of Duluth, GA, Ronald (Amelia) Rockelein of Portsmouth, NH, and James (Sally) Rockelein of Leonidas; many nieces and nephews; and by his very loving caregivers at the Zenith Adult Foster Care Home in Centreville.

A Rosary Service will be held at 2 PM Sunday at the Eickhoff Funeral Home in Mendon, where the family will continue to receive friends until 5 PM. The funeral mass for Rob Rockelein will be at 11 AM Monday, Sept. 19, 2016 at St. Edward Catholic Church in Mendon with Msgr. Thomas Martin officiating. Burial will be in St. Edward Cemetery followed by a social gathering at the church. Memorial contributions may be directed to either Three Rivers Health, or to St. Edward Catholic Church . Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com

Kenneth Ray “Kenny” McClain, age 50, died Friday, Sep.t 16, 2016 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo. He was born in Three Rivers on Oct. 8, 1965 the son of Shirley Ann McClain and Russell Forrest. He grew up in Colon and has resided in Sturgis since 1989. Kenny attended the Pathfinder School, and worked at ACM Plastics in Sturgis for 20 years. Kenny was a loving person who was often seen walking to work and the store. He enjoyed raising rabbits, bowling, and trips to the casino.

Kenny is survived by his parents, Shirley and Russell Forrest of Sturgis; a brother, Brian (Janet) Forrest of Knoxville, TN; a nephew, Nathan Forrest; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 pm Monday at the Eickhoff Funeral Home in Mendon. Funeral services for Kenny McClain will be at 11 am Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2016 at the funeral home with Rev. John McClimans, Pastor of the Three Rivers Church of God officiating. Burial will be in Mendon Cemetery. Memorials will be directed to the family. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com

Harvey B. Rhodes, age 88 of Three Rivers, died on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016 at Heartland Health Care Center in Three Rivers. He was born in Three Rivers on Oct. 10, 1927 the son of the late Bernard A. and Irene (Coler) Rhodes and was a lifetime resident of Three Rivers. He was a longtime employee of the Cooper, Eddy, and Weyerhauser Paper Company where he was a forklift operator. Harvey enjoyed hunting and fishing, and was a member of the National Rifle Association. He loved to watch old western movies, and spending time with his family.

Harvey is survived by a son, Ernie L. Rhodes of Constantine; four step-children; two sisters, Beverly Kaufman and Janet Eggleston both of Three Rivers; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Arthur B. Rhodes and Eric J. Rhodes; and by a sister, Roseann Logston.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation has been conducted. No services are planned at this time. Assistance was provided by the Eickhoff Farrand Halverson Chapel of Three Rivers. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.efhchapel.com.

Daniel J. Hedgcock, 35, of Battle Creek, formerly of Bronson, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016, in Marshall.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary of Assumption Church in Bronson with Rev. Fr. Richard Fritz officiating. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2016, with the Rosary to begin at 7 p.m. at Dutcher Funeral Home in Bronson.
Daniel was born June 11, 1981, in Sturgis, Mich., to James & Diane (Skandis) Hedgcock. He graduated from Bronson High School in 1999 and Adrian College in 2003, with a bachelor’s in chemistry. Daniel attended Virginia Tech for two years then Ferris State University where he graduated with his doctorate in pharmacy in 2011.
Daniel was currently working at Walmart Pharmacy in Battle Creek, where he began as an intern in 2009. He was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Bronson, where he was active in the Knights of Columbus, Michigan Pharmacy Association and ATO Fraternity from Adrian College. Daniel loved to play golf and bowl and was currently serving as Bronson Chapter President of the United States Bowling Congress. He was an avid Notre Dame and Red Wings fan and loved Star Wars.
Daniel is survived by his parents James and Diane Hedgcock of Bronson; his fiancée, whom he was to marry in October, Jennifer Parks of Union City; his sister Bridget (Andrew) Taylor of Wayland; nieces and nephew Audrey, Haley and Nicholas Taylor; grandmothers Rose Skandis of Bronson and Wanda Hedgcock of Alma; aunts and uncles Linda (Don) Weber of Bronson, Virginia (Mark) Garrison of Albion, Paul (Jan) Hedgcock of Union City, Daryl VanOstenbridge, Robert (Joyce) Hedgcock all of Bradenton, Fla.; great aunts Alberta Barkowski of Bronson, Dorothy (Roman) Radecki of South Bend, Ind.; future mother-in-law Joanne Parks of Union City; and many cousins and close friends. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers Walter Skandis, Sloan Hedgcock and many aunts and uncles.
Memorials may be directed to the Taylor Children Educational Fund.

Mrs. Barbara Jean Schaefer, of Three Rivers, formerly of Muskegon, passed away on Tuesday, September 6th, 2016 at the Riverview Manor Nursing Home. She was born in the Village of Oak Park, Illinois on March 28th, 1926, the daughter of the late Clifford Augustus Hastings and Adela Marie Lawton.
In the 1960’s Barbara Jean was on the Board of West Shore Symphony Orchestra, Muskegon Michigan and active in Port City Playhouse and the Muskegon Civic Opera. She and husband, George, were active in the Muskegon, Elks and spent many memorable days at Elks Park in Muskegon. During the 60’s and 70’s, she was a Producer/Coordinator/Writer/ Sponsor for contestants in the Miss Michigan, Miss Muskegon, Miss North Ottawa County, and Miss Grand Haven Pageants. She coordinated and modeled in numerous fashion shows. She also worked in sales for WTRU Radio, writing and producing commercials, and hosting the Jeannie Schaefer radio show. Later, as a caseworker with the Muskegon County Juvenile Court, Barbara Jean was a courageous and positive influence in the lives of many abused and neglected children.
In her golden years, Barbara Jean was a stay at home grandma and helped raise her grandchildren, James and Chelsi Gillard. Many people knew her as “Grandma”.
Barbara Jean was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, Harry “Red” Williamson and George Edward Schaefer, one son, George Edward (Scott) Schaefer IV, one sister, Dorothy Johnston, and one brother, Richard Hastings.
She leaves to cherish her loving memory, two sons, James (Nancy) Williamson and Nicholas P. Schaefer; one daughter Cynthia (James) Gillard; Grandchildren, Wendy, Jeremy, Jake, Hannah, and Sam (Rachel) Williamson, Nicholas Schaefer, James “Jimmy” Gillard and Chelsi (Kenton) Bowers, and Olivia Schaefer. Numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Mrs. Barbara Jean’s life will be held on Friday, September 23, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Newberg Norton Bible Church with her grandson, Pastor Jeremy Williamson, officiating.
Memorials may be donated to the Riverview Manor Auxiliary Fund for the Memory Unit in Three Rivers. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.hohnerfh.com

Mr. Willie Fred Crump, age 72, of Three Rivers, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 14^th, 2016 at the Heartland Nursing Home. He was born on August 24, 1944 in Hazelehurst, MS., the son of the late C.J. Joina and Rosie May Crump.

“Smiling Willie” has been a long time resident of Three Rivers. He was employed at Sturgis Metal and Steel before starting his lawn care business which he has done for many years. Willie was in a life altering car accident and fought through many tough situations throughout his life continuing to keep his great smile and positive attitude.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Rosie May Ramsey, niece, Rosalyn Crump, sister, Jessie Mae Marshall, two brothers, Robert E. Ramsey and Benny Ramsey Jr.

He leaves to cherish his loving memory, three daughters, JoAnn Crump, and her children, Erika, Wesley, Glenda, and Christopher, Juanita (Winston)Crump- Baker, and her children, Anthony, DeMario, Rashawnda (Lamonte Moore-Dick), Devon and Domonick Scott, and Julie (Lonnie) Wright, and their son, Lonnie Jr. ; two sons, Willie A. Crump and James (Christina) Crump and their children, Amanda and Destanee; one sister, Rosie M. Taylor, and her son Billie Cunningham; one brother, Don L. Crump; several nieces, nephews, and special friend, Sherry Taylor.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until time of services at 12:00 noon on Saturday, September 24, 2016 at the Hohner Funeral Home with Pastor Tony Bennett and Devin Scott officiating.

Memorials may be donated to the New Jerusalem Baptist Church. Envelopes available at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hohnerfh.com.

Nancy Jean (Reed) Mitchell passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016 in Eugene, Ore. after a lengthy illness. She was born in Detroit on Oct. 19, 1926 to Dr. Fred R. Reed and Julia (Davis) Reed. Her family moved to Three Rivers in 1939. Nancy was a 1944 graduate of Three Rivers High School. She attended the University of Michigan. She completed her Bachelors and Masters degrees at the California State University at Fullerton.

“Nan” spent most of her adult life as a teacher in California and Oregon. She worked selflessly in church activities and community improvement projects in Newport, Ore. where she and her husband located following retirement from their teaching careers.

She is survived by three sons, Dr. Douglas Nelson (Audrey), Mr. Mark Nelson (Cynthia), Mr. Rick Nelson; two daughters, Mrs. Laurie (Nelson) Rowe and Mrs. Trudy (Nelson) Herbert (Jacob); a step-daughter, Mrs. Heidi (Mitchell) Miller (Larry); eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; her half-sister, Mrs. Mary (Reed) Snow (Taylor); her sister-in-law, Mrs. Patricia (Calloway) Reed (Fred); and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John (“Jack”) Mitchell; her parents; her step-mother, Mrs. Virginia Reed (Fred); one sister, Mrs. Elizabeth (Reed) McBride; and one half-brother, Fred R. Reed, Jr.

Cremation has taken place. At her request Nancy’s ashes will be scattered on a remote beach on the beautiful Oregon Coast which she loved so dearly.

Marian C. Suber, age 77, of Three Rivers, died Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016. She was born in Pontiac on May 9, 1939 to Ralph and Josephine (Cook) Pickering. Surviving are her husband Dean; 3 children, Sandra Lynn (Duane) Blessing, Michele Renee Root, and Jonathan Dean (Kristi) Suber; and 3 grandchildren, Chelsea, Chase, and Gracee. She was preceded in death by her son Daniel Suber. Private graveside services and burial will be held at 11:00 AM Wed. Sept. 21, 2016 at Lakeside Cemetery, Holly. www.dryerfuneralhomeholly.

Debra Jo Kelly, age 59, formerly of Three Rivers, died Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016 at Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital following a long illness. She was born in Sturgis on Dec. 6, 1956 the daughter of the late Cornelius R. and Helen (Hogan) Hamminga. She has resided the past twelve years in Cadillac coming from Centreville. She was a social person and enjoyed Bingo and special events at the nursing home. Prior to her illness she worked numerous places including Lear in Bristol, IN.

Debra is survived by three children and their spouses, Krista (Preston) Pike of Cadillac, Jeffrey (Loretta) Kelly of Lebanon, Ohio, and Travis (Emily) Gary of Fairbury, Nebraska; four grandchildren, Dakota and Kyle Pike and Noah and Chloe Gary; three siblings, Marsha (Joe) Caldwell of Constantine, Neil (Kathy) Hamminga of Sturgis, and Lisa (Virgil) Caldwell of New Mexico; nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held 1:00 PM Friday, Sept. 23, 2016 in Constantine Cemetery with Ray Smith officiating. Memorial contributions may be directed to Devos Children’s Hospital. Arrangements were by the Eickhoff Farrand Halverson Chapel of Three Rivers. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.efhchapel.com

Peter T. Stutzman, age 74, of Colon, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016, at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo, after a bicycle accident.
Peter was born Feb. 27, 1942, in Chicago, a son of the late King C. and Frances C. (Thornton) Stutzman.
Peter grew up in Chicago, graduating in 1959 from University of Chicago High School. He studied philosophy at Kalamazoo College, graduating in 1963. Peter then served in the U.S. Army. He spent seven years in Japan teaching English.
He had made his home in Colon full-time since 2008. He was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Sturgis.
He is survived by a brother, Timothy E. (Martha) Stutzman of Colon; and various cousins, nieces and nephews.
The family will receive relatives and friends from 4-7 p.m. Monday at Schipper Funeral Home in Colon.
Funeral services celebrating the life of Peter T. Stutzman will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2016, at the funeral home, with Father Aaron Evans officiating. Burial will follow at Sherwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flower, the family asks that memorials be made in memory of Peter to either Colon Food Pantry or Loaves and Fishes in Kalamazoo. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.

Nadine E. Hunter, age 91, of Marcellus, MI passed away Friday, September 23, 2016.
She was born January 13, 1925 in Moorefield, Arkansas the daughter of Marvin Troy and Olga V. (Reeves) Everett. On January 6, 1943 in Batesville, AR she married Alvin “A.D. Hunter” who preceded her in death.
Nadine had been a resident of Marcellus since 1946 and was formerly employed at Continental Can Company in Three Rivers. She attended Marcellus United Methodist Church and was a Life Member of Ideal Chapter No. 167, OES.
Nadine is survived by two daughters, Patricia (Ronald) Welburn and Brenda (Carl) Gearhart all of Marcellus; ten grandchildren, Allan (Anne) Presley, Nicki (Chauncey) Hackenberg, Vicki (Henry) Essex, Jil (Steve) Hunsberger, Chelsea Fonseca, J. Collin Gearhart, Glen Gearhart, Beckey (Primo) Garcia, Karl Gearhart and Rachel Gearhart; twenty two great-grandchildren, special niece and nephew Sarah Hunter-Nail and Alvin W. Hunter and many nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband A.D., daughter Barbara Hunter, grandson Marc Fonseca and two sisters and one brother.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 PM Monday, September 26, 2016 in the Mater-Ralston Funeral Home, Marcellus.
Funeral services will be held at 1 PM Tuesday, September 27, 2016 in the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to Southern Care Hospice.
Online condolences may be left at Mater-Ralston Funeral Home

George E. Wattles, age 86, of Colon, passed away Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016, at Masonville Place Assisted Living in Coldwater.
George was born Oct. 13, 1929, in Battle Creek, a son to the late Miles E. (Huck) and Lola (King) Wattles.
He had lived all of his life in the Colon area graduating from Colon High School with the Class of 1947. He was in Colon Schools Hall of Fame. He had nine varsity letters for football, basketball and baseball. Was a member of the1946-1947 quarter-final basketball team and played for Tri-State all star team in Sturgis four years as a catcher.
On Oct. 31, 1947, he married Phyllis I. Decker in Colon.
George had worked for over 30 years for the former Harter Corporation in Sturgis.
George loved all sports, golfing, bowling, fishing and hunting, but most of all he loved his family.
He is survived by his wife Phyllis I. Wattles of Colon; two sons, Hal (Ruth) Wattles of Hastings and Rex (Cathy) Wattles of Bronson; grandchildren, Michelle (Heath) Persails, Ty (Angie) Wattles and Tadd (Tangie) Wattles; and six great-grandchildren.
The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday, from 1-3 p.m. at the Schipper Funeral Home LTD. in Colon, with a memorial services taking place at 3 p.m. with Rev. David J. Farrell officiating.
If desired the family suggest memorials be made in memory of George to either the Colon Food Pantry or the Colon Historical Society. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Private interment of ashes will take place at a later date.

Stacy Lee Weaver, 47, of Bronson ended his journey Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016, at his home while surrounded by his loving family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s of Assumption Church with Rev. Richard Fritz officiating. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, September 26, 2016, from 2-8 p.m. with the Rosary to begin at 7 p.m. at Dutcher Funeral Home in Bronson.
Stacy was born Dec. 14, 1968, to Robert and Sylvia (Kosmerick) Weaver in Sturgis. After graduation from Bronson High School, he continued his education by taking trade and vocational classes and become a Master Mechanic. He worked for many years at Royal Chevrolet in Coldwater and, until his passing, Kools Chevrolet in Sturgis and White Star Snowmobile Auction. On Aug. 26, 1989, he married the love of his life, Suzanne Cowles in Tekonsha.
Stacy was a man of faith and a long-time member of both St. Mary’s and the Knights of Columbus. He was a Bronson FFA Alumni and also served many years on the Polish Festival Committee. His passion in life was working on cars. Stacy was very social and loved to spend time with neighbors and friends. He stayed tied to the people and community of Bronson that he treasured so much, as a coach when his children were young and as a Vikings sports supporter. He was also a die-hard Michigan Wolverine and Detroit Tigers fan. First and foremost, he loved being with his family, especially his grandchildren. Stacy will be missed by many.
Mr. Weaver is survived by his wife of 27 years, Suzanne Weaver of Bronson; his children Savannah (Jason) Ratkowski of Bronson and Shaydon (Kristi) Weaver of Grand Rapids; his grandchildren Harper, Heath, and Houston Ratkowski; his sisters Polly (Larry) Gjernes of Milan and Amy (Brett) Allen of Charlotte; and several nieces, nephews, & cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials may be directed to the Stacy Weaver Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Terry Lee Saddison, age 68, of Sturgis, passed away unexpectedly Saturday afternoon, Sept. 24, 2016, at the St. Joseph County fairgrounds in Centreville, Mich.
He was born March 2, 1948 in Sturgis, Mich., son of the late Vern and Dorothy Saddison.
Terry was a lifelong Sturgis resident and a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1967.
In April of 1983 he married Sonya Coney in Centreville, Mich.
Terry retired from the Sturgis Public Schools following 28 years of dedicated employment as a custodian.
He enjoyed re-finishing antique furniture and loved driving his dune buggy.
Terry is survived by his wife of 33 years, Sonya; three daughters, Victoria Stefanic of Lansing, Tammy Strub of Kendallville, Ind. and Kristin Woods of Sturgis; six grandchildren, Tyler, Amanda, Donnie, Hannah, Alex and Briah; two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Thelma Dillen and Sally Deam both of Sturgis; two brothers, Louis (Deb) Saddison of Howe, Ind., and David (Kim) Deam of Sturgis; step-mother, Roberta Saddison of Sturgis; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Chris Thompson and Jeralye Saddison; and one sister, Sue Dearduff.
The family will receive friends from noon– 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Rosenberg Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 807 E. Chicago Rd., Sturgis, MI 49091, 269-651-3284. Funeral services celebrating the life of Terry Lee Saddison will begin at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. In accordance with his wishes cremation will follow the services.
Memorial donations would be appreciated to the Hackman Family Funeral Homes, P.O. Box 9, Sturgis, MI 49091 to help the family with expenses.
The obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com where personal messages of support may be left for the family.

Khankham Luangrath, age 62, Sturgis, passed away Monday, September 19, 2016 at his home.

He was born in Vientiane, Laos on June 25, 1954, to Feune and Peing Luangrath.

An area resident since 1981, Khankham worked at Glen Oaks Community College, Sturgis Foundry Corporation for 20 years, and Pennzoni Display in Sturgis since 2006. He enjoyed fixing things, was a great cook, and loved spending time with friends and family.

Khankham is survived by three sisters, Khankeo (Billy) Kerschner of Centreville, Synoune and Khamphan, and a brother Phoukham all of Laos; nieces and nephews Thavisak (Anita) Mounsithiraj, Thavisith (Jean) Mounsithiraj, Viratham (Amy) Mounsithiraj, Khingkham Mounsithiraj, Manotham Mounsithiraj (Kristen O’Dell), and Michele Kerschner.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Damdouane, brother Thongkhoun, and nephew Phonethip.

Cremation has taken place.  Memorial services will be held on October 2nd at Wat Lao Buddha Temple in Vandalia, MI beginning at 9:00 AM.

Arrangements were entrusted to Eley Funeral Homes, Centreville.  Online messages may be left for the family at www.eleyfuneralhomes.com.

Paul E. Alber, age 63, of Sturgis, passed away Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, unexpectedly from injuries he received in an automobile accident.
Visitations will be Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at the Schipper Funeral Home LTD. in Colon. Funeral services will be Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016 at 1 p.m. at the funeral home.

Christopher Phillip Calhoun, age 39, of Sturgis, Mich.,passed away Sunday morning, Sept. 25, 2016, in Sturgis.
He was born Jan. 20, 1977, in Palos Hills, Ill., son of Joseph Glen and Cheryl Ann (Hoessler) Calhoun.
Chris resided in the Sturgis and LaGrange, Ind., area since 2003 coming from Chicago.
He had been employed by Grumman Olson in Sturgis and also in several factories in the RV industry.
Chris was a true man of all trades and a talented artist. His blown glass, drawings and spray paint paintings will be missed by many.
He is survived by his mother, Cheryl Horrell of Sturgis; his fiancée, Noel Jana May Hollister of Sturgis; four daughters, Shanna, Kallee, McKenna and Riley Calhoun all at home; three sisters, Julie Mackey of Sturgis, Shanna Goss of Chicago and Cassendra Horrell of Sturgis; seven brothers, Jack Mackey, Gary Fina, Tyler Calhoun, Trever Calhoun and Travis Calhoun all of Chicago, William Horrell and Justyn Horrell both of Sturgis; grandparents, Betty Calhoun of Tennessee and Eugene and Judy Hoessler of Chicago; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents, Jack Calhoun and Shirley Hoessler.
A gathering of family and friends to share memories and celebrate the life of Christopher Calhoun will be held from 6-9 p.m. Thursday at the Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091, 269-651-2331. In accordance with family wishes cremation will follow the gathering.
Memorial donations would be appreciated to the Hackman Family Funeral Homes, P.O. Box 9, Sturgis, MI 49091 to help with the expenses.
The obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com where personal messages of support may be left for the family.

Wayne McLauchlin, age 85, of Sturgis, passed away early Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 27, 2016, at his home surrounded by his family following an extended illness.
He was born May 30, 1931, in Sturgis, Mich., son of the late Garnard and Myrtle (Wittenberg) McLauchlin.
Wayne was a lifelong Sturgis resident and a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1949.
On April 28, 1956, he married Marcia Bresette in Sturgis.
Wayne had been employed as supervisor of the Electric and Water Meter Department of the City of Sturgis for 35 years retiring in 1991. He was an active dedicated member of the Sturgis Church of the Nazarene and enjoyed fishing.
He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 60 years, Marcia; one daughter, Ann McLauchlin of Sturgis; one son, Michael McLauchlin of Sturgis; one sister, Sally Florence of South Carolina and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Wilbur McLauchlin and Bernard McLauchlin.
In accordance with his wishes cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Sturgis Church of the Nazarene with a memorial service honoring and celebrating the life of Wayne McLauchlin immediately following the visitation at 1 p.m. at the church. The Rev. John Shoup will officiate.
The Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091, 269-651-2331 is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. McLauchlin’s memory consider the Sturgis Church of the Nazarene, 70031 S. Lakeview Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091 or Reverence Hospice, 348 N Burdick St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007.
The obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com where personal messages of support may be left for the family.

Ronald Thompson, age 75, died on Thursday, September 29, 2016.

Graveside Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, October 7, 2016 at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI.

Arrangements by Hohner Funeral Home.

Joseph Wayne Hittler, age 66, of Sturgis, passed away in the loving comfort of family at his home on Friday, Sept. 30, 2016. He was a dignified man, who died as he lived.
He was born in Toledo, Ohio, on June 23, 1950, a son of Joseph and Josephine (Lasko) Hittler. He graduated from Bedford High School of Temperance, Mich., in 1968. After high school, he attended Ferris State University and Owens Community College. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army where he served as a military police officer in Vietnam.
He moved to Centreville, in 1975 where he established Mill Race Distributing, a kitchen & bath design showroom. After being recruited as a manufacturer’s representative by Mouser Cabinetry in 1997, he closed Mill Race Distributing after 22 successful years in business. Joe was an award-winning Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer and served as a mentor to many of those he worked with in the industry.
Joe was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle and grandfather. Family was his most important virtue. His devotion to community was expressed by his involvement with the St. Joseph County United Way, Centreville Fire Department and EMT, and Jaycee’s. He was a member of the Three River’s Elks and the First Presbyterian Church of Sturgis.
He is survived by his best friend and loving wife, Sheli Hittler; his mother, Josephine Hittler of Three Rivers; his children, Keith Hittler (Becky Ellingson) serving in the U.S. Air Force stationed in the Netherlands, Tiffani Hittler of Fort Myers Beach, Fla., Brooke Kauf (Michael) of Highland Park, Ill., mothered by Susan Stark of Fort Myers, Fla. and two daughters, Tiffany Phillips (Eric) of Vicksburg, Mich., Ashley McCarty (Brad) of Parchment, Mich., mothered by Sheli Hittler. He leaves behind seven cherished grandchildren Quentin, Oliver, Ethan, Aiden, William, Charley, and Chloe. Also, his four siblings, John Hittler (Sherrie) of Ypsilanti, Mich., Jim Hittler (Kristine) of Huntington, Ind., Judy Graber (Tim) of Three Rivers and Jeannie Flood of Sturgis and nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Raymond Hittler.
In accordance with Joe’s wishes cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday at the Rosenberg Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 807 E. Chicago Rd., Sturgis, MI 49091, 269-651-3284 and on Thursday from 9–10:45 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church 1320 S. Lakeview Ave. in Sturgis. A memorial service celebrating the life of Joseph Wayne Hittler will begin at 11 a.m. Thursday at the church. The Rev. Michael Wicks will officiate assisted by Larry Lance, CEO for the YFC, Fort Wayne, Ind. Full military honors will be conferred by the U.S. Army Honor Guard and Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 VFW. Private placement of the ashes will be in the First Presbyterian Columbarium.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the two causes that were dear to his heart: St. Joseph County United Way, P.O. Box 577, Centreville, MI 49032 www.sjcuf.com or EB Research Partnership, 132 East 43rd Street, Suite 432, New York, NY 10017 www.ebresearch.org.
The obituary is also at www.hackman familyfuneralhomes.com where personal messages of support may be left for the family.