Janet L. Grove, age 78, of Sturgis, passed away Monday, Dec. 24, 2018, at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo.
She was born Dec. 30, 1939, in Jackson, a daughter of the late Kenneth and Pauline (Brooks) Walling.
Janet had resided in the Sturgis area since 1987, coming from Coldwater.
She was first married to William Leon Spade. On Aug. 22, 1987, she married DeWitt L. Grove at Pretty Prairie Church in Howe, Ind.
Janet retired in 1986 from Coldwater Regional Center following 21 years of dedicated employment as a supervisor and a dental assistant.
Janet was a member of a Bible study group and she enjoyed basket weaving, reading and pencil coloring. When she was younger, she worked with her father in building the family home. She loved the years working side by side with Dewitt on the farm and time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband, Dewitt; a daughter, Diane (Ron Daglow) Beckman of Quincy; two sons, Mark W. Spade of Goshen, Ind., and Tim Spade Kalamazoo; three grandchildren, Kelley Green, Brittany Hartman and Zachary Spade; two great-grandchildren, Eric Green and Brook Hartman; three stepdaughters, Brenda Bennett of Bronson, Lori (David) Winchell of Sturgis and Amy (Duane) Butcher of Sturgis; nine step-grandchildren, Laura Hoover, David Sessions, Katie (Gary) Edgington, David Butcher, Grace Winchell, Brandylynn Bennett, Ben Winchell, Coty Bennett and LeeAnn Winchell; four step-great-grandchildren, Halle Edgington, Reese Edgington, Zayden Butcher and Zayleigh Butcher; two sisters, Barbara Runduist of North Carolina and Kay Hoffman of Nebraska; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sons-in-law Keith Beckman, Rob Sessions and Warren Bennett; and a grandson, Paul Sessions.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Rosenberg Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 807 E. Chicago Road, Sturgis. Funeral services celebrating the life of Janet L. Grove will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Mr. Larry Wallman will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the service at Burr Oak Cemetery in Burr Oak.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mrs. Grove’s memory consider H&C Burnside Center, 65 Grahl Drive, Coldwater, MI 49036.
Her obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilygfuneralhomes.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.

Joyce M. Giles, age 83, of White Pigeon, died Friday, Dec. 21, 2018, in Goshen, following an extended illness.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, at Farrand Funeral Home in White Pigeon. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Interment will follow in White Pigeon Township Cemetery. Donations may be made to Harbor Light Hospice.

Teresa Marie Buehlman, age 59, of Leonidas, died Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo following a brief illness. She was born in Vicksburg on June 1, 1959 the daughter of Merle E. and Betty L. (Thomas) Heath. She attended Colon Schools and later received her GED from Centreville High School. Teresa was married to Ronald K. Buehlman on Oct. 28, 1978 in Leonidas. Teresa was a homemaker who also worked at CJ’s General Store and Lil’ Jens in Leonidas. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, and traveling to garage sales with her sister.

Teresa is survived by two sons, Brandon (Ariel) Buehlman and Kyle Buehlman both of Leonidas; four grandchildren, Harlee, Hunter, and Haiden Buehlman and EJ Schwemer; her sister, Tina Heath of Colon; brother, Roger (Marcia) Heath of Mendon; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ron; and sisters, Peggy Roberts and Mary Lynn Wiard.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation has been conducted. The family will receive friends from 12 noon to 2 pm Saturday, January 5, 2019 at the Eickhoff Funeral Home in Mendon. Memorials services will begin at 2 pm Saturday at the funeral home with Pastor David Stevens officiating. Interment will follow in Leonidas Cemetery. Memorials will be directed to the family. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com

Roger Leroy Heath, age 70, of Mendon, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 26, 2018 while working at his home. He was born in Vicksburg, on April 24, 1948 the son of Merle E. and Betty L. (Thomas) Heath and has been a lifetime resident of the area. Roger attended Vicksburg Schools. He had been employed over the years by Tri-Lakes Disposal, Coachman Industries, Manufactured Structures, and retired from Mark Line Homes of Middlebury. He enjoyed hunting and fishing in his spare time.

Roger was married to Marcia P. Smith on Nov. 11, 1967 in Leonidas. She survives along with a daughter, Heather (Justin) Zetty of Leonidas; a son, Roger M. (Tina) Heath of Mendon; four grandchildren, Makinna and Zabrina Zetty and Trey and Riann Heath; sister, Tina Heath of Colon; brother in law, Wayne Wiard of Nottawa; and his faithful dog, Phoebe. Roger was preceded in death by his parents; and by three sisters, Peggy Roberts, Mary Lynn Wiard, and Teresa Buehlman.

The family will receive friends from 12 noon until 2 pm Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018 at the Eickhoff Funeral Home in Mendon. Funeral services will begin at 2 pm Saturday at the funeral home with Rev. David Stevens officiating. Cremation will follow services, and interment will take place on Saturday, Jan. 5th in Leonidas Cemetery. Contributions will be directed to the family. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com

Virgil Hicks, age 88, of Sturgis, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2018, at Parkview LaGrange Hospital in LaGrange.
He was born Aug. 5, 1930, in Wayland, Ky., a son of the late Andrew and Eva (Hicks) Hicks.
Virgil was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during the Korean War and earning the rank of corporal. He was a prisoner of war and earned the distinguished Purple Heart Medal for his bravery in battle. His injuries from the war eventually led to his disability and loss of hearing, as he has been completely deaf for over 20 years.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting, especially for squirrels, puttering around the house and yard and eating at Savory Restaurant in Sturgis. Virgil always liked to keep busy and never sat still.
Surviving are two daughters, Beverly (Mark) Chaddock of Centreville and Debra (Ronald) Groff of Howe; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Marie and Nancy.
He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters; and three brothers.
The family will receive friends and relatives from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, at Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis.
Services celebrating the life of Virgil Hicks will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at the funeral home, with Pastor Larry Wallman officiating.
Interment will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery, with full military honors conferred by U.S. Army Honor Guard and Capt. John J. Kelley V.F.W. Post #1355.
Memorial donations may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital . Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
His obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.

Mrs. Laura Mae McCoy, age 88, a resident of Auburndale, Fla., and formally of Sturgis, passed away Monday, Dec. 24, 2018, in Lakeland, Fla., with her husband by her side.
Mrs. McCoy was born April 4, 1930, in Sturgis, to Gladden and Beatrice (Murray) Kennedy. She had been a resident for most of her life in Sturgis, coming from Grant, following her feather’s death in 1941. Laura graduated from Sturgis High School with the class of 1949. She worked for Western Union Telegraph Company beginning Sept. 30, 1947. She became a manager in 1956 and held that position until the office closed in 1972. Laura then moved upstairs to Josef Baird CPA office and worked for him until his retirement. At that time, she took over the business and renamed it McCoy Accounting & Tax Service, and continued until her retirement on April 30, 2010.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Eleanor Kennedy; and a grandson, Dustin Griffith.
Laura is survived by her loving family, her husband, Richard “Dick” McCoy, whom she married April 14, 1972; four daughters, Brenda (Ken) Moore of Parchment, Deborah (Larry) Fraylick of Sturgis, Dawn (Paul) Clements of Plymouth and Becky (Michael) Wedlock of Suamico, Wis.; a stepdaughter, Toni Carmer; a sister, Patricia (Frank) Hercinger; and four grandsons, Keith, Danny, Jacob and Ben.
In accordance with Laura’s wishes, there will be no services.
Arrangements are by Kersey Funeral Home, 108 E. Lake Stella Drive, Auburndale, Fla.

Rolland Eugene Brueck, age 84, of Sturgis, passed away Friday morning, Dec. 28, 2018, at his home, surrounded by his family, following a hard-fought battle with Parkinson’s disease.
He was born June 21, 1934, in Nottawa, a son of the late Lewis F. and Irene (Heinrich) Brueck.
Gene resided in the Sturgis and Nottawa area most of his life and was a graduate of Centreville High School with the class of 1955. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving from 1955-1958, earning the rank of SP4. He was stationed in Stuttgart, Germany, and traveled throughout Europe.
On May 26, 1962, he married Janet C. Hopkins at Sturgis Wesleyan Church.
Gene retired from Canteen Corporation in St. Joseph following more than 30 years of dedicated employment. He also had sold Christmas trees for 30 years.
He was a kind and gentle man who enjoyed spending time at the old family tree farm and farm house on the river. He was a true outdoorsman enjoying hunting, fishing, camping, snowmobiling and mushroom-hunting in Northern Michigan and a talented woodworker who always looked forward to attending the St. Joseph County Grange Fair. For several years, he participated in league bowling. He was a fan of NASCAR, country music and was always ready to play a game of cards. Gene had many interests and hobbies, but his grandkids were the light of his world. He truly loved time spent with them and his entire family.
He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 56 years, Janet; a son, Kevin Eugene (Sherry) Brueck of Sturgis; a daughter, Kimberly (Jeff) Wilder of Sturgis; four grandchildren, Kevin Brueck, Amanda Brueck, Mackenzie Adams and Liam Adams; a great-granddaughter, Savannah Brueck; a sister, Marge P. (Brueck) Gay of Sturgis; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Lloyd L., Maurice W., Robert L., Kenneth and Paul Brueck; and three sisters, Lorine Wittenberg, Doris Zielke and Betty James.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Rosenberg Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 807 E. Chicago Road, Sturgis. Funeral services celebrating and honoring the life of Rolland Eugene Brueck will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. The Rev. Joshua Brueck of Sturgis Missionary Church will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the service at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis. Full military honors will be conferred by Capt. John J. Kelley Post #1355 VFW and the U.S. Army Honor Guard.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Brueck’s memory consider Van Andel Institute Parkinson’s Disease Research, 333 Bostwick Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
His obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.

Ronald Leroy Heath, age 66, formerly of Mendon, died Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018 at the SONA Adult Foster Care Home in Three Rivers. He was born in Colon on June 10, 1952 the son of Harry and Wava (Purdy) Heath and was a lifetime resident of southwest Michigan. He attended Mendon Elementary and graduated from Three Rivers High School. Ron worked at Lear Plastics in Mendon, ARCH Workshop in Sturgis, and the Big Boy Restaurant in Three Rivers. Ron was a quiet, sentimental man with a heart of gold. While he avoided crowds, he loved small gatherings with family and friends. He was a sports fan, and always looked forward to watching the Spartans of Michigan State University.

Ron is survived by a sister, Linda Radloff of Mendon; his twin brother, Donald “Big Al” Heath of Mendon his little brother, Terry (Jo) Heath of Vicksburg; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and by a sister, Janice Searer.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation has been conducted and a private interment will take place later in Leonidas Cemetery. It is suggested that memorial donations be directed to St. Joseph County Community Mental Health and his family is grateful for their support over the years. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com

Janet Lee Herschleb, age 86, of Three Rivers, died unexpectedly on Friday, Dec. 28, 2018 at her home. She was born in Vicksburg on Oct. 12, 1932 the daughter of Harold and Mildred (Brockway) Miller and she attended Vicksburg Schools. She was married to Clyde M. Covell in 1948, and they were later divorced. Janet worked at WL Molding in Portage, St. Gregory’s Abbey, Eaton Manufacturing, and retired from the floral department at Meijer in Three Rivers. She was married to Ray Lee Herschleb on Feb. 26, 1965 in Leonidas. He died on Feb. 12, 2014.

Janet was an avid gardener and was a member of the Three Rivers Garden Club. She also enjoyed sewing and crocheting, donating most of her craft items to the church or the domestic assault shelter. She enjoyed travelling with her family, and loved all animals, especially her dogs.

Janet is survived by three sons, Danny Covell of Three Rivers, Tim (Nancy) Covell of Healy, AK, and Ray L. Herschleb of Reno, NV; three grandchildren, Dustin (Meghan Bullock) Covell of Philadelphia, Amanda Covell of Grand Rapids, and Amy McCarter of Fairbanks, AK; two sisters, Beverly Nimo and Susan Schippers; in laws, Jerry Herschleb, Bruce (Dee) Herschleb, and Corinne Herschleb; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ray; and four sisters, Ann Perkins, Jean Griner, Janey Strome, and Joyce DeYoung.

The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 pm Friday, Jan. 4, 2019 at the Eickhoff Farrand Halverson Chapel in Three Rivers. Funeral services will be at 11 am Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019 at the First United Methodist Church in Three Rivers with Pastor Derl Keefer officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to either the First United Methodist Church, or to the St. Joseph County Animal Shelter. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.efhchapel.com

Dale E. Davidhizar, Sr., age 81, Three Rivers, passed away Sunday, December 30th, at Grace Health Care in Three Rivers. Dale was born in Wakarusa, IN on March 5, 1937, a son of Eloise (Broyles) and Henry Charles Davidhizar.

Dale attended schools in Marcellus and Centreville.

On February 11, 1956 he married Sybella “Ciss” Parsons in Three Rivers. She preceded him in death on November 6, 2004. On December 5, 2010, Dale married Dorothy Kramb; they were later divorced.

He was employed as a heavy equipment operator at Balkema Inc. He was a farmer at heart and loved operating his family farm. He also worked for Bill White Farms and Continental Can of Three Rivers. Dale cherished time spent with his family, especially attending all of their sporting events.

He was a member of Howardsville Gospel Chapel, Marcellus.

He is survived by his children Dale E. (Sandra Rhoades) Davidhizar Jr., Three Rivers, Kevin (Chris St. Johns) Davidhizar, Grand Ledge, Nell (Mark) McCreary, Elkhart, and Bruce (Kelly Schaar) Davidhizar, Three Rivers; 15 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren; and siblings Bob Davidhizar, Arkansas and Mabel Dillingham, Three Rivers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Sybella, son Henry “Chuck” Davidhizar, brothers Henry “Hank” Davidhizar Jr. and Don Davidhizar, and sisters Jean Hendricks, Marlene Stout, and Zelma Castle.

Relatives and friends will be received on Thursday from 4 to 7PM at Eley Funeral Home in Constantine. Religious services will be held Friday at 11AM at the Funeral Home with Pastor Sheldon Combs officiating. Interment will be in Poes Cemetery.

The family requests donations to Southern Care Hospice.

Online messages may be left for the family at www.eleyfunralhomes.com.

Karalyn S. Wilbur, 51, of Sturgis, died Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, at Sturgis Hospital, following a brief illness.
Vistiation will be from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, Jan 4, 2019, at Farrand Funeral Home In White Pigeon. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Interment will follow in White Pigeon Township Cemetery.

Daniel E. Holst, age 91, of Burr Oak, passed away Sunday afternoon, Dec. 30, 2018, at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo.
He was born Jan. 14, 1927, in Versailles, Missouri, son of the late Harley E. and Nellie (Connor) Holst.
Dan resided in the Sturgis area since 1947 coming from Fayette, Missouri and moved to Burr Oak in 1960.
On July 31, 1947, he married Pauline L. Walcott in Fayette, Missouri. She died Dec. 2, 1994.
Dan had been employed by the Paramount Furniture Company in Sturgis for 11 years, worked as a carpenter and built grain bins and worked at the Sturgis Foundry and the Burr Oak Foundry. He worked all these various jobs while also perusing his passion of farming.
Dan was proud to have served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II and the Korean War with the 187th Infantry and 11th Airborne Division as a paratrooper earning the rank of Tech-4.
He attended the Agape Family Church in Three Rivers and enjoyed hunting, fishing, time spent outdoors and loved his farm and farming.
He is survived by two daughters: Paula Holst of Colon and Denell Reilly of Sturgis; one son: Randy Holst of Sturgis; daughter-in-law: Joyce Holst of Arkansas; ten grandchildren: Javier, Paul, Jr., Jessie, Shawn, Jessica, Amanda, Harley, Kati, Mike and Kelsey; six great grandchildren; one great great grandson; one sister: Tiny Burchard of Missouri; two brothers: David (Eula) Holst and Dewey Holst both of Missouri and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and son: Rick Holst, son-in-law: Timothy Reilly and several brothers and sisters.
The family will receive friends from 12 to 1:45 p.m. Friday 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 Daniel E. Holst will begin at 2 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. The Rev. Rodger Moyer of the Sturgis Evangelical Church will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the service at Burr Oak Cemetery. Full military honors will be conferred by Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 VFW and the U.S. Honor Guard.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Holst’s memory consider Heartland Health Care Center, 517 S. Erie St., Three Rivers, MI 49093.
The obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com where personal messages of support may be left for the family.

Milton Bruce Harvey, age 77 of Fulton, died Monday, Dec. 31, 2018 at Medilodge of Portage. He was born in Detroit on Nov. 13, 1941 the son of Milton Albert and Frieda Elizabeth (Scatlos) Harvey. He graduated from Detroit Pershing High School and later from Michigan State University. Bruce was employed at Simpson-Lee and later Fox River Paper Company in Vicksburg for over 36 years. Following the closure of the plant he worked at Finlaw Refinishing in Schoolcraft and the Meijer Store on Beckley Road in Battle Creek. He attended the Fulton Christian Church, and later the Factoryville Bible Church. Bruce was a volunteer firefighter for Wakeshma Township. He enjoyed reading, watching old western movies, puttering in his garage and listening to his Christian CDs. He especially looked forward to the annual trek to Cadillac hunting for mushrooms on Mother’s Day weekend.

Bruce was married to Helen A. Coburn on Nov. 25, 1960 in Fulton. She survives along with three children, Kimberly (John) Bennett of Mendon, Timothy (Kimberly) Harvey of Vicksburg, and Susan Winchester of Sturgis; six grandchildren, Leslie Bennett of South Africa, Michaela Bennett of Portage, Maeve Bennett of Mendon, Kaytee Harvey and Taylor Harvey of Vicksburg, and Shelby (Aaron) Carlton of Battle Creek; one great-grandchild on the way; a sister, Judy (Ross) Bricker of Macomb County; a brother, Richard (Darlene) Harvey of Farmington; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Nadine Hebert; and a brother, Roger Harvey.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation has been conducted. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 pm Saturday, January 12, 2019 at the Factoryville Bible Church, 33650 Factoryville Road, Athens, MI 49011. A private interment of his cremains will take place later in North Fulton Cemetery. The family suggests that memorials be directed to either Great Lakes Caring Hospice, or to the Factoryville Bible Church. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com

Elizabeth J. Morris, age 74, of Mendon, died Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019 at her home. She was born in Frankfort, IN on March 29, 1944 the daughter of Nicholas T. and Helen L. (Phillip) Dirbas. After graduation from Frankfort High School in 1962 she attended Beauty School in Lafayette. Elizabeth was married to Wayne R. Morris on April 20, 1968 in Frankfort. They resided in several communities while Wayne worked for General Motors. They have resided in Mendon since 2001. Elizabeth was an artist who enjoyed quilting, macramé, ceramics, toll painting, and cake decorating. She enjoyed music, and sang in the choir while attending St. Clare Church in Centreville.

Elizabeth is survived by her husband, Wayne; son, Shane E. (Peggy) Morris of Marcellus; six grandchildren, Shea (Ryan) Smythe, Mary Catherine Morris, Colin Hawley, Vincent Morris, Maggie Morris, and Joshua Mann; a brother, Mike Beard; sisters in law, Penny and Bonnie Dirbas; nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; her step-father, Harley Beard; and two brothers, Tom and Tim Dirbas.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 4 pm Sunday, Jan. 6th at the Eickhoff Funeral Home in Mendon. Funeral services will be at 1 pm Monday, Jan. 7, 2019 at the funeral home with Rev. John Messner, Pastor of the Marcellus & Wakelee United Methodist Churches officiating. Burial will be in Mendon Cemetery. The family suggests that memorial donations be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com

    Mark Daniel “Danny” Motter, age 63, of Lawton, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, January 1, 2019.

Dan was born on Tuesday, April 05, 1955, in Kalamazoo.  He was the sixth of what would eventually become the seven children born to Ira and Gladys L. (Oswalt) Motter.  He was a short and (in his words) “husky” child who enjoyed playing sports and finding trouble outside with his older brothers.  Those brothers loved to get rough with Danny when they got the chance, but they also understood who the “baby” was and what their mom would do to them if they got caught.

He continued his love of sports throughout his school years.  He experienced success in both baseball and football and would be the first to tell you that he “played” basketball…and by play he meant only when his team was up by a lot, or down by a lot.  He played baseball for a short time at Glen Oaks Community College. He loved books, old Western films and of course…The University of Michigan! He also enjoyed skiing, which is where he met Karen Virgil.

They were married and soon had a son, Matthew.  Four  years later they welcomed a daughter, Lindsay.  Dan loved being a father. It was something that he had always wanted and he loved his kids with everything he had.  He was by no means a perfect parent and a subsequent separation from Karen led to the typical family strife that broken homes so often are forced to endure.  However, Dan’s children never once questioned the profound love and pride he felt toward them.

Dan would find love again when he met Barbara Jean Day.  They spent many years together and then were married on April 11th, 2008 in Houghton Lake.  Danny and Barbara have remained very happily married for over a decade.

He loved his family deeply, but for Danny, having the same DNA was not a requirement for achieving family status.  A man who seemed to suffer from “chronic-joy”, he made friends everywhere he went. His children would often insist on driving separate from Dan, when going to a restaurant or bar.  They wisely did this, because they knew that there was a slim chance of them getting home once Danny realized that he knew eighty percent of the people in that particular establishment and was going to need to have a conversation with ALL OF THEM.

He came to know nearly everyone in the midwest in a variety of ways.  He knew people from school, some from work, many were friends of friends who met Danny and immediately loved him, some he met at bars and/or restaurants, but more often than not, he knew the person from something related to softball.

Like many aging jocks, Dan turned to softball once the opportunities to play baseball (and his body’s willingness to do so) went away.  It was a love affair that would span nearly four decades. He loved the game, but it was more than that. It provided him an outlet for his competitiveness.  It allowed him to age slower, by providing him weekly, “I Still Got It” moments. It gave him the opportunity to dive…head first into the base of his choosing…from ten feet away…even when the play wasn’t going to be all that close.  That dive sometimes resulted in a bounce. This writer believes that Danny’s penchant for the head first slide was the direct result of the physical and emotional scarring that he endured from one too many feet first slides (and the subsequent strawberry he incurred) while wearing his shorty short Bike athletic shorts.

Softball gave him all of that, but the most important gift the game gave him, was the ability to do all of those things, while surrounded by the friends and family that he loved.  Dan derived great pleasure from being around people and they reciprocated in kind. He had such an effortless charm and an aura of good humor, that it was nearly impossible not to enjoy the man.  His love of life was contagious.

As much as he enjoyed his family, his friends and the game, there is one thing that he enjoyed above all else.  That thing was being a grandfather. He was absolutely made for that role. He loved cuddling them when they were babies and rough housing when they were older.  You would often find him in the stands of the local youth sporting events, cheering on his grandchildren…albeit somewhat aggressively…and those kids loved him for it.

Danny Motter was a special man who will be desperately missed.  His absence will leave a “husky” sized hole in the hearts of all who had the pleasure to call him friend, family, Dad or Papa.  However, his bright bearded smile and his wonderful, squinty- eyed laugh will eventually fill that hole with the memory of a truly wonderful man.

Surviving are Dan’s children; one son: Matthew (Jessica) Motter of Lawton, one: daughter: Lindsay (Chris) Tindle of Parchment, step son: Aaron Hoskinson of Parchment, two sisters: Barbara Hamilton, Karen (Norm) Carlson, three brothers: Tom (Kathy) Motter, Roger (Donna) Motter, Robert (Bonnie) Motter, sister-in-law: Shirley Motter, five grandchildren: Landon, Kallon, & Emeri Motter, and Natalee & Lydia Tindle, and many nieces and nephews.

Dan was preceded in death by both of his loving parents and one brother: Gerald Motter.

The family will welcome friends for visitation service on Friday, January 4, 2019 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 6:00 to 8:00 PM and funeral service on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at 11:00 AM. The family will have a private burial of cremains at a later date. Memorial donations may be directed to The Shane Mohney Memorial Scholarship Fund.  Online condolences may be left at www.materralstonfuneralhome.com.

Brenn E. Arklie, age 74, of Sturgis, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019, at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo.
He was born Oct. 3, 1944, in Sturgis, a son of the late Lynn and Carrol (Free) Arklie.
Brenn resided his whole life in Sturgis, with the exception of two years he lived in Petoskey. Following graduation from Sturgis High School with the class of 1962, he continued his education at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1966.
On Oct. 20, 1973, he married Johanna Baker of Bronson.
From 1966-1968 he worked in Petoskey and from 1968-1971 at Freeman Manufacturing Company in Sturgis. Brenn retired Dec. 31, 2009, from Howe Military School in Howe, Ind., following 38 years of dedicated employment. He began his career at Howe Military as an accountant for two years and the final 36 years he was the school’s business manager.
Brenn was an active member and past exalted ruler of B.P.O. Elks #1381 of Sturgis, where he enjoyed competing in state ritual competitions. He also enjoyed dining out with friends and following the Michigan State Spartan football team. Brenn loved being with and playing with his grandchildren and attending Alex and Tessa’s baseball and soccer games.
He is survived by his wife, Johanna of Sturgis; two daughters, Aimee Arklie of Mishawaka, and Kristee (Andy) Dampeer of South Bend; and three grandchildren, Alex, Tessa and Bodee Dampeer, all of South Bend.
In accordance with family wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11:45 a.m. Tuesday at Rosenberg Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 807 E. Chicago Road, Sturgis. A memorial service celebrating the life of Brenn E. Arklie will take place at noon Tuesday at the funeral home. Dr. Jeremy Couture of Unity Baptist Church of Ashland, Ky., will officiate.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Arklie’s memory consider Alzheimer’s Association , 200 Turwill Lane, Suite 6, Kalamazoo, MI 49006. It was a disease his mother battled and a cause Brenn always supported.
His obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.

Dr. Robert (Bob) Allen Schneider, 88, of Mendon, passed away peacefully at his home on Dec. 29, 2018. He was born in Three Rivers on May 20, 1930 to the late Ray and Alice Schneider.
Robert (Bob) graduated in 1954 with his Medical degree from the University of Michigan — Magna cum laude. He entered the United States Air Force in October 1957 and served 24 years as an Officer, Aerospace Medical flight surgeon, Family physician and Hospital Commander at several USAF military bases. In 1962, he earned his Master’s in Public Health from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Retirement from the military followed in 1981 with the rank of Colonel. With an Honorable discharge, he received the following awards and medals: National Defense Service Medal, AF Longevity Service Award, Meritorious Service Award, Outstanding Unit Award, and the AF Commendation Medal.
He is preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his three children, Joan (Joni) Adele Schneider; parents, Ray and Alice Schneider; and son, Peter Schneider.
Survivors left to cherish his memory include his wife, Lenora Schneider, of 44 years; daughters, Susan Flynn (Roger) of Baton Rouge, LA. and Sandra Sherry of Chesapeake, VA.; son, Bobby Schneider (Debbie) of Valparaiso, IN.; and special “friend” niece, Gerilynn Clifton of Chesapeake, VA. He is also survived by his precious grandchildren, Jared Guzzardo (Kaitlyn), Ashleigh Schneider, Robby Schneider and his great grandson Grayson Flynn Guzzardo; his sisters, Shirley Van Degrift of Cleveland, TN., Jan Spence (Bill) and Phyllis Burke (James) of Mendon, MI.; extended family members, Jessica and Alonna Clifton of Chesapeake, VA.
Robert (Bob) resided in Chesapeake, VA. for the last eight years. He will be remembered for his great quest for knowledge, which he satisfied by reading and surfing the internet. He was always available to provide wisdom without judgment to those who sought his counsel. He had a great love for baseball for which he shared with many, and the ability to focus on important things (not sweat the small stuff). He had quick wit and a compassionate spirit, which was evident in his care for his patients and anyone he met. He lived his life with curiosity, rather than judgment and never lost his “boy from a small town” charm.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Robert (Bob’s) favorite charities, The Salvation Army or Disabled Veterans Association.
Oman Funeral Home & Crematory of Chesapeake, VA. is handling the cremation. A Celebration of Life Service will take place in the spring in Mendon, with Military Honors per his wishes. Family and friends are invited to share memories and sign the online guestbook at www.omanfh.com.

Irene R. Brown, 86, of Three Rivers, died on Friday, December 28, 2018 at the Bowman House in Three Rivers.
She was Born on September 1, 1932 in Baltimore, Maryland, the Daughter of Carl S. and Ida I (Pirie) Howes.
Resident of Three Rivers since 1954 coming from Baltimore. She was a Homemaker, Member of the Eastern
Star Corinthian Chapter # 123 of Schoolcraft, she enjoyed reading and puzzles, most of all spending time
with her Grandchildren. Graduate of Townsend High School in 1949, she attended Western Michigan University for 2 years.
Married to Harry S. Brown on May 30, 1952 at Fort Meade, Maryland, He preceded her in death on March 22, 2015.
She is survived by 3 Daughters Marilee (Robert) Yoder, Robin A (Robert Grile) Peterson, Dona (Rob Peterson) Brown
Granddaughter Caroline (Tracy) McDonald, 4 Great Grandchildren Oliva, Caleb, Zachary, Madalynn. 4 Step
Grandchildren Ron (Heather) Miller JR, Tammy (Dan) Mazure, Jezreal Yoder, Danielle Yoder. 6 Step Great
Grandchildren Chandler Mazure, Chelsea Mazure, Nicholas Miller, Jarrett Miller, Rainnen Wordelman, Lucas Wordelman. 1 Step Great Great Grandson Daniel Mazure. Several Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins. Preceded by her Parents, husband.
Visitation will be from 12:00 Noon to 1:00 PM on Wednesday January 9, 2019 at the Eickhoff, Farrand, Halverson Chapel in Three Rivers where Eastern Star Services will be held at 1:00 PM. Donations may be directed to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.efhchapel.com

Rudolph Joseph “Rudy” Boals, age 87, of Sturgis, passed away Saturday morning, Jan. 5, 2019, at his home.
He was born June 28, 1931, in Sturgis, son of the late Rudolph William and Bessie Elizabeth (Brabant) Boals.
Rudy resided most of his life in Sturgis with the exception of the lime he lived in South Haven during his teen years.
On Aug. 27, 1949, he married Ruth “Edna” Teall in LaGrange, Ind. She died Oct. 4, 2007.
Rudy was a gifted inventor and entrepreneur and he had owned and operated Boals Water Conditioning and the Sturgis Archery Center.
He had a true appreciation for the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, archery and many deer hunting camp trips to the family cabin in Manistee. He also loved turtle trapping, an activity he pursued well into his 80’s.
He is survived by his children” Judy (Jerry) Summey of Sturgis, Gary (Jenny) Boals of Howe, Ind., Larry (Jackie) Boals of Sturgis and Kay (Roger) Hambright of Colon; 14 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; one sister, Skeeter (Larry) Post of Aurora, Colorado; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Jo Ann (Boals) Batten.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 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 Rudy Boals will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.  Mr. Larry Wallman will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the service at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Boals memory consider the Animal Rescue Fund, P.O. 593, Centreville, MI 49032.
The obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com where personal messages of support may be left for the family.

Darryl Francis Longieliere, age 72, of Sturgis, passed away early Friday morning, Jan. 4, 2019, at his home, following a long battle with heart disease.
He was born Dec. 22, 1946, in Lansing, a son of the late Frances and Dorotha (Norris) Longieliere.
Darryl resided his entire life in the Michiana area, the past 25 years in Sturgis.
He was a self-employed truck driver for 20 years and raced trotting breed and standard breed horses.
Darryl was a graduate of Jimtown High School in Elkhart, where he participated in band, track and football.
He attended St. John’s Lutheran Church in Burr Oak. Darryl enjoyed horses, spending time on the farm, fishing and old Western movies and loved time with his family.
He is survived by his life companion, Lee Johncock; three stepdaughters, Cody (Rich) Baker of Sturgis, Ellen (Rod) Everet of Kansas and Jenny (Rick) Brooks of Battle Creek; a brother, Darwin (Jeanne) Longieliere of Brookings, S.D.; two sisters, Angela Longieliere and Darlyene Sweezy, both of Elkhart; a daughter, Teri Jo (Steve) Calleson of Florida; a son, Javon (Dawn) Longieliere of Georgia; and several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; maternal grandparents Glenn and Josie Norris; and a brother-in-law, Cliff Sweezy.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial graveside service and burial of ashes will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 2, 2019, at The Tobey, Big Hill Road in Burr Oak Township. The Rev. Kurt Kuhlman of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Burr Oak will officiate.
Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis,is entrusted with the arrangements.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Longieliere’s memory consider the charity of one’s own choice.
His obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.