Obituaries

Sep 9, 2021

Joseph John Karpiel, 77, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, passed away Thursday, September 9, 2021 at Friendship Village in Kalamazoo. Joe was born December 27, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of the late Joseph and Helen Karpiel. He is survived by his sisters, Louise (George) Spangler, Marie (John) Stimac and Jean (Barukh) Joshua, along with cousins, nephews, and nieces. In...

Sep 7, 2021

Julie Ann Runnels, 59, of Decatur, passed away Tuesday September 7, 2021 at Bronson LakeView Hospital in Paw Paw.

She was born January 13, 1962 in Paw Paw, the daughter of the late LeRoy Edward Warner and Mildred  J. (Sirrine) Warner.

Julie worked various jobs over the years that she enjoyed. She was an avid...

Sep 6, 2021

Cathleen Joyce Stickels, 59, of Paw Paw, lost her battle with Leukemia Monday September 6, 2021 surrounded by family at her home. She was born February 24, 1962 in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Joseph James Kemmerling and Nancy Jean (Peacock) Williams who both precede her in death. On August 17, 1985 she married the love of her life, Timothy...

Sep 2, 2021

Shirley Ann Woodruff passed away peacefully on September 2, 2021, at the Rose Arbor Residence in Kalamazoo. Shirley was born February 24, 1936, in Kalamazoo, the daughter of the late Neil and Catherine (Dykehouse) Brondyke. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Neil Brondyke, Jr., her son Mark S. Woodruff, grandsons; LCPI Mark...

Sep 2, 2021

Irene E. Kobreek passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021. She was 93. Irene was born on August 20, 1928 to Carl & Melitta Federwisch, in Sheboygan Falls, WI. She graduated from Sheboygan Falls High School in 1946. Irene met Don Kobreek at the roller skating rink and they were united in marriage on June 19,...

Sep 2, 2021

Nancy Marie Coulson, 62, of Paw Paw, passed away Thursday, September 2, 2021 at her home in Paw Paw.

She was born October 19, 1958 in South Haven, the daughter of the late Carl Moore and Joyce Ann (Reaume) Silvey.

Nancy had a heart of gold and she was a mother to many. She never...

Sep 1, 2021

It is with great sadness that we share the unexpected death of Paul Mathias Christensen Knudstrup who died on September 1, 2021. Paul was born in Lansing, Michigan on October 10, 1946, and grew up in Mason, Michigan. Paul was active in the boy scouts and earned his Eagle Scout ranking in high school. Paul graduated from Mason High...

Aug 27, 2021

Joseph David Geren, 69, of Kalamazoo, passed away Friday August 27, 2021 at his home.

Joe was born January 6, 1952 in Kalamazoo, to the late Alfred R. Geren and Jacqueline (Bright) Geren.

Joe worked for Sabo Foods, catering at General Motors in Kalamazoo. He was a quiet man and kept to himself. He was...

Aug 27, 2021

William "Bill" John Denzel, 84, of Paw Paw, passed away peacefully in his sleep Friday, August 27, 2021 at his home.

He was born December 3, 1936 in Manton, Michigan, the son of the late Carl Denzel and Esther (Johnson ) Denzel.

On May 20, 1956, in Paw Paw, he married Joanna R. (Romayne) Denzel...

Aug 26, 2021

Per Oskar Hagard, 96, of Paw Paw, passed away Thursday, August 26, 2021 at White Oaks Assisted Living in Lawton.

He was born May 15, 1925 in Tistedal, Norway, the son of Joseph and Martha Hagard.

On September 13, 1952, in Oslo, Norway, he married Nanna Elizabeth Stephensen Hagard who preceded in death August 14,...

Aug 24, 2021

Loretta Ann Kanwischer, 90, of Paw Paw, passed away Tuesday, August 24, 2021 peacefully at home.

She was born May 30, 1931 in Chicago, the daughter of the late John Menzor and Anna (Bukausky) Menzor.

Raising her five children kept Loretta on the go. She always enjoyed keeping busy and active. Over the years she...

Aug 21, 2021

A devoted husband, father, son and brother, Keith Oxley was a hardworking man that enjoyed life and having fun. Born in South Bend, Indiana, and raised in Lawton, Keith lived his life to the fullest. He graduated from Lawton High School in 1991.  Keith was involved in sports from a young boy.  He played varsity football throughout high school...

Aug 20, 2021

Rebecca Lynne Rushing, 66, of Paw Paw, passed away Friday August 20, 2021 at Bronson Commons in Mattawan.

She was born October 21, 1954 in Lake City, Michigan, the daughter of the late Leonard Jay Yarlott and Irene (Parent) Yarlott.

Rebecca is survived by her two sons, Kenneth Jay (Meghan) Rushing of Bardonia, NY and...

Aug 13, 2021

Patricia L. Strand, 81, of Lawton, passed away Friday, August 13, 2021 at her home.

She was born October 20, 1939 in Grand Rapids, the daughter of Glen Adsit and Hildegard (Delacher) Adsit.

Pat was an avid animal lover and adored her cats. She enjoyed reading, watching movies and spending time with her family.

Aug 9, 2021

James Peter DeGroff, Jr., 97, of Paw Paw, passed away Monday, August 9, 2021 at White Oaks Assisted Living in Lawton.

He was born March 14, 1924 in Watervliet, Michigan, the son of the late James P. DeGroff, Sr., and Maude (Hathaway) DeGroff.

Jim proudly served in the Army during WWII in the 167th Combat...

Aug 5, 2021

Dennis (Denny) (Pickleman) Lee Harrison, 80, of Republic, MI passed away August 5, 2021 in Mattawan, at his daughters home surrounded by his family, and the love of his life, Sally Harrison. Denny was the first baby born in Kalamazoo on January 1, 1941 to Ralph and Marian Harrison. Denny was preceded in death by his mother and father....

Aug 2, 2021

Devoted to his family and bringing happiness to others is how Kevin Lee Deming lived his life. His family and friends would say he was very determined and a bit stubborn at times, but had a heart of gold and a goofy personality. He would sacrifice everything to make sure his family was taken care of.  Kevin was a...

Aug 1, 2021

Dale "D.J." Lee Stewart Jr., 41, of Paw Paw, passed away Sunday August 1, 2021.

D.J. was born September 7, 1979 in Kalamazoo, the son of Dale Lee Stewart Sr.and Betty Bragg-Stewart.

D.J. was very outgoing and was always willing to lend a hand. He and his father had a strong bond with each other....

Aug 1, 2021

Leo Leonard Lanphear, 78 of Paw Paw, passed away Sunday August 1, 2021 at his home in Paw Paw.

He was born  August 14, 1942 in Lawrence and was united in marriage on October 29, 1966 to Joyce Lanhpear who preceded him in death May 10, 2020.

Having accumulated over 40 tractors, Leo had a...

Jul 30, 2021

Donald Lee Smith, 84, of South Haven, MI, passed away Friday, July 30, 2021.

Don was born May 16, 1937 in Muskogee, Oklahoma, the son of Aron James Smith and Ruby Alice (Morrison) Smith.

Don was an all around basketball enthusiast, he enjoyed both playing basketball and coaching. Another passion Don had were cars. He...