Obituaries
James "Jim" Owen Steele
Jan 18, 2025
In Loving Memory of James Owen Steele
Beloved Husband, Father, “Papa,” Son, Brother, Friend, Companion, and Citizen of Humanity
It is with deep and abiding sorrow that we announce the passing of James Owen Steele-known lovingly as Jim-a man whose life was defined by integrity, kindness, and unwavering devotion to those he loved. Jim departed this life too soon, leaving behind the...
Gerald "Gerry" Anthony Rehagen
Sep 21, 2024
Gerald (Gerry) Anthony Rehagen, 85, passed away Saturday, September 21, 2024, at White Oaks, an assisted living facility in Lawton, Michigan.
Gerry was born November 10, 1938, in Jefferson City, Missouri, to Henry and Alma (Schulte) Rehagen. Raised in St. Louis, Missouri, alongside his five siblings, Gerry joined the seminary after high school, was ordained, and then served as a priest...
Stephen James Erickson
Apr 25, 2025
Stephen James Erickson, 55, of Kalamazoo, passed away suddenly on Friday April 25, 2025, at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital in Battle Creek.
He was born May 6, 1969, in St. Joseph, Michigan, the son of Eric Erickson and Carole (Moore) Erickson.
Steve proudly served his country in the United States Army and went on to work at the Battle Creek VA office...
Michael Fisk Hartman
Apr 22, 2025
Michael Fisk Hartman passed away peacefully on April 22, 2025, at the age of 85. Born in Paw Paw, Michigan on December 11, 1939; the beloved son of Manley C. “Mike” and Almeda C. (Fisk) Hartman.
Much of Michael’s early childhood was spent away from his father, Mike, who was stationed on a ship during WWII. As he grew, Michael had...
Sarah Lee Ann Miller
Apr 20, 2025
Sarah Lee Ann Miller, 81, of Lawton, passed away peacefully on Sunday April 20, 2025, at her home in Lawton.
She was born April 10, 1944, in Havre, Montana, the daughter of John Stephens and Cly (Frances) Stephens.
She bravely served her country in the United States Army. Sarah loved to sew and created and fixed many pieces throughout the years. She...
Jorge Luis Hernandez
Apr 19, 2025
Jorge Luis Hernandez, 49, of Paw Paw, passed away suddenly on Saturday April 19, 2025, at Bronson LakeView Hospital in Paw Paw.
He was born June 13, 1975, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the son of Ofelia Murillo.
Jorge was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan and tuned in to almost every game to cheer them on. He liked to golf when he was able...
Michael Sean Kerns
Apr 14, 2025
Michael Sean Kerns, 52, passed away peacefully at his home on April 14, 2025. Mike was born on February 8, 1973, in East Grand Rapids, MI the son of Gerald and Diane (Nimtz) Kerns.
Mike is a proud graduate of Paw Paw High School and Davenport University. His career was on the railroad, and he dedicated many years to Michigan Southern...
Thomas Gale Staggs
Apr 12, 2025
Thomas Gale Staggs "Papa", 88, of Paw Paw, passed away Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo.
He was born December 2, 1936, in Bridgeport, Michigan, the son of Waldo Staggs and Florence L. (Hunter) Staggs.
Tom was united in marriage to Donna Lynne Cook on April 6, 1953, in Indiana. He was a lifelong member of the Paw...
George Edward Fadel
Apr 10, 2025
George Edward Fadel III, 89, of Paw Paw, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at his home in Paw Paw.
He was born December 27, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of George Edward Fadel Jr. and Adeline Ann (Jansen) Fadel.
George was a police officer for the Village of Paw Paw for 30 years and spent...
Merritt "Sam" Raymond
Apr 8, 2025
Merritt J. Raymond Jr., "Sam" 65, of Paw Paw, passed away peacefully Tuesday April 8, 2025, at his home in Paw Paw after a bravely fought battle against cancer.
He was born January 26, 1960, in Paw Paw, Michigan, the son of Merritt J. Raymond Sr.and Betty (Moon) Raymond.
Sam was a man full of strength, positivity, honesty, intelligence and humorous personality....
David James Vinci
Apr 6, 2025
David James Vinci, 73, of Mattawan, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at his home.
He was born December 9, 1951, in West Chester, Pennsylvania, the son of Dominick J. Vinci and Betty Jean (Leeper) Vinci. He graduated from Upper Darby (Pennsylvania) High School in 1969. He attended Pennsylvania State University at both Altoona and State...
Paul Frederick Staniszewski
Apr 6, 2025
Paul Frederick Staniszewski, 77, of Paw Paw, passed away on April 6, 2025, surrounded by his family and friends. He was born on February 13, 1948, to the late John and Eleanor Staniszewski in Lawrence, Michigan. Paul spent many years managing Shangri-La Resort on Three Mile Lake and served as the Head of Maintenance at Paw Paw Public Schools for...
Andrew Martin Chopp
Apr 3, 2025
Andrew Martin Chopp, Sr. 96, of Kalamazoo, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2025, at his home.
He was born on November 11, 1928, in Kalamazoo. He was part of the first generation born in the United States to Fred and Mary Chopp of Croatia.
Andy was born in the height of the depression. As a young boy, he picked apples and...
Danne Ray French
Apr 2, 2025
Danne Ray French, 77, of Mattawan, MI, passed away surrounded by family April 2, 2025.
Danne was born on December 8, 1948, in Greenville, South Carolina, to Junior and Thelma French. He graduated from Mattawan High School in 1968 and was soon drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served with honor in the 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam War...
Robert G. Gregory
Mar 24, 2025
Robert G. Gregory, 97, of Paw Paw, passed away peacefully Monday, March 24, 2025, at White Oaks Assisted Living in Lawton.
He was born July 25, 1927, in Kalamazoo, the son of Joseph E. Gregory and Hazel (McGowan) Gregory.
Bob was a lifelong member of the Van Buren Youth Camp and it was his pride and joy. He loved meeting all the...
JoAnn (Gentner) Learman
Mar 21, 2025
JoAnn (Gentner) Learman, 71, of Decatur, lovingly known to many as "Grandma Jo," passed away peacefully on March 21, 2025. She was born on May 7, 1953, to George and Loretta “Hattie” Gentner and was the youngest of eight children. She spent her early years learning and laughing in a one-room schoolhouse where she developed the strong values and warm...
Ralph William Parker
Mar 18, 2025
Ralph William Parker, 91, of Marcellus, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at Maple Lake Assisted Living in Paw Paw.
He was born May 26, 1933, in Aurora, Illinois, the son of Jonathan and Rhoda (Robinson) Parker.
Ralph was a resident of Marcellus before moving to Maple Lake Assisted Living in Paw Paw. He was a man of many talents...
Gerald LeRoy Brown
Mar 11, 2025
Gerald LeRoy Brown, 90, of Mattawan, formerly of Ludington, passed away surrounded by family on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at his home in Mattawan.
Gerald was born on May 30, 1934, in Ludington, MI, the son of Roy B. and Emma C. (Swanson) Brown. He graduated from Ludington High School in 1952 and attended Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Western Michigan...
James "Jim" H. vanWestrienen
Mar 11, 2025
Jim passed away March 11, 2025, in Paw Paw, Michigan following a long battle with diabetes. He was born May 13, 1933, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the eldest son of Henry Artis and G. Leone (Kier) vanWestrienen.
He graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School and Western Michigan University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. He was a 9-year member of the...
Pauline Effie Gillette
Mar 4, 2025
Pauline Effie Gillette, 87, of Decatur, passed away Tuesday March 4, 2025, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo.
She was born September 13, 1937, in Paw Paw, Michigan, the daughter of the late Donald C. Sirrine and Frances (Mearing/Duart) Sirrine.
Pauline worked at Contech Solutions for 30+ years and volunteered at the Decatur Human Services. She enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, watching Wheel...
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