![Obit-Clouse, James #6]()
Mr. James Bernard Clouse of Cedar Springs, Michigan, age 65, passed away into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Thursday, January 29, 2015.
He was born to Robert and Betty Jane (Chulski) Clouse on Sunday, June 12, 1949 in Grand Rapids, and had been a life long resident of the area.
Jim received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Central Michigan University and later worked as a quality control engineer, a profession which he was exceptional at. He was also a veteran who proudly and courageously served his flag and country in the United States Marine Corps in London, England during the Vietnam Conflict. Jim loved many things in life. He was a great outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing at the Pere Marquette River or deer hunting in the Upper Peninsula along the Paint River.
He loved spending time with his family, being around his children, grandchildren, and his nieces and nephews. He also loved to tinker, always keeping a spotless garage. He was a selfless and altruistic man, putting others before himself, especially his family. His love for them was immeasurable. He was a loving father, proud grandfather, wonderful brother and uncle, and dear friend. His big-heartedness, kindness, and generosity will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all those who knew and loved him.
Jim is survived by his loving children Scott (Rachael) Clouse, Andrew (Karla) Clouse, Peter Clouse, Josh Clouse, and Kelly Clouse; adored grandchildren Lincoln, Paige, and Amber Clouse; siblings Dr. Robert (Carol) Clouse, Mary (David) Malecki, Michael (Cindy) Clouse, Gayle Barkey, Linda (Wesley) Ruwersma, Cindy (Neil) Kimball, and Diane (Ray) Weaver; and many, many nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and nephew Gregory Clouse.
There was a time of visitation from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, February 2, 2015, at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe Street NE, Rockford, MI 49341. The funeral service for Jim was celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 3, 2015, at Pederson Funeral Home. There was also a one hour visitation prior to the service.
Pederson Funeral Home
www.pedersonfuneralhome.com
![Obit-Feikema, Herman #6]()
On Sunday, January 25, 2015, at 10:35 p.m., Brother Herm passed on, into the everlasting, strong, and loving arms of Jesus, where there will be no more suffering for him. Herm fought hard to live until the very end. He fought the good fight and kept the faith, and is now receiving his reward in Heaven.
Mr. Herman Christian Feikema of Rockford, Michigan, age 72, was born on Tuesday, April 21, 1942 to the late John and Gertrude (Oldenkamp) Feikema in Rockford. He had been a life-long resident of the area. Herm was a graduate of Rockford High School and received his Master’s Degree in electrical engineering from Michigan State University. Herm loved his career; it was always more than just a job to him. He was a top electrical engineer in the field of aviation and navigation and his work travels took him around the globe to places like Israel and New Zealand. When he wasn’t working, Herm enjoyed bowling, softball, and for over twenty years, he and his sister Hermina would visit nursing homes and retirement communities, and perform for the residents, as the singing “Music Makers.” Singing always brought Herm great joy.
Herm was a kind and gentle man with a humble nature. He was a loving son, wonderful brother, proud uncle, and faithful servant to his Lord. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all those who knew him.
Herm is survived by his beloved siblings Hermina Feikema, Donahue (Althea) Feikema, John (Sharon) Feikema, and Gerald Feikema; eleven nieces and nephews; fifteen great nieces and nephews; and many cousins and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Berdena (Hank) Bosman and Marie Feikema; and niece and nephews Gary, Bob, and Sharon Bosman.
There was a time of visitation from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2015, at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe Street NE, Rockford, MI 49341. The funeral service for Herm was held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2015, at Blythefield Christian Reformed Church, 6350 Kuttshill Drive NE, Rockford, MI 49341. Pastor Darrin Compagner officiated. There wasl also a one hour visitation prior to the service at church. Interment was at Courtland Township Cemetery.
Those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy are encouraged to make a memorial contribution to Blythefield CRC to assist with Christian education; to Fulton Manor, 1450 Fulton Street NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503; or to a charity of one’s choice.
Pederson Funeral Home
www.pedersonfuneralhome.com
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Ruth Elaine (Fowle) Fisher, age 98, passed away in Grand Haven, Michigan on January 25, 2015.
Ruth was born July 14, 1916 to William Stuart and Frances Agnes (Turner) Fowle in the family farmhouse on 11 Mile Road in Rockford, Michigan. Ruth completed her schooling at Rockford High School, graduating in 1934. She was employed as a clerk at Sears-Coon Company in downtown Rockford for several years. On July 1, 1938 she married Edwin D. Fisher, her high school sweetheart, and they enjoyed more than 60 years of adventure and companionship until he passed away in 2001. Ruth enjoyed sewing, crocheting, knitting, reading, playing cards, and sending greeting cards to a large network of family and friends. As each winter rolled around, her grandchildren received hand-crocheted sets of mittens and hats.
Survivors include daughter, Nancy (Jerold) Patterson of Honor, Michigan, and son, David (Sarah) Fisher of Grand Haven; grandchildren, Laura (Randy) Sanders of Columbus, Ohio, Diane (Mark) Workman of Lebanon, Ohio, Amy Patterson of Mason, Ohio, David Patterson of Athens, Ohio, Bradley and Matthew (Erica) Fisher of Grand Haven, Joshua (Amy) Fisher and Daniel Fisher of Granby, Colorado; great-grandchildren Elena Sanders, Samuel and Emily Workman, and Andrew and Ryan Fisher, many nieces and nephews, and former daughter-in-law Linda Brink Fisher. Ruth was predeceased by her brothers William, Richard, Donald, and Arthur, and infant grandson Michael. Ruth was a wonderful, caring mother, grandmother and great grandmother, and will be remembered with love and affection by all who knew her.
Memorial service for Ruth will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 7, 2015 at Rockford United Methodist Church, 159 Maple Street, Rockford, MI 49341. Pastor Ken Bremer officiating. There will be a time of visitation one hour prior. Inurnment at Rockford Cemetery.
Pederson Funeral Home
www.pedersonfuneralhome.com
![Obit-Kelting, Egon #6]()
Mr. Egon Kelting of Belmont, Michigan, age 82, passed away in the comfort of his home and into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Saturday, January 31, 2015.
He was born to Werner and Johanna (Klinge) Roethke on Saturday, April 2, 1932 in New York, NY. Egon married his best friend and soul mate on October 2, 1952 and they were happily married for fifty-seven years before Dorothy’s passing in 2010.
He proudly served in the United States Army Reserves, and retired from McDonnell Douglas Aircraft after working many years as a facilities manager. In his free time, Egon loved being on the “big lake,” in his boat, fishing. He also enjoyed spending time at the cottage on Pigeon Lake. He was a member of the West Michigan Steelheaders Club, as well as a long-time member of the Casino Club in Grand Rapids.
Egon was a loving and devoted husband, wonderful father, and the best grandfather anyone could ask for. He was a kind, caring, and gentle man who will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all those who knew him.
Egon is survived by his children Daniel Kelting and Debra (Art) Kloppe; son-in-law Greg Kiliszewski; eight grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and one great-great grandson. He was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife Dorothy Ann; daughter Diane Elizabeth Kiliszewski; sister Marion Watson; and half-brother Raymond Kelting. There was visitation from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 3, 2015, at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe Street NE, Rockford, MI 49341. The funeral service for Egon was held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 4, 2015, at Pederson Funeral Home. Pastor Bruce Wilson officiated. There wasl also a one hour visitation prior to the service. A private interment will take place at Washington Park Memorial Gardens.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Michigan and to all others involved in caring for Egon. Because Egon loved animals, those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy are encouraged to make a memorial contribution to the Humane Society of West Michigan, 3077 Wilson Drive NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534.
Pederson Funeral Home
www.pedersonfuneralhome.com
![Obit-Pleune, Larry #6]()
Mr. Larry Allan Pleune of Marne, Michigan, age 66, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, January 25, 2015. Larry was born to Leonard and Francis (Groot) Pleune on Sunday, June 6, 1948 in Grand Rapids, Michigan and has been a life-long resident of West Michigan.
Family was everything to Larry. He was a loving and caring husband, adoring father and the best grandfather anyone could ask for. The best day for him was when the family was hanging out together at the cottage.
Larry loved nature and all of God’s creation. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and walking in the woods. His favorite place was at the cottage.
Larry and his high school sweetheart Mary have had several business ventures and are the current owners of River Valley Antiques in Newaygo. They would take many a road trips around Michigan looking for those special pieces to bring into the store. They loved spending time together in the Traverse City area most of all.
He worked in the grocery business since the age of 13, starting as a carry out boy and later as a produce manager & merchandiser.
He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all those who knew him.
Larry is survived by his beloved wife of forty-seven years Mary Jo (Thwaites); loving children Denise Pleune and Christopher (Kimberly) Pleune; adored grandchildren Elijah and Caleb Pleune; mother Francis; brothers Donald (Bonnie) Pleune and Brian (Susan) Pleune; and sisters Linda Meyer, Carol (Bob) VanderWoude, and Marsha (Ralph) VanKuiken.
He was preceded in death by his father Leonard John Pleune on June 10, 2004.
There was be a time of visitation from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. and from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2015, at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe Street NE, Rockford, MI 49341. The funeral service for Larry will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 30, 2015 at Oakfield Baptist Church, 11128 14 Mile Road NE, Rockford, MI 49341. Interment will be in White Swan Cemetery.
Those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy are encouraged to make a memorial contribution in Larry’s memory to Faith Hospice, Development Office, 2100 Raybrook Street SE, Suite 300, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 and online at http://faithhospicecare.org/give/donate.php; or to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 1500 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 and online at https://netcommunity.pancan.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=796.
Pederson Funeral Home
www.pedersonfuneralhome.comå
Philip A. Tillotson, age 78 entered eternal life on Thursday, January 29, 2015.
He was born September 10, 1936 in Grand Rapids, MI the son of Roy A. Tillotson and Gertrude (Blake) Tillotson. He was united to the death and resurrection of Jesus in the waters of Holy Baptism on March 28, 1937 and confirmed on February 2, 1969 at Messiah Lutheran Church, Grand Rapids, MI. On May 29, 1968 he married Norda Wollney at Messiah Lutheran Church. Surviving are his children, Christy (Darren) Fordham and Steven (Mary) Tillotson; grandchildren, Evan P. Fordham, Bradley Tillotson, Sean Tillotson and Amy Tillotson; sister in law, Gail Tillotson and several nieces and nephews. Philip was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Richard.
Philip was a member of the Grand Rapids Men’s Bowling Association for 28 years and served as Secretary of the Bowling Association for 8 years. He proudly served in the US Navy from 1955-1958. He and Norda were members of Messiah Lutheran Church for 46 years.
A Funeral Service was be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, February 3, 2015 at Messiah Lutheran Church, 2727 5 Mile Rd NE, Grand Rapids. The family greeted relatives and friends one hour before the service at church. Interment was in Blythefield Memory Gardens. To sign the family’s online guestbook please visit www.stegengafuneralchapel.com.
Memorial contributions may be made to Messiah Lutheran Church, 2727 5 Mile Rd. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 or Faith Hospice, 2100 Raybrook St. SE Suite 300, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.”
Stegenga Funeral Chapel
Belmont – 866.7200
Mr. Donald Leonard St. John of Rockford, Michigan, age 80, passed away into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, January 28, 2015.
He was born on Thursday, January 24, 1935 to Eugene and Alice (LaFave) St. John in Lake Linden, Michigan. Don was a loving and devoted husband, wonderful father, and the best grandfather anyone could ask for. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all those who knew him.
Don is survived by his beloved wife of sixty years, Mary Ann (Bellaire); loving children David St. John, Karen (Gary) Doxtater, and Brian St. John; daughter-in-law Sue St. John; ten grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; and brother Victor “Teddy” St. John. He was preceded in death by his parents; son Steven St. John on June 14, 2007; and several brothers and sisters.
A private family service will be held as Don had wished. Pastor Bruce Wilson is officiating. Those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy are encouraged to make a memorial contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Michigan Chapter, 25200 Telegraph Road, Suite100, Southfield, MI 48033.
Pederson Funeral Home
www.pedersonfuneralhome.com
Mrs. Ellen June Middleton of Cedar Springs, age 87 passed away Tuesday, January 27, 2015.
She was born in Millbrook, Michigan to Herbert and Elsie (Oberlin) Decker. She enjoyed dancing, traveling, winters in Florida and the challenge of putting puzzles together. However, her greatest joy was spending time with her family.
Ellen is survived by her loving husband Harold “Buck”; sons, Alan (Betty) Palmer, Rob (Ethel) Palmer; step-children, Steve Middleton, Jerry (Laurie) Middleton, Mary Jo (Bill) Weidenfeller, Karen (Kevin) Grattan; 12 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and brother, Cecil Decker. She was preceded in death by her parents; 10 brothers and sisters; and step-son, Ronald Middleton.
There was a memorial visitation for Ellen from 1 – 4 p.m. Saturday, January 31, 2015 at the Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe St., Rockford, MI 49341.
In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to Heartland Hospice, 3230 Eagle Park Drive NE, Suite 200, Grand Rapids, MI 49525. There will be a graveside service for Ellen in the spring.
Pederson Funeral Home
www.pedersonfuneralhome.com