Beverly A. Odren, 81 of Cedar Springs went to be with her Lord and Saviour on Friday, August 14, 2015 at her home. Bev was born January 1, 1934 in Solon Township, MI the daughter of Peter and Marjorie (Clingan) Hanna.

She retired from Cedar Springs Public Schools Reading Center and had been a lifetime and very active member of First Baptist Church, Cedar Springs. She was a very loving and caring mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend.

Surviving are her children, Keith (Marva) Odren, Kent (Peggy) Odren, Karla (Dennis) Glerum; grandchildren, Peter (Monika) Odren, Derek (Jacqui) Odren, Anna Odren, Julie (Matt) Whitehead, Mary (Aaron) Aniszko, Tim (Amy) Glerum, Jon Glerum, and Andy Glerum; great grandchildren, Geneva, Eli, Zach, Isiah, Monroe, and Max; sisters, Myrna Weidenfeller, Doris (Ron) DeJong; brother, Don (Nancy) Hanna; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles in 2000.

The family greeted friends Monday, August 17 from 5-8 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. The service was held Tuesday 11:00 at the First Baptist Church, 233 S. Main St, Cedar Springs. Pastor Jim Howard officiating. Interment Solon Township Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church.

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William Albert Gerber, age 94, died on August 13, 2015, at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans.

William was born June 26, 1921, in Menominee, Michigan; the eldest son of the late Albert F Gerber of Whitewater, Wisconsin and Julia A (Jensen) Gerber of Menominee, Michigan. William had three brothers, the late Donald P Gerber, and identical twins, Albert V and the late Nalbert J Gerber.

William was a 1939 graduate of Menominee High School, Menominee, Michigan. After graduation, William attended a military training program at Houghton, Michigan. William accepted a position with the US Forest Service as a ranger/technician on Isle Royale National Park in 1941, reporting to the island to winter over on December 6, 1941. After returning to the mainland after the winter, William enlisted in the US Army. William served with the Coastal Artillery (Radar Section) in Virginia Beach, Virginia before being transferred to the European Theater, where he served 14 months with General George Patton’s 3rd Army. After the war, William briefly returned to Menominee and enrolled in the Spartan School of Aeronautics, Radio school in Tulsa, Oklahoma, graduating in 1948 with a first class radio telephone license.

It was in Oklahoma where he met his future wife, the late Luella E (Stettnisch) Gerber.  Luella, a native of Breckenridge, Oklahoma, graduated from the St. Edwards School of Nursing in Fort Smith, Arkansas. William and Luella were married on November 7, 1948 in Springdale, Arkansas. The newlywed couple returned to Menominee where William found employment with WMAM Marinette as a radio technician. William was recalled to active duty in support of the Korean Conflict, performing his service at the Theater Radio Relay Facility in Yokohama, Japan. William and Luella had four children: Dwane C, Sheri Kae, Kenn Ray, and Bruce Wayne Gerber. In 1956, William accepted a position as a Dispatcher with the Michigan State Police and was assigned to Post 75 at Houghton Lake. In 1965, he was transferred to the 6th District Headquarters at Rockford, Michigan. He retired from the Michigan State Police as the 6th District Senior Dispatcher in 1981; and as a Sergeant First Class from the Michigan National Guard-US Army. William, call sign W8CBH, was a life member of the Amateur Radio Relay League; Quarter Century Wireless Association; Old Old Timers Club; and numerous other amateur radio associations. He held US and international Amateur radio licenses; served as a MARS (Military Affiliated Radio Station) operator; and proctored amateur radio license examinations.

William was a life-long Boy Scout. William was an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow. He served in nearly every capacity in Scouting, including Scoutmaster, Sea Scout Skipper, Unit Commissioner, Troop Committee Member, and Merit Badge counselor. William earned his Wood Badge beads and his third bead. He worked as a camp staff member of Camp Gerber (Twin Lake, Michigan), Gerald R. Ford Council (Grand Rapids, Michigan); Camp Owasippe, (Whitehall, Michigan), Chicago Area Council; and Camp Hiawatha (Chatham, Michigan), and Hiawathaland Council  (Marquette, Michigan). His Scouting awards include: Silver Beaver; District Award of Merit; Order of the Axe; Order of the Arrow Founders Award; Scouters Key; Scouters Training Award; Commissioners Arrowhead; and numerous other service awards. William was a founding member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Rockford, Michigan. He was an original member of the Rockford Ambulance service.

William was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Donald and Nalbert, his wife Luella, and daughter Sheri. William is survived by his sons: Dwane of Rockford; Kenn, a US State Department employee; and Bruce of Belmont; grandchildren: Bruce II, Los Angeles, CA; Andrew, Grand Rapids, MI: Kevin, Grand Rapids, MI:  Sheri, Sarah, Krystal, and Kenn Gerber, Jr., Beijing, China; brother Albert V Gerber, Stephenson, MI; nieces and nephews: Neil and Brenda Gerber, Gladstone, MI; Marie (Gerber) and Joseph Joran, Apple Valley, MN; Donald J Gerber, Minneapolis, MN; Cindy (Gerber) and Mark Thueringer, Colville, WA; Donald P Jr., and Debra Gerber, Seattle, WA; Juliann C (Gerber) and John Finger, Florida; Nalbert J Jr., and Debra Gerber, Iron Mountain, MI; Robert and Mary Bontekoe, Cheboygan, MI; Mary Bontekoe, Manistique, MI; Ross and Carol Albers, Texas; and Pamela (Stettnisch) Ozment, Ardmore, OK; numerous grand nieces and nephews, friends and colleagues.

There will be a time of visitation from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 19, 2015, at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe Street NE, Rockford, MI 49341. The funeral service for William will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2015 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 310 E. Division Street, Rockford, MI 49341. There will be a one hour visitation prior to the service at church. Pastor Terry E. Hoese will be officiating. William will be interred at Rockford Cemetery with his wife and daughter.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Boy Scouts of America-Gerald R. Ford Council or Hiawathaland Council; DAR-Boys and Girls Club, Menominee, MI; Grand Rapids Home for Veterans; or to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.

Pederson Funeral Home

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Mr. Lloyd Gene Flanagan, Sr. of Lowell, Michigan, age 74, passed away on Thursday, June 25, 2015. He was born to Percy and Lena (Root) Flanagan on Monday, October 7, 1940, in Belmont, Michigan, and had been a lifelong resident of the Lowell area.

Lloyd enjoyed many things in life, but his true passion and lifeblood was farming, and he would be at his most content and in utter glory, riding his tractor, a 656 International Harvester. Lloyd was a loving and devoted husband, wonderful father, proud grandfather, and dear friend. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by family, friends, and all who knew him.

Lloyd is survived by his beloved wife Kathleen (Goldner); loving children Lloyd (Andrea) Flanagan, Jr. and Marilyn (Wayne) VanOss; grandchildren Michelle VanOss, Nathan (Nicole) VanOss, Jason (Dawn) VanOss, and Amanda (Troy) Linebaugh; four great grandchildren; and “special friends” Jake Seaman, Ryan Fisk, and Shannon Fisk. He was preceded in death by his parents; and son David Lloyd Flanagan on January 9, 2015.

There will be a gathering of family and friends to celebrate Lloyd’s life, beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2015, at the family farm, located at 10975 4 Mile Road NE, Lowell, MI 49331.

Those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy are encouraged to make a memorial contribution in Lloyd’s name to the American Diabetes Association, 1550 E. Beltline Avenue SE, Suite 250, Grand Rapids, MI 49506.

Pederson Funeral Home

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Mr. William Scott Dickson, Sr. of Oakfield Township, Michigan, passed away on the evening of Saturday, August 15, 2015, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family. Bill was born to Larry and Judith (Easterday) Dickson on Wednesday, June 7, 1967 in Allegan, Michigan, but had been a longtime resident of Pierson.

Bill was a true outdoorsman—he loved being in the woods, hunting, or on the lake, boating and fishing, and when those frigid winters froze the lake over, one could find him more than content, with a line dropped down the hole waiting for his catch of the day. He enjoyed his day’s work in the yard and then relaxed in the evening by a bonfire, just as the stars began to show through the ethereal light of a warm and perfect Michigan night. As a handyman, there was never a job, too big or too small; always lending a hand to those that needed it.

He will always be remembered as a wonderful father, proud grandfather, dear brother and friend. The love he held for his family and those close to him, was truly beyond measure.

Bill is survived by his loving children, Miranda (Jason DeVries) Heyer, Tiffany Dickson, William (Kimberly)  Dickson, Jr., Samantha Mills, and Steven Mills; adored grandchildren, River, Jayden, Jordyn, J.R., Keanna, and Rocklyn; brothers Paul and Larry (Pattie) Dickson; and sisters Bessie (Joe) Miller, Brenda (Rick) Watts, and Monica Dickson. He was preceded in death by his parents.

The memorial service for Bill will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, August 21, 2015 at the New Life Baptist Fellowship Church, 6252 Burlingame Ave. S.W., Byron Center, MI 49315.

Pederson Funeral Home

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Larry Lee Chrisman, age 79 of Ada, Michigan, passed away on Saturday, August 15, 2015 at his home surrounded by his family.

Larry is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carolyn; his children, Rick Chrisman (Brenda), Linda Fontes, Laurie Ball (Patrick), Lisa Schichtel (Matthew), and Kim Charron; twenty-two grandchildren, Brad Chrisman, Katie O’Rourke, Stacey Chrisman, Mallory Chrisman, Andrew Chrisman, Megan Chrisman, Melissa Kam, Mary LaFramboise, Paul Shemanski, Nicole Ball, Joseph Ball, Lindsey Johnston, Kelly Ball, Madeline Ball, Matthew Schichtel, Elizabeth Schichtel, Jack Schichtel, Maggie Schichtel, Rory Charron, Jaime Charron, Natalie Charron and David Charron; and ten great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his grandson Stephen Shemanski Jr. Larry is also survived by his two sisters, Delores Allen and Glenda Didion, and his brother Ron Chrisman. He was preceded in death by his parents Godfrey and Minnie Chrisman and his brothers Wayne Chrisman, Lyle Chrisman and Kenny Chrisman.

There was a time of visitation from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, August 17, 2015, at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe Street in Rockford. A Rosary was offered at 7:30 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial for Larry was celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 18, 2015 at Saint Patrick Parish, 4351 Parnell Ave NE, Ada, MI 49301. Fr. Mark Peacock will be presided. There was also a time of visitation one hour prior to the service at Saint Patrick Parish on Tuesday. Burial took place in Saint Patrick Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Saint Patrick Catholic School, 4333 Parnell Ave NE, Ada, MI 49301.

Pederson Funeral Home

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Mrs. Lorraine Catherine Cheslock of St. Ann’s Home, Grand Rapids, Michigan, formerly of Rockford, age 94, passed away on the evening of Thursday, August 13, 2015.

Lorraine was born to Frank and Anna (Szturmowski) Napierala on Sunday, November 7, 1920, in Grand Rapids, and had been a lifelong resident of the area.

Lorraine is survived by her loving daughters, Barbara (Albert) Mekkes and Susan Peck; grandchildren Marie (Chad) Uzarski, Michael Mekkes, Nathan (Taylor Greenfield) Peck, Steven (Alicia) Peck, Adam Cheslock, and Jonathan Peck; and five great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Edward J. Cheslock on April 25, 1992; infant granddaughter Catherine Mekkes; two great grandchildren; sisters Victoria Napierala and Dorothy Lazoski; and brother Robert Napierala.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Lorriane will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 16, 2015, at St. Ann’s Home, 2161 Leonard Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504. There will be a one hour visitation prior to Mass. Fr. Darrel Kempf will be presiding. Interment will be in Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Grand Rapids, MI.

Those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy are encouraged to make a memorial contribution to the American Cancer Society, 129 Jefferson Avenue SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508.

Pederson Funeral Home

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Mrs. Ellen Alexandra VanWagoner of Rockford, Michigan, age 65, passed away on the evening of Wednesday, August 26, 2015.

She was born to Arthur and June (Coles) Eklund on Sunday, April 30, 1950, in Lansing, Michigan, and had been a longtime resident of the Rockford area.

Ellen is survived by her beloved husband of thirty-five years, Jerry Wayne VanWagoner; five children; and four grandchildren.

Per Ellen’s wishes, simple cremation has taken place and services will not be held at this time.

Pederson Funeral Home

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Darrell D. Sallee, age 77 of Rockford, passed away Wednesday, August 26, 2015.

Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, Doy and Kathleen (Hill) Sallee; his son, Shawn Sallee, and his sisters, Judy Krause and Cheryl Cowling.  Left to cherish his memory are his children, Dawn (Mike) Ellis, Chris Sallee (Mike Perkowski), and Matt Sallee; grandchildren, Cailee Sallee, Andrew Sallee, Gina Ellis, Brian Ellis, Jenna Sallee, Brooke Sallee, Mikelle Sallee, Matthew and Michael Sallee and his sister, Vickie Barna.

Darrell retired from the Michigan State Police after 25 years of service; he spent most of his career at Rockford Post #61. He was a loyal Detroit Lions fan. He enjoyed traveling to Florida and Branson, Missouri and fishing. Above all he loved his grandchildren and the good times he had with them.

Funeral Services were at 1:00 p.m., Monday, August 31, 2015 at Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 1601 Post Dr. NE, Belmont. The family will greeted relatives and friends on Sunday, August 30 from 2 – 5 p.m. at the funeral chapel and one hour prior to the service on Monday.

To share a memory or photo and to sign the family’s online guestbook, please visit www.stegengafuneralchapel.com.

Stegenga Funeral Chapel

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Mrs. Irene Margaret Ryfiak, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, age 81, passed away on the evening of Thursday, August 27, 2015, and rests now, with her dearest Jack, and their Lord and Savior.

She was born to Robert and Edith (Ballard) O’Keefe on Monday, November 20, 1933, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and had been a lifelong resident of the area. Irene was a faithful and devoted servant to her Lord. She was a member of both St. Anthony and St. Patrick Catholic Parishes, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary. She was also involved in the repairing and painting of the nativity statues at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, as well as creating the Stations of the Cross for the Bishop Baraga Shrine near Indian Lake in Manistique, Michigan. She was incredibly proud of her contributions. Irene was a woman of immeasurable talent— she loved sewing, painting, drawing, and scrapbooking, always preserving her family’s history.

She and Jack were also diehard hockey fans, cheering on the Detroit Red Wings and the Grand Rapids Griffins, and they were original season ticket holders for the latter.

Irene is survived by her loving children, Christopher Ryfiak, Theodore (Susan) Ryfiak, Sr.,  Thomas (Kerry) Ryfiak; and Matthew (Bonnie) Ryfiak; grandchildren, Samantha (Genghis) Justiniano, Tyler Ryfiak, Theodore (Beatriz) Ryfiak, Jr., Jonathan “Jack” Ryfiak, Jacqueline, Bethany, Stephanie, Levi, and Nathanael Ryfiak, and Brandon and Jordyn Ryfiak; great-grandchildren Elijah, Theodore III, Adriana, Anthony, and Isaiah Jack; sisters Roberta Ryan and Amy Kirchhoff; sisters-in-law, Carmen (Richard) Maestas and Bonnie Ryfiak Lipke; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband of sixty years, Jack Francis Ryfiak; infant daughter Susie; sister Edith Fisher; and brother Thomas O’Keefe.

There was visitation from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 2015, at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe Street NE, Rockford, MI 49341. The Rosary was said, following visitation at 8:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 2, 2015, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 4351 Parnell Avenue NE, Ada, MI 49301. Fr. Mark Peacock presided. There was a one hour visitation prior to Mass at church. Following Mass, inurnment was in St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery for both Jack and Irene.

Those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy are encouraged to make a memorial contribution to St. Patrick School, 4351 Parnell Avenue NE, Ada, MI 49301.

Pederson Funeral Home

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Mrs. Essie Mohn (Cross) aged 90, of Tampa, FL., passed away peacefully Saturday, August 29, 2015.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Myles; son, Wayne; daughter-in-law, Michelle; grandsons, Darrell and Shawn. Essie has one surviving brother, Earl Cross of Brandon, Fl., sister-in-law, Mary Cross; also surviving are her sons, Robert (Patricia) Mohn, Terry Mohn, Marty Mohn; daughter-in-law, Racella Mohn; grandchildren, Michelle, Shayne, Lisa, Michael, Jenae, Terren and Jeremiah; great grandchildren, Austin, Bryce, Cameron, Daryl, Steven, Jacob, Alyssa, Olivia and Lucas; special nephew, Herbert Wood.

Essie was a Southern Beauty and worked at the USO Clubs during WWII where she met her husband, Myles. She had a great sense of humor, loved jewelry and also loved playing bingo. Essie was a wonderful cook and enjoyed cooking large meals for family and friends.

Funeral services were held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 2, 2015 at Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 1601 Post Dr. NE., with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment Blythefield Memory Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society or American Diabetes Association. To share a photo, memory and sign the family’s online guestbook please visit: www.stegengafuneralchapel.com

Stegenga Funeral Chapel

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Evan M. Kobayashi, 17 of Cedar Springs, died Sunday, August 30, 2015. Evan was born April 6, 1998 in Grand Rapids, MI the son of Toshi and Kelli (Beckman) Kobayashi.

He was a senior at Cedar Springs High School who excelled in both academics and athletics. Evan was passionate about baseball, the game as well as the friendships and character traits that came from playing the sport. Evan was a boy from whom kindness radiated, warming anyone fortunate enough to be near him. He laughed often and was generous with both smiles and gentle words. He was the most humble of individuals, drawing all to his positive spirit. He enjoyed morel hunting with his family, playing cards with his friends, hunting, scaling the dunes at Lake Michigan and reading avidly. His sense of humor and quick wit brought continuous joy to those around him.

Surviving are his parents, brother and sister, Logan and Elise; grandparents, George and Carol Kobayashi, and Richard Beckman; many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Wava Beckman.

The family will greet friends Wednesday Sept. 2 from 1-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. The service will be held Thursday, Sept. 3 at 1:00 p.m. at the Cedar Springs High School Auditorium. Prayers and reflections given by Rev. Fr. Lam Le.

Memorial contributions may be made to a lasting memorial to be decided by the family.

Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home

Cedar Springs, Michigan

Anne Elizabeth Harmon of Rockford, Michigan, age 35, left this earth far too soon and quite unexpectedly, on the morning of Tuesday, August 25, 2015. Anne was born to Dick and Lila (Beaudin) on Saturday, August 2, 1980, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and had been a lifelong resident of Rockford.

Anne was a graduate of Rockford High School and received her Associate’s degree from Grand Rapids Community College. In her free time she loved taking walks and spending quality time with her family.

Anne is survived by her beloved parents; fiancé Kiyon Kennedy; sister Bridget (Marty) Murphy; brother Sean (Lisa) Harmon; and nieces Maggie and Catherine. She was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 28, 2015, at Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church, 4865 11 Mile Road NE, Rockford, MI 49341. Fr. Tony Russo presided. There was a one hour visitation prior to Mass at church.

Those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy are encouraged to make a memorial contribution to the Our Lady of Consolation Education Foundation—OLCEF, 4865 11 Mile Road NE, Rockford, MI 49341.

Pederson Funeral Home

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Beatrice Maurine Dalman (known as “Maurine” and sometimes “Bea”), age 89, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 25, 2015. She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Dalman, and is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Earlina and Mark Velting, and four grandchildren: Melissa and Jason Hawkins, Amanda and Jason Helmholdt, Michael and Colleen Velting, and Steven Velting, plus nine great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her niece and nephew, Sharon and Thomas Stehouwer, plus several other nieces and nephews.

Maurine was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on June 21, 1926, and was the fifth of six children. At age 5, she suffered from polio, which left her paralyzed on the left side for life. Maurine held onto her faith throughout her life’s many trials and tribulations. In spite of her handicap, she was a remarkable inspiration and embraced her life with zest and zeal. She enjoyed entertaining, traveling, collecting, writing, visiting with family and friends, playing games, watching movies, and reading biographies of famous people. She even earned an Associate’s Degree in Journalism at age 51!

Maurine served as a typist at Zondervan Publishing for 21 years. She was a gifted storyteller and would entertain people for hours with her many interesting tales. She loved animals and at one time owned five toy poodles and a cat! One of the highlights of Maurine’s life was her 17 years of travels with her mother and niece, Karilyn Frederick. They traveled all over Canada and to every state in the U.S. except Alaska and Hawaii. They ate and slept in their Nash car and spent the money they had earned and saved through babysitting and selling Avon.

On April 20, 1967, at the age of 40, Maurine married the love of her life, Earl Dalman. She was also blessed at that time with a darling five-year-old daughter, Earlina. In 1972, Maurine and Earl traveled to Spain and Africa, and a year later they visited Germany, Austria, Italy and the Netherlands. After seven years of marriage, when Earlina was 12 years old, Earl was murdered while working his traveling salesman route. That same year, the very week they had planned their trip to England, Maurine attended Earl’s murder trial instead.

Maurine loved her daughter, Earlina, very dearly so went to court and fought for custody so that she could raise her in a Christian home. Maurine also forgave her husband’s two murderers and gave them each a Bible. This story, as well as details of Earl’s Christian testimony, were published in the June 1975 issue of Our Daily Bread.

A story about Maurine would not be complete without mentioning her love for dolls, which she started to collect at a very young age. She made 50 porcelain dolls, which she dressed with clothing she hand-crafted from head to toe. Her collection eventually grew to over 600 dolls, which was a marvel to behold! Maurine was especially fond of Shirley Temple and collected her dolls, pictures, movies, figurines, and other memorabilia. Maurine also started a plate collector’s club, which lasted for 10 years.

By the grace of God, Maurine was given tenacity and strength and was blessed with a long and full life. She was well-loved and will be missed by those who knew her for years to come.  Maurine attended Grace Bible Church in Grandville, Michigan.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 28, 2015 at Stegenga Funeral Chapel 1601 Post Drive NE, Belmont. Relatives and friends were invited to meet with Maurine’s family from 10-11 a.m.

To read a full obituary, share a memory or photo and to sign the family’s online guest book, please visit www.stegengafuneralchapel.com.

Stegenga Funeral Chapel

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Mr. Jack J. Cramer of Rockford, age 86, passed away on the evening of Wednesday, August 26, 2015. He was born on Sunday, December 30, 1928 to Lloyd and Marilyn Cramer and had been a lifelong resident of the Rockford area.

As a truehearted countryman, Jack proudly and courageously served his flag and country in the United States Navy. Jack was a loving and devoted husband, wonderful father and grandfather, dear brother and friend. He will be sadly missed, but fondly missed by his family, friends, and all those who knew him.

Jack is survived by his loving children Tom Cramer, Randy (Sandy) Cramer, Cindy (Rodney) Lee, and Jeanette (Kurt) Solomon; six grandchildren; four great grandchildren; brother Bill (Donna) Cramer; sister Donna Spencer; and former wife Betty Smaling. He was preceded in death by his parents; and beloved wife Betty Cramer (Dressler).

Under the auspices of the Kent County Veteran’s Honor Guard and the United States Navy, full military honors were conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 2, 2015, at the American Legion Glen Hill Post 287, 80 S. Main Street, Cedar Springs, MI 49319.

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

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Frances Lee Clemens passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 30, 2015, at her home of 54 years, surrounded by the love of her family. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Herbert Clemens.

Fran was an accomplished wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was an owner and operator of Blythefield Memory Gardens. Fran was an intelligent, beautiful, competitive and loving woman. She has taught all of us how to live by her example. Fran lived her life giving, loving, laughing, and working hard. Fran was a top flight bowler, outstanding golfer and bridge player. She enjoyed bowling and golfing up until she was 88 years old. Fran’s spirit touched everyone she met.

She is survived by her loving sons— Curtis (Susan) and Ronald. Her adored grandchildren— Alexas, Cameron, Nicholas, and Samantha. Also surviving, are her brothers Edward and John Loznak and sister Dorothy Signs.

We thank God and will continue to thank Him for the wonderful gift of a truly outstanding and beautiful Mother, Grandmother, and friend. There was a time of visitation from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m. on Monday, August 31, 2015, at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe Street NE, Rockford, MI 49341. The Mass of Christian Burial for Fran was celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 2015, at St. Jude Catholic Church, 1120 4 Mile Road NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525. Fr. Tom Page presided. There was also be a one hour visitation prior to Mass at church. Fran was laid to rest, next to her dearest husband Herbert, in Blythefield Memory Gardens, immediately following Mass. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Blythefield Memory Gardens and Pederson Funeral Home.

Blythefield Memory Gardens and Pederson Funeral Home

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Cheril L. Ruddick of Rockford, Michigan (formerly of Muskegon, MI) passed away on Sunday December 25, 2016, at home surrounded by her loving family.

Cheril was born on July 6, 1952, to Eugene and Charlotte Owen of Muskegon, MI. Cheril was devoted to her family and had a great love of life. Cheril was married to David Ruddick on August 5, 1978, and they had two children, Jeffrey and Andrew. Cheril was a caring mother, wife, sister, aunt, and friend.

Idle time was something that Cheril avoided and she made the most of her time on this earth. She loved the company of family and friends. She had many friends including her Book Club and her “Fab Five” group. Cheril loved meeting friends and family for lunch and spending time on Lake Michigan. Her recent passion was spending as much time as possible with her granddaughter Katherine. Cheril devoted her professional life to teaching. She held both a Bachelors and Masters degree from Michigan State University and started her career in Fremont, MI as an elementary school teacher. She later worked at the SLD Read and most recently as a Reading Specialist in several Rockford Elementary Schools. She assisted in the reading development of many West Michigan area children. Cheril had many other interests, including cross country skiing, swimming, weaving, and craft projects. She was an avid basketball fan and enjoyed watching many Rockford, Albion College, and Michigan State games.

Cheril loved the Fourth of July and particularly Christmas because she spent them with her beloved family. It was a fitting farewell when Cheril departed this world only after ensuring that her Christmas decorations and plans were well situated, family present, and her granddaughter had opened her first gift.

Cheril is survived by her beloved husband of 38 years, Dave; children Jeffrey (Stacey) Ruddick, Andrew Ruddick (Meghan Murphy), granddaughter Katherine Ruddick, brother Gary (Charlotte) Owen, brother-in-law Allan Whitlow, cousins, nieces, and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Charlotte Owen, and sister Janice Whitlow (Owen).

There was a time of visitation from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 30, 2016, at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe Street NE Rockford, MI 49341. The Funeral Service for Cheril was at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 31, 2016, at Bostwick Lake Congregational United Church of Christ, 7979 Belding Rd NE, Rockford, MI 49341. Pastor Tom Lawton presided.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy are encouraged to make a memorial contribution to the American Cancer Society, Lakeshore Division, P.O. Box 30280, Lansing, MI 48909; or at cancer.org.

Pederson Funeral Home

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Joel E. Stinson, age 82, met our Heavenly Father on January 7, 2017. He is the beloved husband of Doris (Bryant) Stinson for 58 yrs., and endeared father of Stephen Stinson (deceased); Brenda (Stinson) and Joseph Nowosad; Colleen (Stinson) and James Wickering ; and Michael Stinson and Tina Elliot. He is the cherished grandfather of Kate Nowosad, Hank Wickering, John Nowosad, Sam Nowosad, and Benjamin Stinson; the brother of Susan (Stinson) Pocsi and Janet (Stinson) Earlywine. He is also survived by many cousins, brother in-laws, sister in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends. Of special mention, he was preceded in death by parents John L. and Mary Jane (Simpson) Stinson; Aunt Catherine (Stinson) and Uncle Otto Bielow; cousin Corlise Bielow; and sister Anne (Stinson) Dickerson.

He graduated from Sand Lake High School in 1952, served in the US Army 1954-1956, married in 1958, joined the Grand Rapids Police Dept. in 1959, and retired as the Pistol Range Officer, at the rank of Sargent, in 1991. He was raised on a dairy farm and became a life-long outdoorsman, motorcycle enthusiast, gunsmith, and NRA Bullseye Pistol Master and Expert Marksman. He enjoyed playing Cribbage and Euchre; hunting for rabbits and deer; and especially fishing on the Great Lakes, inland lakes, the rivers of Michigan, Canada, and Alaska, with his wife and late Uncle Otto Bielow, children, grandchildren, and many other family and friends. With his wife he enjoyed traveling to 47 of the 50 states and throughout Canada.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM on Saturday, January 14, 2017, at Grace Community Church, 4435 Canonsburg Rd NE, Belmont, MI 49306, preceding the 11:30 AM memorial service. A fellowship luncheon will follow in the Christian Education Building at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for charitable donations to the Grand Rapids Community College Foundation designated to the Sargent Joel E. Stinson Criminal Justice Memorial Scholarship (www.grcc.edu/grccfoundation/waystogive/donatetogrccfoundation) and envelopes will be available.

SARGENT JOEL E. STINSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Sargent Stinson joined the Grand Rapids Police Force in 1959. He served honorably as a Patrol Officer for many years and retired in 1991 as the Pistol Range Officer where he trained, and qualified, many cadets and officers. (A one-time) or An annual award of varying amounts will be given to a full-time freshman or sophomore student enrolled in the Criminal Justice Law Enforcement Certification Program. The student shall have maintained at least a 2.80 (on a 4.0 scale) High School GPA or a 2.80 College GPA. For additional information, contact the GRCC Financial Aid Office 616-234-4030.

Charles H. Hyde

Cadillac, Michigan

Charles Henry Hyde, 89, of Cadillac, MI passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at North Collier Hospital in Naples, FL. He had been a seasonal resident of Naples for the past 4 years.

Charlie was born June 30, 1927 in Grand Rapids, Michigan the son of the late Carl W. and Nell (Kies) Hyde. He graduated from Rockford High School, Class of 1945 before earning his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees at Central Michigan University.

Charlie was a WWII Veteran who served in the United States Navy. Mr. Hyde was proud to be a public school educator from 1962-1993, retiring after spending the majority of his career in the Gwinn Area Community Schools. He was a member of the American Legion, Forty-and-eights, VFW, AMVETS, and the Elks Club.

Charlie was also the former owner of the Corner Bar in Rockford, MI, famous for Hyde’s Hotdogs.

During retirement, he maintained his farm in Cadillac, MI and also enjoyed spending time in Kauai and Grand Marais in the UP.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 59 years, Ann (Raven) Hyde; loving children, Howard (Mary Ann) Hyde of St. Paul, MN, Tinka Hyde of Chicago, IL, Dirk (Pamela) Hyde of Perham, MN and Gena Hyde of Lansing, MI; cherished grandchildren, Andrew (Bethany) Hyde, Marienna (Alan) Poslaiko, Phillip Hyde, Christiana (Kennen) Less, Cameron Hyde, Magdalen Hyde and Thomas Hyde; and great granddaughter, Penelope Hyde.

A celebration of Charlie’s life will be held in the summer and will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rockford Historical Society, P.O. Box 781, Rockford, MI 49341 or to the Osceola County Community Foundation (for educational scholarships), P.O. Box 37, Reed City, MI 49677.

Online condolences may be offered by visiting www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com.

Linda Michaels, 72 of Rockford, unexpectedly went to her heavenly home on Tuesday, January 17, 2017 in Casa Grande, AZ.

She was a loved wife, mother, aunt, sister, grandmother, expectant great grandmother and friend.

She was born August 16, 1944 to the late Ralph and Alice Pratt and she lived her entire life in Kent County. She was a middle child, placed right between two loving sisters, Ann Scott (Jim) and Carolyn Reed (Mike). She married Gene Michaels on September 13, 1991 and they recently celebrated their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary.

She will be missed by many family members including her husband, two sisters, many nieces and nephews and her children, Christine Hofstra (John), Dan Rogers (Theresa), Ann VerWys (Jim) and Shannon Novak (Russ) in addition to her eight grandchildren, Zachary Rogers (Ashley), Lauren Linde (Chase), Ben Rogers (Maaret), Annalyse Haarer (Brandon), Austin Stevens, Nate Rogers, Lucy and Josie Novak.

Linda was a loving, funny, spunky and caring woman. She was a long-time employee at Hartwell Mortgage Company. Some special memories include her incredible cooking ability and the meals she shared with friends and family alike. There was a fresh cookie for every occasion. She enjoyed reading, studying, and was actively involved in a women’s Bible study. We are thankful that she is in heaven with her Savior.

There will be a memorial service at a later date. Local arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.

Royal Eugene “Pete” Cooper, age 89, passed away on Monday, November 27, 2017 at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital.

Pete was born March 27, 1928 in Kent City, Michigan to Roy and Doris (Rogers) Cooper and lived most of his life in the Rockford area. He worked for his dad until his fifth child was born and then drove truck for Darling & Company in Walker for many years.  He retired after spending several years at Kroger Warehouse.

Pete married Ruth Joslin on April 6, 1946 and they were married until her death on August 18, 2011.  He was also preceded in death by his son, Donald Cooper and his daughter-in-law, Jeanne Cooper.

Pete is survived by his children, Kenneth and Deb Cooper, Helen and Steve Smith, JoAnn and David Fowler, Nancy Samsel, Dale Cooper, and Nancy Sowerby (Don’s significant other); and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be at 11:00am on Friday, December 1, 2017 at the Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe Street in Rockford with Pastor Bruce Wilson officiating.

Relatives and friends may meet with the family from 2 to 4pm and 6 to 8pm at the funeral home on Thursday, November 30, 2017

Interment will take place in Blythefield Memory Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Tuesday Senior Music Sessions held at Rockford Ambulance or to Harvest Way in Sparta

Please visit pedersonfuneralhome.com to share a memory or sign an online registry.