Mrs. Pamela Gale (Petersen) Reed, a teacher and resident of St. Louis, Missouri, died unexpectedly on November 15, 2017, at the age of 74 while doing what she loved most, teaching.

Pam is survived by her husband, Ernest Reed; her daughter’s father, Thomas Flemming; her adored children, Ursula (Keith) James and their children, Riley, Carter and Peyton James; Gabrielle (Robert) Morton; Tonya Reed (Erik) Mumford and her son, Airron Nutt; her loving sisters, Marcia (Roger) Stotz, Jenny (Bruce) Caylen, and Holly (Gary) Cavner; her many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her father and mother Rex and Harriet Petersen.

Pam was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on July 12, 1943, to Rex and Harriet Petersen. She graduated from Rockford High School in 1961 and Central Michigan University with a Master’s degree in teaching with an emphasis in special education. She worked as a teacher for 37 years until she retired in 2012 and continued to substitute teach for special education kids until her death.

Pam married Ernest Reed, the love of her life, on August 28, 1993. They blended their families and were proud parents to: Ursula James, Gabrielle Morton and Tonya Reed-Mumford, who were the most important parts of their life. Pam was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend and teacher.

She enjoyed reading, getting together with her book club, beading group, breakfast club ladies and Red Hat Ladies, volunteering at The Empowerment Network, traveling with Ernest to wherever their hearts desired, but, especially to Michigan to see family and her beloved Lake Michigan.  She loved the mountains and going out west was a treat.

She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, students, and all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life service will be held 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 2, 2017, with visitation prior, held from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe Street NE, Rockford, MI 49341.

Please come and share your stories about Pam and celebrate the lovely life that she lived.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Empowerment Network of St. Louis, 6000 West Florissant Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63136; or by visiting theempowermentnetwork.net

Mr. Robert Boelens, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, age 92, of Grand Rapids, went to join his Savior, Jesus Christ, and previously deceased wife of 67 years, Marion, on Thursday, November 30, 2017. He was born February 9, 1925.

Bob was the Mayor of Grand Rapids from 1970-1971, prior to that worked in the City Building and Inspections Department, served in WWII as a Marine (Bulldog Bob), owned The Red Barn sporting goods store and was known to cherished friends as S.O.B. or Sweet Old Bob.

Surviving are his children Sheryl Boelens, Robert and Pam Boelens, Tim and Sherry Boelens, Denny and Julie Boelens, and Suzanne Jewell; also 7 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

A celebration of Bob’s amazing life was held on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at 11:00am at Faith Lutheran Church, 2740 Fuller Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505, with Pastor Kevin Sullivan officiating.

Visitation was held on Sunday, December 3, 2017 from 2-4pm and Monday, December 4, 2017 from 6-8pm at the Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N Monroe St. NE, Rockford, MI 49341.  There was a visitation time one hour prior to the service at church.

In lieu of flowers, those desiring an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Mid-Michigan Honor Flight, P.O. Box 385, Mecosta, MI 49332 or www.midmichiganhonorflight.com

Nancy Kay (Steinke) Wallace, age 65, of Lamoni, Iowa, formally of Belmont, Michigan, was born on July 4, 1952 to Franklin and Arlene Steinke.  She died at her home on Monday, October 16, 2017.

Nancy grew up in Belmont and graduated from Rockford High School in 1970.  She graduated from Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa in 1974.  She later obtained her masters degree in Social Work from the University of Iowa.

In 1976 she married Jon Berkley Wallace and they were later blessed with a son, Brent.  Nancy worked for Graceland University for over 30 years as an academic advisor, career counselor, alumni director, and was currently teaching part time.  After Jon’s retirement, they enjoyed their surroundings on their small acreage outside of Lamoni, Iowa.  In her free time, Nancy enjoyed antiques, furniture, and gardening.

Her mother and her husband Jon preceded Nancy in death in 2010.

Survivors include her son, Brent Wallace and wife Sabrina of Buda, Texas; father, Frank Steinke of Rockford, Michigan; sister, Joyce (Harvey) Johnecheck of Grand Rapids, Michigan; nephew, Dan (Barb) Randall of Cedar Springs, Iowa; niece, Amy Randall of Sparta, and her children, Kara Fish and Tryce Fairchild; and brother-in-law, Bruce (Sally) Wallace of Novato, California; and many other relatives and friends.

A funeral was held in Lamoni in October and memorial service will be held at 10:00a.m. on December 9, 2017 at the Community of Christ (Church) at 4875 Palenque Place, N.E., Grand Rapids with Elder Mavoric Farmer officiating.

Peggy Ann (Beale) Vickery, age 65 of Hastings, passed away unexpectedly, December 20, 2017.

She was born on October 28, 1952, in Grand Rapids, MI, the daughter of Charles and Virginia Beale of Belmont.

Peggy was a tremendous woman who touched so many lives with her kind heart, sweet smile and fun loving spirit.  She loved spending time with her family and friends.  She was very adventurous and had many passions, including traveling, hiking in the mountains, biking, and taking walks.  Her greatest passion was her husband, the love of her life, Gary Vickery.  They were inseparable for 28 beautiful years.

Peggy was preceded in death by her father, Charles Beale and is survived by her mother, Virginia Beale of Belmont, her husband, Gary Vickery of Hastings, her son, Richard (Kelly) Vandyke of Grand Rapids, daughter, Jackie (Matt) Petersen of Rockford, step-children, Shelly Addison of Delton, Coleen (Ron) Polley of Delton, Tazee Vickery of Mattawan, Scott (Nicky) Vickery of Delton, many grandchildren and great grandchildren, her siblings Ellyn Beale of Grand Rapids, Connie (Doug) Kuhnle of Rockford, Barb (Wayne) Sobie of Rockford, Chuck (Abby) Beale of Frankfort.

A celebration of life will be held at Frederik Meijer Gardens on Saturday, December 30, 2017 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Mrs. Nila June Olmstead of Rockford, Michigan, age 78, passed away on the afternoon of Thursday, December 21, 2017, and rests now, in the arms of her Lord and Savior.

She was born to Stephen and Hildred (Evilsizer) Essich on a Friday, May 13, 1939, in Mascoutah, Illinois.

Nila was a SUPER GRANDMA! She loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren without measure. She was always active with them and infinitely proud of them. She would also volunteer to hold and rock infants in the church nursery. Nila was a woman of great faith, and loved praising her Lord through music at church. She was also passionate about animals, and had a great love for her German Shepherds.

Nila is survived by her beloved husband of sixty years, Charles Harold Olmstead; loving children, Jeff (Julie) Olmstead, Karen (Bill Shane) Olmstead, David Olmstead, and Kristy (Doug) Crysler; adored grandchildren, Dan, Scott, Sara, Molly, Sam, Ben, Anna, Chloe, and Dylan; great-grandchildren, Quinten, Gavin, Allison, Zoey, Aurora; her late son Stephen’s fiancé, Tracy Santure; brother Ronald (Joyce) Essich; sister Nancy (David) Howland, sister-in-law Marian Ward; and numerous, nieces, nephews, and other beloved friends and family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Stephen Harold Olmstead; and brother Quinten “Jack” Ward.

The memorial service for Nila was celebrated by Pastor Dennis Moles at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 29, 2017, at Bella Vista Church, 5100 Belding Road NE, Rockford, MI 49341. Relatives and friends had a time of visitation one hour prior to
the service.

Those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy are encouraged to make a memorial contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association, 2944 Fuller Avenue, Suite 101, Grand Rapids, MI 49505.

Brison Christopher Ricker of Cedar Springs, Michigan, age 16, passed away on the morning of Saturday, December 23, 2017, after a brave & courageous battle with DIPG brain cancer. He was surrounded by his family in the comfort of his home, and rests now, comfortably in the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Born on January 4, 2001, Brison grew up in Cedar Springs and attended Cedar Springs High School. He was outgoing and driven by his faith in everything he did—always striving for greatness. Brison raced motocross, and played soccer and basketball. He loved watching sports too.

Brison had a great sense of humor and a kind heart to match. He was an incredible and loving son, wonderful brother and best friend, grandson and teammate, and was loved by so many.

Brison leaves behind his parents Brian and Kimberly (Morris) Ricker; brother Preston Ricker; grandparents Kathryn (Gary Burger) Ricker, Joe (Gail) Ricker; Mark Sheldon; uncle Mark Ricker; and many special friends.  He was preceded in death by his grandmother Deb Sheldon.

The funeral service for Brison was celebrated by Pastors Julian Newman and Dawn Damon at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 30, 2017, at Resurrection Life Church, 3233 10 Mile Road NE, Rockford, MI 49341.  Relatives and friends had a time of visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at church.

Those wishing to offer an expression of sympathy are encouraged to make a memorial contribution to Brison’s family to assist them with funeral expenses.  Brison will be laid to rest in Elmwood Cemetery, Cedar Springs, Michigan.

Paul R. Smith age 75 of Rockford, passed away Saturday, January 13, 2018 at his home. Paul was born December 20, 1942 in Sparta, MI the son of Roger and Dorothy (Hoskins) Smith. He was in the Army National Guard for six years and retired from Rapistan. He was an active member of the Algoma Historical Society since 2009.

Surviving are his wife, Phyllis (Tyler) whom he married on February 20, 1965; children, Lynne (Timothy) Gray, Katherine (Robert) Tiel, Timothy Smith (Heidi Feikema), Michael Smith; 7 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; brother, Kenneth (Jo) Smith; sister-in-law, Joanne Turnipseed; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, brother and two sisters-in-law.

The family will receive friends Thursday from 5-8 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where the service will be held Friday 11:00 am. Pastor Wayne Ondersma officiating. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, Cedar Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to the Algoma Historical Society.

Douglas R. Paull of Grand Rapids, Michigan, age 75, passed away on Thursday, January 11, 2018.  He was born to Wilfred and Coyla (Zimmerman) Paull on January 13, 1942, in East Grand Rapids, Michigan. Doug is survived by his brother Lee (Faith) Paull; a nephew and two nieces. A private burial will take place.

Fred L. Hunt of Rockford, Michigan, age 80, passed away on Saturday, January 27, 2018.  He was born to Fredrick R. and Grace E. Hunt on October 16, 1937, in Alanson, MI.

In Fred’s younger years, he took pleasure in snowmobiles, motorcycles, and building projects.  He enjoyed fishing, playing cards, working outside in the yard, and spending time with family. Fred absolutely loved teasing his grandsons, nieces, and nephews.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years Martha K. Hunt; son Tim, grandsons Nick (mother Lisa) and Jacob (mother Laurie); brother, Eugene (Lucille) Riggins; and sisters-in-law, Mary (Earl) Morris, Rebecca Durham; and special grandsons, Don and Dwight.  Fred was preceded in death by his son Jim; siblings, Grace Allen, Frida Hoffman, Beulah Scott, and twin brother Frank.

A celebration of life and luncheon will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2018, at the Cedar Springs American Legion, 91 S 1st St, Cedar Springs, MI 49319.  In lieu of flowers, those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy are encouraged to make a memorial contribution to a charity of your choosing.

Michael C. Louck, of Rockford, Michigan, age 72, passed into eternal life on February 6, 2018, at 3:11 a.m., after a ten year courageous battle with cancer.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Connie (Caswell); children, Tracy (Mark) Freeman, Darrin (April) Louck; grandchildren, Jeanie (Kyle), Mallory (Cade), Shelby (Rocket), Cass, Travis (Carly), and Grayson; two great grandchildren, Izabella and Finleigh; extended family of grandchildren, Brittany (Ryan), and Holly (Corey); his mother-in-law Tiny Caswell; brothers-in-law Jay (Jan) and Jeff (Brenda); sister Carol (Darle); and many nieces and nephews.

Mike spent years serving our country and earned the Bronze Star Medal for his bravery during the Vietnam War. After retiring from GM/Diesel Technology, Mike got a part-time job at the Trading Post and enjoyed conversations with the guys during the morning coffee clutch.  Mike was originally from Morley, Michigan and found humor in the one liners about living on “The Pond.” He was a dedicated outdoorsman. Although he did not find enjoyment riding on the grates of the Mackinac Bridge, he adored deer hunting in Manistique, Michigan. He spent many hours fishing on Brower Lake and plenty of time on the Little South Branch of the Pere Marquette River in Baldwin.

A private memorial celebration will be held at a later date. Those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy may make a memorial contribution in Michaels name to the American Legion, Merritt Lamb Post 102, 330 Rockford Park Dr. NE, Rockford, Michigan 49341.

Neither time nor distance can erase what love has written on our hearts and minds, Memories are the treasure of the soul, As you Track your game, or Flip some burgers. Buy a round, Set a line and hug your bugs. Raise your feet as you cross the bridge. Cheer as you spot a herd of northern cows. Pull the barge across the Big Springs. Raise your hand and salute the heavens as you are reminded with your memories of Mike.

Lorijean T. Zarzecki of Rockford, Michigan, age 60, left for heaven on February 12, 2018.

She was born to Adam and Lorraine (Najar) Michael on May 11, 1957, in Grand Rapids, MI.  Lori graduated from Central High School in Grand Rapids, MI.  Following high school, Lori graduated from Grand Valley State University with a degree in public administration.  She graduated Magna Cum Laude.  She worked for the State of Michigan Court of Appeals for thirty years and received the A.C.E. Award for excellence on the job.

Lori loved to tend her flower garden, sit on her rocking chair on the front porch looking at sunsets, and talking with Mike and Matt.  She loved her Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, and Michigan Wolverines.

Lori is survived by her beloved husband of 25 years Michael Zarzecki; son Matthew, who is a student at Grand Valley State University; her sister, Patricia and her husband, Larry Kinney; Rosy the yellow lab; stepsons and daughter in laws, Ross, Jessica, Nicholas, Becky, Ryan, and Angela; many friends; adored nieces and nephews; and grandkids. She was preceded in death by both of her parents and her sister,
Jo Marie McNulty.

Many thanks to Northwestern University Hospital in Chicago, IL, Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, MI, and Faith Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to one of the fine organizations in Lori’s name. A visitation and Praying of the Rosary was held on Wednesday, February 14, 2018, at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe Street, Rockford, MI. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, February 15, 2018 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 4351 Parnell Avenue NE, Ada, MI. Father Mark Peacock presiding. Lori’s body will be laid to rest in Resurrection Cemetery after the final blessing.

Verita LaBelle DeVries passed into eternity and into the loving arms of Jesus on February 23, 2018 after 96 fruitful years of loving and helping here on earth. She was born in Eldorado, Kansas to Lewis and Hester (Hand) Barnum on October 5, 1921, the fourth of 12 children.

Her spiritual gifts were helping and encouraging others, and she was good at it. She liked to smile, have fun and really loved children.  Her hobbies were sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting and baking. She and her husband Francis “Gus” loved the grandkids and spending time with them.  She is preceded in death by her husband Francis “Gus” DeVries, 10 siblings, two grandchildren and her mother and father.

Surviving are her daughters Beverly & (Jerry) Schaap and Patricia & (Mike) Smith; 4 grandchildren Sue Norton, Dave & (Cyndi) Schaap, Eric & (Melissa) Smith and Andy Smith; 10 great grandchildren; 7 great great grandchildren and her sister Gloria & (Luther) Shears.

Heaven has gained a special and wonderful addidtion to their family, but earth and her daughters will sadly miss her smile and loving arms. Dementia finally won the battle here on earth, but God has given her a new body as He promised, and a much better life.

Visitation was held 6 to 8 PM Monday, February 26, 2018. Funeral Services were at 11 AM Tuesday, February 27, 2018 at the Marshall Funeral Home, Greenville with members of the family meeting with friends and relatives from 10 AM till the service.

Memorial contributions may be made in Verita’s name to Faith Hospice or Alzheimer’s. Burial will be in Altona Cemetery. Arrangements are by Marshall Funeral Home, Greenville, with complete obituary online at www.marshallfuneralhomeinc.com where you can leave a message of condolence for the family.

Phyllis Isabel (Moreen) Kapp of Rockford, MI (formerly of Alma, MI) went to her heavenly home on February 21, 2018. She was born to Isabel A. and Harry G. Moreen on January 20, 1937 in Chicago, IL.

The youngest of three children, Phyllis grew up in a Swedish neighborhood. She was a 1958 graduate of Alma College, where she met her beloved husband, Ronald Kapp. She received her master’s degree in Zoology in 1960 from the University of Michigan.

Phyllis is survived by her sister, Gwendolyn Sullivan; her children, Lisa, Marda, Sara and Jon; and grandchildren, Sienna, Kiersten, Nicolas, Hannah, Kennedy, Maya, Lochlan and Sadie. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brother, Kenneth Moreen. Phyllis loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.

She was an active member of Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, Alma College Alumni Association, Nature Conservancy, Batchawana Wilderness Inc., Swedish American Heritage Society, Frederik Meijer Gardens, MVP Athletic Club, and the Rockford Garden Club. She was always counting her blessings, which included her family and friends. An avid naturalist, she loved spending time in the woods. Beaver Island was one of her special places.

Her family would like thank friends, Faith Hospice, and Rest Haven Homes for their love, care and compassion during Phyllis’ illness.

There will be a time of visitation from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 9th, 2018, at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe St NE, Rockford, MI 49341. The funeral service for Phyllis will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 10th, 2018, at Christ our Savior Lutheran Church, 4610 Belding Rd NE, Rockford MI. There will also be a one-hour visitation prior to the service. The burial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on March 11th, 2018, at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, next to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2945 E. Northfield Church Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy are encouraged to make memorial contributions to Christ our Savior Lutheran Church or the Alma College Ronald O. Kapp Scholarship Fund, 614 W Superior St, Alma, MI 48801.

Mrs. Arloa Jean Perez, of Rockford, age 86, passed away peacefully Friday, March 9, 2018.  She was born in Grand Rapids to Joseph and Glades (Joosten) Sweet on December 29, 1931.

She worked for many years at Baker Furniture as a foreman of the furniture decorating department.  Arloa was a very artistic and creative decorator.  She enjoyed keeping a meticulous yard, garden, house, and cottage at the lake.  Arloa also enjoyed feeding and watching the birds.  She was an extremely kind, giving and caring person and will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by her family, friends, and all who knew her.

She is survived by her children, Gary (Kathy) Scheidel, Roy (Karen) Scheidel, Lynnette (Jack) Kamer; daughter-in-law, Keiko Scheidel; ten grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren.

Arloa was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Mike in 2015 after thirty-five years of marriage; and son, Wayne Scheidel.

There will be a time of visitation from 5:00 – 8:00 pm Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N Monroe St. NE, Rockford, MI 49341.

The funeral service to celebrate Arloa’s life will be 11:00 am Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at the funeral home with Pastor Bruce Wilson officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Michigan Chapter, 25200 Telegraph Rd., Suite100, Southfield, MI 48033 or to American Foundation for the Blind, Resource Development, 2 Penn Plaza, Suite 1102, New York, NY 10121.

Mr. Richard Lee Dines of Cedar Springs, Michigan, age 83, passed away Monday, March 12, 2018.  He was born in Rockford, Michigan to Frank and Bernadine (Tenhoppen) Dines on May 20, 1934.

Richard enjoyed hunting, fishing, bingo, and bowling.  He also was a devoted Cubs fan.  Richard worked for Steelcase for over thirty years.

Richard is survived by his children, Rodney (Laurie) Dines, Ricky Dines, Margie Cole, and Russell (friend Tammy) Dines; eleven grandchildren; thirty great-grandchildren; brothers, Norman Dines, Jack Dines; sisters, Ruth (Bill) Hiler, Jill (Vern) Smith.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Shirley in 2014 after sixty-one years of marriage; son, Richard Dines, Jr.; brothers, Carl Dines, Paul Dines, and Tom Dines.

There will be a time of visitation with Richard’s family from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 15, 2018 at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe Street NE, Rockford, MI 49341. The funeral service for Richard will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 16, 2018 at Pederson Funeral Home.  There will be also be a time of visitation one hour prior to the funeral.

Memorial contributions in Richard’s name can be made to Metron of Cedar Springs, 400 Jeffrey St NE, Cedar Springs, MI 49319.

Larry K. Hall of Rockford, Michigan, age 76, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 5, 2018. He was born to Clare and Marie (Kaiser) Hall on February 20, 1942, in Big Rapids, MI.

Larry joins his beloved wife and best friend Beverly in Heaven along with many other friends and family members. He is survived by his loving children Viki (David) Backhus, Michele (Kevin) Cooper, Ronald (Pam) VanKoevering, Brian (Ronda) Hall, Allen (Wendy) VanKoevering, and David Hall; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; and brothers, Bob Hall and Greg Hall.

A memorial celebration and luncheon will be held from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm on Saturday, April 21, 2018, at VFW Post 5598, 511 North 68th St., Coopersville, MI 49404.

In Lieu of flowers, those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy may donate in Larry’s name to The ALS Association Michigan Chapter, 678 Front Ave NW, Suite 177, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504.

Jonathan Bradley (Stormy) Brussow, aka J.B. to friends, of Rockford MI was swept away suddenly on March 5, 2018. He blew into this world on May 31, 1998 to Brad and Carolyn Brussow in Grand Rapids, MI.

Jonathan radiated joy in all he took on. He had a smile that would not quit, a twinkle in his eyes that sparked “I’ve got this!”, and a positive personality that captured all he met. He was kind, respectful, helpful, and generous to all.

Jonathan loved the outdoors…whether waiting patiently for that monster buck, riding a wheelie on his motorcycle, lazily cruising on his pontoon, or taking in the beauty of God’s country. You could always count on Johnny Boy for a heartfelt smile, a funny story, or a good pat on the back. He was hard working, quick to think on his feet, and extremely creative.

He is survived by his mother and father, Carolyn and Brad, his brother Alex, his sister Allison, his grandparents Lawrence and Sharleen Wise, Jennie Brussow, and his fiance’, Athena Williams, the love of his life. He was truly blessed to love such a beautiful soul.

Visitation for Jonathan will be from 4:00-8:00 on Friday, April 20 at Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, 4610 Belding Rd., Rockford, MI 49341. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 21 at Christ Our Savior.

We love you and miss you beautiful boy! We know we will see you again in God’s kingdom. “Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea – the Lord on high is mighty. Your statutes stand firm; holiness adorns your house for endless days, O Lord.” Psalm 93:4,5

Robert Harry Menke, age 95, a proud WWII veteran, passed away on April 15, 2018. He joined the love of his life Catherine, who preceded him in death after 58 years of wedded bliss.

Robert entered this world on March 31, 1923, in Chicago, Illinois.  Around the age of 6, Robert and his siblings Glenn and Jacqueline (Sue), moved to Howard City, Michigan to live with his grandparents on a small farm.  His parents, Harry and Myrtle said, “A city is no place to raise children.” Robert graduated from Howard City High School.  He met his wife while working at the Coral Creamery.  Robert would have to walk into the office to collect his paycheck, and Catherine handed them out.  Growing up during the Depression taught Robert the meaning of sacrifice, hard work, and to be thankful and appreciate the little things in life.

He was preceded in death by his wife Catherine, infant daughter Marcia, grandson Noah Hamstra, and son-in-law, Brian Hamstra. He is survived by his children; Sue (Roy) Taylor, Shari (Mark) Leavens, David Menke and Rene Lewis, Sarah Hamstra, Sandra Menke, Dennis (Marybeth) Menke; 16 grandchildren:  Jenny, Josh, Aaron, Brandon, Nathan, Nicole, Heather, Holly, Nicholas, Stephanie, Theresa, Don (D.J.), Eric, Steven, Jeffrey, and Marielle; 11 great-grandchildren:  Ida, Artie, Ben, Lucas, Zoe, Beckett, Caleb, Brenden, Landen, Jayden, Ethan, and a great-granddaughter arriving in August.  He is also survived by sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, and many nieces and nephews.

Robert was truly an amazing man who was loved by all who met and had a conversation with him.

There was a time of visitation from 2:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Praying of the Rosary starting at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe Street NE, Rockford, MI, 49341.

The funeral mass for Robert was celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church, 4865 11 Mile Rd NE, Rockford, MI 49341.  Fr. Tom Page and Fr. Tony Russo will be presiding.  There will also be a one hour visitation prior to the service.

Those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy may make a memorial contribution in Robert’s name to North Kent Connect, 10075 Northland Dr. NE, Rockford, MI 49341.

Mrs. Frances J. Schrum of Rockford, Michigan, age 88, passed away on the afternoon of Monday, April 16, 2018. She was born in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late Steve and Anna Pavlik.

She was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Anita Marie; four brothers; and six sisters.

Frances was a devoted wife of sixty-three years to Wilbur Schrum. She was devoted to God, her children, friends, and nature. Her home always appeared “lived-in,” but spotless. She was a great cook, baker, and gardener too. Neighbors often referred to Frances as “The Flower Lady.” Flowers in many yards came from her generosity of perennials.

She is survived by her husband; children Robert (Joan) of Grand Rapids, Mary (Perry) Meek of Howard City, Kathy (Todd) Ockaskis of Comstock Park; and sister Theresa (Mike) Kozub of Saltsburg, PA. She had seven grandchildren and was known to some of them as “Bubba.”

The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am Saturday, May 5, 2018 at Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church, 4865 11 Mile Rd NE, Rockford, MI 49341, with Fr. Pat Cawley presiding.  There will be a time of visitation with the family one hour prior to Mass.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to offer an expression of sympathy are encouraged to make a memorial contribution to the Hospice of Michigan, 989 Spaulding Avenue SE, Ada, MI 49301; or to The Education Fund at Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church, made payable to OLCEF, 4865 11 Mile Road NE, Rockford, Michigan 49341; or to the Humane Society Of West Michigan, 3077 Wilson Dr NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534.

Herold J (Jim) Lueders, 89, went to be with his Lord on May 4, 2018, in Grand Rapids.

Mr Lueders was born May 3, 1929, in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.  He was a 1947 graduate of Watseka High School in Illinois and received his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Wayne State University.  Jim was commissioned a United States Air Force officer and was honourably discharged with the rank of Captain.  He was a registered Professional Engineer and retired from the Oakland County Drain Commission as Chief Engineer in 1991.  He loved fishing for walleye on Lake Erie and salmon on Lake Michigan, singing with the men of The Lutheran Choralaires, and working his gentleman’s farm in Oxford, Michigan.

Preceding Jim thru the gates of heaven include his parents, Herold J A and Mary E (Weege) Lueders, sister Elizabeth (Beth) Bjorkman, his loving wife of 62 years Carolyn M (Schudlich) Lueders, and his grandson Roy C Lueders.   Jim is survived by his children John and Ruth (Uecker) Lueders, Martin and Linda (Cok) Lueders, and Steven Lueders; grandchildren David (Amy), Sara (Joel) Balzer, James (Stayce), and Joseph (Amanda), great-grandson Grayson, and Jim’s sisters Donna Nevland and Eleanor Smith.

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, May 10, 2018, at Messiah Lutheran Church, 2727 Five Mile Road NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49525, with the Reverend Thomas Bartzsch officiating.  Relatives and friends may meet the family starting at 10 AM, prior to the memorial service.  Private interment is planned for a later date at St Augustine’s House, Oxford, Michigan.  The Lueders family extends our gratitude for the loving care provided to Jim by the staff of Clark Retirement Community and Emanuel Hospice.  In lieu of flowers please consider memorial contributions to St Augustine’s House, Oxford, or Messiah Lutheran Church, Grand Rapids.

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