Mrs. Lois Jorgensen, age 81, passed early Sunday morning on May 6, 2018.  She was born to Thomas and Frances Atkinson on October 17, 1936.  Lois was married on June 4, 1954 to Don.  They were married for fifty-six and a half years.  Lois worked at Parkside as a playground aide and a room mother.  As her children got older, she went to work at Wolverine World Wide.  Lois was an active bowler, knitter, proficient jigsaw puzzler, and card player.  Lois attended the local high school football games with her husband.

She is survived by her four children, Diana Hoffman, Kathy Jorgensen, Bonnie (Jose) Velazquez, Dan Jorgensen; her grandchildren, Amber Hoffman, Jake Jorgensen, Luke Jorgensen and Anna Jorgensen; five great grandchildren; sisters in law Donna Atkinson, Joanne Jorgensen, and Barbara (Steve) Smith.

Lois was preceded in death by her beloved husband Don; son Ronald, and grandson Joshua McIntosh.

There will be a time of visitation from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 8, 2018, at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe Street NE, Rockford, MI 49341.  The funeral service for Lois will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at Pederson Funeral Home.

There will also be a one hour visitation prior to the service.  In lieu of flowers, those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy may make a memorial contribution to either the American Heart Association or the Rockford United Methodist Church Building Fund.

June Eloise Platt, treasured by her family and many others, went home to Heaven on May 6 at the age of 91.  June was a brilliant light that shone in every room she entered, and she made friends wherever she went.  She was as sweet as they come, having a way of making everyone around her feel special and loved.  She left a big hole in our lives.  Her spine was fractured and surgery was not an option.  With a serious infection adding even more unbearable pain, the Lord set her free on Sunday morning.  She is now reunited with Bob, her beloved husband of 66 years.

June was connected to Rockford in a way that very few are.  Her grandfather, Harvey Bailey, bought a 200-acre farm in the settlement that became Rockford in 1847.  Her father, Austin Bailey, was born on that farm in 1867 and died there in 1944, never having left it as his residence.  June had beautiful memories of being raised there and lovingly shared them with her family.

June’s family was fortunate to have her very actively involved in their lives, and she will be greatly missed by her 3 children … Carolyn Salisbury of Greenville, Suzanne Dahlstedt of Rockford, and Robert Platt (Anna) of Sparta, her 6 grandchildren … Dena Shotko (Brian), Charles Salisbury (Tracy), Brenda Bolin (Steve), Jason Blakeslee (Rachel), Julie Hoek (Jason), and Brian Platt, and her 11 great-grandchildren … Alek and Blake Shotko, Noah, Abbey, and Marley Salisbury, Mallory and Alex Bolin, Lucas Blakeslee, Austin and Tyler Hoek, and Alina K. Platt.  Besides her husband Robert, June was preceded in death by her parents, Austin and Ella May Bailey.

A celebration of June’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on what would have been her 92nd birthday … Saturday, June 16 … at her longtime place of worship, Grace Evangelical Free Church, 4714 – 13 Mile Road, Rockford, with her pastor, Kevin Reed, officiating.  Friends and family are encouraged to attend.  Donations in June’s memory may be made to the church.

Dolores “Dee” Ann (Jewell) Gabrion of Zeeland, formerly of Lowell, went to be with her Lord and Savior Tuesday, May 1, 2018.

She was preceded in death by her parents Richard and Marcella Jewell; her husband John Gabrion.

She is survived by her children, Lorri Gabrion, Nancy (Gary) Wandell, Karen (Roger) Graham, and Brian Gabrion; cousin Elaine (Gene) Sorden; sisters-in-law Maxine Weaver, Bonnie McNeal, Vicki (Andy) Root, Mary Gabrion; grandchildren, whom she adored, Emily Wandell, Katie (Jim) Shaw, Julie Wandell, Landon (Amber) Graham, Elizabeth (Craig) Boonstra, Brock (Arica) Graham, Brianna Gabrion, Brendan Gabrion, Madelyn Gabrion; great-grandchildren Joseph, Jacob, John, Nathan, Graham, Brady, Natalie, Casen, and Trey.

Dee was excited about the expected arrival of twin great-grandchildren this fall. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother who grew up on a small dairy and potato farm in Rockford, MI. She attended Central Michigan University where she met the love of her life, John. Dee enjoyed teaching elementary school and being in the Lowell Garden Club, and was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Lowell.

A Memorial Service was held Tuesday, May 8, at First Baptist Church of Lowell. Pastor Brock Graham officiated. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Lowell, 2275 W. Main St., Lowell, MI 49331. Funeral arrangements provided by Roth-Gerst Funeral Home,
www.gerstfuneralhomes.com.

Mrs.  Madelyn “Madge” E. Spring, age 94, passed away on Friday, May 4, 2018. She grew up in Rockford, Michigan and was a 1942 graduate of Rockford High School. Her sweetheart, Dick was by her side at school. Madge and Dick were married on November 24, 1949 at Rockford United Methodist Church.

Madge was preceded in death by her loving husband of 61 years, Dick Spring.

She is survived by sons, Ric Spring of Belding, and David (Charlotte) Spring of Manistee; grandchildren, R.J. Spring of Portage, and the Manistee grandchildren; sister Mrs. Ila Simons of Belmont; sister-in-law Delores Bradley of Rockford, many nieces and nephews including Peter Simons of Belmont, Patty Bradley of Hastings, Nancy Mick of Grand Rapids, and Denise Bradley of Rockford.

A private burial will be held at Ft. Custer National Cemetery.  Memorial service information will be posted at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe Street, Rockford, MI, to help the family with funeral expenses.

Loren W. Brown of Rockford, MI passed away Monday, May 7th, 2018 at his home surrounded by family at the age of 87. Loren served his country in the military by attending school in Wooster, Mass. Following that he was sent on to the Pentagon Top Secretary for decoding and then assigned to Korea 352 Communication reconnaissance Sance. There he received an interpreter and by means of Morse code he copied and translated information, sending it back to the Pentagon.

Preceded in death by his first wife Francine. Left to cherish his memory, he leaves his wife Jeanne (Ulanch) of 30 years; his children Loren aka LB, wife Midge, Brown, Dr. James Brown, her children Tamara (Tami) and Brendan Boylan, Kimberly (Kim) and Nathan Haverkamp; his four grandchildren, Brendan Thomas Ulanch, Keara Jean Ulanch, Nathan Chase Haverkamp and Savannah Kilkenny Boylan. Loren retired from Michigan Millers Insurance Company as the Western Michigan Claims Manager. He was an avid golfer, loved the game so upon retiring he worked at Blythefield Country Club as one of their starters. Moving on he worked for the Rockford Flower Shop delivering plants and flowers, always with a smile. He was a member of the American Legion Post and past President of the Comstock Park Rotary Club. Brownie, as he was known so well for many years at the DeVos Performance Hall, DeVos Place, greeting you, helping and ushering you to your seat. For over 50 years, Loren was so involved with his church. A deacon of Westminster Presbyterian Church and a member of the Sanctuary Choir for many years.

Surrounding him were amazing neighbors of Olde Millpond Condos which grew to be second families to him and caring friends. Loren never met a stranger who didn’t end up as his friend. He loved and joked with everyone and everyone loved him. He will be remembered and missed by all. He left a legacy of love to everyone who crossed his path.

Loren leaves his footprints behind him for all be positive, caring and good. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude for the exceptional love, care and comfort provided to him by Faith Hospice.

Interment will take place with military honors on Thursday, June 14th, 2018 at 3:00 PM at Blythefield Memory Gardens 6200 Brewer Ave NE, Belmont, MI 49306. All are welcome.

Family will receive friends on Friday June 15th, 2018 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at Westminster Presbyterian Church Parlor 47 Jefferson Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 16th, 2018 at 11:00 AM at the church, Reverend Jen Porter officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial contribution to Disabled American Veterans, DAV – Disabled American Veterans P.O. Box 14301 Cincinnati, OH  45250-0301

Margaret Chynoweth of Rockford, formerly of St. Helen, passed away on May 22, 2018, at Bishop Hills Elder Care Community.  The family is comforted knowing that she lived a long, happy life of 98 years.

Margaret was born in Houghton on March 21, 1920, to parents Thomas and Helena Drake.  She was a 1938 graduate of Highland Park High School.

It was in Highland Park that she would meet Raymond Chynoweth and they married in 1941.  The couple raised their family in Livonia where Margaret was employed as an assistant personnel manager for Montgomery Wards.  Retiring in 1973, they moved to St. Helen where Margaret was active in numerous community organizations for over 30 years.  In 2000, she was most proud to be named Community Woman of the Year by the American Legion.  Margaret moved to Rockford in 2013 to be closer to her family.   She will fondly be remembered at Bishop Hills for her love of music and her beautiful singing voice.

Preceding Margaret in death were her parents Thomas and Helena, husband Raymond, sister Dorothy (Edwin) Phillips, brother Jack (Elsie) Drake and special friend Jack Eddy.  Surviving are two children, William (Carolyn) Chynoweth of Troy, and Linda (Dean) Mercer of Rockford; two grandchildren, Kimberly (Robert) Alley of Shelby Township and Erik (Jessica) Chynoweth of Cookeville, Tennessee; two great grandchildren, Tyler and Katelyn Alley.

No formal funeral service is planned.  The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Bishop Hills Elder Care and Hospice of Michigan for their care, love and comfort during Margaret’s final days.

Judith K. “Judy” Roney, 79, died June 8, 2018, in Stow, Ohio.

Born in Grand Rapids, MI, she had lived in Stow since 1966, retired as an RN from Cuyahoga Falls General Hospital after more than 35 years and was a member of the Heart of Ohio Chorus.

Preceded in death by her husband Jerry, parents Donald and Reva Randall, and brothers Jack and Bob Randall, she is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Kelly and Scott Hanson of Kent, OH; sons and daughters-in-law, Tim and Deb of Bethel Park, PA, Mike and Lisa of Avon, OH and Kevin and Kellie of Powell, OH; grandchildren Mario McGivern, Gabrielle (Tom Merkel) McGivern, Caitlin (Taylor Hedric) Roney, Kelsey, Matthew, Quinn and Logan Roney, Sam and Ethan Hanson, and sister Cindy Hegle.

Visitation was held at Redmon Funeral Home in Stow, Ohio. Private burial at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.

Randy Wamser, 63, passed peacefully on June 17, 2018.  He happily spent all his life in the Bostwick Lake area, where he will be lovingly remembered by his family, neighbors and many friends.  He owned Bostwick Lake Auto Repair for 28 years.  He loved animals, including snakes and lizards.  He especially loved going to lunch or “taking a ride” with his friend, Gary Schlosser.  He was preceded in death by his father Donald.  He is survived by his mother Betty, his 3 children Sara, Jason (Sara), Cory , their mother Laura, sister Wendy, brother Stuart(Marthene), niece Melinda and nephew Jim.

A celebration of Randy’s life will be held at Bostwick Lake Congregational Church on Saturday, June 23.  You may greet the family at 10:00am before the service at 11:00.  Memorial contributions may be made to the church.

Evelyn Van Timmeren (Waddell) of Rockford, passed away peacefully Monday, June 18th. Evelyn was born 103 years ago in a farmhouse in Belmont, to Fred and Orpha Waddell. She and her brother Harold and two sisters Dorothy and Opal, graduated from Rockford High School during the Great Depression. Evelyn was in the class of 1932, and always enjoyed attending the Rockford Golden ‘R’ Club annual meetings.

She and her sisters contributed to the war effort during WW ll by assembling B-24 Liberator bombers at the Willow Run assembly plant near Ypsilanti.

After the war she married Frank Van Timmeren, another Rockford native, back from the war and together they settled in Grand Rapids for a year and started a family before moving to Spring Street in Rockford. In the early 1950’s she went to work as a secretary at Wolverine Shoe and Tanning Corporation, when they were first developing the Hush Puppies brand. She brought a few prototype Hush Puppies home for her young son to test wear. She retired from Wolverine in 1980.

During retirement, she served on the Plainfield Township Senior Housing Commission. She was a prolific gardener and enjoyed canning and cooking for her family. She also enjoyed traveling, and took many trips with the Rockford Seniors.

She was preceded in death by husband Frank, her parents, Fred and Orpha Waddell, brother Harold Waddell, sisters, Dorothy Rogers, and Opal Hansen, niece Cory Fisher, and grandson Christopher Van Timmeren. Evelyn is survived by her son, Tom Van Timmeren (Gail), grandson Joshua Van Timmeren, and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Julie and the caring staff at Bishop Hills Elder Care Community for taking excellent care of Evelyn for the past few years.

Leta Adelia “Tiny” Caswell, age 96, passed away peacefully Sunday, June 24, 2018.

She was born August 7, 1921 in Conklin, MI, the daughter of George and Altha (Pratt) Seelman.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Del Caswell; and her son-in-law, Mike Louck.

Tiny is survived by her children, Jay (Jan) Caswell, Connie Caswell Louck, and Jeff (Brenda) Caswell; her grandchildren, Tracy (Mark) Freeman, Brian (Bobbi) Caswell, Darrin (April) Louck, Troy (Tracy) Caswell, Kim (Nathan) Raih, Max (Amy) Caswell, Corey Caswell, Katie Caswell (Brian Flickinger), and Kyle Caswell; her 14 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren; and a sister, Jo Ann Morgan. Tiny also leaves behind her “partner in crime” Kay Christensen and many friends at Green Acres in Greenville.

She was a lifetime resident of Bostwick Lake in Rockford, MI. Tiny enjoyed spending time in Baldwin with her family and friends. Her most recent love was of the sun and soaking up the rays for many hours on the patio. A very special person in Tiny’s life was her daughter and confidant Jan. Jan dedicated her life to Tiny. From dancing to big band music or if there was a doctor appointment Jan was there.

A private family memorial with burial in Bostwick Lake Cemetery took place to celebrate her life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Green Acres of Greenville, 1601 Winter Creek Ct. Greenville, MI 48838 for a “Tiny” memorial garden.

Violet R. Huffman of Rockford, Michigan, age 93, passed away on Tuesday, July 10, 2018.  She was born to Herbert and Erma (Wilkinson) Scrivener on April 13, 1925, in Grand Rapids, MI.

Violet was a loving mother and devoted housewife.  She enjoyed fishing with her husband and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Violet is survived by her loving children Harley Jr. (Rose), Chuck (Jean), Randy (Cathy), Kim (Tim), and Patricia; 8 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 66 years Harley Huffman Sr; grandson, Chris; both parents, and siblings.

A memorial visitation was held on Monday, July 16, 2018, at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe St., Rockford, MI 49341.  Those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy may make a memorial contribution in Violet’s name towards a charity of your choice.

Father, grandfather, friend, and accomplished builder, Larry David Christiansen passed away peacefully after a 20-year battle with Multiple Sclerosis on July 12, 2018.

Unique in all that he did, he was known to those closest to him as LDC. He was born on March 23, 1943 to H. Lawrence Christiansen and M. Jane VanGorder. He spent his childhood in the Grand Rapids area, graduated from Rockford High School in 1961 and attended Hillsdale College and Grand Rapids Community College. He was very athletic, often winning awards in football, wrestling, and track. Growing up, and then as an adult, he and his family enjoyed summers at the cottage on Big Star Lake. He later passed his love of this tradition on to his children when he built his home on Lake Bella Vista. Christiansen Homes, which would become the well-known LDC Inc., started in the mid-70’s. While he was recognized for building and remodeling over a hundred Burger Kings as well as other restaurants across the state of Michigan, his real gift was building distinct and beautiful homes. Although not an architect, Larry was known to draw up his own plans, adding personal touches in all that he did. He often complimented each project with a strategically placed finishing touch in Michigan Blue.

Known for his generosity, he recognized those in need and was always willing to offer a helping hand. Larry also took extreme pride in his children. Uncompromising, he challenged them to be the same in all that they did as well. He enjoyed playing practical jokes on those he loved — such as leaving a live turkey on his sister’s front lawn for Thanksgiving or using fertilizer to emblazon the famous Michigan block M on his Ohio-loving friends’ lawn. His signature look was all his own: Levi’s, flannel shirt, cowboy boots, and his black GMC. He was renowned for his cooking skills and love for U of M football. He loved rock-n-roll and would often be found spending money on the biggest and best stereo or speakers of the day. Rarely was there a time that Bob Seger or the Eagles weren’t rocking the halls of Bella Vista.

Loved ones that cleared the path for him are his parents, his sister Linda Parker, and his son Matthew David whose loss left Larry with a broken heart. Larry is survived by his children, Brett Christiansen (El Dorado Hills, CA) and his children Brittney, Jake, and Carly; His daughter Danielle and Bruce Beals (Grand Haven, MI) and their children Alec, Matthew, and Juliette.

According to his wishes, the family will hold a private celebration of Larry’s life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Harbor Hospice Foundation in honor of his memory at 1050 W Western Ave #400, Muskegon, MI 49441. https://harborhospicemi.org/ways-to-give/donate/. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.

Mrs. Virginia M. Beale aged 95 of Belmont, passed away unexpectedly on July 26, 2018. She was born January 24, 1923 in Grand Ledge, MI, the daughter of Electa (Thorn) and Elisha Waldron.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Beale (Jr.), in 2008 and daughter, Peggy Vickery, in 2017.

Virginia (Ginny) was a very loving and devoted wife to Charles, her husband of 61 years, and together they lovingly raised six children. She had wanted a house full and thought a dozen would be just fine. She was especially proud of each of her children and their families. She often enjoyed taking her young grandchildren shopping on their special days and over the years sent thousands of cards, remembering everyone’s birthdays and holidays.

She is survived by her children, Ellyn Marie Beale, Connie and Douglas Kuhnle, Barbara and Wayne Sobie, Debra and Michael Couturier, Charles F. and Abby Beale, and son-in-law Gary Vickery. Also surviving are twenty-two wonderful grandchildren, twenty-eight dearly loved great grandchildren, one great, great granddaughter and niece, Georgia Bonner.

Our Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma, and Great-Great Grandma was a sweet, beautiful woman with the prettiest smile. She was patient, kind, meek and tenderhearted. She was the steady, calm center of our family. Her gentle ways, calm voice and quiet manners spoke loudly to all. She never said an unkind word about anyone and was also quite witty. She lived simply, not asking for much and was happy at home.

A special thank you to her granddaughter, Lindsey, who lived with her and lovingly cared for her which enabled ‘Grandma’ to stay in her own home for the last six years of her life. Always and forever in our hearts, she will be greatly missed!

According to her wishes, cremation has taken place with internment and a memorial gathering of family, friends and neighbors to be held at a later date.

Michael Richard Nelson, 44, of Rockford, Michigan lost his battle with cancer on Friday, August 3, 2018.

He was born in Garden City, Michigan on August 30, 1973 the son of Richard & Sandra (Timm) Nelson. He was raised in Plymouth, Michigan and then moved to Rockford, Michigan 10 years ago. He loved being up north and enjoyed spending many summers on Secord Lake in Gladwin, Michigan.

His memory will be cherished by his parents: Rick & Sandy Nelson of Rockford; 2 brothers: Mark Nelson of Rochester Hills; Jeff (Nichole) Nelson of Lowell; niece: Mariana; nephews: Brennen and Alex; 2 uncles: Kirk (Tina) Nelson; Greg (Toni) Nelson.

Honoring the wishes of the family, cremation will take place and there will be no services at this time. Arrangements are in the care of Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home, Gladwin, Michigan.

www.hallkokotovichfuneralhome.com

Austin McEwen Volkert of Rockford, Michigan, age 23, went to be with God on Wednesday, August 8, 2018, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born to Scott and Shelley (Gould) Volkert on September 25, 1994, in East Grand Rapids, MI.

Austin was the middle of four children to a family that loved him dearly. He was a 2014 graduate of Lake Michigan Academy. He had an unconditional love for animals, especially his loyal canine companions Cocoa and Winnie.  Austin was an avid fan of Chicago Blackhawks hockey. Those who dared to engage Austin in a conversation regarding team statistics were left amazed by his incredible memory, knowledge, and love for the team.  Austin gave all those around him the gifts of loyalty, honesty, virtue, strength, and perseverance that can only be described as heroic.

Austin is survived by his beloved parents Scott and Shelley Volkert; brother Zachary Volkert, sisters Emma and Claire Volkert; grandmother Sally (Hitz) Volkert-Bissell, grandparents Frank and Pamela (Nicolls) Gould, grandmother Joan (Stanley) Volkert; uncles Chad, Chris, and Jeff, aunts Jennifer, Holli, and Amy, and his eight loving cousins.

Austin is preceded in death by his grandfathers Robert Volkert and Walter Bissell.

The family would like to thank Dr. Matt Steensma, Dr. Emily Durkin, Dr. Geoffrey Lam, the nursing staff at the Meijer Heart Center, and Spectrum Health Hospice for their care and compassion through Austin’s journey to peace.

There was a visitation time from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, August 17, 2018, at Keystone Community Church, 655 Spaulding Ave SE, Ada, MI 49301. The funeral service immediately followed the visitation at Keystone Community Church.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to offer expressions of support are encouraged to make a memorial contribution to NF Michigan, P.O. Box 6026, Grand Rapids, MI 49516, or through NFmich.org.

Thomas E Armstrong Jr, 70, of Rockford, passed away on August 10, after a long hard fight with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy which is attributed to agent orange exposure in Vietnam.

The funeral service will be held at Courtland Township Cemetery on August 30 at 4:30pm.

Following the burial a memorial service celebrating Tom’s life will be held at the Rockford Community Cabin, all are welcome.

Tom was born in Grand Rapids on October 23, 1947. He graduated from Rockford High School in 1965. Tom was an accomplished high school wrestler at Rockford. He was drafted into the Army and served in Vietnam from February of 1968 to February 1969. He received numerous medals from his service in Vietnam including Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, Army commendation Medal, a Bronze Star and he was also a sharpshooter.

Tom was married to Phyllis on August 15, 1970; they were married almost 48 years.

Tom worked at the post office for forty years. He enjoyed working on the farm with his tractors and animals. He loved watching sports and never missed his sons’ games or matches.

Tom is survived by his wife Phyllis, mother Maxine, brothers Michael, Jack, Roger, Phillip, and Teddy, sister Betsy, sons Ryan and Salka Armstrong, Nate and Amanda Armstrong, and Andy and Tiffany Armstrong, and grandchildren, Alisa and Jack, Brody, Marlee and Luke, Hadley and Rylan and countless other friends and family.

Tom is preceded in death by his father Tom Sr. and brothers Gerald and Russell.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to Disabled American Veterans(DAV).

Fifty-three years ago, Johnathon Mcvain Reagan was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. When he was little he had a severe form of the flu, which almost killed him.  He suffered a fever with a temperature 104.9.

“Lucky me, I made it!” stated John in his journal.  However, he was left with learning difficulties. When John was asked about this how it affected his life, he said “I am mentally challenged, I can say that. I am not ashamed of that. I survived that, I’m still surviving it, but bring it on.”   Despite circumstances, John overcame these physical issues to excel as a musician and student. John started singing the age of only nine months.

John graduated from Sparta High School, played on the school’s football team and acted in school plays.

After high school, John had a difficult time gaining employment, John expressed his experience. “It was only when I came to rest it hit me what a complete mess I had made of my life. That hit me quite hard. We were as skint as you can be without being homeless and at that point I was definitely clinically depressed. I knew it was up to me to change my thinking and it worked. I started working at Fables restaurant on Alpine Avenue.” He told that this was where he met Grandfather Larry Groendyk. The same guy that started with nothing but a vision, a dream. He taught John that in America every thing was possible with hard work. “I heard of his success from locals as Groendyk merged with Eberhards in 1972, making them the largest grocery store chain until 1987.”

As for Sparta, a farm town north of Grand Rapids with 4,200 residents, it’s hard to imagine a less inviting place for a adult with a learning disability. However, John received work at Eberhards, and was promoted to bagging groceries, for the residents of Sparta. He was so appreciative of this change to be productive.

“I loved my job,”  John explained. “It’s not about the pay or job tittle” I was there to serve my community and be the best at whatever position. Titles don’t make the worker, people like me make the business.”

John described how he worked with Larry’s daughter Bonnie, and Scott who is now Gidget.  “Bonnie accepted me as who I was and Gidget expressed my right to be treated with dignity and respect. As she ran for State Senate.”

After living with untrustworthy caregivers, Bonnie invited John to her home.

This was the last part of John’s journal.

It recalls his passion to promote customer service and provide help to the elderly. John knew all the customers by name, always smiling and loved his Burger King Whopper and his daily visit to the Sparta library.

Thomas R. Weaver, age 67, of Cannonsburg, passed away with his family at his side on Saturday, August 25, 2018.

Tom was preceded in death by his sister, Sandra Weaver.

He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Marcia Weaver; children, Erika (James) Speck and Tia Weaver; parents, Charles and Eloise Weaver; sister, Terri Szoke; cousin, Linda Rooney; six grandchildren, Michael, Courtney, Zoë, Jaden, Nathan and Brody.

Tom is a graduate of Grand Valley State University. He worked for 32 years in the Information Technology Department at Country Fresh and retired from Wensco Sign Supply. Tom enjoyed many years playing softball for the “Brown Bombers” and later on was an avid golfer. Marcia and Tom bowled together at the Northfield Lanes bowling league and spent many happy summers camping at Hart Lake with their family.

The family will receive family and friends at the Beuschel Funeral Home, 5018 Alpine Avenue, Comstock Park on Thursday, August 30, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The Celebration of Tom’s life will follow at 12:00 noon at the Beuschel Funeral Home, with Pastor Dale Kleinheksel from Maranatha Bible Church officiating. Tom’s preference is for friends and family to wear their ‘plain-jane’ clothes as he would. Interment will be in Rosedale Memorial Park Cemetery. A special thank you goes out to the caregivers at Metro Health Hospital. In memory of Tom, please consider contributions to the Metro Health Hospital Foundation.

Norrine A. Elkins passed away on Thursday, August 30, 2018 at the age of 102.  She was born on her Grandfather William Norman’s farm in Cannon Township, the daughter of Harold Foster and Eithol (Judson) Norman, on November 16, 1915.  Norrine attended Rockford High School, graduating in 1932. She married Ardie Elkins in 1940, and they had three sons, Larry, Dan (Dennis), and Arlo.

Norrine was very active, athletic, and fun-loving.  She was an avid swimmer who taught many people how to swim in the Rockford Public Schools summer swimming program. She golfed well into her 80’s.  Norrine was also known for her excellent cooking and made long johns for her family and friends on numerous occasions.  Norrine cooked in the Rockford High School cafeteria kitchen, retiring as manager after working a total of 25 years.  She was a member of the Rockford Area Historical Society and belonged to the First Congregational Church in Rockford her entire adult life, where she helped with many social gatherings.

Norrine is survived by her son Dennis (Diane) of Atlanta and her daughters-in-law Ann Elkins of Fullerton, CA and Tara Elkins of Columbia, SC.  She is also survived by her grandchildren Stephen Elkins, Meghan (Allen) Austin, Barrett (Aimee) Elkins, Alyssa (Sammy) Rhodes, Kelsey (Andrew) Mathias, and Elliot Elkins. Her brother Charles Norman and sister-in-law Shirley Norman, eleven great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews also survive her.

Besides her parents, Norrine was preceded in death by her husband Ardie in 1973, her son Larry in 1996, and her son Arlo in 2012, her brother Harold (Herk) Norman, and her sister Elaine Smith.

Funeral services were held at 11:00am on Tuesday, September 4, 2018 at the Rockford Congregational Church, 192 E Bridge Street NE in Rockford.  The family received relatives and friends one hour prior to the service at church.  Memorial donations may be made to the Rockford Congregational Church.

Paul Michael Krupp, age 63, went to be with our Lord on Saturday, September 1, 2018 as a result of an auto accident.

For 30 years, Paul along with his wife Nancy (Antor), owned and loved Krupp Farms which has been in his family for over a century. He graduated from Rockford High School and Davenport College. As an active businessman, Paul owned a Nationwide Agency and currently, he and his wife own Antor Travel. Paul was a member of Assumption BVM Catholic Church, Rockford Area Museum, North Kent Connect and for 38 years, the Rockford Lions Club. His service and generosity to the community was unsurpassed.

Paul is survived by his wife Nancy; children Michael Krupp and Angela (Mike) Mullins; grandchildren Maegan, Carter and Lainey Bandemer, Autumn, Charlotte and Joseph Mullins and Nayden Krupp; brothers Charles (Deb), Kenneth (Sandy) and Daniel Krupp; sisters Nancy Short (Edward-deceased), Janet (Rex) Chipman and Susan (Dave) Gordon; in-laws Richard (Bub) and Jean Antor, brother-in-law Ron (Mary) Antor, sisters-in-law Barb (Harry) Huffman and Karen (Mark) Cvanciger; many relatives, neighbors, friends and farm kids.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Charlotte Krupp and other loved ones.

Visitation will be held Thursday, September 6, 2018 from 4-8 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, September 7, 2018 at 11 am, with Rev. Father Anthony Pelak as celebrant. Family will greet visitors one hour prior to Mass.

Both the visitation and funeral will be held at Krupp Farms, 8025 Krupp Avenue, Comstock Park. Due to construction, Krupp Avenue may be partially closed; therefore additional parking and shuttle service (every 15 minutes) will be available for both services at Plainfield Christian Church, 7255 Pine Island Drive, Comstock Park. A private interment will be held at 4 pm.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Consolata Sisters of Belmont, Assumption BVM Catholic Church Building Fund, Rockford Lions Club, Rockford Area Museum or North Kent Connect Building Fund.

www.BeuschelFuneralHome.com