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COOK -- Gusty "Martha" . Gun Lake. Martha was deeply devoted to her family. She was a true homemaker and mother. Her family lovingly remembers her wonderful cooking, baking, sewing and her acceptance, love and support that were always evident. Martha died Saturday, January 19, 2002 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo following a short illness. Her life began July 16, 1927 near Paw Paw, a daughter of John and Mary (Kobida) Minarik. At the age of 16 her mother died and life then took Martha to Kalamazoo where she graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School. She worked for a while at Upjohn and seriously planned on becoming a nun. Her plans changed after meeting Andrew Cook and their relationship blossomed and on June 29, 1946 they were united in marriage. They lived in Kalamazoo, the Vicksburg area and settled at Fun Lake in 1961. Martha was a member of VFW Auxiliary in Wayland where she assisted with bingo. She also helped at voting time in Orangeville Township. Other past times included playing the organ, flower gardening, doing large jigsaw puzzles and quilting. Over the years, Martha made many things for her family including large crocheted tablecloths for each of her kids. She was particularly good at making Ollie Bollen (Fat Balls). Her children will always carry many fond memories of their wonderful mother. Her children include Michael (Patti) Cook, Frank J. (Julia) Cook, Anthony G. (Leslie) cook, Cynthia A. Cook-Weber, and Andrew Cook, Jr.; a brother Joseph Minarik; 2 sisters Stazi Lucas and Mary Branch; 17 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Martha's husband of 54 years, Andrew, died June 14, 2001 and she was also preceded in death by a brother Steve Minarik. A Celebration of Life Service was held Wednesday at Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren Funeral Home, Plainwell Chapel. Burial is next to her husband at Fort Custer National cemetery. Memorials are suggested to The Medical Intensive Care Unit at Bronson Methodist Hospital where Martha and her family received excellent care since her illness. Please visit her personal web page at www.rdmg.com where you may share a memory or make a memorial contribution.
HEYDENBERK -- NELSON D HEYDENBERK 84, of Battle Creek died Monday, January 21, 2002, at home. He was born to Lena (Lee) Heydenberk and Warren Heydenberk on October 30, 1917 on his grandfather's farm near Wayland, MI. After graduation from Wayland High School, Nelson worked his way through Western Michigan University where he earned a degree in Business Economics. He and Bernice Pratt were married
in 1941. Nelson is survived by his wife of 62 years, Bernice, and by his daughters Barbara Brose of Gastonia NC, and Christine Kosanke of Kalamazoo, and by his son William Heydenberk of Kalamazoo. Also by grandsons Robert Brose of Washington DC and Thomas Brose of Washington DC, Michael Swift of Kalamazoo, and Lori Smith of Colorado Springs, CO. Also, four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and only brother Robert Heydenberk. Nelson worked in the plant of the Ralston Purina Company while attending college, and in Ralston's management for 43 years. During WWII he was a Communications Officer in the US Navy where he served in the Philippines. Nelson and Bernice have been members of the First Presbyterian Church for over 50 years, and he served on both the Board of Deacons and Board of Elders. In addition, he was a former officer of the Junior Chamber of Commerce which named him Man of the Year in 1950, a member of the Traffic Club, Battle Creek Host Lions Club, Marshall Country Club and YMCA. Nelson was an avid golfer, and four days after 84th birthday, he parred his last hole; he was proud to describe it to anyone who would listen - stroke-by-stroke! The family received friends Wednesday at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home; funeral services were Thursday, January 24, at the First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Kathy Clark officiating. Interment at Elmwood cemetery, Wayland. Memorial contributions may be made to the Battle Creek Host Lions or the American Red Cross.
MARTINEAU -- Marcia L. Martineau, aged 42, of Wayland and formerly of Dorr, passed away at home on Sunday, January 20th, 2002. She is survived by daughter, Ashley; mother, Lois DeForest; sister, Cindy Cook; brother, Rick Cook; beloved fiancee', Bob Fox; and special friends, Stella, Diane, Cindy, Monte and Becky. She was employed at Perrigo's in Allegan, and formerly worked at the Wayland Union School Bus Garage. Funeral services were held Thursday at the Wayland United Methodist Church with Pastor Julie Dix officiating. Interment at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Grand Rapids. Memorials to Wings of Hope Hospice of Allegan County. Arrangements by Archer, Hampel & Kubiak, Dorr Chapel.
TRUAX -- James C. Truax, aged 82, of Dorr Twp., passed away Thursday, January 17, 2002. He is survived by his children; Ryland Truax of Ohio, Clifford (JoAnne) Truax of Allegan; Janice (Donald) Rabideau of Wayland; four grandchildren; four great grandchildren; brother, Roy (Shirley) Truax of Colorado. James was preceded in death by his wife, Margarie Mae, in 2000. He was a U.S. Army Veteran and member of Caledonia Masonic Lodge. Funeral and Committal Services were held Monday at the funeral home with Pastor Michael Hasper of Wayland Calvary Church officiating. Interment Maplewood cemetery. Memorials may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice of Allegan County or Wayland Area Ambulance. Arrangements by Archer, Hampel & Kubiak, Wayland Chapel.
SULLIVAN -- Jan Sullivan. Today we celebrate the life of Jan Sullivan, who was born Nov. 7, 1931 and received into eternity Jan. 4, 2002. Known by her husband, John, as "Bright Spirit," she indeed brightened lives of everyone she touched. Graduating magna cum laude from Alma College, Jan was given the Barlow Trophy as the outstanding graduate for 1952. John and Jan, college sweethearts, were married
the afternoon of their graduation. Before giving birth to her four sons, Scott, Shawn, Steven and Stuart, born within a span of five years, Jan was an outstanding second grade teacher in Lansing, Mich. She gave up her teaching career to become a full-time mother and active participant in her church and community. Her family would be her greatest joy and her first love. Jan relished not only the memories of raising her sons, but the wonderful love she enjoyed from her daughters-in-law and grandchildren. When the family moved to West Lafayette, Ind., in 1961, Jan volunteered in many capacities, including teaching Sunday School at Covenant Presbyterian Church, board member of the Civic Theatre, president of Delta Eta Chapter of Tri Kappa, American Literature and Current Topic clubs. She was known as a model fashion commentator, book reviewer, guitarist, vocalist and the author of a series of children's stories. Her volunteer efforts also engaged her in the American Diabetes Association where she served on the state board. Jan shared her husband's love for sailing and they, together with their family, enjoyed many times in their boat, "Escape," on Lake Michigan. Jan's was a life that mattered, a life that touched many lives, and one that inspired many. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Memorial services were held in Naples, Fla., Jan 6, 2002. Among those attending were her son, Scott Sullivan, Sports Editor for the Penasee Globe. A service in Lafayette, Ind., will be held at a later date. The family requests that donations be made to the "Steven Sullivan Memorial Scholarship Fund" c/o West Lafayette High School, 1105 N Grant St, West Lafayette, Ind., 47906
ALFLEN -- Gregory V. Alflen, aged 49, of Wayland, passed away at his home on Wednesday, January 9, 2002. He is survived by his father, Vernon J. Alflen; sisters, Mary Jo (Henry) Connor, Tracy (Ron) Tanner; brother, Stephen (Jill) Alflen; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and many special friends. Greg was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Lou, December 20, 2001. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00am Saturday at St. Therese Church. Interment Resurrection cemetery. Memorials may be made to Wayland Area Ambulance. Arrangements by Archer, Hampel & Kubiak, Wayland Chapel
PAVELKA -- Susan Ruth Pavelka, 52, of Traverse City, died Thursday, January 3, 2002, at home surrounded by her loving family, following a courageous battle with cancer. Susan was born on May 31, 1949, in Lansing, the daughter of Francis and Ruth (Taylor) Fowler. Susan grew up in Grand Ledge. Following her marriage to Jim Pavelka on April 8, 1972, the couple moved to Hopkins. Their most recent move was to Traverse City in June of 2000. Susan was a graduate of Central Michigan University, then attended Michigan State University and Grand Valley State University for graduate studies. She was an elementary teacher in the Grand Ledge, Hopkins and Wayland Union School Districts. Susan enjoyed her involvement with the alumni association of her college sorority, Sigma Sigma Sigma. She also enjoyed the time spent at their cottage at Higgins Lake, all types of water sports, reading and spending time with her family. She is survived by her parents, Francis and Ruth Fowler of Higgins Lake; her husband Jim of Traverse City; her daughters, Sarah Pavelka of Traverse City and Amelia (Dave) Helmstetter of Grand Rapids; and her two sisters, Chris Fowler of Mt. Pleasant and Carol (Jim) Meyer of Jamesville, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Jan 7 at St. Francis Catholic Church, Traverse City with the Rev. Father William Lipscomb serving as celebrant. A private family graveside service was held at Pleasant Ridge cemetery near Shepherd. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Susan R. Pavelka Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Traverse City Area Public Schools, PO Box 32, Traverse City, MI 49685. Arrangements by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, Traverse City.
OURSLER -- Mary Oursler, aged 62, of Moline, formerly of Grand Rapids, passed away Friday, December 28, 2001. She is survived by her daughters, Betsy (Rod) Mauchmar of Wayland, Cary Bachman of Coopersville; grandchildren, Ryan & Tanya. Mary was the Human Resource Director of H & H Plastics of Grand Rapids and a member of Private Industry Council in Grand Rapids for many years. Memorial Services were held Wednesday, January 2, 2002, at Wayland United Methodist Church with Pastor Julie Dix officiating. Interment in Rest Lawn Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Laurels of Sandy Creek Activity Center. Arrangements by Archer, Hampel & Kubiak, Wayland Chapel.
ROSS -- LeRoy Ross, age 69 of Schoolcraft. LeRoy Ross was a generous person who gave abundantly to his friends and family and would judge a person based upon their character, not the color of their skin. His life began on October 20, 1932 in Wayland, Iowa, the son of Paul and Betty (Conrad) Ross. Betty and her new husband, Frank Raggio, moved to a farm in Vicksburg when he was a young boy and LeRoy did the typical chores of a young farm boy. He graduated from Vicksburg High School in 1951 and soon after served his country in the military. Upon his discharge from the Air Force, LeRoy worked at the local paper mill and then at Spartan Electronics in Jackson before going to work at General Motors in Kalamazoo which he retired from in 1997 after 30 years of service. He was married
to Marylane VanTichelt from 1957 to 1976. He met Pat Olney at a party in 1976 and they were married
on July 15th, 1978 at the chapel in Bronson Hospital. Together they would enjoy 23 years of marriage. He believed that it was important to take care of the youth of today for the betterment of tomorrow's society. This was evident in his commitment throughout the years with his involvement in coaching Little League Baseball, Rocket Football and participating in rallies against drug use. His family was important to LeRoy. He was proud of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Members of his family include his wife; Pat; children Terry (Mary Wykstra) Ross of Utah, Thomas Ross of Galesburg, Michael (Kim) Olney of Three Rivers, Judy Noel of Vicksburg, Beverly (Thomas) Compton of Galesburg, Joseph (Christine) Olney of Vicksburg, Deborah (Charles) Rife of Gobles. His grandchildren are Michelle, Scott, Jessica, Kevin, Aimee, Andrea, Christopher, Celena, Joshua, Michele, Wendy, Heather, Gretchen (Nester), Jennifer, Trisha, Rachel, Careen Catlin, and Colton. His four great grandchildren are Ashley, Makayla, Jonathon, Caleb. LeRoy has a brother Millard (Pam) Ross of Richland; two sisters Kay (David) Howell of Niles and Frances Sehy of Portage and several nieces and nephews. His family will always remember the good times that they had with LeRoy at their cottage at Selkirk Lake, his great sense of humor, his practical jokes and the way he made sure that everyone was taken care of and had a good time when he was in their presence. They also enjoyed hearing the stories of his youth. He took great pride in taking the family out for Christmas Dinner. LeRoy was a member of the Moose Lodge #88 in Portage. He enjoyed fishing and bowling, belonging to two leagues: the Moose Mixed doubles and the Lakeshore Lanes Old Timers. LeRoy died on Friday, December 27, 2001 in an automobile accident. His Celebration of Life Service was held Thursday, January 2, 2002 at the Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren Funeral Home, Vicksburg Chapel. Burial was at Vicksburg cemetery. To read LeRoy's complete life story, make a memorial contribution to Mooseheart, or share a memory with his family, please visit his personal memory page at www.rdmg.com.
ALFLEN -- Mary Lou Alflen, aged 75, of Wayland, passed away Thursday, December 20, 2001, in Bradenton, FL. She is survived by her husband, Vernon; children, Mary Jo (Henry) Connor, Stephen (Jill) Alflen, Gregory Alflen, Tracy (Ron) Tanner; grandchildren, Julie (Aaron) Ziola, David (Renee) Permoda, Petra (John) Hinkle, Heath (Jenifer) Alflen, Trevor (Cyrena) Alflen, Ross, Reid & Rylie Tanner; four great grandchildren, Taylor, Shayli, John & Juliette. Also surviving are her brothers & sisters, Rosemary (Don) Saladin, Roger (Marilyn) Walker, John (Beverly) Walker, Jacqueline Trubiroha, Gertrude (Dennis) Corbett, Suzanne Embree, Diana Walker, Frances Walker & Madeline (David) Meinke. Mary Lou was preceded in death by her brother, Harry Walker and sister, Shirley Gulch. Born in Grand Rapids, April 24, 1926, Mary was the eldest of the 12 children born to Harry & Bernice (Bellegraph) Walker. Mary Lou married
Vernon Alflen on May 25, 1946, and chose Wayland as the place to raise their four children and establish their family farm machinery business (Alflen Bros. Inc.). It was in 1986 that they retired and made the permanent move to Bradenton, FL. Mary Lou was an active member at St. Therese Catholic Church participating in the choir and playing the organ for several masses. When the children were small, besides being the bookkeeper for Alflen Brothers, she was known for her cake decorating. She was also active in local bowling leagues and enjoyed traveling to WIBC national bowling tournaments. Toll painting, oils and several sewing projects kept Mary busy after retirement. Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Therese Church with Fr. Gary Pamment as Celebrant. Interment in Resurrection cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Therese Church. Arrangements by Archer, Hampel & Kubiak, Wayland Chapel.
STODDARD -- Gerald J. Stoddard, aged 65, of Gun Lake, passed away Tuesday, December 25, 2001. He is survived by his wife, Pearl; children, Charles (Connie) Stoddard, Karen (Brian) Gregersen, Sheryl (Randy) Dykstra, Geraldine (Keith) Walker, James Stoddard; his mother, Alta Stoddard; grandchildren, Erica, Jessica, Brandon, Eric, Alex, Nathan, Daniel, Lucas, Logan, Jared, Molly, Evan, Ethan; great grandchild, Zoey; sister, Patricia (Eugene) Brefke; brother, Harry (Nancy) Stoddard; sister-in-law, Mary Selvig, brothers-in-law Ted Restall & Colin Restall of England; aunts, nieces and nephews. Gerald was preceded in death by his father, Charles Stoddard; brothers, Delbert & Richard. Funeral Services were held 11:00am Saturday at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church with Pastor Rick Scheibe officiating. Interment Elmwood cemetery. Memorials may be made to wings of Hope Hospice of Allegan County or charity of ones choice. Arrangements by Archer, Hampel & Kubiak, Wayland Chapel.
MORSE -- Mr. Ray G. Morse of Shelbyville, passed away December 13, 2001, at his residence. Mr. Morse was born on November 4, 1916 in Port Clinton, Ohio, the son of Harrison and Hazel (Bourdo) Morse. For over thirty-five years he was a millwright and welder for Allied Chemical. He and his wife owned and operated Morse Laundromat at Gun Lake. A member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Wayland, and he enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing and wintering in Arcadia, Florida at the Peace River Campground. On January 28, 1940, he married
Jewel M. Shong who survives; other members of his family include, their daughters and sons-in-law, Bonnie and Thomas Dumas of Toledo, OH, Sandra and Timothy Fink of Toledo, OH, Patricia and Jerry Reed of Martin and Carol and Thomas Gerry of Kalamazoo; 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; brothers, Bud "Ralph" Blauvelt of Marshall, Rolland Blauvelt of Plainwell and Kenneth Blauvelt of Shelbyville; sisters Alice Boyce of Shelbyville and Dorothy Hoekstra of Kalamazoo; a sister-in-law "Tootie" Morse of Shelbyville; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandchild Jennifer Huckabaa; 3 great-grandchildren, Jonathan Huckabaa, Eric Dumas and Hannah Dumas; brothers Clyde Blauvelt and Cecil Morse. Funeral services were conducted Monday, December 17, 2001, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wayland, Pastor Rick Scheibe, officiated. Interment Oak Hill cemetery, Orangeville. Memorial contributions to Trinity Lutheran Church would be appreciated. Arrangements by Williams-Gores Funeral Home, Delton.
