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Miles D. Helmer, 72 (June 25, 2009)
Miles D. Helmer, 72, of Alamo died on Thursday, June 25, 2009, at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo.
Miles retired from Crown Vantage Paper Co. of Parchment in 1998 after 43 years of service.
He was an active member of the Sundowners 4x4 club and was a friend to many.
Members of his family include his wife of 52 years, Jackie; four children, Valerie (Tom) Cleveland, Doug (Judy) Helmer, Chris (Penney) Helmer, Greg Helmer and his girlfriend Stacey Cool; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Friends learned more about Miles, viewed his Life Story film, visited with his family and friends and shared light refreshments on Saturday, June 27, and Sunday, June 28, at Life Story Funeral Home, 120 S. Woodhams, Plainwell (269) 685-5881. Funeral services were Monday, June 29, at the same location.
Visitors to Miles’ memory page at www.lifestorynet.com may read his life story, archive a favorite memory or photo, sign his memory book online or make a memorial donation.
Clarence A. Hiscock, 96 (7-17-09)
Clarence A. Hiscock, 96, of Valley Township died Friday, July 17, 2009, at his home. Mr. Hiscock was born March 31, 1913, in Valley Township, the son of Byron and Lydia (Beery) Hiscock.
Clarence was a dairy farmer all of his life. He served on both the Valley Township Board and the Allegan Public Schools Board of Education. He had also been employed at Rockwell International for 14 years.
Surviving are his two children, John and Carol Hiscock and Jeanette and Jim Veenkant, all of Allegan; four grandchildren, Jeff and Bonnie Veenkant, Jerry and Jennifer Veenkant, Randy and Laurie Hiscock and Wendy and Jeff Simmons; six great-grandchildren, Jonathan, Aaron, Jamie, Tyler, Quinn and Kyle.
He was preceded in death by his wife Alice.
A memorial service will be Tuesday, July 21, at 1 p.m. at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, www.gordenfuneral.com. Mr. Bill Carr will officiate. Private interment will follow at Oakwood cemetery, Allegan, at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice.
Donald J. Watters, 72 (7-16-09)
Donald J. Watters, 72, of Otsego passed away Thursday, July 16, 2009, in Cooper Township. Don was born Nov. 28, 1936, in Plainwell, the son of James and Helen (Hanson) Watters.
For many years he owned and operated a milk hauling business, Don Watters Milk Hauling.
Don loved model trains with an entire room filled with a track setup. He also was an avid coin collector and a member of First Baptist Church of Otsego.
Surviving are his cousins, Kirk (Cindy) Raue of Holland, Scott (Ann) Raue of South Haven, Bonnie Raue of Saugatuck and Jim (Alice) Hanson of Kalamazoo and their families.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation at the funeral home. A memorial service will be Saturday, July 25, at 11 a.m. at Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego, with Pastor Merlyn Jones officiating.
Memorial donations may be made to Heartland Hospice, Portage.
William Eric "Bill" Steinke, 41 (7-19-09)
William Eric "Bill" Steinke, 41 of Otsego went home to be with the Lord on July 19, 2009. Bill was born Dec. 16, 1967, in Plainwell to Gerald and Joyce (Niles) Steinke.
He was employed with Safari Circuits.
Bill loved spending time with his son Rickey and close friends Brad and Seth. He also loved camping, cooking, fishing, gardening and having coffee with his father, sister and brother. Most of all, he loved helping others.
Surviving him are his son, Richard Allen Steinke; his father, Gerald Steinke; a brother, Richard (Kandy) Steinke, all of Otsego; a sister, Wendy Baden of Delton; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Preceding him in death were his mother, Joyce Steinke; brother-in-law, Tim Baden; grandparents, Fred and Eileen Niles and Herman and Alvina Steinke; his good friend, Richard Town; and several aunts and uncles.
Friends may meet the family from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, at Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego. Graveside services at Mountain Home cemetery, Otsego, will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 23, with Pastor Herb Curry officiating.
Contributions in memory of Bill may be made to Chicora Country Chapel.
Marilyn E. Ainsworth, 59 (7-19-09)
Marilyn E. Ainsworth, 59, of Allegan, formerly of Clearwater, Fla., died Sunday, July 19, 2009, at Rose Arbor Hospice Residence, Kalamazoo. Marilyn was born April 24, 1950, in South Bend, Ind., the daughter of George and Mary (Sheffer) Ainsworth.
She had been employed at Verizon Telephone in Clearwater, Fla., for 30 years, retiring in 2003.
She loved her dogs, particularly dachshunds.
Surviving are two nieces and two nephews, Sue and Brian Robinson, Deb and Dave Salik, Jeff and Nan Ainsworth and "Ted" Ainsworth; seven great-nieces and nephews, Sarah and Katie Salik, Lauren, Taylor, and Quinn Robinson and Brooke and Aaron Ainsworth; and Marilyn's dog Buddy.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, James.
Private family graveside services will be at Oakwood cemetery, Allegan.
Memorial contributions may be made to Wishbone Pet Rescue Alliance, P.O. Box 776, Saugatuck, MI 49453 or Allegan County Medical Care Community, 3265 122nd Ave., Allegan, MI 49010.
Arrangements were provided by Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, www.gordenfuneral.com.
Ralph M. Miner Jr., 80 (7-15-09)
Ralph M. Miner Jr., 80, of Mishawaka, Ind., entered into rest at 5:20 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, 2009, at Memorial Hospital, South Bend. Ralph was born April 19, 1929, in Plainwell to Ralph M. and Dorothy (Pinney) Miner Sr.
On Sept. 4, 1948, in Otsego he married
his high school sweetheart, Mary L. (Jessup) Miner, who preceded him in death on Feb. 15, 1995.
Mr. Miner graduated from Plainwell High School as senior class president. Mary was vice president. Ralph was not only an "all around" athlete but also an accomplished clarinetist. During halftime at the football games, he marched with the band in his football uniform.
In later years, you could find Dad and Aunt Mary cheering at the Friday night football games.
In 1964, Dad took a sales representative position with Wheelabrator Frye in Mishawaka, Ind. After 25 years of service, mom and dad moved on to Palos Verdes, Calif., where dad retired from Northrop Grumman Corp., returning home to the family to care for our wonderful mom, who's health was failing at the time. God bless you, dad!
Mr. Miner is survived by daughter, Sara Jo (Mark) Zeak of Mishawaka, Ind.; five sons, Phillip Miner of Eden Prairie, Minn., Anthony Miner of South Bend, Ind., Timothy (Susan) Miner of Osceola, Ind., Kenneth (Ronda) Miner of South Bend, Ind., and Daniel (Lori) Miner of Granger, Ind.; 14 grandchildren, Cory, Kirk, Kristi, Amy, Timothy, Martin, Stephen, Justin, Andrew, Nathan, Benjamin, Stephanie, Nicholas and Lucas; eight great-grandchildren, Christopher, Ian, Caedmon, Damien, Joseph, Kelsey, Matthew and Amara; dad's cousins, Frances "Franky" (Sines) Duerhammer, Mary Kleinbrink; and sisters, Marilyn and Marsha.
May the angels come to welcome you!
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Monday, July 20, at the Cathedral of St. Matthew, 1701 Miami, South Bend, Ind. Graveside services will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday in Hillside cemetery, Plainwell. Friends may visit with the family from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 19, at Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan St., South Bend, Ind. A Rosary will be said at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, July 19 at the funeral home.
Contributions may be offered to the Center for Hospice & Palliative Care Inc., 111 Sunnybrook Ct., South Bend, IN 46637. Online condolences may be made at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
Joyce L. Hale, 60 (July 11, 2009)
Joyce L. Hale, 60, of Yankee Springs Township, formerly of Allegan, died Saturday, July 11, 2009, at Briarwood Assisted Living in Allegan. Mrs. Hale was born Aug. 23, 1948, in Allegan, the daughter of Anker and Mary (Tanczos) Smith.
Joyce graduated from Allegan High School in 1966.
She retired as Head Postal Clerk, from the Allegan Post Office in 2003, after 35 years of service.
On Dec. 22, 1968, Joyce married
Greg Hale, who survives.
Also surviving are her three sisters, Lillian and Paul Peet of Farwell, Margaret and Dan Bridgeman of Allegan and Karen and Max Nelson of Oklahoma; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place; there will be no visitation. A private memorial service will be at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice, 530 Linn St., Suite A, Allegan, MI, 49010. Arrangements were provided by Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, www.gordenfuneral.com.
Robert Gregg Rosenberg, 68 (July 12, 2009)
Robert Gregg Rosenberg, 68, of Plainwell died July 12, 2009, in Grand Rapids. Gregg was born Dec. 11, 1940, in Plainwell, the son of Robert Porter and Dorothy Norene (Kennedy) Rosenberg.
Gregg worked as a barber in Plainwell since 1962, spending his years at the family barbershop established by his grandfather, Wilbert Rosenberg, in 1917.
He graduated from Plainwell High School. For the past 40 years, Gregg has resided at Pine Lake.
Members of his family include his sister, Jane (Paul) Williams; a brother, Tom (Bonnie) Rosenberg; nieces, Peggy (Jim) Warnez and Laura (Bob) Cline; and nephews, Paul Williams and Kenneth Rosenberg.
On Sunday, July 19, an open house will be from 2 to 4 p.m. to share stories and memories of Gregg at his home at 1108 Long Pointe Dr. at Pine Lake.
Arrangements were handled by Life Story Funeral Homes, 120 S. Woodhams, Plainwell, (269) 685-5881.
Joseph August Ballay Jr., 52 (8-15-09)
Joseph August Ballay Jr., 52, of Mattawan was granted his angel wings on Aug. 15, 2009, with his family by his side in Mattawan. Mr. Ballay was born on Feb. 13, 1957, in Kalamazoo to Joseph and Juanita Ballay.
He was a faithful member of Allegan Christian Center for 13 years.
His career was working in auto body repair, and he loved playing his drums.
Mr. Ballay is survived by his wife, Kimberlee Ballay; three sons, Joseph Ballay, Joshua (Krystle) Ballay, and James (Jessica) Ballay; a stepson, Cory (Melissa) London; three grandchildren, Joshua and William Ballay and Larissa London; his parents, Joseph Ballay Sr. and Juanita Ballay; two sisters, Melodie (Bob) Dobbins and Judy Langford; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Ballay is preceded in death by one sister, Millicent Ballay.
A memorial service will be Aug. 29 at 2 p.m. at Allegan Christian Center, 700 Ely St., Allegan, with Pastor Paul Knuckles officiating. Following the service, food and fellowship will be shared at the Mac Center. There will be no graveside services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Life Story Funeral Homes, Betzler & Thompson, 60900 M-40, Paw Paw, (269) 657-3870.
Visitors to Joseph's personal Web page at www.lifestorynet.com may archive a favorite memory and sign his guest book.
Lena E. Gilmore, 89 (8-16-09)
Lena E. Gilmore, 89, of Plainwell passed away Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009. Lena was born on Jan. 7, 1920, in Rapid City. She was the daughter of Fred and Irene (Granger) Greene.
She is survived by her daughter, Betty (Phillip) Sweetland of Gobles; two stepdaughters, Joanne (Paul) Denecke-Kerkhof of Indiana; Peggy (James) Milligan of South Carolina; eight grandsons; numerous great-grandchildren; two sisters, Frances Hartman and Betty Jean Norton; one brother, Fay (Joanne) Greene; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, John Colwell; her second husband, Charles Gilmore; and brother, Leon Green.
Friends learned more about Lena, viewed her Life Story film, visited with her family and friends and shared light refreshments on Wednesday, Aug. 19, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Life Story Funeral Home, 120 S. Woodhams, Plainwell, (269) 685-5881. Funeral services were Thursday Aug. 20, at 1 p.m. at the same location.
Visitors to Lena's memory page at www.lifestoryn et.com may read her life story, archive a favorite memory or photo, sign her memory book online or make a memorial donation to Rose Arbor Hospice Residence.
Lorraine J. Krotz, 78 (8-16-09)
Lorraine J. Krotz, 78, of Allegan died Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009, at her home. Mrs. Krotz was born March 23, 1931, in Gaylord, the daughter of Lewis and Gertrude (Lenartowicz) Nowaczyk.
Lorraine graduated from Allegan High School in1949.
She worked for Tru-Heat for more than 20 years, retiring in the early 1990s.
She was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.
Surviving are her three children, Diane and Tommy Sumner of Allegan, Brian Krotz of Allegan and Candice and Ervin Kurtzel of Flat Rock; three grandchildren, Tracy, Tommy Lee and Travis; one sister, Dee Howard of Allegan; two nieces, Brenda Hamlin and Georgette Hall; one nephew, Greg Howard; and several cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry.
Friends met with the family on Wednesday, Aug. 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, www.gordenfuneral.com, where the Rosary was recited at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial was Thursday, Aug. 20, at 11 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, the Rev. Fr. Alan P. Jorgensen Celebrant.
Memorials may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice.
Anna Butler, 95 (7-18-09)
Anna Butler, 95, of Port Saint Lucie, Fla., formerly of Allegan County, died Saturday, July 18, 2009 in Florida. She was born Jan. 6, 1914, in Flint.
Mrs. Butler had been a resident of Port Saint Lucie, Fla., for the past four years.
She was a nurse at Tolfree Hospital in West Branch for 25 years, retiring in 1975.
Surviving are her daughter, Margaret A. Valley-Kenyon of Port Saint Lucie, Fla.; 14 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Leo Butler; son, Doyle Winter; and a daughter, Hazel Latter.
A Memorial Mass will be Saturday, Aug. 22, at 11 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, the Rev. Fr. Alan P. Jorgensen Celebrant. Interment will follow at Poplar Hill cemetery, Monterey Township.
Arrangements were provided by Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, www.gordenfuneral.com.
Shirley Avery McElwee, 80 (7-26-09)
Mrs. Philip David McElwee, nee, Shirley Avery, 80, Allegan died Sunday, July 26, 2009, at Allegan Country Estates. Mrs. McElwee was born July 1, 1929, in Cadillac, the daughter of Elton and Edith (Johnson) Avery.
She had worked for the State of Michigan for many years and then with her husband Philip at Allegan Paint and Wallpaper Co. in downtown Allegan.
She was a longtime Friend of the Allegan Library and a friend to animals.
Surviving are her stepson, Jeffrey and Diane McElwee of Allegan and stepdaughter Christine McElwee of North Carolina; four grandchildren, Craig McElwee of Allegan, Adrian Gulick and Celeste Gulick, both of North Carolina and Tim McElwee of Pennsylvania; four great-grandchildren, Tyler Gulick, Kassidy McElwee, Gavin McElwee and Owen McElwee; one cousin, Joan Hensley of Texas; and one niece, Amy Hubbard of Minnesota.
Mrs. McElwee was preceded in death by her husband Philip in 1992.
Memorial graveside services will be Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 10 a.m. at Poplar Hill cemetery, Monterey Township, Fr. Corwin Stoppel from All Saints' Episcopal Church in Saugatuck officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice or Allegan District Library. Arrangements were provided by Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, www.gordenfuneral.com.
Dorothy M. Foster, 100 (8-16-09)
Dorothy M. Foster, 100, of Anaheim Calif., formerly of Allegan, passed away in Anaheim on Aug. 4, 2009. She was born Aug. 16, 1908, in Otsego, to Henry and Harriet (Sharpless) Morris.
She grew up in Otsego, where she graduated from high school in 1926. She received her teaching degree from Western Normal College in Kalamazoo, now Western Michigan University, and taught in Boyne City until her marriage to Orrin L. Foster in 1933.
After moving to Allegan in 1949, and many years of teaching adult education classes, she returned to teaching home economics full time at Allegan Junior High in 1960.
In 1967 she retired and moved with her husband to Anaheim. In retirement, she enjoyed traveling in the United States, as well as to the England she so loved.
She always had a spirit of adventure and a zest for life. Her last trip to England was with her children for her 90th birthday.
She remained active and lived independently until her death 12 days short of her 101st birthday. In her 90s she served four terms as president of the apartment complex where she resided in Anaheim.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband Orrin L. Foster in 1979, and one son, Larry O. Foster in 2003.
She is survived by her children Nancy Ingalsbee of Allegan, Mike and Betsy Foster of Pier Cove, Deborah and Joe Brenner of Scottsdale, Ariz., Jeff and Ellie Foster of Flagstaff, Ariz.; nine grandchildren, Tim and Catia Ingalsbee of Eugene, Ore., Michael Ingalsbee of La Habra, Calif. Shanna Ingalsbee of Burbank, Calif., Tom and Stacy Foster of Richmond, Va., Marc and Arlene Foster of Atlanta, Ga., Ann and Troy Gray of Richmond, Va., Casey and Katherine Brenner of Scottsdale, Ariz., Molly Brenner of Los Angeles, Calif., and Katie Brenner of Newport Beach, Calif.; eight great-grandchildren, Asia and Jack Brenner, Kelsey and Tivon Ingalsbee, Olivia and Michael Reed Foster, and Owen and Pierson Gray; and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life took place in Anaheim on Aug. 7, 2009. A memorial in Michigan will follow at a later date.
She loved animals, especially family pets. Memorial contributions can be made in her honor to any local animal shelter or the ASPCA. Contributions may also be made to the Lions Club or the Congregational Kitchen dinner program at First Congregational Church in Allegan.
Irvin Boylan, 78
Irvin Boylan, 78, of Plainwell died at Life Care Center of Plainwell on April 2, 2006. He was born on Sept. 6, 1927, in Allegan to James and Julia (Thorpe) Boylan.
Irvin grew up in Allegan County and worked several construction jobs and later retired from James River Paper Co.
On June 1, 1957, he married
Beverly Wendt.
Irvin's family includes his children, Belva and Rick Smith of Plainwell, Lew and Diane Boylan of Cooper, Irvin and Deb Boylan of Otsego and step-son, Ron Cowden of Jackson; 12 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and siblings, Albert Boylan, Virginia Faucher, Irene Dendel and Eilene Davis.
He was preceded in death by his wife Beverly and siblings, Gerald, George and James Boylan and Tress Vite.
Irvin's Friends visited with his family on Wednesday, April 5, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, RDMG, 120 S. Woodhams, Plainwell. His service was today (Thursday), April 6, at 2 p.m. at Hillside cemetery in Plainwell.
Visitors to his memory page at www.lifestorynet.com may read his life story, archive a favorite memory or make a memorial donation to the Trowbridge United Methodist Church, the American Heart Association, or the American Cancer Society.
