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Dwaine Wilbur Watkins
Service: Held at a later date
Memorials: The American Cancer Society, https://www.cancer.org/
Dwaine Wilbur Watkins, 64, passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2017, with his wife, Lynne, and his family by his side. He is also survived by his sons, Benny, Bobby, and Travis Watkins. Dwaine will be deeply missed by his brothers, Mike (Debby) Watkins, Ted (Colleen) Watkins, Al (Brenda) Watkins, Bryan (Rene) Watkins, and many nephews and nieces. His son, Dwaine K. Watkins, and his parents, Wilbur Watkins and Julia Manne, preceded him in death. Dwaine was born in Great Falls, Montana, on November 11, 1953, and spent most of his life in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He served his country in the U.S. Marines during the Vietnam War. Dwaine was a loving husband to Lynne. He enjoyed telling stories of his life experiences, attending race events at Martin, and participating in bean bag tournaments with his brothers and nephews. Interment has already taken place and a private celebration of Dwaine’s life is being planned by his family. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Sean Michael Allen
Visitation: Friday, January 12, from 6 - 8 pm at Stroo Funeral Home; and Saturday from 10 - 11 am prior to the service at the church
Service: 11 am Saturday, January 13 at Lifequest Ministries, 1050 Fisk, SE, Grand Rapids, MI
Cemetery: Winchester Cemetery
Sean Michael Allen completed his earthly journey early Sunday morning, December 31, 2017. Sean was a very courageous man who fought and endured many physical difficulties throughout his life. He never complained and had a remarkable sense of humor. Sean loved to bowl and spend time listening to music, going to the airport, and watching football games with his housemates. Sean also loved to go to church, and enjoyed worshiping with his friends and housemates at the African Community Church and Ada Bible Church. Sean is survived by his mother, Rosemary Allen; sister, Kathleen Allen; brother, James Allen (Molly McNamara); nieces, Margaret Allen and Bridget Allen; nephew, Seamus Allen; his aunt, Barbara Robinson; his uncle, Gary (Judy)Moore; and many cousins. Sean was loved and will be missed by his family as well as his friends, including Marge and Paul Potter and Henry Gachini, his housemates at Zawadi, Michael, Wyatt, Justin, Stephen, Jeffrey, Richard; also the incredible people who provided loving care and fellowship to him: Daniel (Njeri) Kioko, Calvin (Sara) Matheka, Caroline Muhoro, Perris Waithaka, Gertrude Mwende, and Tortia Tuo. Visitation with Sean's family will be held at Stroo Funeral Home, 1095 68th St, SE on Friday, January 12, 2018 from 6 - 8 pm, and on Saturday, January 13, one hour prior to the service. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 13, at Lifequest Ministries, on 1050 Fisk S.E. Grand Rapids, MI. A time of fellowship and lunch will follow at the church. All are welcome to attend and share in celebrating Sean’s life.
John Jacob Young
Visitation: Tuesday, January 16 from 5 - 8 pm at Stroo Funeral Home
Service: 11 am Wednesday, January 17, at Stroo Funeral Home
Cemetery: Lakeside Cemetery
Memorials: Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, 3000 Monroe NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
John Jacob Young, age 75, of Caledonia, went to be with his Lord unexpectedly in January 2, 2018. John graduated from Caledonia High School and proudly served in the U.S. Army. He worked for General Motors (36th St. Plant) for over 37 years, was a leader in Tool and Die, and was on the Executive board with the UAW Local 730 for many years. John and Judy loved their many friends they made at Sherwood Forrest the past 17 years and his Wednesday's coffee with friends at McDonalds in Caledonia. He enjoyed music, gardening, and his John Deere tractors. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 57 years, Judy (nee Demarest); his children, Debra (Gordon) Lantinga, Kelly Papp, Tracy Young; six grandchildren, Lance Van Haitsma, Taryn Van Haitsma, Trent Van Haitsma, Cameron Papp, Lydia Papp, Drake Young; great grandson, Gunner Van Haitsma; sister-in-law, Teri Demarest, many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, John Robert; son-in-law, Dr. John Papp Sr.; parents, John and Lena Young; brothers, Howard and Jay Wiersma; parents-in-law, Ted and Alice Demarest; and brother-in-law, Larry Demarest. The family will greet visitors on Tuesday, January 16, from 5 - 8 pm at Stroo Funeral Home (1095 68th St. SE), where the service will be held on Wednesday, January 17, at 11 am. Interment in Lakeside Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans.
Hilda R. Markham (Bedewitz)
Service: To be held in the Spring
MARKHAM, (Bedewitz) HILDA R.
Lowell, Michigan
Hilda R. Markham (Bedewitz) aged 87, of Lowell, went to be with her Lord on Friday, January 5, 2018. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin; daughter, Lyn Markham Tifft; and parents, Fred and Anna Bedewitz. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Cheryl (Tim) Mastenbrook, Roy Markham; son-in-law, Larry Tifft; grandchildren, Amanda Mastenbrook, Lee Mastenbrook, Brian Markham, Skye Tifft; great granddaughter, Paisley Markham; sister, Dorothy Julien; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held later in the spring at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lowell. Please visit her memorial page at www.forevermissed.com/hilda-markham for further information.
Doris Ann (Wiley) Sleeman
Visitation: Friday, January 19, from 10 - 11 AM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 8436 Kraft SE, Caledonia, MI 49316 followed by the service
Service: 11 AM Friday, January 19, at St. Paul Lutheran Church
Memorials: Mackenzie's Animal Sanctuary, 8935 Thompson Road, Lake Odessa, MI 48849
Doris Ann (Wiley) Sleeman, age 82, of Alto, passed away peacefully in her home on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 and went to be with her Lord. A 1957 graduate of Michigan State University, Doris loved her MSU sports. She served as a high school English teacher for 32 years. She was also actively involved in the Women's City Club, and a Women's Book Club. A loving wife, mother, and grandmother, Doris will be deeply missed by her husband of 53 years, Terry; son, Timothy (Camie) Sleeman; grandchildren, Caleb Sleeman, Isaiah Sleeman, Teresa (Todd) Wandell, Danielle Romeyn; four great grandsons; sister and brother Alice (Larry Reynolds) Littlefield, James (Susan) Wiley; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Alyce Fredricks, Donald (Alice) Sleeman; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edgar and Faye Wiley, and her son, Michael Kevin Milanowski. As Doris wished, cremation has taken place. The family will greet visitors on Friday, January 19, from 10 -11 AM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 8436 Kraft SE, Caledonia, where the service will begin at 11 AM. Pastor Timothy Brand will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to Mackenzie's Animal Sanctuary.
Vernon Bomgaars
Visitation: 9:45 to 11 am on Friday, January 19, 2018 at Kentwood Community Church, 1200 60th St. SE, (use door I) followed by the service at 11 am
Service: 11 am Friday, January 19 at Kentwood Community Church (use door I)
Cemetery: Winchester Cemetery
Memorials: D.A. Blodgett-St. John's Annual Foster Family Christmas Party, 355 Knapp St. NE Grand Rapids, Michigan 49505 https://dabsj.org/be-involved/ways-to-give
Vernon Bomgaars, age 70, went to be with the Lord on January 10, 2018. Vern leaves Mary Lou, his wife of 48 years, his daughter, Rachel Umhoefer and her husband Matthew, his son, Brent and his wife Hayley, and his precious grandchildren, Ava and Maxwell Umhoefer and Alexa and Beckett Bomgaars. Vern is also survived by his brothers, Arnold (Becky), Earl (Donna), Gerald (Deb), Wayne (Kelly), and Lowell (Patti), his sisters, Carol Noteboom, Lois (Ken) Kuehl and Glenda Bomgaars; and his sisters-in-law, Mary Bomgaars and Carol (Kim) Spradling. Vern is preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Geneva (Den Herder) Bomgaars, his brother, Norman, his brother-in-law, Vernon Noteboom and his parents-in-law, Peter and Margaret (Oordt) Blom. Vern was born and raised in Northwest Iowa. He and Mary Lou moved to the Grand Rapids, MI area after they were married. Vern worked in men’s clothing and lighting sales. Vern dealt with many health issues over the years with a strong faith, determination, and the support of dear friends, family, and an excellent medical community. Celebration of Life Services will be held on Friday, January 19, 2018 at Kentwood Community Church, 1200 60th St. SE (Use Door I) with visitation from 9:45 - 11 AM and a Service at 11 AM with a social hour to follow. Memorial contributions can be made to D. A. Blodgett-St. John’s Annual Foster Family Christmas Party.
Cora L. Quist
Visitation: Sunday, January 14, from 5 - 8 pm at Stroo Funeral Home
Service: 11 am Monday, January 15, at Stroo Funeral Home, 1095 68th St. SE
Cemetery: Winchester Cemetery
Memorials: to the funeral home to help with expenses
Cora L. Quist, age 57, of Cutlerville, went to be with her Lord on Wednesday, January 10, 2018. She was preceded in death by her parents, Anton and Aleda Bredell; her brother, Arnold Bredell; and father-in-law, Henry Quist. Cora will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 31 years, Howard; her children, Christopher Quist, Brain (Megan) Quist; her grandchildren, Harlie and Jovie Quist; sister, Beth (John) Noteboom; mother-in-law, Delphine Quist; brother-in-law, Jeff (Julie) Quist; and several nieces and nephews. The family will greet visitors on Sunday from 5 to 8 pm at Stroo Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held 11 am Monday, January 15, at Stroo Funeral Home, with Rev. Ken VanWyk officiating. Interment in Winchester Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to help with expenses.
Joan Grigas
Service: Held at a later date
Joan Grigas, age 80, formerly of Hastings, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 11, 2018 with her daughter by her side. Born in Flint, MI, she moved to Hastings in 1960. She worked at the Hastings Hospital Purchasing Service in the Billing Dept. Joan married Harold DeVany in 1962 and was a stay at home mother who was an excellent cook. She enjoyed reading and taking care of her family. In 1976 she received her degree in nursing. She later retired form nursing and was the Executive Director of the Hastings Chamber of Commerce. In 1986 she retired and moved to Lapeer, MI. Her son, Steven Hurley, preceded her in death. She is survived by her daughter, Vickie McGuire, daughter-in-law, Debbie Hurley; brother-in-law, Jim (Ginni) Cronover; grandchildren, Michael McGhan, Michelle (Dan) Martin, Joshua McGuire, Natasha Hurley, Sarah Hurley, and Jessica Glessner; eight great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. A private family service will be held, with family and friends, at a later date.
Geraldine "Gerry" Jones
Celebration of Life Service: Wednesday, January 24, from 11 am - 1 pm at Sand's Banquet Room, 6597 S. Division Avenue.
Memorials: Spectrum Health Hospice, 750 Fuller Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Geraldine Mae "Gerry" Jones, age 88, of Kentwood, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 12, 2018. Gerry loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by her husband of 26 years, Paul; her children, Linda (Jim) Koster, Sharon (Robert) LaDow; step-son, Paul E. "P.J." Jones; six grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; and sister, Phyllis (Donald) DeWitt. A Memorial Celebration of Life service will be held on Wednesday, January 24, from 11 am - 1 pm at Sand's Banquet Room, 6597 S. Division Avenue. Memorial contributions may be made to Spectrum Health Hospice.
