Orville Edward Erickson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on November 10, 2023, after a courageous battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.  Orv lived in Douglas, Michigan, formerly in Potterville, Michigan. Orv was born on January 26, 1948, in Fargo, North Dakota, to Elder and Alice Erickson. He grew up on a farm in Kindred, North Dakota, and attended Kindred Public Schools, where he was active...

Frank Piantek, 79, of Fennville, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, in his sleep on the morning of November 4, 2023.  Frank was born in 1944 in Chicago, IL to Frank Piantek Sr. and Lottie Piantek.  He married his wife, Gloria, in 1973, and celebrated their 50th anniversary in February.  Gloria stayed true to their love by ensuring that he received the best care at Douglas Cove Health and Rehabilitation in his final days.  Together they had three amazing children:...

Nereyda Benítez, 44 años de Fennville, Michigan, Mejor conocida como Nery, fue a estar con su Señor el 1 de noviembre de 2023, en el Hospital Butterworth en Grand Rapids, Michigan. Nacido en El 8 de febrero de 1979, en Guerrero, México, vivió una vida llena de amor, bondad y empatia por quienes la rodean. Nereyda era el corazón de su familia. Su amor por sus hijos era incomparable, y dedicó su vida a criarlos y enseñarles valiosas...

Richard James Zelenka, affectionately known as Rick, was born to his late parents Ladislav and Margaret (Svabek) Zelenka on May 24, 1945, in the bustling city of Chicago, Illinois. He peacefully left this world at his home in Fennville, Michigan, on October 20, 2023, surrounded by his family and beloved life partner Victoria (Vickie) Zeman of 29 cherished years. He was a proud and devoted father to his children Candi Schmuck, Mandy Zeman, and Brandy (Jeremy) Zachery. He was also a loving...

Lori Sue Derksen (Morgan), a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully in her Fennville, Michigan home on October 14, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on June 5, 1966, in Winter Garden, Florida, Lori was a vivacious spirit known for her love of family, nature, and life's simple pleasures. A native of Winter Garden, Lori's zest for life was evident from the start. She was the cherished daughter of the late Eddie and Shirley Morgan and...

Stevan Richard Oakley, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully in his home on October 12, 2023, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Born in Garden City, Michigan in 1958, Steve moved with his family to Lake City, MI in 1973. He excelled in football, basketball and track, receiving all-conference honors, and graduated as salutatorian of Lake City High School in 1976. More importantly, Steve met his soulmate and best friend Virginia Quist...

Felipa Gonzales Diaz May 7, 1943 – October 10, 2023 Felipa Gonzales Diaz, a cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home in Fennville, Michigan, on October 10, 2023. Born on May 7, 1943, in China, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, she was a woman of great spirit and boundless love, who touched the lives of many with her kindness and warmth. Felipa was the beloved daughter of Felipe and Maria Gonzales. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband,...

Barbara Ann Schalte (Bradow), a woman of great strength, love, and devotion, passed away on October 10, 2023, in Holland, Michigan. Born on November 5, 1934, in Rogers City, Michigan, Barbara was a beacon of warmth, kindness, and compassion to all who knew her. Preceded in death by her parents, John and Fern Bradow, and her loving husband, Joseph Schalte, her daughter Julie, and her son John. Barbara's legacy lives on through her resilient spirit and the love she cultivated within her...

It is with a mix of laughter and tears that we celebrate the life of Timothy Allan "Woody" Woods. Woody was born on November 11, 1962, in Allegan, Michigan. He took his final breath on October 3, 2023, in Holland, Michigan, leaving behind his wife, Jan Earl Woods, and his faithful friend, Haylee. Woody was the son of William H. Jr. and Rose (Jones) Woods. He was the sibling who always had a joke ready to lighten the mood or a prank to stir the pot, leaving his sisters, Laura...

Esther Marie Jorgensen died peacefully at home on October 2, 2023, among family and friends.  She was born Esther Marie Hoover to Belle and Alva Hoover on February 2, 1939, in Douglas, MI. The younger of two daughters, Esther often joked that her mother expected a valentine but got a groundhog instead.  Her sunny childhood was interrupted by polio, which she contracted as an adolescent.  Esther spent many lonely months in isolation and remembered waving through the hospital...