Obituaries

Gary’s life began on Aug. 5, 1950, in Watervliet, Michigan. A lifelong resident of the community, he was a graduate of Watervliet High School. Gary had a deep love for his community, which he demonstrated through 13 years of service with the Watervliet Ambulance and 32 years as a member of the Watervliet Fire Department. He retired from the fire department in September 2004. When he wasn’t serving his community, Gary was dedicated to providing for his family. He spent 30 yea

Richard (Rick) L. Harris Jr., 75 of Hartford, MI, passed away peacefully October 17, 2026. He was born June 4, 1951, in Benton Harbor, MI. Rick was a member of the 4-H Club riding horses and competing. He won numerous Blue Ribbons, that is where he met the love of his life Madeleine Bailey. They were married July 28, 1972. Rick served with the Army Reserves, he owned and operated Caspian IGA until he and family moved to Hartford, MI where he was Assistant Manager at Harding

Michael “Mike” Whitehead, 64, of Watervliet died at his home on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026. Services celebrating his life were held Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the Bright Star Tabernacle on 5130 Old Pipestone Road in Eau Claire with Pastor Mike Fields officiating. The visitation was on Monday at the Fairplain Chapel of Florin Funeral and Cremation Service in Benton Township. Burial followed the service at North Shore Memory Gardens in Hagar Township. Please leave memories or message

Jane Gay Wetzel was the youngest of nine children and was preceded in death by her parents: Melvin and Agnes (Harreld) Smithley; eight siblings and three of her children. Surviving her is husband, Larry Wetzel and her children: Stephanie Warford, Bob (Susie) Warford, Chuck Warford, Edwin Guthrie (Geoff), along with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jane lived in Hartford for most of her life and attended Hartford High School. Jane found great joy in reading and garden

Paul J. Helgeson, 80, of Coloma, passed away on Sept. 27, 2026, at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph. Per his wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held on Nov. 15, 2026 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the South Haven American Legion Post 49. Memorial donations in Paul’s memory may be made to the South Haven American Legion Post 49. Those wishing to leave an online message for the family may do so at www.duffieldpastrick.com Paul was born

Geoffrey R. Flippo, 59, of Garner NC, formerly of Watervliet, died Sept. 16, 2026. Dorothy A. Kirk, 88, of St. Joseph died Sept. 16, 2026, at home. Starks & Menchinger Chapel, St. Joseph Perry Danny McNew, 70, of Coloma died Sept. 15, 2026, at home. Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Coloma John H. Martin, 64, of Lincoln Township died Aug. 24, 2026, at home. Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford

Dean’s life began on March 14, 1967, in Benton Harbor, Michigan. He grew up in Coloma, where he graduated from high school before continuing his education at Lake Michigan College. Dean dedicated more than 32 years of his career to Lane Automotive, where he worked as a project manager. He loved his time at Lane Automotive, especially representing the company at trade shows and building relationships throughout the automotive industry. His passion for racing and his commitmen

Penny Kosick Hanks of Watervliet passed away on Sept. 4, 2026 after receiving hospice care. A proud graduate of St. John Catholic School in Benton Harbor, Penny continued her education at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. She later earned a Master of Science in Librarianship from Western Michigan University. Penny dedicated her life to serving others through education and social work. She worked as a social worker in Omaha; tau

“Trashman” Rick Harold Kinzler, 79, of Watervliet, Michigan, unexpectedly passed away on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. Rick and his twin brother, Vick, began their lives together on May 2, 1947, born to their loving parents, Roy “Roy Boy” and June Kinzler. Rick was proud to call Watervliet his home. Rick was truly a legend when it came to being a family man. He spent his life being a strong, kind, and steady presence for those he loved. He devoted himself to being peaceful, lovi

Maria Bock, 91, of St. Joseph died Sept. 6, 2026. Starks & Menchinger Chapel, St. Joseph

Lillian M. Moss, 80, of Coloma died Aug. 30, 2026, at home. Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Coloma

Lula Belle May Gilbert, 88, of Watervliet, passed peacefully surrounded by her family on Aug. 18, 2026. Belle was born Aug. 31, 1937 in Hartford, to the union of Chester and Luella Swisher. She married the love of her life, Eugene Gilbert on March 2, 1954. Belle worked many years at Shafer Lake Fruit but her most important role was that of Mom and Grandma. She was more than a mother and grandmother; she was a safe place, a listening ear, a warm hug, a second home, and one o

Mike was born July 8, 1964, in St. Joseph, Michigan, to Theodore and Gwendolyn (Lepker) Elsner. He grew up in Coloma with his two siblings and graduated from Coloma High School in 1982. After high school, Mike found his calling working with computers. He was self-employed for several years, his business was Allied Computer Experts where he had a client turned good friend, Chuck Murphy. Mike also worked in IT at Modern Plastics, served as trades show manager at Heathkit, work

Linda Watkins, 78, of Watervliet died Aug. 15, 2026, at Caretel Inns of St. Joseph. Hutchins Funeral Home, Watervliet Joseph R. Fuessel Jr., 56, died Aug. 12, 2026 at home. Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Coloma Michael J. Krugh, 70, died Aug. 7, 2026. Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Coloma

Jacquelyn Phillippi, 99, of Holland, MI died July 5, 2026. Lakeshore Memorial Services, Holland, MI Margo L. Humes, 79, of St. Joseph died Aug. 5, 2026. Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Coloma

Marie Olga Reitz passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in her home Aug. 2, 2026 at 3 a.m. Marie was born Dec. 16, 1958, to Richard and Wilma Reitz. She graduated from Constantine, MI. Marie enjoyed joy riding, listening to 80s hair bands and 90s country music, as well as her and her sister going to concerts. Marie and her daughter bonded over their love of music together from oldies, to classical to gospel to heavy metal. She would take time to share songs to her daughter th

Marc G. Hettig, born May 7, 1957, in Coloma, Michigan, passed away on August 8, 2026. The son of the late Garold R. Hettig and Mary Alyce (Wooley) Hettig, Mark graduated from Coloma High School in 1975. He attended Kalamazoo College and later Western Michigan University, graduating with teaching degrees for secondary education in the sciences including biology, chemistry, physics, geology, and sex education. For 34 years, Marc taught at Hartford High School until his retire

Dorothy Mae (Motry) Van Ryswyk, age 82, of Benton Harbor, Michigan, passed away peacefully in her home on Aug. 11, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Dorothy lived a life defined by hard work, unwavering faith, selflessness, and love. A devoted mother, grandmother, and friend, she spent her life caring for others and putting their needs before her own. Her generous spirit, compassionate heart, and willingness to help anyone in need made a lasting impact on everyone

Angela Joan (Neebling) Showerman “Angie” of Hartford, Michigan passed away surrounded by her family on June 2, 2026. She was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan where she grew up with her sister Carol. She graduated from Ann Arbor High School and later attended Cleary Business College where she met her husband Richard “Dick” Showerman. Angie had a love for reading and dedicated 22 years of service as library assistant at Woodside Elementary School. Once settled into Hartford, Angie

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Timothy Patrick Mattimore, who departed this life on June 23, 2026, at the age of 76. Born on Aug. 10, 1949, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Tim built a life rooted in hard work, dedication, and love for his family and community. Tim was husband to Pamela Howe Mattimore for 21 years and had a second marriage to Tina Rice Mattimore. He was also a loving father to Heather Peterson and Ryan Mattimore (Michelle Mattimore), as well