CURTIS WILLIAM DRAKE

Curtis William Drake was born on June 21, 1916 in Bangor, Michigan, the son of Curtis and Jean (Humphrey) Drake. He passed away on Thursday, April 13, 2017 at South Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Community.

Curt, as he was known, grew up on Van Auken Lake. He moved to Chicago after school to work with his uncle, James Humphrey.

He was united in marriage to H. Irene Lovegrove on July 14, 1938 in Alexander, Canada and for the next 78 years, they were inseparable. They met in Chicago at a church social. Irene had moved from Canada to Chicago to help her aunt Ethel who had arthritis. They later returned to Van Auken Lake to farm (Cherry Hill Fruit Farm) and raise their family.

Curt was a life member of Hartford Federated Church, life member of Twin City Camera Club (36 years), Fruit Belt Camera Club, and Southern Michigan Gun Club. He was a competitor in camera and gun club activities right up until the end. He had a love for life and living it to the fullest. It was often said that there were not many things he didn’t love and enjoy.

Curtis’ many hobbies and interests were daily target practice shooting his firearms (weather permitting), shooting his camera at every opportunity, woodworking (making many keepsakes for friends and family) and traveling to various destinations at home and abroad.

Curt believed in giving back to the community. He was a school board member all the years his children attended school.

He is survived by his wife, Irene; a daughter, Jean (Ronald) Johnson of Hartford; a son, Dale Drake of Hartford; three grandchildren, Roderick (Kathy) Johnson, Darcelle (Kenneth) Austin, and Danielle (Michael) Aschenbrener; six great-grandchildren, Gabriel and Gwen Johnson, Victoria and Ayden Austin, and Maxwell and Valentina Aschenbrener.

Curt was preceded in passing by his parents, two brothers, Virgil and Donald Drake, and a sister, Shirley Schroyer.

A memorial celebration of life service took place Tuesday, April 14, at the Hartford Federated Church, with Pastor Richard Ely officiating. As to Curtis’ wishes cremation has taken place. His ashes will be placed in Thomas Cemetery, Bangor Township. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hartford Federated Church. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.

FRED KROBOTH

Fred Kroboth, 81, of Hartford passed away Monday, April 10, 2017. Fred was lovingly cared for by his wife Betty for the past 24 years.

Fred was born November 30, 1935 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the son of Fred Sr. and Hazel (Garrett) Kroboth, both of whom preceded him in passing. He was also preceded in death by two infant sisters, Eva and Joyce; an infant son Dean; and an infant granddaughter Brooke.

Fred grew up and worked on the family dairy farm in Hartford.  He was formerly employed at Friday Tractor of Hartford for 17 years, and Rieth-Riley Construction Company until his health forced him to retire.

He loved to talk as shown by him never meeting a stranger.  He had a wonderful laugh and was the kind of man who would do anything for anybody. Fred also loved to travel and watch old westerns, mostly of John Wayne.

Fred married Betty Gott on April 26, 1963 and passed away just shy of their 54th wedding anniversary.  Betty survives along with five children, Theresa (Mike) Woodward of Hartford, Lisa (Bill) Wallace of South Bend, Joseph Kroboth of Hartford, Duane (Sara) Kroboth of Las Vegas, and Freda Haskins of Coloma. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Bethany and Phillip Woodward, Sarah Figaretti and Ashley Wallace, Danielle and Kelsey Kroboth, Lori and Brian Haskins, and Laura Kroboth; and three great-grandchildren, Rocco, Resa and Abigail.

As per Fred’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family memorial service will be held at a later date. The family has entrusted the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford with arrangements. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to an animal shelter of your choice.  Memorial condolences for the family can be left on our website at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.

RICKY “RICK” LEE CLARK

Ricky “Rick” Lee Clark of Schaumburg, Illinois, formerly of Coloma died April 10, 2017, after a long illness.

He was born August 30, 1963 to Bobby J. and Phyllis (nee Smith) Clark in Benton Harbor. He attended Coloma High School and served in the U.S. Army. He later worked in sales, marketing and management for manufacturing companies throughout the Midwest.

Rick is survived by his wife, Jennifer (nee Luhman); his children, Samantha and Adam; his mother, Phyllis, of Coloma; his brother, Robert, of Coloma; and his nephew, Carson. He was preceded in death by his father, Bobby, and his brother, Randy.

Visitation was held Saturday, April 15, followed by a memorial service at Countryside Funeral Home, 333 S. Roselle Road, Roselle, IL.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Kidney Fund at https://fundraise.kidneyfund.org/RickClark or the National Kidney Foundation at www.kidney.org.

Death Notices

Kevin William Darling, 32, of Lawrence died April 13, 2017. Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford