ARTHUR W. BORR

 Arthur W. Borr, 67, of Watervliet died October 19, 2016, with his loving family by his side in Watervliet following complications from a stroke he suffered in 2011. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 12 at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet. Burial of his remains with Military Honors will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Watervliet.  Art was born March 12, 1949, in St. Joseph to Arthur and Mildred Borr. They resided in Benton Harbor until relocating to Watervliet where Art remained for the rest of his life.  He graduated from Watervliet High School in 1967. He then attended Lake Michigan College where he completed the electrical apprenticeship program and went to work for Barber Electric.  Art was drafted into the Army in 1969 and fought in Vietnam. He was a member of the 1st Battalion 50th Infantry attached to the 173rd Airborne Brigade aka “Skysoldiers”. For his heroic actions while in Vietnam he was awarded numerous medals including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal, two Bronze Stars for Valor and the Army Commendation Medal.  After the Army he returned home to continue his career as an electrician working at Modern Plastics, then joining IBEW #153 holding various positions at Whirlpool, IBID Electric, Haworth and lastly as the Facilities Supervisor at Whirlpool Brandywine Creek.  Art was always involved with sports during his free time. A long-time coach in the Watervliet Community he spent many years at Hayes Park and Watervliet High School Coaching baseball, football and softball. Coaching softball was his passion having coached at Watervliet High School for 18 years. A fan of Detroit professional teams and the Michigan Wolverines, Art spent many Saturdays at “The Big House” cheering for his Michigan Wolverines.  A very kind and helpful person Art was always willing to lend a helping hand during times of need, especially when those times of need involved electrical issues or snow removal.  The family greatly appreciates all the support they have received from doctors, nurses, therapists, care providers, friends and especially Meg Brookhouse who spent two days a week with him for the past several years.  Mr. Borr is survived by his wife of 43 years, Jan Borr; son, Greg Borr; daughter, Kelly Vawter; son-in-law, Ryan Vawter; granddaughter, Reece Vawter who was the best helper a grandpa could have; brother, Dan Borr; two step-brothers, Pete Van Horn and Harry (Sandy) Van Horn; his cat Bella; and numerous in-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and beer drinking buddies.  He was preceded in death by his parents.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Watervliet Athletic Boosters, Hospice at Home – Lakeland, or Homes for Our Troops. You are invited to leave a memory for Art’s family at hutchinsfuneral.com.

GARY CROWDER

Gary Crowder of Watervliet died Sunday, October 23, at Lakeland Medical Center in St. Joseph.  Gary’s life began March 25, 1958 in Benton Harbor.  He was a lifetime area resident and worked for Pierson Construction for 18 years. Gary loved riding his Harley and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.  His loving family includes: his wife Barbara Crowder; two step-sons Gene (Stacey) Barker and Jeff Barker; six grandchildren; two great grandchildren; four siblings Jeannie (Phil) Newberry, Kim (Travis) Brucke, Don Crowder, and Cindy (Edward) Foorman; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Richard “Dick” and Elizabeth (Bailey) Crowder.  Funeral services will be celebrated Friday, October 28, at 1:00 p.m. with visitation prior starting at 11:00 a.m. at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet. Burial will follow in Fairview Memorial Cemetery in Watervliet.  Memorials may be made in Gary’s name to the American Cancer Society.  You are invited to share a memory with Gary’s family at hutchinsfuneral.com

ROSE A. GUSTAFSON

 Rose A. Gustafson, 97, of Coloma died Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at the Countryside Nursing Home in South Haven.  Services celebrating her life where held on Monday, Oct. 24, at the New Apostolic Church in Watervliet. Burial was Tuesday, Oct. 25 at the Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville, IN.  Arrangements were by the Davidson Chapel of Florin Funeral Service in Coloma. Memorials may be made to the New Apostolic Church in Watervliet.  Please share memories, messages or photos at www.florin.net.  Rose was born on Aug. 11, 1919 in Chicago, IL to William and Stella Milano.  She was a retired accountant for several manufacturing companies in the Chicago area before moving to Coloma in 1978.  Rose married her husband, Elver Gustafson in 1977 and he preceded her in death in 2001.  She enjoyed cards, singing, dancing, and hat clubs in the Chicago Area.  She also did competitive dancing for many years including the Fred Astaire Studios.  Rose loved to fellowship and to entertain her friends.  She was a long time member of the New Apostolic Church in Watervliet.  Her family includes Donna Gage of Coloma, Betty Geron of Coloma and her friends at the church.

THOMAS W. BELL

 Thomas W. Bell, 83, of Riverside passed away on October 24, 2016 at Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville.  Cremation has taken place per Tom’s wishes and there are no services planned at this time.  Memorials in Tom’s memory may be made to Hospice at Home. Those wishing to leave a message or share a memory with the family online may do so at duffieldpastrick.com.  Tom was born on April 27, 1933 in Sumner County, Tenn. to Elliot and Bessie (Trout) Bell.  He served in the Army during the Korean War era and retired from Clark Equipment in Benton Harbor.  Tom enjoyed carpentry, gardening, fishing and most of all spending time with friends and family. Tom will be missed by all.  Tom is survived by his wife Joan of 63 years, two sons Thomas L. and Rodney P. of Benton Harbor, one grandson Thomas L. II of Niles, a step-granddaughter Amanda of Benton Harbor, three great granddaughters Tyler and Breanna of Niles and Skylar of Benton Harbor. Also surviving is one sister Ruth Lamore of Niles, one sister by marriage Yvonne Beisel of Coloma and several nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, Tom is preceded in death by three sisters, two brothers, his in laws and a brother and sister in law.  A special thank you to the wonderful care and help received from Hospice.

Death Notices

Daniel “Dan” Dale Doolen, 65, of Benton Harbor died Sep. 11, 2016 at home. Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan Dennis James Rickers, 56, of Watervliet died Oct. 19, 2016 in the burn unit of Spectrum Health, Grand Rapids. Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Coloma Julieanna Martin, 58, of Benton Harbor died Oct. 9, 2016 at Lakeland Medical Center, St. Joseph. Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan