Obituaries

Oct 5, 2024

Hayden Stair, 96, of Hartford passed away peacefully at his home on Oct. 5, 2024. Hayden was born in Drasco, Ark., to Jesse and Fern (Cochran) Stair on Dec. 31, 1927. He married his wife, Angie Wanecek on June 12, 1971, who preceded him in death. Also preceding him was his daughter, Theresa Stair; both parents and two brothers:...

Oct 1, 2024

Jacqueline Hooten Reed Cress, 43, of Elkhart, Indiana passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, at her daughter's home in Keeler, Michigan, surrounded by her family.

The family will welcome friends from 2 to 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4, at the Calvin Funeral Home in Hartford, where a celebration of life service to honor Jaci's memory...

Sep 23, 2024

James Louis Mehlenbeck, 69, of Keeler, Mich., passed away on Monday, Sept. 23, 2024, at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital, St. Joseph.

James was born on July 24, 1955, in Chicago, the son of Robert and Emma Ruth Mehlenbeck. James was employed at A. D. Transport. He loved his family, loved being an over the road trucker. Loved...

Sep 22, 2024

Dave Allen Fuller Jr., 55, of Hartford, passed away Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, at Corewell Health Lakeland, St. Joseph.

Dave was born Oct. 22, 1968, in Watervliet, the son of Dave Sr. and Sharon (Grant) Fuller. He was employed with Smith Lumber Company, Dowagiac Union Schools and Hanson Cold Storage. In his spare time, he loved playing...

Sep 11, 2024

Anita Marie Jensen was born on Nov. 15, 1930, in South Haven, Mich., the daughter of Lawrence and Violet (Tait) Allers.

Anita passed away, at the age of 93, on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, at her home in Hartford Township.

Anita is survived by her children: Janette Ashley, Lorre Darnell, Gregory Brady, and Steven (Dawn)...

Sep 4, 2024

Beverly Jane Machay was born June 1, 1943, in Lawrence, Mich., to Alberto and Frances (Brancecum) Marko.

She grew up on the family farm on the east side of Hartford and spent her childhood horseback riding, milking cows, taking care of the livestock, helping with the garden, preserving food and assisting with butchering time.

She...

Aug 30, 2024

Jerry D. Brown, 62, of South Haven passed away on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024, at home with his wife by his side.

Jerry was born on March 19, 1962, in Mansfield, Ohio, the son of Earl and Vicie (Burton) Brown, both of whom preceded him in passing.

Jerry was a jack of all trades and...

Jul 26, 2024

Francis Catherine Vermilyer, 60, of Watervliet passed away suddenly Friday, July 26, 2024, at Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital, Grand Rapids, Mich.

Francis was born Nov. 30, 1963, in Portageville, Mo., the daughter of Albert and Mary (Davis) Halcomb, both of whom preceded her in passing.

Francis was formerly employed at Duo-Tang of Paw Paw and...

Jul 25, 2024

Angela May Stair, 83, of Hartford passed peacefully on Thursday, July 25, 2024. Angie was born in South Haven on May 31, 1941, to Frank and Helen (Simanek) Wanecek. Her family lived in Covert where she graduated. On June 12, 1971, she married her husband, Hayden Stair.

Angie discovered her passion working at the Hartford Library. She...

Jul 20, 2024

David Stanley Geisler was born May 18, 1930 to Esther (Richter) Geisler and Stanley Geisler, and went home to be with the Lord on July 20, 2024.

David was raised on his family farm. He attended Michigan State University, where he was a member of “Farm House” fraternity and graduated in Agriculture in 1951.

David...

Jul 17, 2024

July 17, 2024, the day our beloved Shirley Ann (Stockinger) Coulson had been waiting for the majority of her life, the day she met Jesus. Shirley was surrounded by her Redemption Church family as well as Jonathan Tomblin, Larry and Jackie Puckett, Yancy Puckett, and Zenia Fortson who traveled from Arkansas to say their final goodbyes.

On...

Jun 25, 2024

Gloria Winans, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully, after a long illness at the home of her son, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on June 25th, 2024. Born in Hartford, Michigan, in 1940, to Roy and Nellie Helmer (Jones), Gloria’s life was a shining example of love, dedication, and joy.

A proud graduate of Hartford...

Jun 24, 2024

Delores (VanDrasek) Miller, age 94, formerly of Hartford and Englewood, Fla., passed away on Monday, June 24, 2024, at Forest Glen Assisted Living in Dowagiac.

As per her wishes, cremation has taken place, and a graveside service will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Hartford at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Hartford...

Jun 11, 2024

Sally Clouse, 89, of Otterbein, Ind., formerly of Keeler passed away on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at The Springs at Lafayette, Lafayette, Ind.

Sally was born Sept. 12, 1934, in Pineville, Ky., the daughter of Jasper and Allie Fair (Hooker) Hensley. She was united in marriage to Sherman Clouse. On July 27, 1983, Sherman passed away. Also...

Jun 11, 2024

Josephine Carol Perry, 86, formerly of Hartford passed away Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at Green Acres Wayland, Wayland, Mich.

Josephine was born March 4, 1938, in Hartford, the daughter of Cornelius and Nellie (Kloosterman) Van Liere, both of whom preceded her in passing. Also preceding her in passing were her husband, Clark Jr., whom she married on...

Jun 11, 2024

Max Willard Graves, 59, of Hartford passed away Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, Mich.

Max was born Jan. 14, 1965, in Chicago, the son of Max Sr., and Constance (Heuerrmann) Graves, both of whom preceded him in passing.

Max was employed at M.P.H., as an electrician.

Max is survived...

Jun 4, 2024

There are some amongst us whom others would consider an acquired taste. A special example was Phil Darling – what distinguished him from many was the fact that once acquired, his family and friends could never get enough of this wonderful man.

Phil passed away on June 4, 2024, after an intense and hard-fought battle with cancer....

May 31, 2024

Daniel Robert Klug, 73, of Hartford went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, May 31, 2024.

A celebration of his life will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 15, at Hope Evangelical Church, 515 Hopkins Court, Hartford. Burial will be in Keeler Cemetery in Keeler Township, Mich., and will occur at a later...

May 26, 2024

Misty Dawn Valentine was born Feb. 13, 1981, in Saint Louis, Missouri. She was born the daughter of Brenda Schock-Rodriguez. Misty passed away at Corewell Health South, in St. Joseph, on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at the age of 43.

Misty was employed at the Hampton Inn in South Haven.

Misty leaves behind to cherish...

May 21, 2024

Taylor Marie McConnell was born Oct. 10, 1997, in Berrien Center, the daughter of Derick McConnell and Sandra Holcomb.

Taylor passed away at her home in Hartford, on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at the age of 26.

Taylor loved listening to music, and spending precious time with family and friends.

Taylor leaves behind...