Dr. David Wray Adams, 82, formerly of Vicksburg, died May 18, 2022 at St. Thomas Hospital Nashville, Tennessee. Wray, as he was called in his Tennessee youth, was a lover of life that played pranks, enjoyed family and being an outdoorsman. At 21, Wray lost his sight in a hunting accident. He overcame it and graduated from chiropractic school in 1965. David then moved to Vicksburg, his home for over 50 years. “Doc” parented five children: David Wray, David Alan, Marsha, Eric and Maria. He opened chiropractic offices in Vicksburg and Union City. Doc trained coon dogs, coached baseball, successfully hunted a bear, played poker, lived to fish and adored making people laugh. On May 4, 1985, Doc married Shirley, a mom of three adult children (Rose, Kathy and Byron). Most people in Vicksburg frequented their home at one time or another. Together they have eight children, 13 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. Join the family of Doc for a memorial luncheon on August 21 at 1:30 p.m. at Pride of Scotts, 8450 36th Street. Roasted pork, sides, and drinks will be provided. If you had a favorite dish to share with Doc, add it to the buffet table!
Luane Czochara, 67, Vicksburg, passed away July 4, 2022. She was born February 10, 1955, in Chicago, the daughter of Lukas and Laverne (Sporar) Lulich. Luane loved her music, singing along to her favorite tunes by Celine Dion, Cher, and Michael Bolton. Her love for music would be proudly reflected in the lives of her boys, as both would learn the guitar and bass, eventually forming their own band in Detroit. Luane loved to laugh. She spent many holidays at the kitchen table, playing cards, talking, and reminiscing with her sisters, bringing themselves to tears in their laughter. Luane loved her family. She appreciated her husband Ron and the great small-town life his hard work provided. She loved her sons, for whom she would do anything. Luane especially loved her grandchildren — her Daisy Girl and her Jack Jack. She loved spending time with them and sent them many packages, filled with candy, toys, and little heart-felt mementos she collected. She is survived by her husband, Ronald Czochara; children Christopher (Susanne) Czochara and Nathan Czochara; and grandchildren Daisy and Jackson Czochara. Donations may go to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Jane Elizabeth (VanTichelt) Decker passed away peacefully June 4, 2022 at Park Village Pines in Kalamazoo. She was born January 28, 1931 to Jake and Evelyn (Hutchinson) VanTichelt. Jane grew up in Scotts and graduated from Climax-Scotts schools. On April 22, 1950, she married Kenneth “Jack” Decker. She was a mother, grandmother, gardener, cook, canner, seamstress (she was the queen of put-together Halloween costumes the night before), knitter, and crocheter. She is survived by her son Dean (Dawnn) Decker and her daughter Cheryl Lettow; grandchildren Ryan (Kelsey) Decker, Cameron Decker, Corbin Decker, Meredith Decker, Samantha (Nick) DeRyke, Sarah Lettow and Mitchell (Emily) Lettow; great-grandchildren Ava DeRyke, Grace DeRyke, Miles DeRyke, June Decker, and Henry Decker; sister Charlene (Jim) Longman; sister-in-law Elaine VanTichelt. Jane was preceded in death by her parents; husband Jack; sisters Lorraine (Bill) Frommann and Marylane Ross; brother Jake VanTichelt; and son-in-law Randy Lettow. Donations may go to Centrica Care Navigators or SPCA. Visit her page at langelands.com.
Jean Durham, 67, Ada, formerly of Vicksburg, died unexpectedly July 2, 2022, in Grand Rapids. Jean was born March 10, 1955, in Grand Rapids, the daughter of Harold and Jeanette Newhouse. Jean was the youngest of four children and grew up on Long Lake in Portage. She graduated from Portage Central High School in 1973 and attended WMU. She married Eric Durham on December 17, 1977. She loved being a mother, made friends easily, and enjoyed hosting events. She was preceded in death by a brother, Thomas Newhouse. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Eric Durham; children Joe (Laura) Durham, Rachel Durham, and Charlotte (John) Miller; grandchildren Hazel, Ameilia, Molly, Mack, and Rose; brothers John (Sue) Newhouse, and James (Irene) Newhouse; in-laws Peg Newhouse, Jon Durham (Jerry Harty), and Becky (Roger) Knapp; and many nieces and nephews. Visit her page at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Donations may go to Humane Society of West Michigan.
Gregory Alan “Greg” Goldsmith, 72, Albertville, Alabama, passed away July 1, 2022. Greg was born in Michigan December 21, 1949. He served his country with honor and courage in the U.S. Navy and was retired from the University of Alabama. He was preceded in passing by his parents, David J. and , Helen Joyce Palmer Goldsmith. His mother died in Kalamazoo earlier this year.
He is survived by his wife Donna Zimmerman Goldsmith; children Thomas Bobo (Savannah) and Timothy James Goldsmith; grandchildren Tyler, Peyton and Caroline Bobo; sister Gayle Mahieu (Jack); and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. The family chose to honor his wishes with cremation with no formal service. Donations may go to your local animal shelter or rescue. Greg was an active animal rescuer, past foster parent, and volunteer for Second Chance Rescue in Boaz, Ala.
Virginia Ann Hart, 90, Three Rivers, passed away on July 9, 2022. She was born the oldest of five on August 5, 1931, in Boston, Mass., the daughter of Calvin and Rose (Burke) Mills. Virginia will be fondly remembered for her love of crocheting, playing cards and cribbage. She is preceded in her passing by her husband of 54 years, William Hart, siblings, and parents. Left to cherish her loving memory are her children Kathleen Schultz, Benjamin Hart, and Barbara Sutton; five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Judith J. Johnson, 82, Portage, passed away July 18, 2022. She was born in Kalamazoo on April 30, 1940, the daughter of Jack Foster and Alberta Fochtman. On December 29, 1990, Judy married Roger Johnson. Judith loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in her passing by her husband, Roger Johnson, parents, stepfather Wendal Allgair, and her niece, Laurie Ivens. She is survived by her children, Anita (Scott) Barnes and Thomas Ryan; grandson Cody Yummit; great grandchildren McKennzie and Lucas Yummit; siblings Bill Foster, Bernie Foster, Kevin (Malia) Allgaier, and Jackie Griner; nieces Sonda Vickery, Tamara Foster-Leathers, Lucinda McCracken, and Sherry (Chuck) Duran; nephews Randy (Linda) Foster, Terry (Naomi) Griner, David (Julie) Foster, Nick (Farren) Allgaier, Austin Allgaier, and Nick (Elsie) Stephens; god-children Michelle (Scott) Nichols, Mark Marthinsen, and Miles Marthinsen; step-children Kathleen (Mike) Allen and Scott (Julie) Johnson; and step-grandchildren Kayla and Keith Vroman. Donations may go to St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Gary E. Longenecker, Vicksburg, passed away July 14, 2022, at Rose Arbor Hospice. Gary was born July 16, 1951, in Elkhart, Ind., the son of Paul and Helen (Warren) Longenecker. He was a veteran serving in the U.S. Air Force and later the Army National Guard. Prior to his retirement, Gary worked for the City of Kalamazoo for 37 years as an operator in the Environmental Services Department. Gary loved golfing, time with family and friends, bowling, horseshoes and deer hunting. On April 26, 1975, he was united in marriage to his loving wife, Billie (Berry), who survives. Also surviving are sons Gary Keith (Meranda) Longenecker and Craig (Tammy) Longenecker; granddaughter Kaitlyn-Marie Longenecker; brother and sister Steve Longenecker and Robin (Richard) Orzechowski; and several nieces and nephews. Gary was preceded in death by his parents; brother Paul Jr. “Butch” Longenecker; sister Vickie Conolly; mother-in-law Josephine Berry; sister-in-law Lucinda (Cindy) Stratton; niece Michelle Stratton; and beloved dog Sassie. Donations may go to the Wounded Warrior Project. Visit his page at langelands.com.
Lloyd E. Miller, 85, Vicksburg, passed away July 17, 2022. Lloyd was born July 30, 1936 in Athens, the son of Lyle and Ruth (Chapman) Miller. He graduated from Athens High School in 1954. He worked for the Grand Trunk Railroad for over 40 years, working his way up the ladder to yard master. On May 15, 1959 he married the love of his life, Sue Marcy. Together they had four children, Lloyd Jr., Doug, Tim and Jennifer. He enjoyed camping, mushroom hunting, and fishing. Lloyd is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sue; children Lloyd (Marsha) Miller Jr. of Schoolcraft, Doug (JoAnn) Miller of Maryland., Tim (Kim) Miller of Iowa, and Jennifer (Chris) Gray of Schoolcraft; grandchildren Morgan Miller, Dr. Derrick Miller, Owen Miller, Kiaha Gray, Aiden Gray, Sarah Miller, Sam Miller, Koertney Miller, and Abby Miller; sisters Arlene (Robert) Orchel, of Fulton and Donna (John) Perkins, of Scotts; sister-in-law Carol Miller, of Fulton; brother-in-law Gary Marcy, of Illinois.; and numerous nieces and nephews. Lloyd was preceded in death by his brother Harold Miller and sister Dorothy (Leo) Voss and his parents Lyle and Ruth Miller. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to Factoryville Bible Church.
David “Dave” Munn, 66, Vicksburg, passed away July 24, 2022. Dave was born December 1, 1955, to Clifford and Nora Belle (Skinner) Munn. Dave was an outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish, and camp. He loved his Harley and going on long rides with friends. He was always willing to have visitors, no matter what time it was. He also enjoyed watching westerns. Dave is survived by his sister, Mary Elizabeth (Douglas) Woodhams, six nephews, four nieces, five great nieces, and five great nephews. Dave was preceded in death by his parents; siblings John Munn, Thomas Munn, and Julie Middaugh; and niece Rebecca. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Maxine Mae “Pat” Crouch Nieder died on or about June 23, 2022 at Marquette independent living community in East Lansing. Pat was born April 28, 1932 to Charles William and Edith Belle (Pearman) Crouch. Pat’s mother died when Pat was a child and her father married Mary Ellen Guiette. Pat graduated from Vicksburg High School with the class of 1949. Pat earned a diploma in nursing at the Borgess School of Nursing and a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Boston College. She was employed in a supervisory position at St. Joseph Hospital in Flint and as medical/surgical nursing and pediatrics instructor at Borgess Hospital. In 1968-69, Pat went to Vietnam through the Catholic Relief Service and U.S. Agency for International Development and provided nursing care to infants and small children in orphanages in Saigon. She also provided on-the-job training for Vietnamese childcare workers. Returning to the states, Pat moved to Chicago where she worked at St. Ann’s Hospital, St Luke’s Medical Center, the Chicago Department of Public Works and in public health research positions at the University of Illinois. During this time, she earned master’s degrees in public health from the University of Illinois. In Chicago, Pat met and married Dean Nieder in 1980. Unfortunately, within weeks of their marriage, Dean died suddenly of a heart attack. Pat moved to Florida, eventually reconnecting with a University of Illinois professor, Lyndon Babcock, with whom she began working in the field of environmental impacts, initially in Mexico and eventually throughout the United States. They settled in East Lansing where they remained together until his death in August 2021. Pat was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Max (Margaret), Bernard (Sharon, Char), and Barry; sisters Blanche Helen, Carol Elizabeth, and LeAnna (Bill) Sillaman. She is survived by brothers Bill (Sandy) and Jay (Kathy); sisters Kathleen (Richard) Shipe and Judy (Dale Richards) Hill; sister-in-law Nancy Crouch, and many nieces and nephews.
Steven Blair Palmer, 60, Vicksburg, passed away peacefully July 16 in his home. Steve was born in Paw Paw on July 7, 1962. Steve spent his childhood playing sports, hanging with friends and family, and causing general mischief. Steve graduated from Vicksburg High School and joined the Marine Corps. While he completed his service in 1984, he was forever a Marine in heart and spirit. Steve became a journeyman painter in the Kalamazoo area, where he met and married Tambrin. Together with their daughters, Elizabeth and Samantha, Steve and Tambrin forged a life with each other. He loved movies, rock ‘n’ roll music, fishing, hunting, and watching a hockey or baseball game on a Thursday night. He loved time spent camping and at the family cabin. He was proud of his daughters. He is survived by his girls Tambrin, Elizabeth, and Samantha. Also surviving are his parents, Alice (James) Krepel and Paul (Glenna) Palmer; brother Michael (Cindy) Palmer; sisters Nancy Lee and Denise (Neil) Hannah; step-brothers Erik Jensen and Chris Jensen; and many nieces, nephews, and close friends. Services have been held. Donations may go to the Wounded Warrior Project. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Robert “Bob” A. Piper, 66, Vicksburg, passed away June 29, 2022, at his beloved summer home. Bob was born to Ronald and Alma (Stacey) Piper November 22, 1955, in Kalamazoo. Bob grew up on Long Lake in Portage. His first job was at the Long Lake Roller Rink tying laces, which is where Bob and Brenda first met. After high school, he joined the construction trade, working alongside his father for many years. Bob was a carpenter for 40 years and was involved in the Carpenters Union Local 525. He married Brenda Huntington on October 5, 1991, and together they raised daughters, Sierra and Natalie. He enjoyed hunting turkeys, deer, and rabbits with his dog Luci, and entering paintball tournaments. He enjoyed his summer home/trailer camping with his family at the Hodge Podge Lodge on Sand Lake in Nottawa. Bob is survived by his parents, Alma and Frank Ridley of Schoolcraft; wife Brenda Piper of Vicksburg; daughters Sierra (Eric) Vance of Vicksburg and Natalie (Jesse) Richards of Athens; grandson James A. Vance; sisters Rhonda (Tony) Bonte and Kim (Ken) Bambacht; and many nieces and nephews. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Floyd D. Sehy Jr., 69, Paulden, Arizona, passed away May 9, 2022. He was born June 10, 1962, to Floyd and Emily (Dolph) Sehy. He married Theresa Waldron and raised her daughters, Gina and Melissa, as his own. Together they shared two more children, Tabitha and Matthew. Though the marriage ended, Floyd was forever grateful. Floyd restored a ‘57 Chevy in memory of his brother Michael and loved model trains. Floyd worked at American Axle in Three Rivers. He spent his final years in the mountains of Arizona with his loving companion, Deb Thompson, and her family. Floyd is survived by Deb Thompson, of Paulden, Ariz.; children Tabitha (Raul) Sehy of South Haven, Matthew Sehy of Kentucky, Gina (Randy) Munn of Mattawan, Melissa (Doug) Vrba of Kalamazoo; grandchildren Dustin, Joseph, Lauren, Danielle, Ethan, Tyler, Bryce, Graham, Sophia, Madison and Jake; great-grandchildren Ariya, Aniyah, Terrell Jr., Emma, and Beau, siblings Linda (Willard) Mohney of Vicksburg, Nancy (Ray) Baughan of Vicksburg, Bruce Sehy, of Scotts and Karen Coville of Paw Paw. He was preceded in death by his brother, Michael, and parents Floyd and Emily Sehy. At Floyd’s request, a celebration of life, which will include a campfire, is planned for August 13, 2022, at 7 p.m. at the home of Willard and Linda Mohney in Vicksburg.
Casey Aubrey Young, 34, passed away unexpectedly July 1, 2022. Casey was born in Houston to Julie (Blomiley) and Terry Young. Casey graduated from Schoolcraft High School and achieved a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University North Central. He was also the pitcher for the PNC Panthers. He worked as a senior territory sales manager at TP Orthodontics. Casey absolutely loved all sports and excelled at everything he attempted, whether it was baseball, basketball, golf or ping pong. Casey loved to dance and had a mean Billie Jean. He took on anyone willing and foolish enough to challenge him to a dance battle. He was the class clown who everyone loved to be around. Casey could make anyone laugh. “If you love life, life will love you back.” No truer words could have ever been spoken about Casey. He had many friends, was positive and selfless, and touched many lives. Casey loved his girl and the love of his life, Jena, his beloved mom, dad, and brother, Big T, his dog Rocky, his family and his countless friends. The world is a little less bright and a little less beautiful. He will be deeply missed by so many. Casey is survived by his older brother, Terry Vincent Young, his parents, Julie and Terry Young, and for the past 15 years, the love of his life, Jena Wireman.