Billie M. Andres, 89, Schoolcraft, passed away May 1, 2024 at Centrica Rose Arbor Place in Kalamazoo. Billie was born July 15, 1934 to Howard and Lillian (Marion) Terry in Courtland, Alabama. She was raised in a loving home and family was most important to her throughout her life. Marrying and becoming a mother at an early age, she experienced both joy and tragedy when her first son, Terry Lee Landtroop, died just one day after his birth. This prepared her for the loss decades later of two other sons, Gerald (Jerry) Andres Jr. and Rock Andres, which she endured with faith, grace, and strength. Billie married Gerald (Jerry) Andres Sr. on June 20, 1960, and they created a large family together. She was a member of the Pathfinder’s Church of Portage. She is survived by her children, Gloria Kiel of Schoolcraft, Teresa (Stan) Faughn of Mendon, Jeff (Gen) Landtroop of Vicksburg, Rick Landtroop of Kalamazoo, and Sam (Cheryl) Andres of Schoolcraft; 10 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; a very special caregiver and niece Janet Scott; and several other nieces and nephews. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to Centrica Rose Arbor Place in Kalamazoo or to a charity of your choosing.
Christine Marie Blakely (Braginton), 77, Vicksburg, passed away May 15, 2024. She was born March 27, 1947, in Vicksburg, the daughter of Floyd and Eleanor (Peterson) Braginton. She graduated from Vicksburg High School with the class of 1965. Christine began her career as an inventory clerk with Checker Motor Company. She later dedicated herself full-time to being a foster parent, touching the lives of over 100 children. She had a selfless nature, and her family meant everything to her. Christine enjoyed visiting Mackinaw City annually and had a deep affection for horses and alpacas. She married Charles “Chuck” Blakely on May 17, 1973. Christine is survived by her husband Charles; children Donna Blakely of Vicksburg, Fred Oaks of Portage, Aaron Oaks of Battle Creek, Sara Allen,of Kentucky, Bill Blakely of Athens, Jason Blakely of Monroe, Caitlin (Tim) O’Brien of Schoolcraft, and Cassandra Fredericks of Vicksburg; 15 grandchildren; brother Ken Evensen of Vicksburg; and numerous foster children, nieces, nephews and cousins. Christine was preceded in death by her parents; siblings Ray Braginton, Doris Young, Nancy Williams, Lorna and Fred Ayers; sister-in-law Letha “Lee” Evensen; daughter-in-law Lori Blakely; and grandson Kamren Blakely. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to Generous Hands.
Leroy Walter Fink, 89, Vicksburg, passed away May 4, 2024. Born on July 12, 1934, in Whiteford Township, Monroe County, Michigan, Leroy graduated from Burnham High School in Sylvania, Ohio with the class of 1952. He married Barbara on October 8, 1955, and in 1957, they moved to Vicksburg. Alongside family members, Leroy ventured into a partnership and co-owned Harre & Fink International Harvester. Known as the first farmer in Kalamazoo County to implement irrigation on his land, Leroy was a true innovator. Leroy also enjoyed fishing, camping, tinkering with old cars, and spending quality time with his family most of all. Leroy was a founding member of the Lord of Life Lutheran Church. Leroy is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Barbara; children Stormy (Dan) Flynn, of Cincinnati, Ohio, John (Cheryl) Fink, of Vicksburg, Charles “Buck” Fink, of Vicksburg, and Wendy Fink, of Vicksburg; 11 grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Eileen Mitchell of Adrian and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his son, Leroy “George” Fink; grandson Josh Fink; and siblings Doris Fischer, Wilbert Fink, and Marvin Fink. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to Chapman Memorial Nazarene Church and Generous Hands.
Sophia Gano, 92, Schoolcraft, passed away May 10, 2024. She was born October 12, 1931, in Salyersville, Kentucky to the late Willie Jack and Hazel Marie (Back) Risner. Sophia graduated in 1949 from Salyersville High School. She worked for General Motors in Sandusky, where she met James Gano, with whom she cherished 65 years of marriage. Sophia loved to garden and joined her husband as a hobby farmer. She was an avid golfer, a KWGA and Olde Mill Golf Club champion, and a golf instructor. She and James enjoyed golfing together, hunting and fishing, and were bowling champions. Sophia loved family, kayaking, dancing, and games. Sophia was predeceased by her parents, her husband, James Claude Gano; and brothers Orville and Ernest Risner. She is survived by her children, Connie (Marty) Caporossi, Kathy Lower, and Dr. Robert (Meredith) Gano; grandchildren Michael Wolthuis, Cris (John) Nichols, Mario (Jesse) Caporossi, Carly Caporossi, Philip (Krista) Lower Jr., Dr. Nicholas (Ashley) Lower, Sarah, Sammy, and Jack Gano; great-grandchildren Jake (Melissa), Sam, Molly, Ayden, Mylee, Mason, Gianna, Emmett, Owen, and Kallie; great-great-grandchild Henry; and sister-in-law Geraldine Risner. Donations may go to the Salvation Army or the Wounded Warrior Project. Visit her page at langelands.com.
Gregary Gustafson, 77, passed away April 23, 2024. Greg was born February 17, 1947 in Kalamazoo, to Neil Walter Gustafson and Frances Jean O’Donoghue. In 1967, he married Diane Kay Eager, and soon after left for Vietnam and Navy duty, greeting twin sons Bryan and Ryan on his return. They later welcomed Jason into their family and in 1983 adopted daughter Amy Kim from Korea. The family moved to Schoolcraft in 1977. Greg was co-owner of Advanced Plastic Corp. in Schoolcraft; he worked hard to see it grow and thrive. He made many lifelong friends in the Schoolcraft area and was an active member of the Lions Club. He loved life and people; he was interested in many things such as scuba diving, aviaries, fishing and hunting, classic cars and in his later years, gardening. Greg is survived by his wife, sons Bryan (Cheryl), Ryan (Angela), Jason (Kelly) and daughter Amy (Mark) Satmary; grandsons Korey (Marilyn Bean), Matthew, and Thomas Gustafson and Connor Newburry; sister Deborah and brother-in-law Kenneth Block, brother Neil and sister-in-law Kathryn Gustafson, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law Cheryl Walker. A celebration of life service for Greg will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 27 at Friendship Wesleyan Church in Plainwell. He has been interred at Fort Custer National Cemetery. The family requests memorial donations to Friendship Wesleyan Church, 1285 102nd Avenue, Plainwell, Michigan, 49080 and the Orange Heart Medal Foundation 13833 Owens Chapel Road, Springfield, Tennessee 37172. The family wishes to thank Tonia Spears of Ascension Borgess, his visiting nurse; and Compassus Hospice. Greg, a disabled vet, died from cancer caused by use of Agent Orange in the Vietnam conflict. He loved his country but was angered at his government for using Agent Orange in Vietnam. His name is on the Orange Heart Medal Foundation Wall in Springfield, Tennessee, with an orange heart next to his name. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Mark Owen Harsha passed away May 20, 2024, at Rose Arbor Hospice. Mark was born October 18, 1959 in Battle Creek, to Deane O. and Maryellen (Ward) Harsha. He graduated from Lakeview High School in 1977. He combined his superb art and math skills in receiving master’s degrees in architecture and architectural engineering from Oklahoma State University. Mark served as president and vice president of Gove Associates Architecture firm in Kalamazoo for more than 20 years. He specialized in municipal building design and his work spanned Michigan and Indiana. He was a member of the Vicksburg Rotary Club and a longtime member of St. Barnabas Episcopal church in Portage where he served on the Vestry as junior and senior warden and put his architecture skills and connections to work for the church. Mark was an avid hunter, fisherman, and woodworker. He loved to fish for salmon and trout on the Pere Marquette in Baldwin. He enjoyed working in his woodshop, and he loved animals, especially his Chesapeake Bay retrievers Maya and Bosco. He carried on a family tradition as he lived on the Harsha centennial farm in Vicksburg. Services have been held. Mark was preceded in death by his father, Deane O. Harsha and grandparents. He is survived by his mother, Maryellen Harsha, sons Alexander S. Harsha and Thomas W. Harsha, brothers Dr. David M. (Dr. Catherine) Harsha and Robert W. (Cassandra) Harsha. Donations may go to St. Barnabas Episcopal Church or the Vicksburg Rotary Club. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
David Terry Hutchins sadly passed away at his home in Vicksburg on November 22, 2023. He is survived by his sister, Sharron Carlyle, brothers Ron and Bob Hutchins, and a daughter, Tamara Hutchins. Per David’s request, no funeral or memorial service will be held.
Elisabeth Miller, 97, born in Bremerhaven Germany, on April 28, 1926, passed away in Kalamazoo April 1, 2024. She led a remarkable life filled with love, compassion, and dedication. Elisabeth’s journey began during World War II in Germany. Despite the challenging times, she managed to complete her education equivalent to high school in the United States. In a twist of fate, Elisabeth met a United States soldier named Richard Miller during World War II, who later became her husband. Their union brought them to Kalamazoo, where they built a family together. Elisabeth’s nurturing spirit extended beyond her own family as she took care of neighborhood families and their children. Elisabeth entered the workforce after Richard’s death and worked for the Upjohn Company. She enjoyed cooking, knitting, sewing, and gardening. Her lawn was always manicured just right. Elisabeth is survived by her sons, David (Linda) Miller of Kalamazoo and Brian (Penny) Miller of Vicksburg; grandchildren Taylor Miller of Vicksburg and David Jr (Rachelle) Miller, of Paw Paw; and great-granddaughter Kelsey Miller of Kalamazoo. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard. Elisabeth has been cremated and no services are scheduled at this time. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to Generous Hands.
Charles “Chuck” James Peterson, 69, Vicksburg, passed away May 14, 2024, after a long battle with chronic illnesses. Chuck was born April 5, 1955 to Charles and Carol Peterson in Kalamazoo. Chuck graduated from Comstock High School in 1973. He worked for Simmons Ford in the body shop, then as a mechanic for many years. He next worked in construction with the Robert Henry Corp. for 15 years and Miller Davis for 6 years until his retirement in 2012. Chuck married Deb Maher in 1987. Chuck loved history, reading, the out of doors, and adventuring on his motorcycle. He enjoyed working on things and was a supportive husband, father, brother and friend. Chuck was preceded in death by his grandparents, William and Ethel Herder, Charles and Myrtle Peterson; and parents Charles and Carol Peterson; and the family dog Denali, who are waiting for him at the door to Heaven. Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 36 years, Debra Maher Peterson; daughter Danielle (Marshall) Henschel; siblings Karen (Peterson) Millikan, Kathleen Peterson, and William (Deb) Peterson; nieces and nephews; many close friends who were like family to him; and his grand-dog, Sasha. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Main Street Pub, 208 E Prairie St, Vicksburg, from 1 to 3 p.m. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
James Stasik, 68, Vicksburg, died May 3, 2024, after a seven-year battle with ALS and a three-month battle with cancer. Jim was born in Bay City December 1, 1955 to Raymond and Mary Rita (Gentle) Stasik. After completing his elementary education at St. Mary’s Catholic School, Jim attended T.L. Handy High School in Bay City where he was editor-in-chief of the school paper, The Handy Pep. For many years, Jim worked for the General Motors Corporation in Bay City, but after being laid off, he moved to Portage where he eventually worked for the Upjohn Company (now known as Pfizer) for 22 years. He married Jackie on September 22, 1984, and together they raised their two daughters, Abigail and Sarah. Jim wore many different titles throughout his life: husband, dad, brother, son, friend, “Bobby,” but perhaps his most widely known title was soccer coach. Jim coached countless soccer teams in Vicksburg and surrounding communities. Jim also enjoyed hobbies that included time with his family, and loved to be with those he loved. Jim led by example and lived his life with no regrets. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Raymond and Mary Rita (Gentle) Stasik; infant brother John Stasik; and brother-in-law, Thomas Kostus. Surviving are his wife, Jackie; children Abigail Stasik and Sarah (Hunter) Van; siblings Thomas (Nancy) Stasik, Richard (Janis) Stasik, Elizabeth (Robert) Pierson, Shirley Kostus, and Barbara (Ronald) Gwizdala; and many nieces and nephews. Visit his page at BetzlerLifeStory.com.
Mary Jean Stenstrom, 96, passed away May 6, 2024. She was born November 20, 1927, to Burton and Hattie (Murvine) Snow. Mary was a 1945 graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School. She started working at Michigan Bell as a switchboard operator, then moved to Upjohn, first as a switchboard operator, and finally as the telecommunications supervisor before retiring in 1990. On April 12, 1947, Mary married Vernon Leroy Stenstrom. They purchased a home on Austin Lake and were soon joined by their children, Gerald and Bonita (Bunny). Mary and Vern were members of the Vicksburg United Methodist Church and enjoyed singing in the choir. In her later years, Mary enjoyed golfing, volunteering at the church, and many handicrafts, especially knitting. Mary was preceded in death by her husband Vernon; her parents, and five of her siblings: Milford Snow, Neil Snow, Francis Leatherberry, Louise Jones, and Katherine Neeser. She is survived by her son Jerry (Jayne) Stenstrom, daughter Bunny (Howard) Scott; brother James Snow; grandchildren Doug Scott, Abigail Bontrager, and Joanna McKinney; four great-grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren. Donations may go to the Vicksburg United Methodist Church. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Gregory Allen Taylor passed away May 10, 2024. Born October 11, 1962, in Vicksburg, Gregory attended Vicksburg Community Schools and graduated from Vicksburg High School with the class of 1980. Using his expertise and experience with Arabian show horses, Gregory managed the Krichke Training Center in Vicksburg. Gregory enjoyed working with horses, following the Detroit Red Wings and watching John Wayne movies. He also enjoyed the casino. He had a warm personality and a good sense of humor. He is described by his family as kind and friendly with a penchant for jokes, he also possessed a strong-willed nature that spoke to his determination and resilience in the face of challenges. Greg was preceded in death by his father, Allen “Al” Taylor and his uncles, Richard and Robert Cooley. He is survived by his mother, Phyllis; siblings Amy (Howard) Mears of Vicksburg and Tom (Tina) Taylor of Vicksburg; nephews Randy (Brittany) Mears of Mendon, Shawn (Meghan) Mears of Kalamazoo and Ryan Taylor of Kalamazoo. He is also survived by his special cousin Mary Helen Taylor of Texas and several other nieces, nephews and cousins. Services have been held. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to the Vicksburg High School Equestrian Team or Generous Hands.
Sharon Kay Webster, 76, Scotts, died suddenly at her home, May 23, 2024. She was born October 28, 1947, to Arthur and Lila (Hodgman) Burgess. Sharon spent her entire life in this area. She was strong, a hard worker, and devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Sharon’s wishes were to be cremated and placed with her longtime companion and fiancé, J.R. Kersey. She was preceded in death by her mother, Lila, and father, Art Burgess, as well as grandparents, aunts, and uncles. Surviving members of her family include her daughter Nancy (Brian); sons Jeff (Jana) and David (Tammy). She is also survived by her brother and three sisters, seven grandkids and 24 great grandkids; she even had a bonus granddaughter and great grandson, as well as several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was greatly loved and will be dearly missed. Donations may go to charity. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
