Marjorie Lee (Hoyt) Baughman, 88, Vicksburg, passed away on June 19, 2024. She was born in Richland on March 11, 1936, to the late Leo and Ida (Brown) Hoyt. She graduated from Climax High School in 1954, and on July 31 of that year married Karol Baughman. They resided on their family farm in Climax and were married for 67 years until Karol’s passing in 2022. Marjorie had several jobs in her lifetime, including Consumers Power Company, Pease Packing, and First National Bank in Climax. She was instrumental in keeping records of the family farm. Marjorie enjoyed gardening, painting, sewing, quilting, cooking, photography, and family genealogy. She was active at the Prairie Historical Society. Marjorie and Karol in their retirement years did a lot of touring in their motorhome and attending Model T tours with the Boiling T’s. They attended parades and car shows and wintered in Avon Park, Florida and summers at their cottage on the Croton River. In her final years she resided with Larry and Dawn at their residence in Vicksburg. Marjorie is survived by her son, Larry and Dawn Baughman; grandchildren Sally Franklin, Mary Rugh, Clayton Baughman, Klinton Baughman, Rachel Baughman, Jamie and Rusty Bennett, Erin Matlock, Travis and Faith Baughman; 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband and parents; brother, Charles; and son, Steven. Donations may go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Visit her page at langelands.com.
Richard Dean Burgess, Jr., 64, Vicksburg, passed away at Bronson Hospital on June 2, 2024. Richard was born in Vicksburg and was the son of Richard and Claudia Burgess. Richard was preceded in death by his wife Terri, son Alexander Burgess, and his best friend, Sarge. Richard is survived by his children, Joseph Burgess, Lauren Burgess and Grace Grimm, and nine grandchildren. He is also survived by his mother Claudia; sister Peggy Gonzales; brothers Thomas Burgess, Robert Burgess and Peter Burgess; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Roger Gordon “Chip” Cree, Jr., 64, Vicksburg, passed away June 25, 2024, after two decades of various health concerns. Chip was born to parents Rodger and Ruby Cree on October 26, 1959, in Kalamazoo. He graduated from Vicksburg High School with the class of 1977 where he enjoyed school activities and played football and baseball. Chip married Jamie Brock in 1984, and together the couple raised their children, Travis and Samantha. Chip worked at Simpson Paper Company, Fox River Paper Company, American Axle and Manufacturing, and General Motors throughout his professional career. He was a hard worker driven to succeed in his career and had many successes in his years, and yet his greatest success was his 40-year marriage to the love of his life, Jamie, along with raising his children. Unfortunately, Chip suffered many health challenges in his years that slowed him down enough to take his next role as jovial Papa to his grandchildren, Mae and Liv, as well as many dogs the family has had through the years. Chip loved spending time with friends and family. If he wasn’t putzing around the yard or in the shop, you could find him on his motorcycle for a ride or shooting the breeze at a diner around town. Chip is survived by his wife, Jamie; children Travis (Kelly) Cree and Samantha Cree; grandchildren Mae Cree and Liv Cree. He is also survived by his siblings Michael (Carrie) Cree, Sharon (Gary) Schmidt, and Tami Cree. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visit his page at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Donations may be directed to Generous Hands.
Robert John Dinzik, 80, formerly of Vicksburg, passed away June 7, 2024. He was born September 7, 1943 in Chicago to the late William Dinzik and Sylvia Simone. Robert faced challenges in life, having contracted vascular dementia at a young age. He was raised by his parents and later cared for until his passing by his brother, William. Despite his struggles, Robert was known to be helpful, courteous and spirited. He found joy in playing Polish-style music and watching Lawrence Welk on Saturday nights, a tradition he shared with his late mother. In his free time, Robert enjoyed watching Cubs baseball, NASCAR races and listening to music. Robert is survived by his brother, William J Dinzik, formerly of Vicksburg, and nephews Matthew (Dorothy) Dinzik and Marcus (Kathleen) Dinzik, both of Vicksburg, along with great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place, and private family services will be planned. Donations may go to William J. Dinzik, 225 Broadway Ave. Ste 7 PMB 191, South Haven, Michigan 49090. Special thanks to White Oaks Assisted Living, Lawton, Michigan, Region IV Area Agency on Aging, Milestone Senior Services, Kalamazoo, Michigan, Sue’s Loving Care AFC, Kalamazoo, and Centrica Hospice.
Susan Harper-Grieger, 79, Vicksburg, passed away on June 3, 2024, in Kalamazoo. She was born September 20, 1944, in Ann Arbor, the daughter of James and Victoria (Gellatly) Harper. James passed away when Susan was young, and her mother remarried Arthur Spang, who embraced the role of her father. Susan was an educator and world traveler and held a deep appreciation for different cultures and people. She earned her bachelor’s degree in teaching from WMU and master’s degrees in library science and geography. In her leisure time, Susan dedicated herself to working out, even completing the Chicago Marathon. She also enjoyed gardening and reading. Susan was preceded in death by longtime companion Jerry Yearling, and her parents, James Harper and Victoria and Arthur Spang. She is survived by daughters Chrissy (Scott Thomas) Hamlin of Three Rivers and Jeny (Mike) Dentler of Indiana; grandchildren Kiera (Mike Kruppenbach) Sandoval of Portage, Brandon (Kenzie) Dentler of Indiana and Delaney Dentler of Indiana; and her great grand dog whom she affectionately called Penny Poo Poo. She is also survived by her sister Mary “Harpo” Dake, of Louisiana; nephew Eric Dake, of Louisiana; and great-nephew Huey Dake, of Louisiana. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Milo “Mike” Lude, formerly of Vicksburg, was born to John and Doris Lude in Fulton on June 30, 1922, and died at 101 years old in Tucson, Arizona. He grew up on a farm in Fulton and graduated from Vicksburg High School in 1940. He attended Hillsdale College where he excelled in football, joined Alpha Tau Omega and eventually coached the baseball team. He joined the Marine Corps during WWII. Upon return, he graduated from Hillsdale on June 2, 1947, and married Rena Pifer three days later. Mike’s chosen career became college athletics. In addition to Hillsdale, he coached football at the University of Maine, University of Delaware and Colorado State University. In 1970 he transitioned to athletic administration as athletic director at Kent State University, then on to the University of Washington and Auburn University. Mike was president of National Athletic Collegiate Directors Association and inducted into the KSU, CSU and UW athletic halls of fame. He also received the National Football Foundation’s John L. Toner award, James Corbett Award (given to the nation’s outstanding athletic director) and more. He was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Rena, in 2017 and his brother, Ron, in 2016. Survivors include Cynthia and Gary Crose, Janann, Mark and Michael Nelson and Jill and Jim Thompson.
Dayla Delain (Nutting) Mackinder, 88, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2024, at Evergreen Senior Care Center, Battle Creek. Dayla was born June 26, 1935, to the late William and Elva Nutting in Bangor. On July 17, 1955, she married her high school sweetheart, Larry, who preceded her in death. She was a 4-H leader, a secretary to two optometrists, transplanted for Posthumus Bros. Greenhouses for over 30 years, worked in the celery fields, and was the breakfast hostess at the local Hampton Inn. She was a member of Portage Chapel Hill UMC for 60 years, and a loving caregiver to Larry for over 25 years. She enjoyed watching her grandchildren’s activities, gardening, traveling, tending her blueberries and shopping. She was also a wonderful cook. Dayla is survived by her daughters, Tonda (Leon) Dimond and Tammy (Terry) Ridenour; granddaughter Deanne (Brent) Austin; grandsons Travis (Ashlee) and Tyler Ridenour; great-grandchildren Clayton and Makayla Austin and Ellie Hinch; sisters-in-law Ann Mackinder and Ruth Ann Nutting; brother-in-law Ron Prentice; many nieces and nephews; and special friends Susie and Clare Kuiper and Carolyn Sopher. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, step-parents, brothers Dwight and Darold, and her sister, Daliene. Donations may go to charity. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Sara Jean Masse, 81, went to be with the Lord on June 16, 2024. She was born on March 21, 1943, to Paul and Jane (Herrold) Koehler, in Elkhart, Indiana. She met her husband, Richard “Dick” Masse, in 1961 during a concert at Elkhart High School. She attended North Central College for a year in pursuit of a clerical degree and married Dick on June 6, 1964. After Dick finished pharmacy school, they moved back to Elkhart, and in 1976, they moved to Vicksburg where they eventually owned and operated Hill’s Pharmacy. In 1993 they also opened Global Travel in Kalamazoo. Sara handled the clerical, financial and legal duties while raising three boys. Sara was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, son Kevin, and sister Sue Sauer. Sara is survived by her children Jeff (Michelle) Masse, Joshua (Christy) Masse, and daughter in-law Melissa Masse; and grandchildren Jason, Ethan, Kayla, and Joshua Jacob or “JJ.” She is also survived by sister Martha (Mike) Manthey, sister-in-law Margaret (Joe) Morgan, brother-in-law Robert (Sue) Sauer, and many nieces and nephews. Celebrate Sara’s life with family and friends on Saturday, July 13 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Avink, McCowen, & Secord Funeral Home, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to the Alzheimer’s Association, Michigan Great Lakes Chapter.
William Charles McVeigh Jr., 82, Vicksburg, went to Heaven on June 11, 2024. Bill was born June 4,1942 in Melrose Park, Illinois, the son of William Charles and Ruth McVeigh. Bill grew up near Jackson before moving to Battle Creek where he attended and graduated from Battle Creek St. Philip. He enjoyed many activities and owned two sewing machine stores in Portage, operated a monogram and embroidery business, and eventually opened a knitting mill and moved to Parkville, Michigan. He and Jean eventually moved to Texas and established Afterglo Awning. After suffering a stroke in 2010, Bill returned to Michigan to live with his son, Denny, in Vicksburg where he enjoyed taking in the abundant wildlife in the backyard pond, and the local nature trail. Bill is survived by sons William Robert McVeigh (Jo Carolyn) of Arlington, Texas, Dennis Bernard McVeigh of Vicksburg, Geoff Ondrus (Sherrie) of Conroe, Texas; grandchildren Courtney, Zach, Jamie, Ryan, Shelby, Nikki; great-grandchildren Caelyn, McKenna, Adalyn, Ronan, Mahrle, Eve; and close friend Brittany Baldwin (Travis); siblings Pat Baker, Michael McVeigh (Carol), Anne Webb (Dan), Thomas McVeigh, Joseph McVeigh (Robin), Robert McVeigh (John), Charles McVeigh (Barbara), Mary Nowlin (Berry), James McVeigh (Cindy); and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Jean Marie McVeigh; sisters Jeannie Casterline, Kathy Coffman, and Margaret McVeigh (infant); and brothers John McVeigh and Steve McVeigh. The family would like to thank Milestone Senior Services, Fresh Perspectives, the community, Vicksburg United Methodist Church, and the Police and Fire Department that stopped by often to help him when he fell. Additionally, a warm, special thanks to Denny for all of his care to make sure Dad had the best quality of life possible. Donations may go to Vicksburg United Methodist Church or Battle Creek St. Philip.
Mary Kathryn Neuens, beloved wife to Gordon and dedicated executive secretary and Cablevision employee, passed away May 15, 2024 leaving behind a legacy of warmth and kindness. Born September 21, 1939, in Niles to Lawrence and Eloise Carter, Mary led a fulfilling life filled with love and compassion. She excelled in her career as an executive secretary at Cablevision, where her professionalism and work ethic shone brightly. Outside of her professional life, Mary found joy in simple pleasures like camping in the great outdoors, expressing her creativity through sewing and knitting beautiful pieces, and immersing herself in the pages of countless books. Her curious mind and adventurous spirit were evident to all who knew her. Mary is survived by daughters Becky (Mark) Colyer and Joanne (Jack) Wiley; grandson John Doremus and other cherished grandsons by marriage; niece Barb (Mike) Krug and additional nieces and nephews by marriage; as well as sisters-in-law Alice (Pete) Mohr and Penny (Marv) Pruett. She is reunited in heaven with her lifelong love, Gordon, parents Lawrence and Eloise Carter and three half brothers. Mary has requested no funeral services. Donations may go to American Diabetes Association. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
My name is Charline Lucile Lance Patnoude. I was born in a home in Vicksburg, on October 14, 1927, to Lina Angeline Barber Lance and Charles Peter Lance. I started school in a little country school called Maple Grove, between Fulton and Leonidas. We moved back to Vicksburg when I was just entering the 4th grade. I graduated from there in 1944. All my high school years were war years, but we still managed to have a good time. In 1942 I met my husband-to-be, Donald Edwin Patnoude. He was a sailor home on survivor’s leave. We were married three years later in Vicksburg on October 20, 1945, and we had 64 happy years together. I graduated from American Beauty School and worked at it for about two years. From there I worked at Three Rivers Hospital and the office at the Three Rivers Medical Clinic for about 13 years before retiring. I was preceded in death by my parents, Charles and Lina Lance; my husband Donald E. Patnoude; my sons Mark E. Patnoude and Dean E. Patnoude; my sister Geneva L. Davis; and my brother Lyle Lance. I am survived by grandchildren Lance and Nancy Patnoude, Monica Lynn Patnoude, Preston and Tamra Patnoude, Jason and Traci Patnoude, Daron and Tracy Patnoude and Brian Mustchler; and a bunch of great grandchildren, great greats and several wonderful nieces and nephews. Now if it’s true that you meet again in heaven, I am now a very happy person. Visit my page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Paul Sehy, 77, formerly of Vicksburg, passed away peacefully at his home in Solon, Ohio June 25, 2024. Paul was born on September 7, 1946, to Leonard and Esther Sehy. From an early age, he demonstrated a strong work ethic, carrying out chores on his family’s large fruit farm. At 18, Paul joined the Navy and bravely served his country during the Vietnam War, where he was exposed to Agent Orange. In 1967, he married Dorothy Hitzeman, and together they enjoyed 57 wonderful years of marriage. Paul retired from General Motors in 1999. An avid outdoorsman, Paul cherished hunting, fishing, golfing, gardening, and spending time on any tractor. Known for his playful spirit, he would cheat mercilessly at cards—unless money was involved, in which case he played fair. Above all, Paul loved spending time with his three children and eleven grandchildren. His friendly nature earned him the affectionate nickname “Mayor” from his neighbors, a testament to the high regard in which he was held by all who knew him. Paul was preceded in death by his parents Esther and Leonard, son Tony, sister Christine and brother Andrew. He leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Dorothy, son Joe (Cheryl), daughter Nikki (Eric), daughter-in-law Kelly and eleven grandchildren. The family will host a celebration of life bonfire in Ohio this October. Donations may go to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Dennis “Denny” VanWeelden came to this world in 1954. Denny was a lifelong resident of the Kalamazoo area. He grew up in Parchment and was active in multiple sports. He loved the water, boating, fishing, and skiing. He enjoyed weightlifting and bodybuilding with his wife, Pam, and many friends; a hobby he took part in until his passing. He loved to socialize. He retired from Lawton Middle School where he taught science, math and physical education. He also coached many of the girls’ teams. The treasures Denny held dearest to his heart were his family, close friends and neighbors. He loved spending his time with Pam, and his son was the apple of his eye. Denny loved doing anything and everything with Jeremy. Most recently, big lake boating and fishing filled their weekends. Nothing made him happier than supporting his family’s interests and creating fun memories to cherish. Dennis was a wonderful father, husband, son, brother, and friend. He will be missed. Dennis was preceded in death by the love of his life and wife of 46 years, Pam “Drenth” VanWeelden. Their son, Jeremy, who survives, will miss them both greatly. Denny is also survived by his loving parents, Wayne and Bea VanWeelden; his sister and brother-in-law Cindy and Brad Boven; sister Linda Moed; and seven nieces and nephews. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
