Obituaries

Rodney Lynn Borger, 67, Kalamazoo, passed away on July 12, 2024. He was born September 14, 1956, in Three Rivers, the son of Robert and Janet (Forsyth) Borger, and graduated from Schoolcraft High School with the class of 1974. For over 41 years, Rodney dedicated his life to being a truck driver, mastering the roads so well that everyone dubbed him a Road Atlas. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, working on cars, and traveling in northern Michigan. Later in life Rodney married his wife Pamela, and they blended their families together and enjoyed traveling together. He enjoyed his family and grandchildren. Rodney was preceded in death by his wife Pamela; parents Robert and Janet (Forsyth) Borger; and one brother, Timothy. He is survived by his three children Roy (Violet) Smith, of New Mexico, Rodger Borger, of Kalamazoo, and Sabrina (David) Stamper, of Three Rivers; stepchildren Amy (Jason) Carter, of Indiana, Stacy (Tim) Waters, of Hickory Corners, Kathy (Chris) Wagy, of Kalamazoo, and Tommie (Kristy Green) Platz, of Schoolcraft; 15 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He is also survived by his two sisters, Wendy Zimmerman of Schoolcraft and Laurie (Scott) Conklin of Big Rapids. Rodney has been cremated and no services are planned at this time. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com.

Jacqueline Alura Burch, 83, Mahomet, Illinois, passed away on July 6, 2024. She was born September 1, 1940 in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Robert and Thelma (Mosier) Moore. On July 8, 1961, Jacqueline married the love of her life, Daniel Lee Burch. Together Jacqueline and Daniel had two sons, Roy (Connie) Burch and Mark (Karen) Burch, they survive. Jacqueline is also survived by her grandchildren, Travis Burch and Tyler (Elizabeth) Burch; sister, Suzie (Danny) Gritton; brother, Robert (Char) Moore; and longtime family friends, the Lovay family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Thelma, and her husband, Daniel. She graduated from Bronson School of Nursing in Kalamazoo, where she obtained a degree as a registered nurse. Jacqueline cared for countless people throughout her long career with her work at the Home for the Aged in Saginaw, and her time in Hospice Care where she worked and volunteered for over 25 years. She was a member of the Faith United Methodist Church in Champaign and enjoyed going to Bible Study and prayer. She also strongly supported the Musk Ox Farm in Palmer, Arkansas. In her spare time, she enjoyed spending time gardening, participating in Jazzercise, watching the hummingbirds, and watching her favorite show, Jeopardy. Services have been held. Memorial Donations may be made in Jacqueline’s name to the Musk Ox Farm, PO Box 587, Palmer, AK 99645 or online at https://givebutter.com/WLYbYo. Please join Jacqueline’s family in sharing memories and photos on her tribute wall at sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Howard Clapp, 92, Vicksburg, passed away July 16, 2024. He was born on September 8, 1932 in Volga, South Dakota, the son of Herbert and Geneva Clapp. Dad served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean war as a control tower operator. Howard married Carol Odor June 25, 1954 and together they raised five boys and a daughter. Howard worked at the Upjohn Company as a microbiologist and head of animal rearing. He had a great, goofy sense of humor, worked hard and loved life. In retirement, Howard and Carol traveled in their motor home, visiting relatives and places across the country. They finally lived in Vicksburg. He enjoyed visiting his family. Howard attended various churches over the years and served as elder and deacon. Dad loved the Lord Jesus and wanted to bring others to faith. “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” – Revelations 21:4. Friends may gather with his family from 11 a.m.-noon, Saturday, August 3, 2024, at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th Street, Kalamazoo, where his funeral service will be held at noon. Visit his page at langelands.com.

George Thomas Collins, 87, Scotts, passed away July 16, 2024. He was born in 1937 to Justyne (Cesarec) Collins in Chicago and graduated from Bowen High School in 1955. In the late 1950s, he got his “big break” as an apprentice, operating construction equipment that specialized in cranes. When drafted into the US Army in 1960, he was able to use this knowledge while proudly serving the country that he loved. When his tenure in the Army had ended, he became a skilled operating engineer and heavy equipment operator with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 in Chicago. George worked on many iconic Chicago landmarks including the Sears/Willis Tower, Amoco Building/Aon Center, and the Deep Tunnel Project. He married Barbara Noga on February 20, 1965. They raised their family in the Chicago area and retired to Indian Lake in Scotts 20 years ago. George is survived by his wife, Barbara; children George (Laura) Collins II of Schoolcraft, Jeffery (Jody) Collins of Willowbrook, Illinois, and Christine (Scott) Torphy of Naperville, Illinois; grandchildren George Collins III, Evan Collins, Cavett (Madelynn) Collins, Price Collins, Erin Collins, David Collins, Natalie Collins, Christopher Torphy, and Nola Torphy. George was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Justyne and Eugene Pulley. Visiting hours for George will be held on Thursday, August 8, 2024, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Eickhoff Funeral Home. A memorial service will take place on Friday, August 9, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Immediately after the service, interment and military honors will be given to George at Ft. Custer National Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. Donations may go to the Alzheimer’s Association or Wounded Warrior Project. Visit his page at eickhofffuneralhome.com.

Bob (Robert) Critz passed away peacefully on July 4th, 2024, following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s. Born on October 14, 1942, in Vicksburg, Bob was the son of Minnie and Carlton Critz. Bob attended MSU, graduating with a degree in education. Bob enlisted in the US Navy, serving on the Franklin D. Roosevelt from 1965-1967. Bob married Barbara (Ellis), on April 15,1968. Bob dedicated over 50 years to teaching and coaching in Mendon, Allegan, Colon, and Centreville. He was inducted into the Michigan Football Coaching Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Vicksburg High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018. Bob is survived by his wife, Barbara; children Jill McKale (Chad McKale) and their children, Madeline, Maggie, and Brady, Beth Morris (Jason Morris) and their daughter, Kate Morris, and Ben Critz (Kim Critz); sister, Mary Pettys; nieces Kim Cosiano (Frank) and their children Michael, Paul and Luke. Jeff Pettys (Pilar) and their children Charley and Adam; Lesley Burt (Chris) and their children Grayson and Reagan. He is also survived by Catherine Ellis, Alma Muxlow, Will Ellis, Shirley Ellis, Mary Gurd, Jim Ellis, Patsy Ellis, along with nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents. A celebration of Bob’s life will take place on Sunday, August 11, 2024 at 1 p.m. at John Schwartz Field. Donations go to Mendon Community Schools. Visit his page at eickhofffuneralhome.com.

Lucynda “Cindy” Anne DeYoung, 64, Schoolcraft, passed away July 20, 2024. Cindy was born in Kalamazoo, the beloved daughter of H. Donald and Sandra (Misterka) DeYoung. Cindy was predeceased by her mother, Sandra DeYoung and her grandparents, Harriet and Henry DeYoung, and Esther and Stephen Misterka. She is survived by her father, Don DeYoung, and siblings Donald (Vickey) DeYoung, Michelle (Scott) Forsberg, and David (Teresa) DeYoung. She will also be missed by her aunt, Ann (Dan) Munro, and her cousins, Lori Munro-Rice and Tammy Kriekard. Cindy was a proud and loving aunt to her niece, Christina Blankenship, and her nephew, Kyle DeYoung. In her early life Cindy was a cosmetologist and beautician. Cindy was an animal lover who enjoyed watching birds, squirrels and rabbits in her yard. Cindy’s true passion was dogs. She loved all dogs, but Cindy’s heart belonged to her dogs, especially her beloved beagles, Dottie and Penny, and her recent small mixed breed, Tootsie. Cindy cherished her time spent talking with her neighbors, valuing the friendships she made within her community. She was known for her kindness, warmth, and curiosity, making her a treasured friend, a loving daughter, and a devoted sister. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.

Rexalee Ann Goecker, 82, died peacefully on July 23, 2024 at her home on Dauphin Island, Alabama. Rexalee was born on August 21, 1941, to Rexford and Eugenie Angeline Westhauser in West Branch, Michigan. She graduated from New Troy High School, then attended Alma College, where she majored in teaching. Rexalee married James William Goecker on June 8, 1963, settling in Portage. She was a stay-at-home mom and then preschool teacher for 20 years. She never missed her children’s events and dedicated her talents to boy and girl scout outings. After retirement in 2001, Rexalee and Jim built their dream home on Austin Lake, enjoying sunsets, pontoon boat rides, and their beloved neighbors. In 2015, the Goeckers moved to Alabama to be near their grandchildren. Rexalee was preceded in death by her parents, brother William Eugene Westhauser, sister Sue Ellen Westhauser, husband James William Goecker, and son William James Goecker. She is survived by her daughters, Meg Goecker (Rob Hansen) and Rexene Wood, and granddaughters Hannah Grace, Angeline Hope, and Molly Elise Wood and Amelia and Meegan Hansen. Services will be planned in Michigan at a future date. Donations may go to Dauphin Island Medical LLC where Rexalee spent the last years of her life volunteering so the island community could have local, loving health care.

Danny Lee Grubb, 88, Vicksburg, passed away July 4, 2024. He was born October 20, 1935, in Columbus, Ohio to the late Ellis B. and Mildred R. (Price) Grubb. Danny grew up in Welch, West Virginia. At just 17 years old, with his dad’s permission, he enlisted and served in the United States Marine Corps. After his discharge from the military, he moved to Ohio, where he met Eloise. The two married and moved to Kalamazoo. Danny worked for GM/BOC Kalamazoo for over 20 years and served with the Kalamazoo County Sheriff Reserves. After retiring, he enjoyed small engine repair, saw sharpening, gardening, spending time with family and friends, and sitting on the front porch. Danny was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Margaret Eloise (McKay) Grubb, on June 6, 2014. He was also preceded in death by his parents; brother, Richard Grubb; and sisters, Barbara VanDam and DeLoris Miles. He is survived by his son, Danny Grubb, Jr. Donations may go to Disabled American Veterans. Visit his page at langelands.com.

Rodger Lee Hughey, 85, Vicksburg, passed away on Monday, July 15, 2024. Rodger was born September 15, 1938, in Kalamazoo, the son of Max and Violet (Huntington) Hughey. He excelled in sports, earning 12 varsity letters and induction into the Mendon High School Hall of Fame. Rodger married Barbara Kaiser on September 7, 1958. After attending WMU, he established Rodger L. Hughey Builders in 1963. Rodger developed two subdivisions and built over 300 homes. Son Rick joined the business in 1977. Rodger started Hughey Realtors in 1983 with his son Randy and daughter Kathy joined in 1996. Rodger is survived by his children, Rick (Ann) Hughey, Randy (Janine) Hughey, and Kathy (Steve) Peterson; grandchildren Ryan Hughey, Allen (Dannette) Hughey, Erica (Zak) Vanderpool, David Hughey, Nicholas (Jordin) Peterson, Kati (Matthew) Roberts, and Jared (fiancée, Dori Mulder) Peterson; great grandchildren Delilah, Daisy, Emmett, Aletheia, Nathaneal, Peter, and Lucy; stepbrother Marvin (Gloria) Sanderson, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; sister and brother-in-law Nancy and Ron Blanchard; stepbrother Fred Sanderson; his parents; and stepmother June Hughey. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to Generous Hands and Vicksburg United Methodist Church.

David Terry Hutchins, 80, Vicksburg, passed away November 22, 2023. Dave was born May 17, 1943, to Donald and Eva Don (Sanderson) Hutchins. He married Susan Hutchins July 11, 1997. He had many occupations throughout his life, including dealing blackjack in Vegas and owning The Antique Hutch, Leonidas, which sold quality antique furniture. He was also a machinist, Ironworkers Local 340, and retired from laborer’s union Local 640 with the Austin Company at Pfizer. Hutch enjoyed music, fishing, and racing. He was known to play the guitar as well as the gut bucket. He truly enjoyed fishing trips to Canada with his close friends but was just as content sitting on a bucket for hours ice fishing, his favorite Kimble Lake. If he wasn’t ice fishing, he loved watching any kind of racing. He also took many trips with Sue and close friend Dennis to Eldora. Hutch also had an appreciation for classic cars, restoring a 1941 Chevy coupe alongside Sue. He would get a kick out of taking his friends joy riding in his 1930 Model A, laughing as they flew back into the seat. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Sue. He is survived by his sister, Sharon Carlyle, brothers Ron and Bob Hutchins, daughter Tamara Hutchins, and stepdaughter Beth (Larry) Sharp, as well as his Kimble Lake Crew and several who called him grandpa.

Jeffery C. Kudary, 76, Vicksburg, passed away July 16, 2024. He leaves a legacy of hard work, dedication to his family, and loyalty. Born October 24, 1947 in Sturgis, he was the son of Joseph and Clara (Ramsdell) Kudary. In 1965, he graduated from Climax-Scotts High School where he excelled in football, baseball, basketball, and track. He married Mary Ann Shirah on March 6, 1965. Jeff dedicated 36 years of his life to being a pipefitter. He worked for the Upjohn Company which later became known as Pfizer where he received the prestigious Upjohn Award—a testament to skill and dedication and work ethic. Jeff enjoyed his time playing golf, bowling, cornhole, and horseshoes. He also enjoyed grilling and traveling. Jeff was preceded in death by his grandson, Tyler Thomas Kudary, parents Joseph and Clara Kudary and his sister, Sharon Eldred. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary Ann; sons Tim (Leslie) Kudary, of Vicksburg, Jeff (Jessica) Kudary, of Tennessee, Jason (Amy) Kudary, of Traverse City, and Jamie (Matt Newton) Kudary, of Virginia; grandchildren Cooper (Jacqueline) Kudary, Caleb Kudary, Carlie Kudary, Jade Rico, and Kellan and Macaire Kudary. He is also survived by his siblings Joe Kudary and Denise (Brian) Murray; brother-in-law Rich Eldred; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com.

Harold Henry “Whitey” Minster, 80, Scotts, died peacefully Thursday, July 11, 2024, at his home with his loving wife, Karen, by his side. He was born October 5, 1943, in Manistee, the son of William Carl and Veronica (Strzyzewski) Minster. He graduated from Manistee High School in 1961 and shortly after earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Muskegon School of Business. He served in the US Army from 1966 until his honorable discharge in 1969. Whitey married Karen on May 25, 2015, in Kalamazoo. Growing up, Whitey worked in his parents’ supermarket, Bill’s Superette, in Filer City, Michigan. Later, Whitey was employed and retired from the Burnham & Flower Insurance Agency. Whitey was a people person. Whitey was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church of Manistee. He was a longtime member of the B.P.O. Elks Lodge, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, Moose Lodge, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Kalamazoo, Manistee, and Schoolcraft. He is survived by his wife, Karen, of Scotts; sons Michael and William of Florida; and brother Dr. Henry Minster (Mary) of Manistee and Surprise, Arizona. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother William Carl; sister Elizabeth (Betty) Anderson, all of Manistee. Donations may go to Kalamazoo VFW Post #827. Visit his page at BetzlerLifeStory.com.

Donald Eugene Paradine, 92, Schoolcraft, passed away on July 10, 2024. He was born October 6, 1931, in Detroit, the son of Walter and Wreta (Dolbee) Paradine. Don proudly served his country as a United States Marine during the Korean War. He enlisted in 1951 and was honorably discharged in 1954. On January 8, 1955, Don married Patricia VanDerWeele. Don owned and operated the Shell Station in Schoolcraft from 1958 to 1965 then worked 26 years as the Service Manager at Krum Hallam Chevrolet in Vicksburg. Don’s free time was filled with golfing, traveling, reading, and time with family. Don was dedicated to and active in the Schoolcraft United Methodist Church. He was preceded in passing by his wife, Patricia, parents, and siblings Leo, Mary, Shirley, Frances, Barbara, Ruth, Phyllis, and Linda. Left to cherish his loving memory are his children, Kevin (Amy) Paradine, Charlie (Teresa) Paradine, Julia (Richard) Paradine-Rice, and exchange student Anja Nijenkamp; grandchildren Shauna (Jeff), Tiffany (Spencer), Ethan (Abby), Tee, Trevor (Jane), and Anthony (Allison); great-grandchildren Soren, Sean, Mina Patricia, and Katherine; honorary daughter Karen Adams; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. In accordance with Don’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life will be held at the Schoolcraft United Methodist Church, 342 North Grand Street, Schoolcraft, Michigan on Saturday, August 10, 2024, with a time for visiting beginning at 10 a.m. until the service at 11 a.m. with Pastor Marty Cobb officiating. Don will be laid to rest with Patricia at Schoolcraft Cemetery following the service. A time of food and fellowship will be held following the committal. Memorials may be directed to the Schoolcraft Eagles Nest and the Schoolcraft United Methodist Church. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com.

Giuseppe “Joe” Renda was born January 1, 1937, in Alcamo, Sicily, Italy, the son of Vincenzo Renda and Francesca Calandra. Growing up, he showed ambition and started his entrepreneurial pursuits and learned many different trades. At 20 years old, he worked in Paris, France, and during a visit home to Alcamo, he met Carmela. They fell in love. Giuseppe and Carmela were married on September 3, 1962, and moved into a home he built himself. They welcomed daughters Francesca and Pierina in this very home. They left for the United States in 1965 on a ship, along with his brother, Girolamo “Jerry”, and his family. The craftsmanship skills he learned in Italy and France led to job opportunities in Michigan. During this time, their son, Vincenzo was born. In 1972, Giuseppe and Carmela opened Renda Tile and Carpet in Vicksburg. Giuseppe always prioritized his family, who were his motivation for success. Giuseppe became a Nonno (grandfather) to his nine grandchildren, and a Bisnonno to four great-grandchildren. Giuseppe was able to enjoy his retirement on Austin Lake. As Giuseppe faced challenges in his later years, he always did so with courage, positivity, and a love for life. Giuseppe passed away peacefully in his home on July 10, 2024, surrounded by his family. Giuseppe was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Girolamo. Giuseppe is survived by his wife, Carmela (Matranga) Renda; children Francesca (Franco) Impellizzeri, Pierina (Tim) Boyle, and Vincenzo (Amy) Renda; grandchildren Giuseppina Impellizzeri, Carmelina (Patrick) Tierney, Sean (Aylannah) Boyle, Gabrielle (Joe) Fitzwater, Giovanna Impellizzeri, Accalia Boyle, Mariella (Gary) Micu, Olivia (John) Willenborg, and Madison Boyle; great-grandchildren Maverick, Calum, and Evangeline Tierney, and Nicolina Micu; many loved family members and friends. Donations be go to ROI, Centrica Care Navigators, or Saint Martin of Tours Catholic Church. Visit his page at langelands.com.

Jean Sehy, 84, passed away July 20, 2024, with family by her side. Jean was born December 22, 1939 in Kalamazoo to Noel and Josephine McNett. Jean married William (Bill) Sehy, on January 20, 1967. She was a dedicated employee at Upjohn where she made lifelong friendships. She loved family, traveling, crocheting, holidays, and baking. Jean was preceded in death by her first husband, David Franklin Chapman, her baby, David Lee Chapman, her parents, and siblings Kenneth, William, Nancy, June and Terry. She is survived by her husband, William; daughters Peggy Burke, Julie Wikel (Kim), and Brenda Sehy; grandchildren Angie (Mike), Tim, Sayward, Kelli (Taylor), Connor (Hollis), Christopher, Allison, Kevin, Destiny, Dylan (Olivia), Maddie, and Jacob (Rebecca); great-grandchildren Cameron and Ryan; siblings, Joyce, Carl, and Jim; and many more. The family will receive friends and family from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, August 16, 2024 and Jean’s Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 17, 2024. Both will be held at Schoolcraft United Methodist Church. Donations may go to Schoolcraft United Methodist Church. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.

Roy “Bud” Wylie, 86, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2024. He was born in Kalamazoo on September 3, 1937, to the late Roy and Dorothy (Jepkema) Wylie. Roy worked in building and carpentry his entire career, operating Wylie Builders with his son for 25 years. Before that, he worked alongside his brother, Gordy, until they both branched out to work with their sons. He helped all his children either remodel or build homes over the years. Roy enjoyed puttering around the house and finding projects to do. Roy married his wife of 65 years, Barbara (Manger) Wylie, on April 3, 1959, and she survives him. Also surviving are his four children, Kevin (Loretta) Wylie, Shelly (Mike) Kintz, Renee (Todd) Perry, and Keith Wylie; grandchildren Keven Wylie, Amy (Matt) Hoffman, Michael (Shelby) Kintz, Chase Perry, and Josh Wylie; great grandchildren Oliver Kintz and Deacan Hoffman; siblings Gordon Wylie, Marcia Agema, and Connie Klok; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. Roy was preceded in death by siblings Ronald Wylie and Helen Adams. Donations may go to Centrica Care Navigators. Visit his page at langelands.com.