Gregory Alan Ackerman died May 16, 2025. He was born March 27, 1953, to Barbara (Imanse) and Charles Ackerman. Greg grew up the eldest of four boys. Greg lettered in four sports: football, basketball, tennis and baseball. In 1971, he was named one of the top ten basketball players in the Wolverine Conference. At 19, he discovered golf, and was hooked. On March 23, 1973, Greg married his high school sweetheart, Vicki Cross, and together they raised their three children. In 1972 he joined his parents in the Ackerman Oil Company, working for 47 years. From 1986-2012, Greg also owned and operated Douglas Avenue Food & Beverage, Inc. with his wife and parents, retiring in 2019. Greg was preceded in death by his mother. He is survived by his wife Vicki; children Kelly (John) Christiansen, Matthew (Asmita Kulkarni) Ackerman, and Jacob Ackerman; and grandchildren Anna and Thomas Christiansen and Arya and Neel Ackerman. He is also survived by his father Charles, brothers Rodney (Sandy) Ackerman, Brian (Joyce) Ackerman, and David (Tina Hinchen) Ackerman, brothers-in-law Tom (Connie Durrstein) Cross, Todd (Cindy) Cross, sister-in-law, Kim Cross, and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to Generous Hands.
Elizabeth Michelle Bell, 44, passed away on May 27, 2025 in Galesburg. She was lovingly cared for by Christine Decker of CD Mended Hearts and had resided there since 2017. Elizabeth was born June 1, 1980, in Three Rivers, the daughter of Richard Leolin Bell, Jr., and Janet (Hackenberg) Davidson. Elizabeth was born six weeks premature and suffered from hypoxia. She was diagnosed as severely mentally impaired. Beth and her sister Christine had the same disability. They shared a room at CD Mended Hearts until Christine passed away in September 2024. Beth’s health declined after the loss of her sister. Elizabeth attended Pathfinder Center, Croyden Avenue School and the Center for Disability Services, both in Kalamazoo. Elizabeth loved music, Disney movies, Binder Park Zoo, and her dolls. Elizabeth is survived by her parents, sisters Angie (Bell) Young and Stephanie Dianth Bell; brothers Ray Bell, Charlie Bell, Jason Moyer, Daniel Bell and Jonathan Moyer; uncles Joe (Vicki) Hackenberg and Ron (Patricia) Bell; aunts Jane (Larry) Headley and Marlene (Bell) Armstrong; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Elizabeth was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, infant cousin Andrew Hackenberg and her sister, Christine Ann Bell. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Richard Arthur Budden, Scotts, passed away May 25, 2025. He was born June 3, 1938 in Saginaw, to Katherine (Holliday) Budden and Loring Wm. Budden. He graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 1956, then from Asbury College in 1960. On May 29,1960, Dick married Donna Hayward of Scotts. He pastored at churches in Scotts, Fulton, and Maryland before earning a master’s degree in divinity and serving in Horton, Hanover, and Battle Creek. In 1969 he was ordained as a Presbyterian pastor, serving in Palmyra and Holloway. He received a master’s in education from Siena Heights College and became a counselor/social worker, while pastoring part-time. Dick was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sisters-in-law, Harry and Anne Budden, Loring and Elaine Budden, and his sister, Ruth Chesher; nephews, Harry Budden Jr., Robert Budden and James Chesher, sister-in-law Judith Drallette, and brothers-in-law Clair Hayward, David Hudson, David Hayward, and Dale Hayward. Dick is survived by his wife, Donna; children Jon R. Budden (Roxanne) and Karen E. Newlon (Danial); grandchildren Joshua Newlon (Kiersten), Kaitlyn Newlon, Angel Lewis (Alex), and Kyrsten Newlon; and great grandchild Samuel Joshua Newlon. Also surviving are brothers and sisters-in-law Shirley Hudson, DeWayne and Lorraine Drallette, Nancy Hayward, Jennie Hayward, Allan and Carol Hayward, Joyce and Russell Guetschow, and George and Ellie Hayward. A visitation will be held Saturday, June 14 at 10 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m., at Country Christian Evangelical Free Church. Donations may go to Centrica Care Hospice or Country Christian EF Church. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Brenda Lou (Bohne) Carlton, 85, Portage, passed away May 13, 2025. Brenda was born November 9, 1939, in Three Rivers, to the late Mary (Howlett) and Fred Bohne. On April 5, 1957, Brenda married the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Carlton. Together, they built a home filled with love, laughter, and the joy of raising their four children. Their union was a beautiful partnership that spanned 55 devoted years until Bob’s passing in 2012. Brenda had a quiet strength, and a heart rooted in kindness. She enjoyed life’s simple pleasures—crafting, cooking, and spending time with her family. She found joy in creating handmade items, nourishing others with her home-cooked meals, and sharing countless cherished moments with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. One of her favorite places was Beech Grove Campground in Marcellus, where she and Bob spent many happy summers camping and making lifelong memories with friends and loved ones. Brenda is survived by children Robert (Christine) Carlton, Stephanie Gail Carlton, Thomas Wayne (Kim) Carlton, and Steven (Amy) Todd Carlton; grandchildren Travis (Puneh), Jeremy, Caden, and Jessica; great-grandchildren Kylie, Bo, Brianna, Remi, and Mila; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, grandson Jason, brother Fred Bohne, and sister Polly Edick. In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. Brenda will be laid to rest alongside Bob at Ft. Custer National Cemetery at a future date to be determined. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Rev. Gregory Alan Freed, 72, passed away April 28, 2025. Born in Pasadena, California on August 8, 1952, to Paul and Margaret Freed, Greg lived a life devoted to God, his family, and his calling. A graduate of Point Loma Nazarene University in 1974, Greg earned his master’s degree of divinity from Nazarene Theological Seminary. He married Christine (Beer) Freed, in 1978. Together they served in ministry, ultimately finding their home at Elmdale Church of the Nazarene in Clarksville, Michigan, where he pastored for 24 years, retiring at Indian Lake Nazarene Camp, Vicksburg. While pastoring at Elmdale, he also became a school bus driver, a role through which he extended his love for children and community beyond the church walls. He and Christine built a warm, joyful home where their four children were raised in love, laughter, and vibrant faith. Greg loved travel, achieving his goal of visiting all 50 states. He also had a heart that welcomed others. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Eugene. He is survived by his wife Christine; children Janelle DeGraw (Matt), Timothy Freed (Elizabeth), Chelsea Kastanek (Abbot), and Nichole VanKalker (Josh); grandchildren Eliana and Elijah Freed, Alayna, Aiden, Regan, and Rilian Kastanek, and Jenny and Carolin VanKalker. He is also survived by his brothers, Bill and Ken Freed, along with many cherished nieces and nephews. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to Kairos Dwelling Hospice or Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene.
William Ellis “Bill” Gardner passed away May 17, 2025. Bill was born July 6, 1946, in Kalamazoo, and grew up in Vicksburg. He had an adventurous childhood filled with reading books, playing sports, swimming in Sunset Lake and ice skating on winter ponds. Bill graduated from Vicksburg High School in 1964, where he was a multi-sport athlete and excelled in baseball. He graduated from Michigan State University in 1969 and was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and stationed at the Pentagon. Bill dedicated much of his professional life to public service, beginning with the Navy Department and later joining the U.S. Forest Service in Cadillac. There, he served as personnel officer for the Huron-Manistee National Forest and went on to work as a regional investigator and labor relations specialist until his retirement in 2002. He volunteered with several organizations, was a passionate runner, and had a love of baseball and fast-pitch softball. He treasured fall deer camp and annual fishing trips. In his later years, Bill found joy and peace at his home on 60 wooded acres in Paris, Michigan, where he gardened, maintained the land and embraced a quieter life. Bill is survived by his children, Kristin (Tony) Falsetta and Alex Gardner; grandchildren Anthony and Kyle Falsetta; siblings Gene Gardner, Janet (David) Kosacek and Richard Gardner; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Marie (Ellis) Gardner. A celebration of life and burial at Fort Custer will take place at a later date. Donations may go to Hospice of Michigan.
Steven Russell Gary, 78, passed away May 21, 2025, while resting peacefully at Edgewood Health and Rehab in Three Rivers. Steve was born October 20, 1946 and raised in Vicksburg, but made Mendon his home with his faithful and loving partner, Helga Cook. He was a loving father and a cherished member of the community who seemed to embrace life with open arms despite the struggles thrown his way. Steve brought kindness and compassion with every decisive action he made. He graduated from Vicksburg High School in 1962 and proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps during Vietnam. His bravery will be held high by those who loved him. Steve was a Marine through and through, and remained active with the St. Joseph County Marine Corps League, where he formed strong bonds of friendship. Every year without fail, he would gather toys for the USMC Reserves “Toys for Tots” program. As a Marine, he enthusiastically looked forward to November 10, each year – the annual U.S. Marine Corps birthday party, which he helped to plan, organize and host. Steven Gary is survived by his devoted partner Helga, his two loving children Sonja and Nathan, grandchildren Amelia, Briana, Bryan, and Aiden, and his sister, Gloria (Smith). There will be a graveside service Saturday, July 12, at 10 a.m. at the Schoolcraft Township Cemetery, 333 W Highway St., Vicksburg.
Wayne Larry George, 86, Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully at home April 4, 2025. Wayne was born at home on January 22, 1939, in Delta, Ohio, to Marvin George and Chrystene Mohr George. He graduated from Swanton High School in 1957 and earned a bachelor’s degree in dairy technology from Ohio State University in 1963. He married Tamara Bloom on September 8, 1962, and together they built a life grounded in love, laughter, work, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to family and community. Wayne managed several dairy and food processing plants, including the Kalamazoo Creamery. He also served as president of the Independent Co-op Milk Producers Association and of the Echo Lake Association. Wayne gave back to his community, notably contributing to the development of the Schoolcraft athletic complexes—an enduring legacy in the town where he lived for 35 years before retiring to Grand Rapids. He is survived by his wife, Tamara Bloom George; son Justin George (Stacey) of Grand Rapids; and daughter Lisa George Edgar (Michael) of Tallahassee, Florida; also grandchildren Peyton George Baker (Egan), Samantha Edgar, Aidan Edgar, Campbell George, and Kendall George; sister Susan George Paxton (William), and brother-in-law Nile Bloom (Starr), as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his in-laws, Junior and Audrey La Plante Bloom. Donations may go to the Schoolcraft Athletic Boosters, a cause dear to his heart, or to Gentiva Hospice. A celebration of Wayne’s life will be held at 2 p.m., July 11, 2025, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Swanton, Ohio. All are welcome.
Jennifer Lee Jaksa, 59, passed away May 4, 2025, after a short battle with cancer. How do you describe a life in words? Perhaps it is impossible and must be described in images, memories and acts of kindness. When Jennifer, Jen, Jenny, Aunt Jenny walked into a space, it immediately changed with her vivacious smile, laughter, and her abundant love of life. Her presence made a difference. She loved the simple things in life, and yet also loved adventure. Jenny returned to Portage three years ago to be closer to dad and found her sanctuary down the street from where her mom was laid to rest 48 years ago – her calling to come home. Jenny and Wayne often spoke of these past three years as being their happiest and most content times of their 30 years together. Despite being the youngest child, she was the one her three sisters, two brothers, two sisters-in-law, and two brothers-in-law called for advice, reassurance, laughter and grace – and the catalyst for very large family gatherings. If you were one of the lucky ones whom she called her friend, you knew it was for life, with no limits of love, enrichment, and good conversation – often which included a glass of wine, laughter and a good story to tell. Please join the family in Celebrating the Life of Jenny at People’s Church on June 7, 2025, at 1 p.m. with a reception immediately following until 4:30 p.m. While at http://www.amsfuneralhomes.com please, take time to sign Jenny’s guestbook and share your favorite memory with her family. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation (https://www.npcf.us/donate/) or a charity of your choosing in the name of our Jenny.
Richard “Dick” Kennedy, 88, Vicksburg, passed away at Northwoods Village on April 22, 2025, after a short battle with bladder cancer. Dick was born on October 21, 1936, to Benjamin and Dorothy (Herron) Kennedy. A life-long machine operator and handyman, Dick was a “jack of all trades.” He embraced the joy found in jazz music, motorcycles, and traveling, but his first love was his wife, Susan. This was evident by anyone who knew them. Dick graduated from Comstock High School in 1955. While in school, he excelled in band, playing in a special quartet that traveled and performed at parties and shows. He could play a multitude of instruments. Around this time, he met Susan Rantz through a friend, and they would talk on the phone. He would also walk from Comstock to Plainwell to see her. They married on November 5, 1955. After they were married, he served his country in the Army. He was part of the Army Band, and he also spent years in the National Guard. Dick is survived by his wife of 69 years, Susan; siblings William Kennedy, Teresa Kennedy, Betty Bronson, Lori Johnson as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as Susan’s siblings whom he counted as his own: Pat (Clarabelle) Rantz, June (Ted) VanAtta, Cal (Joan) Rantz, Eleanor (Lynn) Newberry, Don (LaVerne) Allen, Gertrude (Mel) Allen and Dorothy (John) Swetish. Services have been held. Memorial donations can be made to Compassus Hospice of Kalamazoo. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Joyce Rose (Taylor) Kline, 92, Mendon Township, died peacefully on May 5, 2025, reunited with her husband of 71 years, Paul C. Kline. She was born October 1, 1932, the daughter of Vern and Frances (Mumby) Taylor. Joyce graduated from Mendon High School in 1950. She earned a degree in home economics at WMU in 1954, the year she and Paul were married. She taught at Mendon High School before turning full-time attention to her family and farm. When the family moved to Klines Resort, she was vital to the success of the community and business. Joyce and Paul enjoyed winters in Sun City, Arizona. She collected depression glass and made ceramics. Joyce is survived by her brother, Joe (Betty) Taylor; children Carol (Larry) Higgins, Phil (Tama) Kline, Keith (Virginia) Kline, Bob (Linda) Kline, Kathy (Doug) Brueck, Wayne (MaryAnn) Kline, Kevin (Tom Carroll) Kline and daughter-in-law Sandy Bingaman. She was blessed with 19 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren with two on the way. She was preceded in death by her husband, son Ric and siblings Mary Belle Jackson, Bethel Schmidt, Jeanette, Herb, Robert, and Nancy Taylor. Donations may go to Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy or West Mendon Community Church. One may also plant a rose bush or other beautiful plant in her memory.
Judith Kay Lewis, 85, Vicksburg, passed away May 27, 2025, in Portage. Judy was born to Alva and Helen (Hall) Switzer in Kalamazoo May 6, 1940. She graduated from Vicksburg High School in 1958 and was married to Eli M. Lewis on August 30, 1958. Judy had several jobs over the years, with her favorite being as a parapro at Vicksburg Community Schools for many years before her retirement. Judy and Eli discovered a wonderful life in Jesus Christ and were very involved in the churches they attended. Caring for her family was Judy’s joy. She was a wonderful cook, and she baked the most amazing pies, often sharing them with others. She felt blessed when she could help people. Judy is survived by her children Polly (and Jeff) Preston, Tim (and Gail) Lewis and Dan (and Patti) Lewis, all of Vicksburg; 13 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; her sister Patty (and Milan) Bittenbender of South Haven; and many nieces and nephews. Judy was preceded in death by her husband Eli, their daughter Shellie Lewis Bladen, grandson-in-law Ethan Leasure, siblings Alva Switzer, Norma Suess, and Fran Rigney, and her parents. Services have been held. Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at eickhofffuneralhome.com.
William “Bill” M. Weinberg, 92, Vicksburg, passed away peacefully April 27, 2025. Born July 22, 1932, in Vicksburg, he was the beloved son of Clark and Evelyn (Graham) Weinberg. A proud graduate of Vicksburg High School’s class of 1951, Bill went on to serve in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He returned home and built a long and fulfilling career, retiring in 1990 from the Upjohn Farm. He was a member of the Kalamazoo Antique Auto Restorers Club for 62 years, and he enjoyed classic cars and the annual Vicksburg Old Car Festival. He spent winters in Zephyrhills, Florida for the past 26 years with his beloved wife Suzanne, and Vicksburg remained close to his heart. He eagerly anticipated each edition of the South County Newspaper, keeping connected to his cherished hometown. Above all, Bill was a man of God and lived by the belief that it is more blessed to give than to receive, always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Phyllis Cochran. He is survived by his devoted wife of 70 years, Suzanne (LeRoy) Weinberg; daughters Arleen (Joe) Smith, Peggy (Bill) Parsons, and Judy (Greg) Stonerock; three grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Donations may go to Rose Arbor Hospice. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Edwin D. Wood III, 66, beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, who left us on February 28, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Eddie was the heart and soul of his family. He cherished every moment with his children and grandchildren, offering them not just love, but a legacy of strength, laughter, and unwavering devotion. His family meant everything to him, and his presence will be deeply missed. Eddie was preceded in death by his mother, father, and two brothers. He is survived by sisters Wendy Boutell (Daniel) and Jennifer Duff; children Edwin Wood IV (Jennifer), Matheson Wood (Jamie), Alex Bond (Jordan), and Zachary Wood (Hannah); and eight cherished grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. In his professional life, Eddie was a successful insurance salesman, known for his sharp mind, work ethic, and the genuine relationships he built with everyone he met. Outside of work, he had many passions that defined him. He loved music and could often be found with his favorite tunes playing in the background. He enjoyed playing tennis, boxing, and working out. Eddie was an avid fan of football, especially the Detroit Lions and the University of Michigan Wolverines. He had a passion for grilling and sharing meals with loved ones. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
