Obituaries

by South County News Staff | Oct 9, 2018 | Obituaries, Schoolcraft, Vicksburg

William “Billy” Michael Bolton, 28, Vicksburg, passed away August 25. He was born to Stanley and Kathy (Giem) Bolton on May 31, 1990. Billy attended Vicksburg schools as well as Sulphur Rock and Viola High School in Arkansas. He loved animals and had a witty sense of humor. Billy’s family includes his mother, Kathy Bolton, of Portage; his father, Stanley (Dawn) Bolton, of Climax; sisters Nickole “Nicki” (Scott) Berger, of Portage; Renee (Adam Clark) Storm, of Tennessee; and Gloria (Adam) Wicks, of Florida; paternal grandmother Violet (Stan) Skrzypek, of Three Rivers; maternal grandmother Peg Giem, of Portage; cherished uncle Donny Bolton, of Three Rivers; and nephews Steven Giem and Luke Clark; brother-in-law Jake Kellogg, of Three Rivers; best friend Thomas “Will” Wyatt, of Vicksburg; and many great aunts and uncles. Billy was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Don Bolton and Seth Giem; great uncle Robert Noel and great-grandmother Beverly Waldron. Visit his page at mccowensecord.com. Donations may go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Dennis “Denny” Boyle, 87, Scotts, died Sept. 11. He was born October 22, 1930 to Edwin and Eleanor Boyle. Denny graduated from Milford High School in 1948. Denny earned a master’s degree at EMU. He taught at Milford High, coached basketball and led his team to the state finals. He married Yvonne Engel in 1951 and moved to Vicksburg to work as registrar at WMU for almost 30 years. Denny served as a member and president of the Vicksburg School Board. He was also president of Vicksburg Rotary and the Vicksburg Village Council. He was the longest-serving general chairperson of the Rotary Showboat. Denny is survived by his children: Katherine (Jay) Crouch, of Niles; Colleen Boyle, of Vicksburg; Audrey Boyle, of Minnesota; Patricia (Scott) Cline, of Schoolcraft; Dennis (Georgia) Boyle, of Portage; Trina (Gary) Boyle-Holmes, of Vicksburg; Tobias (Robyn) Boyle, of Portage; Timothy (Pierina) Boyle, of Missouri; Kevin Boyle, of Vicksburg; Kelly (Didik) Soekarmoen, of Vicksburg; Mary (Jack) Paulsen, of Battle Creek; Maureen (Rob) Brown, of Portage; 31 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: Patricia Wilbur, of South Carolina; Eleanor “Tommy” Doonan, of Texas; and Milly Webb, of Colorado; a sister-in-law, Audrey McKeon, of Troy; a brother-in-law, Don Butler, of Arizona and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Yvonne, in 2013; his sister, Joan Butler; and his grandson, Dennis Boyle-Holmes. Visit his page at mccowensecord.com. Donations may go to Vicksburg Foundation, Vicksburg Rotary and St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church.

Edith May Bradshaw, Schoolcraft, passed away Sept. 7. She was born September 1, 1921. Edith May grew up on the Clark Farm outside Schoolcraft. She was raised by Helen and Alvin Forsyth. She attended the one-room grade school nearby and graduated from Mattawan High School in 1939. She moved to Kalamazoo and married Robert A. Bradshaw on March 1st, 1944. In 1958, she and Bob moved back to Schoolcraft where they lived until 2002. Bob preceded her in death on March 31, 2003. Edith May was a wife, mother, grandmother, homemaker, and bookkeeper. She is survived by her daughter Esther (Jerry) Wiles of Galesburg and son Oliver D. Bradshaw of Richmond, VA, grandsons Christopher A. Bradshaw of Jackson Heights, NY and W. Gregory Bradshaw of Richmond, VA, and many nieces and nephews. Visit her page at avinkcremation.com.

Joseph A. Caporossi, 35, Schoolcraft, passed away unexpectedly at home Sept. 6. Joseph was born in Kalamazoo on December 25, 1982, the son of Patrick A. and Cathy R. (Rhoades) Caporossi. He graduated from Schoolcraft High School in 2001 and attended KVCC. Joe worked at Tile Mart for seven years and then at PNC Bank for ten. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his siblings, Michael (Annie) Waterman, Lisa (Billy) Lynch and Tony (Katherine) Caporossi; nieces and nephews Riley and Spencer Waterman, Arrianna Ring, Vinny Caporossi, Mose Lynch and Kami Caporossi; grandmothers, Lenore Stair and Donna Rhoades; as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins and his dog, Petunia. Joseph was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Raymond Rhoades and Dino Caporossi and step-grandfather, Edward Koperdak. Visit his page at joldersma-klein.com. Donations may go to SPCA of SW Mich.

Robert L. Cook, 81, Scotts, died July 30 at Rose Arbor Hospice, where his wife Helen had died six days before. Robert was born and raised in Allegan. He served in the Marines from 1957-60. Afterward, he mentored Marines in Kalamazoo. Robert helped create the Rose Park Veteran’s Memorial. He worked in the packaging industry for 58 years. He was co-founder of Arvco Container Corporation, retiring in 2003. He then formed Speciality Packaging. He was past president of Jaycees, charter president of Kalamazoo Sunrise Rotary, longtime member of Kalamazoo Rotary Club. He is survived by daughters Sally (Carl) Barber of Plainwell; Carrie (John) Hine of Wayland; Rhonda (Steve) Broekema of Schoolcraft; Patti (Scott) Sampley of Kalamazoo; and Robin (Brian) Wicker of St. Michael, Minn.; 12 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and several beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert B. Cook and Donna (Pierce) Cook; sisters Barbara Jean Gilpin and Patricia Whitney; brothers-in-law, Dick Gilpin and George Whitney; and son-in-law Mike Irwin. Donations may go to Young Marines of Kalamazoo or VA Medical Hospital Palliative Care Unit. Visit his page at langelands.com.

Fredericka “Freddi” Coppes, 90, Vicksburg, passed away on Sept. 3. Freddi was preceded in death by her husband, Richard “Dick” Coppes. She was born at home on Patterson Street in Kalamazoo, on May 10, 1928. She was the daughter of Edward and Theresa (Holtman) Mastenbrook. Freddi attended Woodward Elementary School and Kalamazoo Central High School, graduating in 1946. She was a varsity softball player. Freddi retired from Michigan Bell around 1966 to become a farmer. She and Dick bought an 80-90 acre farm in Vicksburg to raise cattle. They bought bull calves at auction, named them, and kept a book on each one, buying 50 new calves per year. She was a founding member of the Ladies Stock Club studying stocks and investing successfully. For years she designed and created special costumes for the featured performers of the Rotary Showboat and helped organize and cook the Thursday night pre-show dinner. She was awarded the distinguished “Red Rose Award” for outstanding support of Rotary projects by a non-member. She was also known for her landscape paintings. She designed the quilt square, representing love of land and country, hanging on the old red barn at the farm. She enjoyed sewing, oil painting, bowling and volunteering for the Vicksburg Ambulance Service. She was a strong supporter of FFA and 4H. Sadly, dementia stole much of the “real” Freddi for the past five years. Visit her page at mccowensecord.com. Donations may go to the Vicksburg Cultural Arts Center (c/o Vicksburg DDA/VCAC) or the South County Community Services.

Jean A. Fleck, 80, Coralville, IA, formerly of Vicksburg, died peacefully Sept. 6. She was born on March 9, 1938 to Chester and Alice (Johnson) Dalman. Jean was a talented musician. By her early teens, Jean provided the organ music at two local churches. She was awarded an organ scholarship to WMU. Jean played trombone in the Vicksburg High School marching band. Music continued throughout her life with dancing, piano and guitar playing, and organized singing (Sweet Adelines). Jean is survived by her husband, Arthur, of Coralville and their three daughters, Elizabeth DeLuca of Matamoras, PA, Julie (Byron) Tabor of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Nicole (Marcus) Fleck-Tooze of Lincoln, Neb.; her grandson, Arthur DeLuca and her sister, Jacqueline Wetmore. Jean was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Gary. Visit her page at lensingfuneral.com.

Herbert Mallory Goodwin, 84, Vicksburg, passed away Sept. 22. He was born on February 16, 1934, a son of the late Herbert and Sara (Dustin) Goodwin and was a lifelong area resident. Herbert joined the US Navy in 1955 and was honorably discharged in 1957. He worked for the Kalamazoo County Parks Department as a foreman for 32 years and was honored with a resolution upon his retirement in 1995. Herbert was a member of the Kal-Val Saddle Club and earned numerous awards over his 64 years there. He was an extremely enthusiastic barrel racer and had a passion for his horses. Herbert also took great pride in taking care of the grounds at Kal-Val. He was also a proud member of the Kalamazoo County Sheriff Mounted Division. Herbert is survived by his loving wife, Beverly Goodwin; a daughter, Brenda Goodwin of Vicksburg; three stepsons, Curt (Shelly) Pryor of North Carolina, Eric (Amy) Pryor of Kalamazoo and Dave (Gwen) Pryor of Kalamazoo; eight grandchildren; a sister, Georgia Piper of South Carolina; and many nieces and nephews. Donations may go to Country Christian Evangelical Free Church. Visit his page at langelands.com.

Louise Heller, Vicksburg, passed away August 23. She was born Oct 7, 1933 in Kalamazoo to Helen and Lewis Crawford. As a loving mother, wife and friend, she loved cooking, baking and everything outdoors. She loved teaching her children the many secrets of nature and if you ever needed to know how to spell a word, she was like a walking dictionary. She is survived by her son, Jim, and his wife Renée, five grandchildren, four great grandchildren and the extended family of Bob and Jane Hedges. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Susan, husband, Jess, and brother, David.

Dale “Nikki” Kuhn, 65, Schoolcraft, died suddenly Sept. 14. She was the daughter of Arthur W. Fowler, Jr. and Beverly (Weber), who preceded her in death. Nikki graduated from Bishop Foley High School and Glen Oaks Community College. She worked as an R.N. for Three Rivers Manor, Bronson Hospital and was currently at Renal Care, Fresenius Health Care. On October 8, 1978, Nikki married Terry Kuhn in Sturgis and they shared many beautiful years together serving the Lord. They were ordained together in 2015 with the Christian International Apostolic Network. Together they raised and showed Shetland sheepdogs, and cared for them like children. Under her guidance, many of them became champions and grand champions. Nikki was also preceded in death by her sister, Christine, and her brother, Arthur Fowler III. She is survived by her husband, Terrance Kuhn, of Schoolcraft; her sister, Eileen (Keith) Swanson of Romeo; her nephews, Keith Swanson, Jr. of Memphis, Kyle (Rachel) Curtiss of Howell, and Kevin Curtiss of Delton; and her sister-in-law, Carol Satterly of Hastings. Donations may go to the Kalamazoo Alzheimer’s Association or the Gospel Mission. Visit her page at langelands.com.

Gloria L. Manuszak, 78, Portage, formerly of Vicksburg, passed away Sept. 20. She was born to Stephen and Elizabeth Esther (Vliek) Bella August 20, 1940. She waitressed at area restaurants including Greco’s and the Beacon Club. With the kids grown, Gloria’s 30-year marriage ended. She began her own home-flipping business, Restorations by Gloria. Gloria is survived by her children, Barb Manuszak, of Mendon; Bill (Tiffiny) Manuszak, of Vicksburg; Greg (Kelly) Manuszak, of Grandville; Steve (Stacy) Manuszak, of Arizona; and Whit (Tara) Manuszak, of Arizona; 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her two siblings: Georgia Bella, of Indiana and David (Connie) Bella, of Paw Paw. She was preceded in death by her parents and her grandson, Alec Manuszak. Visit her page at mccowensecord.com. Donations may go to Habitat for Humanity.

Ronald Addison Martens, Fulton and Gun Lake, died Sept. 16. He was born December 14, 1929 to Harold and Cora DeYoung Martens. He was valedictorian at Athens Agricultural Schools in 1948. Ron won a Regents Alumni Scholarship to U of M, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1952 and a master’s in 1954. In 1956 he joined the US Civil Service Commission. Ron moved to Defense Property Disposal Service in 1980, retiring in 1986. He was an initial donor and board member of Cedar Park Senior Housing and a board member of South County Community Services. A botanist, his passion was growing fruits, vegetables and flowers. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois, in 2010; his parents; his brother, Richard in 2016. Survivors include his children, Alan (Cheryl) Martens of Holland; Camille (Martin) Subject of Leslie; Nathan (Wendy Rice) Martens of Galesburg; grandchildren Jasen (Christine) Rademacher; Sarah and Matthew Subject; Emma, Samuel, Elizabeth “Betsy” and Nicholas Martens; great grandchildren Gracelyn, Luke and Beckett Rademacher; a sister, Shirley Martens of Carlton, OR; an aunt, Lucille Marusek of Bradenton, FL.; his in-laws, many cousins, nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Richland on Oct. 28 at 2 p.m. A reception will follow in the Gull Prairie Room. Donations may go to the Caregivers Conference at the Transformations Spirituality Center or the First Presbyterian Church of Richland. Visit his page at avinkcremation.com.

Iris T. McGahan, 88, Vicksburg, passed away Sept. 28. Iris was born August 12, 1930 in Newberry. She was the daughter of Elmer and Nellie (Hetric) Fritz. She graduated from Newberry High School in 1948. She married the love of her life, Edwin McGahan, on June 18, 1948. Iris McGahan worked as the Director of Food Service for Vicksburg Community Schools for over 23 years. She is survived by her four children: Dennis (Sandy Robinson) McGahan, of Vicksburg; Keith (Jacki) McGahan, of Richland; Kathy (Gary) Bragg, of Three Rivers; and Darlene (Duane VanderPloeg) Wiborn, of Martin; nine grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin; a daughter-in-law, Christine McGahan; a grandson, Michael Edwin McGahan; and six siblings. A funeral will be held Oct. 3 at Vicksburg United Methodist Church. Visit her page at mccowensecord.com. Donations may go to Great Lakes Caring Hospice.

Harriet Lavonne (Groen) Pruitt, Vicksburg, passed away Sept. 8. Born May 18, 1941, she was the oldest daughter of Cornelius and Gertrude Groen. She married Bill D. Pruitt on Dec. 26, 1959. Her children are Linda Mickel, Bill Pruitt Jr and Chad Pruitt. Her seven grandchildren include Danielle Reynolds, Matthew Reynolds, Michael Reynolds, Bill Pruitt III, Drake Pruitt, Allison Pruitt and Casen Pruitt and great grandchildren Caleb Nettles, Evan Nettles and Gavin Reynolds. She and Bill shared 50 years of marriage before Bill passed suddenly. Harriet came from a very large, loving family. Her brother and sisters include Gerrit Groen, Betty Achterhoff (deceased), Joyce Smeenk, Glenda Miller and John Groen.

Michael Redmann, 42, Schoolcraft, died Sept. 14. Michael was born Sept. 4, 1976 in Grand Rapids to Mark and Marcia (Jensen) Redmann. Michael loved spending time with his friends and family as well as fishing in all seasons. He also loved Notre Dame football, Detroit Tigers baseball and had the musical interest and talent to hear, enjoy and play a wide variety of music. His sense of humor, compassion and love for others, and his intelligence made Michael the son, brother and friend that we will all miss forever. Survivors include his mother, Marcia Redmann; brother, Matthew Redmann; and nephew, Ayden.

LaVon Mae Rolfe, 93, passed away Sept. 20. LaVon was born in Iowa, June 22, 1925 to Ralph and Irene Miller (Dunham). She graduated from Benjamin Bosse High School in Evansville, IN. LaVon was a medical professional in the office of Dr. August Fath after her marriage to Clarence “Larry” Rolfe in 1946, but her path veered to raising children and the bookkeeping of Larry’s music store. LaVon was also an Avon sales representative for over 30 years. LaVon lived at home until recently, thanks to occasional assistance from her friend and caregiver, June French. A fall on Sept. 7 led to emergency back surgery and a stay at the Bronson Commons rehabilitation facility, where she peacefully passed away. LaVon was preceded in death by her husband, Larry, and by her big brother Ralph Jr., and brother-in-law Stanley, several years ago. Her first-born child, Kevin, died several days after birth, but was never forgotten. LaVon is survived by her other children: Craig Rolfe, Kirk Rolfe, Tamra (Randy) Stafford, and Bruce (Crystal) Rolfe; and by grandsons Nicholas (Lisa) Stafford, and Jaron Rolfe and Alexander Rolfe, as well as their respective soon-to-be spouses, Abbie Pressley and Michelle Walters. Donations may go to Residential Opportunities, Inc. of Kalamazoo. This organization has assured Kirk a safe and contented life for decades.

Fred Simkins, 79, Vicksburg, died Sept. 6. He was born April 25, 1939 to Marcus and Alice Simkins. Fred served in the Army for three years, mostly stationed in France. He always appreciated the beauty of the land and dreamed of going back to visit. Fred worked as a tool and die maker as well as a supervisor at Checker Motors. Fred’s family includes his wife of 14 years, Joyce; his children, Dwight (Donna) Blodgett, John (Liubov) Blodgett, Andrew (Joni) Simkins, Tina (Chris) Hondzinski, Melanie (John) Kelly, Rebecca (Randall) Hoogstraton; siblings Jean, Mike, Tom, Jerry, Rose, Cheryl, Carol, Reva; grandchildren Cassandra, Jessica, Max, Allison, Megan, Andelyn, Alex, Connor, Somber and Tannen; a great grandchild, Escher, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Pat, and his second wife, Linda. Visit his page at mccowensecord.com. Donations may go to the National Kidney Foundation or Glenn Arbor Hospice.

Harriett Jeanne Swartz, 81, Schoolcraft, died Sept. 4. The daughter of Donald and Mary Jane Swartz, Harriett was born on December 29, 1936 in Chicago. Upon graduation from Schoolcraft High School then WMU, she taught at Milwood Elementary School in Kalamazoo for 41 years – all but one year in the same room. An educator, historian, author and gardener, she was immersed in her community. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Schoolcraft Historical Society, and the Ladies Library of Schoolcraft. Still, her greatest joy was her large family and many friends. She is survived by brothers Donald, Michael (Sandra) Swartz, sister Nancy (Richard) Rafferty; nephews Richard (Mary) Rafferty, Donald (Janice) Rafferty, James (Toni) Rafferty, Scott (Andrea) Swartz; nieces Kathleen Dixon, Michelle (Mark) Romstadt, Jennifer (Dan) Sielaff, Jennifer (John) Kalleward, Cindy (Chris) Ballosh, Jacque (Scott) Wilcox; great nieces and nephews Dianna (Chad) Coley, Samuel (Angela) Kalleward, Cullen and Cormac Dixon, Andrew and Bradley Romstadt, Jack and Ian Rafferty, Nathan and Samuel Sielaff, Bryson and Caleb Swartz, Jozie and Drew Rafferty, Jackson and Lucas Kalleward, Henry Wilcox, Hayden Ballosh, Kylie and Kinsley Dixon. Donations may go to First Presbyterian Church of Schoolcraft, Ladies Library Association of Schoolcraft, Schoolcraft Historical Society or a charity of one’s choice.

Ellen Palmer Uithoven, 89, Vicksburg, passed away surrounded by family Sept. 9. Ellen was born on Dec. 27, 1928 to Earl and Helen Hitchcock. She graduated from Kalamazoo Central and KVCC. She enjoyed theater, acting in high school plays and later in the first Barn Theatre production. She was in many Civic productions and also directed plays at KVCC. She worked as a telephone operator, a mail carrier, and did food service at Upjohn and KVCC. She was a worthy matron of the Eastern Star, Lotus Lily chapter. Ellen raised Labrador retrievers and had several show dogs. Ellen’s family includes her children, Rod Palmer, Rick (Wendy) Palmer, Randey (Karen) Palmer; grandchildren Ann (Stephen) Jacobs, Sean (Jennifer Priest) Palmer, Emily (Doug) Lovell, Jesse (Jennifer) Palmer, Stacy (Andrew) Wood and Maddie Eves; 17 great grandchildren as well as three nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Alfred Burton Palmer, her second husband, Robert Uithoven and siblings William and Delores. Visit her page at mccowensecord.com.

Bryan Wines, 70, Kalamazoo, passed away at home on August 24. Bryan was born September 26, 1947 in Mount Clemens, attended Dearborn High School and was a 1969 WMU graduate. He taught high school math in the Vicksburg and Kalamazoo Public School districts. He retired in 2014 after teaching at the Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital. In 2002, Bryan was named the Michigan Alternative Education Teacher of the Year. Bryan was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Fern Wines and is survived by his sister, Kari Bricker, Westland, Mich. and a brother, Roger Wines, Canton, MI. Donations may go to Hospice of SW Michigan or the West Michigan Cancer Center. Visit his page at langelands.com.

Jack L. Wiley, passed away Sept. 27. He was born February 5, 1952 in Kalamazoo. He was the son of Artemus and Bettie (Rockelein) Wiley. Jack was a graduate of Vicksburg High School. He was a two-time state champion wrestler in 1969 and 1970. Jack retired as a self-employed excavating contractor. He married Julie Batten on August 14, 1971. Jack is survived by his wife Julie, children Jack Jr (Joanne) Wiley and Kris (Jamie) Barga all of Vicksburg. He loved his five grandchildren: Michael, John, Dustin, Ally and Torie. Visit his page at avinkcremation.com