by Justin Gibson | Jul 2, 2019 | Community, Schoolcraft, Vicksburg
Steve McCowen of Vicksburg and Schoolcraft is at the far right, standing beside his friend David Cummings. All four were honored for their longevity in the funeral business by the Michigan Funeral Directors Association. Photo credit: Kylie Roznowski.
Steve McCowen, local funeral director, received recognition from the Michigan Funeral Directors Association for 25 years of service.
This award was given to him at the association’s annual meeting in Port Huron. “What made the award even more special to me was receiving the award with an old friend, David Cummings. David and I worked together in Jackson at the Wetherby Funeral Home,” McCowen said. “I started working there when I was 16 years old, and David was a few years older. We both cut the grass, painted, cleaned and washed the cars together. We both went to college to become funeral directors at the same time and then took different paths afterward.”
“Cummings and I were taught by the same mentor, the late Tom Tuthill. Tom was instrumental in us both knowing the business from the ground up. At the ceremony last week, David and I sat together and both thought of how proud Tom would be, not just for the award but for how we both do things the right way with families. David today owns two funeral homes in Muskegon and Whitehall; and I own four funeral homes in Vicksburg, Portage, Plainwell and Schoolcraft. A lot of hard work, long hours and some sleepless nights, sometimes multiple nights in a row go into being a funeral director,” McCowen pointed out.
“As I was looking around during the ceremony, I thought back to the journey. The award was for 25 years but I have worked in the industry and learned from some of the best for over 30 years. I didn’t become the funeral director I am today, by myself. I had Tom that gave me the foundation, Walt Harper and Jack Weston taught me some skilled trade for helping people with extreme issues, Chuck Nelson in Gaylord who owned the Nelson Funeral Home taught me the detail end of the business like none other and how to have class. And I had Sheldon and Marilyn Durham that taught me more than anything about being a funeral director in a small town. Marilyn taught me how to help people grieve and more importantly to live,” McCowen remembered.
“Then I also thought of all the sacrifices my family has made: Jenny, my wife, Mackenzie, Joey, and Stephen and Jenny’s kids, Evan and Emma, for some of the events I don’t get to make because of the business,” McCowen said. “This award wasn’t about me, it was about the shoulders I have stood on to get that award. They are the ones that made me who I am and with regards to my family allow me to be the person I need to be for the families in our community. They are the reason I earned this recognition.”
McCowen said, “I take great pride in the opportunity that families give our firm to serve them. It’s an honor that I am humbled by on a daily basis. McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, isn’t just Steve McCowen, it’s the people that work beside me every day.”
by Justin Gibson | Jul 2, 2019 | Community, Schoolcraft
Rita Broekema.
By John Fulton
When Rita Broekema started her medical journey, she believed she was going to find out why her left eyelid had started drooping.
Broekema has lived in the Kalamazoo area much of her life, moving back to Schoolcraft in 2001 with her husband Tom. They have three daughters in their 20s. Broekema has been the finance director for Schoolcraft Community Schools for 17 years.
Broekema’s Christian faith has sustained her throughout this winding path that began at a plastic surgeon’s office in January 2018. Upon seeing her eyelid, he recommended seeing a neurologist for a workup. Suddenly things were getting complicated and headed in an unanticipated direction.
The neurologist wanted an MRI. Four MRIs later, the results were inconclusive, except for an incidental finding, a small aneurysm. This was not the likely cause of the drooping eyelid.
Part of her annual physical revealed a second incidental finding while trying to discover the reason for the eyelid drooping. A polyp was found and was removed in May 2018.
That doctor called Broekema and wanted to see her in the office to discuss biopsy results. She wanted the results on the phone telling the doctor, “I am stronger than I look, I’m sitting down and I am not alone.” She consented, provided Rita agree not to search on Google for the results.
The third finding was called mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) from testing the polyp. MCL IS typically found in men over 65, often of European descent, and in the gastrointestinal tract. According to Wikipedia this is a type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma currently found in only about 15,000 patients in the United States.
This was all transpiring while waiting months to see a neurologist at the University of Michigan for a second opinion on the drooping eyelid. Broekema said, “my whole world was on hold during this time.”
A bone marrow test was performed to check for cancer and revealed the cancer was also in the bone marrow. She was told the treatment could involve chemotherapy, stem cell replacement and radiation over a three-year period. MCL can be aggressive and parts can be dormant. Her local doctor recommended going to U of M’s medical center for evaluation for the MCL.
Broekema’s faith was being stretched and tested during this time. She and her husband Tom have a daughter who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at a young age. They had been told that she would not survive long. Their faith has sustained them with their now 29-year-old daughter in that battle. Broekema said, “The faith we used with our daughter has prepared us to get through this battle with peace that surpasses all understanding.”
A physician at U of M repeated the labs, explained the cancer, the typical paths and many other things Broekema had questions about. She was told that the new protocol for MCL when the patient does not exhibit symptoms is to delay the chemo as long as possible because once you start the chemo train you cannot get off it with MCL.
The Broekemas’ are still watching and waiting. They are trusting their faith and relying on God to sustain them on this journey. Broekema said, “This cancer is not where it is supposed to be. Even with huge medical advances we don’t know everything; We are not God.”
Early in this journey a doctor had told her to do her good work today. Broekema advises people, “Live your life, live it well. Life is a gift from God. Do your good work today.”
The Broekemas’ went to U of M expecting a life altering adjustment, but walked out feeling God had told them, “Not now, child.” God sealed the news with a huge rainbow over the whole U of M campus as they left.
With the incidental findings now diagnosed, Broekema returned to the original issue of the drooping eyelid. No cause was ever found for that. It was repaired in November 2018.
Broekema thought her MCL diagnosis was enough, but in May of 2019 she learned that she also has breast cancer. Her doctors do not feel the two cancers are related. She is working through the process of additional testing so that her doctor can provide a treatment plan. Once again it seems as if her world is on hold but she knows it’s not.
Her oldest daughter – the one with CF – is engaged and is planning a September 21 wedding. Her middle daughter and son-in-law are expecting Broekema’s first grandbaby mid-November.
Her heart is sad for the path she has to travel soon related to her breast cancer, but she is confident that God has great plans for her future. Plans that include hope: hope for complete healing, hope for her daughter’s marriage, hope for the gift of another son-in-law and hope for the amazing blessing of a grandbaby. Life continues in the midst of pain and difficulties. Trust with joy God’s plan for you even when the way seems uncertain. Do your good work today.
When asked what was the one thing Broekema wanted people to know, her reply was, “In Jeremiah 29:11 The Lord declares, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Broekema said, “Hold on to that promise, for it is life sustaining. We are not shielded from pain or evil. We won’t travel it alone, but God will be with us through it.”
by Justin Gibson | Jul 2, 2019 | Obituaries, Schoolcraft, Vicksburg
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Yvonne M. Booth (Drake).
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Michelle Paulette McCowen
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Iva Joyce Snyder.
Yvonne M. Booth (Drake), Vicksburg, died June 19 at Rose Arbor Hospice. Yvonne was born September 1, 1947 in New Castle, Ind. to Eleanor Smith and George Drake. She was the oldest of three children. Yvonne graduated from Vicksburg High School in 1965 and shortly after married Ron Prosser. Soon their first daughter, Wendy, was born, followed 11 months later by Janet. Later in life she married Wayne Booth and went back to college where she earned a medical assistant degree. Yvonne was preceded in death by her mother, Eleanor Smith, and her two dearest friends, Sandy Dorbin and Wendy Britton. She is survived by daughters Wendy (Steve) Pheils and Janet (Jim) Mendocha; siblings Keith (Chantel) Drake and Gail Munn; nieces and nephew Kim Hoffmaster, Tammy Munn, Ciara Hoffmaster, Haley and Drew Nye, and Ellie Hoffmaster-Six; former husband Wayne Booth and step children Brian (Stacy) Booth, Brenda Stevens, and Cary (Cheryl) Booth. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Brianna VanCamp, Paul Pheils, Matthew and Michael Mendocha, Jeremy and Justin Followell, Lindsey Cowan, Lance and Amber Brunt, Rachel, Jacob, Artem, Sergei and Ana Booth. Donations may go to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.
Donna Fornoff, Lawton, formerly of Vicksburg, passed away surrounded by family June 2. Donna was born March 10, 1959 to Richard and Florence (Smith) Noel. Donna is survived by her husband, Dave Fornoff; children Tyler and Haley; many grandchildren; siblings Christine Brown and Richard Noel; nephews and a niece Mike Dailey, Matthew Dailey, and Collette Holden; and several great nieces and nephews including Kaylen Holden, Skyler Holden and Tessa Keeler. She was preceded in death by parents Richard and Florence Noel and mother-in-law Gloria Fornoff. Donna’s service was held on Thursday, June 6, at McCowen and Secord Family Funeral Homes, Rupert-Durham Chapel. Please visit her page at mccowensecord.com. Donations may go to American Diabetes Association.
Thomas Kelley, 74, Vicksburg, passed away June 24. Tom was born on August 23, 1944 to Elmer and Donna (Truax) Kelley in Kalamazoo. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 52 years, Vickie; his son, Tom (Mychi) Kelley, and his grandson, Michael. Also surviving are his sisters, Sharon (Greg) Kilburn and Mary Beth Barret; his sister-in-law, Ruth Kelley and brother-in-law, Keith Sutton, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, Jose and Jesusita Escamilla; siblings Patrick Kelley and Michaeline Sutton. Tom graduated from Vicksburg High School in 1963. He served his country proudly in the United States Army. He enjoyed being on the lake and entertaining family and friends. Tom was active in his church and with the Knights of Columbus. He was an animal lover, especially with his favorite cat, Lucy. Please visit his page at mccowensecord.com. Donations may go to St. Martin of Tours Parish.
Michelle Paulette McCowen, 53, Portage, passed away June 23. Michelle was born on April 23, 1966 in Fort Wayne, Ind. to Joe and Carolyn “Sue” (Rice) Tiernan. She graduated from Western High School in Jackson and went on to become a certified nursing assistant. Michelle worked at Bronson Medical Hospital in Kalamazoo as an emergency department technician for 15 years. She loved staying up late watching movies, perfecting her amazing goulash and lasagna recipes, and telling stories around the campfire. She loved animals and accumulated 88 of them over the years. Michelle is survived by her parents, Joe and Sue Tiernan; children Meghan Karle of Brooklyn, Madison Burns of Chicago, Mackenzie McCowen of Vicksburg, Joey McCowen of Vicksburg, and Stephen McCowen of Vicksburg; a sister, Tine (Paul) Prinzi of Clinton Township; niece Kadra Prinzi of Clinton Township; and best friend Mary Wilson of Kalamazoo. She was preceded by sisters Kendra and Shawn Marie Tiernan; and a nephew, Caden Prinzi. Donations may go to Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
Janet Rae Pheils, 84, Schoolcraft, died June 13. Janet was born in Sturgis to Daryle and Ruby (Harris) Pheils. The oldest of three, she grew up on the family farm in Howe, Ind. Shortly after the birth of her son, Steven, she moved to Schoolcraft. After retirement from Newhouse Printing Supplies, she delivered Meals on Wheels, and worked every Thursday at the Schoolcraft Auto Auction. Janet was preceded in death by her parents, Daryle and Ruby Pheils, great nephew Nick Hensley and brother-in-law Merl Hensley. She is survived by her son, Steven (Wendy) Pheils, her grandchildren, Brianna VanCamp and Daryle Paul Pheils; her sister, Beverly (Keith) Schraeder; her brother, Daryle Frank (Gail McClish) Pheils; nephew, Scott Hensley; nieces Michelle (Jeff) Todd and Sandra (Tom) Capps. She is also survived by great nieces and nephews Danielle Hensley, Kyle (Mckayla) Todd, Carly Todd, Sam Todd, Thomas Capps and Ryan Capps.
William Richard (Dick) Rafferty, 86, passed away June 8. Son of John and Lorena Rafferty, he was born December 15, 1932 in Kalamazoo. Upon graduation from Schoolcraft High and WMU, he was a teacher and coach in Schoolcraft for over 30 years, and was named to the Michigan High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame. He served on the Village Council and Schoolcraft Community Schools Board of Education. He is survived by his wife Nancy, children Richard (Mary) Rafferty, Kathleen Dixon, Donald (Janice) Rafferty, James (Toni) Rafferty; grandchildren Dianna (Chad) Coley, Cullen (Ashley) Dixon, Cormac Dixon, Jack and Ian Rafferty, Jozie and Drew Rafferty; great granddaughters Kylie and Kinsley Dixon; many nieces, nephews, and extended family. Visit his page at avinkcremation.com. Donations may go to First Presbyterian Church of Schoolcraft.
Shirley M. Sharp, 90, Vicksburg, passed away peacefully at her home June 14. She was born in Schoolcraft, on July 17, 1928, the daughter of Lawrence and Alice (Downey) Beebe. She was one of eight children. Shirley worked at Sutherland Paper Company and also at Vicksburg Schools as a cook. Shirley was married to Quincy Sharp on Jan. 28, 1950, and together they farmed and raised three boys, Eddie (Dee Chriscoe) Sharp, Craig Sharp, and Jeff Sharp. She was blessed with eight grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two brothers, Carl (Irene) Beebe and Ronald “Gus” (Mary) Beebe, and by her best friend, Sarah Evans. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Quincy; and by five siblings. Donations may go to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan or to Advanced Illness Management at Bronson Methodist Hospital. Visit her page at eickhofffuneralhome.com.
Iva Joyce Snyder, 98, Fulton, passed away June 26. She was born February 13, 1921 in Brady Township, the youngest of Charles and Muriel (Buss) Stuck’s six children. In 1938, she graduated from Athens High School as valedictorian. On May 11, 1941, she married Richard Snyder, who died in 1975. She was also preceded in death by her parents, a son Philip; great granddaughter, Kaylee Mendham; brother, Milton (Ruth) Barnes; sisters, Laura Growth, Eola (Perry) Barnes, Nora (Harold) Wise, Charlotte (Winston) Rice. She is survived by her two daughters, Carol Brigance and Linda (John) Wyant; one son, Steve Snyder; two grandsons, Timothy LaPlante and Jeffery LaPlante; two granddaughters, Aimee (Dan) Mendham and Nicole (David) Furgason; five great grandchildren, Joshua LaPlante, Tanner Mendham, Jacob Mendham, Jacob LaPlante, Eli Furgason, a brother and sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews. Visit her page at mccowensecord.com. Donations may go to Southern Care Hospice and/or the Fulton Christian Church.
Jackie Terpstra, 69, Vicksburg, passed suddenly while visiting family in Colorado June 18. She was born in Vicksburg to Nellie Bergeon on June 10, 1950. She was raised by adoptive parents Russell and Shirley Franks. While working at Tully Enterprises, she met Jeff Terpstra. They married December 1, 1989. Jackie is survived by her husband, her son, Bob Adams (Stacey); brother-in-law Bradley Terpstra, grandchildren Laura Adams (Eric), Nikki Price (Kareem), Bobby Adams (Heather) and Dakotah Adams. She is also survived by her great grandchildren Heaven, Skei, Anthony, Tristin, Stormy, Haiden, Trinten, Paeyton, Jai’lea, Alei’a; siblings Jim Ames, Linda Butler, Randy Franks, Greg Franks, Tom Franks, Kimberly Kiser, Janice Bergeon Sparks, Charles Bergeon and Fred Bergeon as well as her special daughter in law, Edith Adams. She was preceded in death by her mother, Nellie Bergeon; her adopted parents, Russell and Shirley Franks; brother Lloyd Clark and sister Diane Barker. Visit her page at mccowensecord.com.
by Justin Gibson | Jul 2, 2019 | Schoolcraft, Schools
By Travis Smola
Schoolcraft schools Finance Director Rita Broekema explained how projections show a likely deficit in the general fund of up to $170,000 for the 2018-2019 fiscal year at the school board’s June meeting.
There are several reasons for the potential deficit. Broekema said adoption of the unbalanced high school calendar was more costly than budgeted, primarily in the dual enrollment and early middle college arena. Broekema said when it was still in a conceptual phase it was difficult to project how many students would take advantage of the additional course offerings. More students ended up taking the courses than had been budgeted.
Early middle college and dual enrollments were budgeted for around $260,000. But participation among students was greater than anticipated and it ended up costing around $341,000. “Overall, our participation surpassed anything Ric (Seager), Rusty and I had projected for this year,” Broekema said.
Another surprise came in the form of utilities. The district changed lighting systems in the high school and that alone came in $15,000 over budget. “What we’re finding is our usage decreased,” Broekema said. “It was just the simple cost of utilities.”
Broekema said she would be comfortable with a deficit around $100,000, which would be more manageable by the district, in the 2019-2020 fiscal year. The biggest factor will be the amount of the state foundation grant, the per-pupil amount the school will receive as part, but not all, of the overall state aid budget. That amount hasn’t been determined by the legislature and governor.
While discussing the capital budget, board Vice President Jason Walther asked if it was possible to flow some funds from capital back to general. Broekema said it was and that the only funds that can’t be moved back and forth are from the debt fund. There would have to be a discussion and agreement on this prior to August 12, when auditors visit the district.
The board tentatively scheduled a meeting in early August to consider passing such a resolution.
The ideal scenario is the state budgeting more money for the upcoming school year. However, Broekema said if the state doesn’t come through, there are other options. Three new teachers are budgeted at a full salary, but that could be reduced. She said the district could also choose to make some difficult decisions in the middle or at the end of the next school year.
The board agreed to have more discussion on the matter at its July board meeting. But Broekema said she feels confident in how the district will handle the issue. She also said she is confident in the board’s judgment when it comes to making tough decisions.
“This board is really cognizant of doing the right thing in the big picture,” Broekema said.
by Justin Gibson | Jul 2, 2019 | Schoolcraft, Schools
The pictured Schoolcraft students are the top 13 by grade-point average in the class of 2019. They are, from left, Keegan Campbell, James Peter, Josh Wujkowski, Brice Walther, Kayla Julien, Connor Nutt, Abby Blodgett, Abby Pincumbe, Mikayla Meade, Kelsey Feddema, Halle Phelps, Grey Buchheit and Dean Morris.
by Justin Gibson | Jul 2, 2019 | Schoolcraft, Schools
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Schoolcraft’s Common Bond participants let out a cheer for the last days of school when they get to have a party each year.
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Matthew Dailey with his wife Kristin and daughter Theodora Dailey.
By Travis Smola
In a 6-1 vote, the Schoolcraft school board approved a proposal that will put a $39.9 million bond issue on the Nov. 5 ballot.
The proceeds would build a new elementary school and additions to the high school to accommodate seventh and eighth graders. The issue was quickly passed by the board without much discussion. Treasurer Kathy Mastenbrook was the lone no vote.
Mastenbrook said “Given the scope of this project … I believe it is prudent to put out a request for proposals for comparative purposes. I am not certain a $39.9 million bond issue is needed to meet the needs of our district.”
The board also approved the hiring of a new social worker and high school principal at the meeting. The social worker, Shelby Getsinger, recently completed her master’s degree training and is a Vicksburg graduate who will now become an Eagle. The board also approved Matthew Dailey to take over as the new high school principal for Ric Seager, who has taken a job as superintendent for Watervliet Public Schools.
Dailey was previously principal at Hazel Park High School in the Detroit area. “He’s full of energy, he’s extremely bright and he really wanted to be an Eagle,” Superintendent Rusty Stitt said while introducing Dailey to the board. He was already present at graduation where he introduced himself to many community and staff members. “It’s been really exciting to be a part of this process,” Dailey said. He used the analogy of a new car to compare the excitement he has for moving to the community.
“Moving to Schoolcraft high school feels like getting the keys to a brand-new vehicle,” Dailey said. “However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t not put gas in it, you can’t not rotate the tires, can’t not do the oil change, that you don’t have to fix the windshield wipers. You’ve got to give it a little love now and then and put a polish and wax on it.
“Just know that by being awarded this position, we’re going to keep doing maintenance on what’s going on and we may put spinners on the wheels every now and then,” Dailey joked. “I appreciate everything you’re doing and I’m looking forward to being part of your community.”
