Though they didn’t capture state, the varsity tennis team had a lot to celebrate.
By Travis Smola
The Vicksburg varsity boys’ tennis team just barely missed sending the whole team to state at the end of the season. The Bulldogs tied for first in the Wolverine Conference tournament but finished second in the standings by just two points to perennial powerhouse Sturgis. The team finished the year with a 14-4-1 record.
At the Conference tournament Jordan Diekman was the champion in the three singles. Caden Town and Gabriel Ryer won the number two doubles. The number three doubles team of Maddox Rosalin and Colin Schramer had the season to remember for the Bulldogs as they went 25-1 on the season, their only loss coming to Chelsea. In the number four doubles, Sawyer Kite and Connor Rugg were champions.
Jackson Bowles, Jack Miller and Logan Schwenk won runner-up in the Conference tournament in the one, three, and four singles respectively. The Bulldogs ultimately finished up the year with a 6-1 conference record.
In the regional tournament, Vicksburg tied for third place behind Sturgis and Stevensville Lakeshore. Bowles won his first-round matchup in the number one singles against Otsego before he was eliminated by the eventual champion from Stevensville Lakeshore, 7-5, 6-0. In two singles, Nathan Klimek was eliminated in a battle in round one.
Diekman won the first round of the three singles soundly 6-0, 6-0 against Edwardsburg before taking on Sturgis in round two. He was eliminated there by the eventual champion 6-0, 6-0. An almost identical scenario played out for Schwenk in the four singles. He won his first matchup against his Eddies opponent 6-1, 6-0 before falling to the eventual champ from Sturgis 6-1, 6-0.
In doubles action, Harrison Barton and Luke Wilson drew Sturgis in their first-round matchup and were eliminated 6-0, 6-0, once again, by the eventual champion of the tournament. In the two doubles, Caden Town and Gabriel Ryder beat Niles 6-2, 6-1 in the first round before being eliminated 6-4, 7-5 against St. Joseph.
Rosalin and Schramer continued their incredible season in the Regional round. They faced a tough opponent in St. Joseph in the first round, but came away with the win 1-6, 6-4, 6-3. In round two they faced Niles and won handily 6-0, 6-1. They faced Stevensville Lakeshore in the championship round and came away with the 6-2, 6-0 victory and title of Regional champs.
In four doubles, Sawyer Kite and Connor Rugg faced Niles in round one and won 6-2, 6-1 to advance to round two where they took on Otsego. They also won that matchup 6-4, 6-2 to advance to the championship round. Unfortunately, they fell there to another tough Sturgis team 6-2, 6-3.
Although they fell just short of their goal of a state title, the Bulldogs still have a lot to be proud of in the 2022 season. Head Coach Warner Offord was also awarded the Regional 3-18 Coach of the Year award. And the boys earned an all-state academic achievement Division III tennis award.
Addyson Munoz, 8, of Vicksburg, took a turn at a paint station downtown Oct. 15 during the village’s sesquicentennial celebration.
The pinnacle of Vicksburg’s 150th anniversary lived up to the hype, as village officials confidently labeled the Oct. 15 event a success.
An estimated 2,000 people took part in the afternoon and evening celebration, which centered on closed-to-traffic South Main and East Prairie streets. The fanfare featured food trucks, live music, games and vendors.
Village President Tim Frisbie acknowledged he had the good fortune of holding the municipal title during such a milestone moment.
“It is an honor and what is most exciting about this is the recognition and accolades the town is getting from the federal government, the state and county commissioners,” Frisbie said. “As for what’s going on here today, I’m old enough to remember when Vicksburg had its centennial celebration and we wanted to make it as big and memorable as that.”
Frisbie said he is proud of the village, its staff and the residents who take pride in the community. Frisbie also singled out Village Manager Jim Mallery for getting the municipality heading in the right direction.
“Jim came in six years ago when we were a train wreck destined to go off the end of a bridge, but he turned things around and has us going down the right road now,” he said. “Planning, preparation, planning and more planning. The amount of planning required to get us where we are can’t be overstated.”
Organization of the village’s sesquicentennial celebration has been a team effort, though Frisbie conceded the lion’s share of work has come from Alex Lee, director of community engagement. Lee has played a role in creating a series of monthly events to commemorate the village’s 150-year anniversary. Another event overseen by Lee returns in December: Christmas Card Lane.
Meanwhile, attendees at the Oct. 15 celebration said they were aware in advance of the event and planned accordingly.
“We had a plan to be here, I’m glad we came; it’s really neat to be alive and here when Vicksburg turns 150 years old,” said Vicksburg resident Jason Phillips. “I like that we have safe neighborhoods, people are friendly, and you look around at all the people on the downtown streets right now and you have to love the community feel of Vicksburg.”
Michelle Thomas, a Texas Corners resident, said she had seen a number of online posts about the downtown celebration and was curious to see if it would be as fun as it sounded.
“I told my daughter we should go down, walk around and she bumped into a friend from school, so it has turned out to be a great night so far,” she said. “I love that Vicksburg really seems to go out of its way to create that small-town feel and tonight is a great example of that.”
Austin Junde and Vicksburg High School classmates Cole Morand and Jacob McGehee, were taking time to enjoy the comforts of Oswalt Park. Junde described the sandwich he ordered from Scott’s Pig Roast food truck.
“It’s called the Heart Attack – pulled pork, mac and cheese, and chicken tenders,” he said. “It falls apart and it’s real messy so you have to eat it with a fork.”
Junde said a few teachers have been discussing the fact 2022 is Vicksburg’s anniversary. He said the amount of history in the village is impressive — and proclaimed he will be in attendance at the village’s bicentennial celebration in 2072.
Vicksburg’s Christmas in the Village celebration is Dec. 10.
Village President Tim Frisbie addresses a crowd on South Main Street during the village’s 150-year anniversary celebration Oct. 15.
By Jef Rietsma
Nine Vicksburg businesses were awarded grant dollars from a pool of more than $60,000 at an Oct. 17 village council meeting.
Council members and Village Manager Jim Mallery discussed the matter at length during the meeting. Mallery said the matching grant money was offered by the Vicksburg Downtown Development Authority.
The village amended $13,000 of its 2022-23 fiscal year budget to help support the grant pool. With matching funds, the grants will result in downtown business improvements in excess of $100,000, Mallery noted.
Council member Rick Holmes said he has the good fortune of serving on the village’s Planning Commission/Downtown Development Authority board. Holmes said he recognizes the money to fund the grant dollars shows a commitment from Vicksburg’s DDA.
“From my perspective, this is the best that government can be, right here … we’re bringing public and private entities together to make something bigger than what would be individually,” Holmes said. “This is a moment that we should be very proud of and very excited. This is not a moment in time, this is something that we’re looking to continue to do.”
Mallery said the grants are retroactive to July 1, 2021. As a result, the grant will fund a portion of improvements at Jaspare’s Pizza and the Village Hideaway.
Recipients and dollar amounts are: Wooden Stitch, $3,000 for creation of a mural; Jaspare’s Pizza, $8,175; Village Hideaway, $15,000; Reed & Associates, $4,424; Rim &Rail Wedding, $4,171; Classic Mortgage, $5,940; Hot Flash Pottery, $3,317; KEPCO Properties (Apple Knockers) $15,000; and Fredericks Prairie Street LLC, $3,750.
Mallery said he intends to revisit the grant program in the future to address any downtown needs at that time.
“There just aren’t other communities our size that have put themselves in a position to create grant opportunities for our businesses downtown,” Mallery said. “We look at this hopefully being an annual-type thing that we can do and continue to have the buildings invested in downtown, which should create momentum and draw attention of potential other developers that want to invest in our community.”
Village President Tim Frisbie acknowledged the authority for its willingness to allocate funds for the betterment of downtown and the village as a whole.
“I’ve got to give the DDA a lot of kudos for stepping outside of their comfort level (by) approaching a different path … instead of just trying to do the same old façade,” he said. “One of the things our legal team was very adamant about was that it had to serve a public benefit.”
Meanwhile, council member Ryan Wagner said the village has a lot to gain with programs such as local grants.
“If we look to do this year by year, I can only imagine where, in three, four years, we’re going to be standing with improvements to our downtown,” Wagner said. “It’s going to be night and day.”
Mallery concluded by reminding the council that Vicksburg is Michigan’s largest community without a Michigan Department of Transportation road within its borders. As a result, Mallery said village council members and staff have to continue to think of ways to be creative and make Vicksburg a destination place.
Charles A. AxtellDoris BurrRobert L. CooleyRonald Charles FeistMatthew Lee HammerTom IvensLarry C. KnowltonDolores Joan (Holroyd) LashRebecca MohneyDonald Eugene OverbeekDiane G. ParsonsClyde SpringerJacqueline “Jacque” M. WaldronJane Yaple-Möller
Charles A. Axtell, 66, Vicksburg, passed away at home surrounded by his family September 22, 2022. He was born in Kalamazoo on April 22, 1956, the son of Charles and Dolores (Ludwig) Axtell. Charles graduated from Vicksburg High School in 1974 and remained a lifelong resident of Vicksburg. He met Shirley Jenks in high school, and they were married on March 11, 1974. He worked in the gas department for Consumers Energy for many years. Charles had many hobbies including farming, hunting and football. He loved his grandchildren, and they talked on the phone for hours, spent entire summers together, and loved to ride with him on the tractor. Charles never missed one of his grandsons’ football and baseball games. One of his proudest moments was watching his grandson, Timmy, play football at Kalamazoo College. Charles is survived by his wife, Shirley Axtell; children Alicia Axtell (Jason VanderStratten), Charles (Amy) Axtell, Robert Axtell and James Axtell; grandchildren Timothy Axtell, Logan VanderStratten and Charlie Axtell; sister Cheryl Axtell; and his best friend since childhood, Miles Breece. Charles was preceded in his passing by his parents. Donations may go to Lung Cancer Research Foundation.
Doris Burr, 102, passed away peacefully September 22, 2022 at the Birch Adult Foster Care Home in Leonidas. She was born in Brady Township, Michigan on March 3, 1920, the daughter of the late Henry and Bertha (DeHoff) Metty. She attended the Harper, Carney, and Bond Country Schools, and graduated from Vicksburg High School with the class of 1938. While the family was share-cropping at the Oswalt farm on 37th Street, she met her future husband, Merle Burr. They fell in love and were married on May 1, 1943. They purchased a farm in 1948 where they raised their three sons and continued to farm for the next 40 years. She enjoyed canning, sewing, playing the piano and singing gospel music. Doris is survived by her sons, Delbert (Terry) Burr, Frank (Sharon) Burr and Roy (Kathy) Burr; grandchildren Allen (Sara) Burr, Wendy Burr, Matt Burr, Tracy (Mark) Thomas, Debbie (Ryan) Kemppainen, Ron (Amy) Vaughn, Julie (Jesse) Rose, and Jennifer (Kip) Vaughn; and 19 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Earl Metty; and by her husband, Merle in 2004. Services have been held. Donations may go to Kindred Hospice. Visit her page at eickhofffuneralhome.com.
Robert L. Cooley died suddenly September 2, 2022, surrounded by his wife and children. He was born June 21, 1950, to Charles (Jack) and Thelma Cooley at Franklin Memorial Hospital in Vicksburg. Bob grew up on his family farm in Vicksburg and graduated from Vicksburg High School in 1968. He married Judy Miller on November 27, 1971, and shortly after, they purchased their own small farm to raise their family. After many years of hard work and determination, Bob and Judy were able to build their dream home. Family meant a lot to Bob; some of his greatest memories were being able to go fishing in the backyard ponds with his grandkids. Bob enjoyed hunting with his friends and his sons and going to the cabin in Baldwin with Judy. Bob had many co-workers he considered dear friends and spoke of them often. Bob was preceded in death by both of his parents and his brother: Richard Cooley. He is survived by his wife, Judy; children Michael (Wanda Manson) Cooley, Christine Bailey, Chad (Jen) Cooley; sister Phyllis Taylor; grandchildren Breanna, Johnathan, and Owen Bailey, as well as Kendra, Madison, and Austin Cooley. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Ronald Charles Feist, 82, Vicksburg, went home to his Lord on September 4, 2022. Ron was born on July 29, 1940, in Grand Rapids, the son of Charles and Louise (Damstra) Feist. He earned the honor of Eagle Scout and followed these values throughout his entire life. Ronald went to Creston High School and graduated with the class of 1958. He later earned an associate’s degree from Grand Rapids Junior College. He married Gloria Fortuna on April 22, 1961. They eventually lived on Indian Lake where they enjoyed fishing, boating and water skiing. Ron worked for 40 years with General Motors. He also raced boats for nearly 12 years and in 1966 won 2nd place in his boat class at the U.S. Nationals. Ron and Gloria loved to travel and in later years they enjoyed going to the casinos. They were also active at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church. Ron’s family includes his children Ron (Robin) and Tim (Laurel); siblings Larry (Maryann Fortuna) Feist, Sue Luurtsema, and Nancy (Allan) Brown; brother and sisters-in-law Henry (Mary) Fortuna and Marcia Fortuna; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by Gloria, his wife of 57 years, parents, daughter-in-law Kathy Feist, and his brothers-in-law Joey Fortuna and Bob Luurtsema. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church.
Matthew Lee Hammer, 44, Scotts, passed away September 4, 2022. Matt was born April 30, 1978, in Superior, Wisconsin. He resided there until he moved to Michigan in 1999. Matt worked as a millwright for most of his professional career, working mostly in nuclear power plants all over the country. When he was not working, he enjoyed spending time working in his barn. He was always there to help others, and he enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Matt is survived by his parents, Bonnie Frisinger (Hendricks) and Bradley Frisinger; his older brother, Jason Hammer; his younger sister, Bobbi Coppock (Tom Coppock); and his son, Mason Nicholas-Hammer, and nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father Donald Hammer and his grandparents. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Tom Ivens, Vicksburg, passed away on September 3, 2022. He was born in Worton, Maryland, son of the late Roger J. and Ula M. (Armstrong) Ivens. In 1945, his family moved to Kalamazoo, and Tom graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1947. He worked for the Sutherland Paper Company and in 1993 retired after 46 years. On August 27, 1949, he married the love of his life, Ardis (Munson) Ivens. Along with Ardis, he is survived by his children, Gayle (Vince) Penar, Thomas (Bonnie) Ivens, Ronald (Christine) Ivens; grandchildren Stephanie Dunnick, Angela Griffin, Jack Griffin, Rodney Ivens, Tori Monroe, Mandy Slusher, Melissa Snyder, Shaina Ivens and Joshua Ivens; and 20 great-grandchildren, with two more on the way. He is also survived by sisters Ellen Havens, Cissy DeHaan and sister-in-law Liddy Ivens; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. Tom was preceded in passing by his parents, brothers Elmer and Alvin Ivens; mother and father-in-law, Helen and (Harry) Vernon Munson and several brothers and sisters-in-law. Tom had a very close bond with his patient and helpful nephew, Doug Ivens. Donations may go to charity.
Larry C. Knowlton, 75, Vicksburg, passed away at his home on September 21, 2022. Larry was born March 12, 1947 in Allegan, the son of Johnie and Mary (Stoneburner) Knowlton. Larry graduated from Vicksburg High School in 1965. While in high school he played football, track, and basketball. Larry served in the US Army during Vietnam. He worked at Houghton Manufacturing. In the late 1990’s he purchased the business from his father-in-law, Glenn Houghton, and worked there until the end of his life. He married Linda Houghton on October 26, 1968. He had a passion for cars and also enjoyed watching NASCAR and football. Larry Knowlton is survived by his wife, Linda; sons Andy (Heidi) Knowlton of Zeeland and Doug (Michele) Knowlton, of Vicksburg; grandchildren Drew Downing and Waylon, Danica and Jocelyn Knowlton. He is also survived by his sister Susan Burns of Indiana and numerous nieces, nephews, and brothers and sisters-in-law. Larry was preceded in death by his parents and his in-laws, Glenn and Ruth Houghton. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to Centrica Care Navigators and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Dolores Joan (Holroyd) Lash, 87, Vicksburg, passed away on September 27, 2022. She was born in Kalamazoo on January 23, 1935, the daughter of Samuel and Marie (Dewey) Holroyd. She grew up on a farm in Mendon and graduated from Mendon High School in 1954. She worked at Upjohn Pharmaceuticals as a quality control inspector specializing in penicillin for 25 years. She married James Lash on November 26, 1976. Dee and Jim loved to travel on their motorcycle. She enjoyed knitting hats and blankets. Dolores was preceded in her passing by her parents and brothers Ronnie, Donnie, and Dan. She is survived by her husband, James Lash; children Jody Maher, Debra (Charles) Peterson, Shelly (Craig) Stevens, Victor Lash, and Jeffery Lash; grandchildren Chelsea (Jarrett) Cupp, Betsy (Troy) Huckendubler, Danielle (Marshall) Henschel, Jeffery (Melissa) Lash, Tommy Lash, and Kassi Lash; siblings Duane (Florence) Holroyd and Marsha (James) Beardsley; four great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. A celebration of her life will be held at Faith Fellowship Church on Saturday, October 8 at 11 a.m. Donations may go to Faith Fellowship Church’s Missionary Ministry. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Rebecca Mohney. If you asked my mother, she’d tell you she lived an extraordinary life. She was delivered by a midwife in a tent in the pouring rain on June 5, 1929. Her mother died when mom was nine, and she was shuffled from relative to relative until she was seventeen and landed in Kalamazoo, where she worked at Sutherland Paper Company. That’s where she met my dad, and Rebecca Ward became Rebecca Mohney in October of 1947. Then, three weeks before I was born in 1948, my parent’s farmhouse burned to the ground. They brought me home to live in the barn until the new house was built. My parents brought my sisters, Barbara Mohney and Janet (Scott) McCarty and me, Judy Mohney, now Judy Mohney-Jergens, to that new house where we grew up, and where my dad, Edwin, died in 1992. Mom loved Jesus, my dad, her girls, and her grandkids. If you asked, she’d say she lived a wonderful life. Mom passed away suddenly on September 3, 2022, in the loving arms of her friend Debbie at her home at The Birches in Leonidas. Mom has been cremated, and a celebration of her life is being planned. Donations may go to Leonidas Bible Church. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Donald Eugene Overbeek, 93, Long Lake in Pavilion Township, Michigan, passed away September 10, 2022, at Glenn Arbor Hospice. Don was born October 18, 1928, to Walter C. and Fannie (Workman) Overbeek. He graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School, got a bachelor’s degree from Kalamazoo College, and master’s, doctoral and law degrees from the University of Michigan. Don opened a general law practice in Portage, which he maintained for more than 40 years. Don enjoyed hunting in the Upper Peninsula. On June 6, 1953, Don married Mary Ellen Weessies, who survives. Also surviving are children, Todd Overbeek, of L’Anse, Michigan, Lori Overbeek, of Kentwood, Michigan, and Jill Sparacio, of Downers Grove, Illinois; grandchildren Aaron Overbeek, Jenna (Quinton) White, and Timothy Sparacio; great-grandchildren Tyler Overbeek, Christian Overbeek, Sadie Olznoi and Brooks White. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Peter, Clarence and Howard; sister Ardith Riley and son-in-law, Robert Sparacio. A memorial service will be held on October 8 at 1 p.m. at Bethany Reformed Church. Donations may go to Loaves and Fishes or Bethany Reformed Church. Visit his page at joldersma-klein.com.
Diane G. Parsons, 78, Vicksburg, passed away on August 30, 2022. Diane was born on June 17, 1944, in Kalamazoo. She was the daughter of Clinton and Freda (Wisser) James. Diane attended Kalamazoo Public Schools and Loy Norrix High School. She married Lloyd Parsons on February 21, 1966. Together they had four children, Lisa, Missy, Melanie and Tim. Because Lloyd worked hard to support his family, Diane was able to stay at home and raise their children. They enjoyed taking the children camping at local campgrounds. Sunday dinners were spent together as a family, and they all enjoyed Diane’s fried chicken. She will be remembered by her family as quiet, caring and selfless. She is survived by her children, Lisa (William Brockway) Cardiff of Three Rivers, Missy (Robert) Good, of Eaton Rapids, Melanie (Brian) DeMink of Vicksburg, and Tim (Sabrina Healy) Parsons of Mendon; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She is also survived by siblings, Joan Moran of Plainwell and Larry James of Kalamazoo; and several nieces and nephews. Diane was preceded in death by husband Lloyd in 2014 and her sister, Helen Schuiteboer. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Eric Earl Skidmore, formerly of Vicksburg, died June 7, 2022, in Anchorage, Alaska. He was born in Vicksburg to Milo and Maxine (Packer) Skidmore August 27, 1947. He graduated with honors from Vicksburg High School in 1965. He played the clarinet and won the John Phillip Sousa Band Award. Eric performed an unforgettable version of the Battle Hymn of The Republic during a Vicksburg Showboat. He was an outstanding cross country and track runner and held the Vicksburg High School 1/2-mile track record for several years. Eric graduated from Michigan State University majoring in music and minoring in archeology. In 1970, Eric joined the Peace Corps in South Africa. Afterward, Eric arrived in Alaska spending time on the Yukon River traveling by canoe from village to village. He settled in Alaska with a career in surveying. Eric kept up his love for running most of his adult life. He won many prestigious races in Alaska including winning the famous Alaskan Equinox Marathon in 1977. He was once considered the best runner in that state. More recently, Eric studied and learned the Dena’Ina local tribe language and was a finalist in 2016 in Alaska’s Got Talent by playing the concertina and singing “I’ve Been Everywhere” in Dena’Ina. Eric was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Tina Hayward.
Clyde Springer, 94, Schoolcraft, died September 8, 2022. Born August 25, 1928 in Lansing, he was the son of H. Gail and Jessie (Hicks) Springer. Clyde and Lois, his wife of 68 years, raised their children in Schoolcraft. He was a member of the Schoolcraft Presbyterian Church and the Lions Club. The family moved away in 1968, and after 30 years Clyde and Lois came back to the community they loved so much. Clyde was vice president of Michigan Farm Bureau and a senior leader of the American Egg Board. After he retired, he started Country Queen Foods, maker of pre-cooked eggs for wholesale use, and Festida Foods, maker of tortilla chips. In retirement, Clyde and Lois traveled extensively. He enlisted in the Michigan Army National Guard as a private in 1946 and retired as a major after 22 years of service. From 1964-1966 he was the Commander of B Company, 246th Tank Battalion in Three Rivers, and received the Draper Award, bestowed on the best tank company in the state. Clyde was a member of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, the General Society of Mayflower Descendants, and the Portage Chapter of the Eagles. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois (Miller), son Steven, and sister Carolyn Knibbs. He is survived by a sister, Shirley (Robert) Azelton of Holt; children Jeff (Kathy) of Bel Air, Maryland and Laurel (Arthur) Andonian of Mattawan; and grandchildren Steven Springer of DelRay Beach, Florida, Lindsey Springer of Wake Forest, North Carolina, Alex (Teresa) Andonian of Novi, Michigan and McKenna Andonian of Charlotte, North Carolina. Services are pending. Donations may go to the Schoolcraft Presbyterian Church, Tunnels to Towers, or Centrica Care Navigators.
Marjorie Wahley, 93, Vicksburg, passed away on September 26, 2022. Marjorie was born to Guin and Gladys (Lyon) Sherman on July 14, 1929. She is retired from the Compliance Department of the Department of Agriculture. In her spare time, she liked to garden and take care of all her bird visitors. Margorie is survived by her son, Rodney (Marianne) Wahley; grandchildren Michelle (Clinton) Hostettler, and Nickolas (Jennifer) Wahley; great-grandchildren Olive, Milo, Lola, and Colton; and sister, Fern Skrzpek. Marjorie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert Wahley; brothers Stanley Sherman and Karle Sherman. Visit her page at www.amsfuneralhomes.com.
Jacqueline “Jacque” M. Waldron, 65, Vicksburg, passed away on September 2, 2022. Jacque was born on May 28, 1957, in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Clifford and Geraldine (Zieler) Raifsnider. She graduated from Climax-Scotts High School. She became the mother of four children: Jamie, Erin, Travis and Barry. Jacque enjoyed sewing, crafting, reading, and bird watching. Her family will remember her as tenacious and caring. Jacqueline is survived by her children, Jamie (Rusty) Bennett of Vicksburg, Erin Matlock of Decatur, Travis (Faith) Baughman of Climax, and Barry Raifsnider-Waldron of Vicksburg; grandchildren Kohl, Noah, and Tessah Matlock and Haley, Madison, Alex, and Emma Moss; and great granddaughter Marie. Jacqueline is also survived by sisters Connie (Ed) Sturm of Scotts, Mary (Mike) Dee of Vicksburg, Donna (Jay) Nelson of Scotts, Diane (Mike) Stafford of Vicksburg and Karen (Bill) McGruder of Lawton. She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Waldron and her parents, Clifford and Geraldine Raifsnider. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to South County Community Services.
Jane Yaple-Möller died August 6 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. She was born March 12, 1945, in Vicksburg, the daughter of Henry and Pauline Yaple, and graduated from Vicksburg High School with the Class of 1963. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hans. She is survived by a son, Derek Yaple-Schubert and a brother, Henry Mack Yaple of Washington.
Front to back: Deb, John, Vicki, Jake, and John, the DeBault family behind the scenes at Rise N Dine. Photo by Alex Lee. More Rise N Dine photos are seen on the right.
Well, this is a big issue! It kept us busy right up to our deadline, and we hope you enjoy it.
Today, the sun is shining, and the maples’ leaves are beginning to blush with color. The hummingbirds are busy filling their tanks and checking their oil for the southern journey, and the squirrels brazenly grab seeds and nuts, nearly under our feet! How we anticipate October and all its beauty!
Rise N Dine reopens
They’re back! The DeBault family is back serving up food and that wonderful community atmosphere at Rise N Dine. The restaurant was closed due to smoke damage from a non-electrical fire for two months. For those who frequent Vicksburg’s Main Street establishment, if felt like two years! Deb DeBault says, “I am so thankful we operate here in downtown Vicksburg. So many folks stopped by during our closure to see if we needed anything. We all just take care of each other, and that means so much to us. We are extremely happy to be open again.”
Closing thoughts
We are told that what we are doing this month — presenting fall athletes, obituaries without charge, bios and photos of political candidates, local governmental and school updates, and regular columns our readers have come to expect — is very rare. We think it’s important and helps make our part of the county a special place to call home. Please consider supporting us. Our advertisers and readership partners make it possible.
It isn’t easy to locate and identify an unmarked grave in a small cemetery, but Virginia Mongreig, Schoolcraft township clerk, and Jane Crist, local volunteer, made it their mission to locate the grave of Enoch Robinson, an African American Civil War veteran.
As Crist worked her way through the various veteran’s graves last spring — cleaning and noting the absence or presence of appropriate flag holders and symbols — she was unable to locate Enoch Robinson’s site. Crist called Mongreig and the two began their research, scouring township records.
Mongreig remembered a very old book stored in the vault: Vicksburg Cemetery Schoolcraft Township Burial Records 1874-1935. This book documented the grave purchase and location.
The two then began searching for any information about the soldier: Crist obtained the obituary through census records at the Vicksburg Historical Society; Mongreig reviewed Dr. Arle Schneider’s book, “A Tale of One Village,” and found evidence of Enoch’s involvement in the community.
Crist met Mongreig and her husband, Chip, who measured, reviewed burials from township records, and probed the area, and Robinson’s gravesite was located. The next step: securing a veteran’s headstone. The markers are provided at government expense.
Mongreig contacted Gary Swain of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, whose group has made repairs in the old cemetery. Swain completed the application for a marker and forwarded the application along with a letter from Mongreig.
Swain last year provided more information about Robinson to station WMUK. Private Robinson served in the 15th U.S Colored Infantry Regiment. He was born in 1835, grew up in southern Ohio, enlisted in northern Tennessee and spent most of his enlistment in the Tennessee area. He died in 1891.
The marker arrived about 130 years later: October 13, 2021.
Mongreig and Crist are thrilled with the outcome: Enoch Robinson’s grave is now identified with a veteran’s marker, and Enoch Robinson will be honored with a traditional Civil War Memorial Service by the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War on September 17, 2022 at 11 a.m. in the north portion of the Schoolcraft Township Cemetery.
