For
at 1-877-691-4117 today!
Services
Mar tin Transmission- Not just transmissions We offer full service auto repair Locally owned & operated for over 20 years Free quotes 565 Lincoln Rd (M-89), Otsego (269)694-5500
Monty’s Tree Service: Licensed/insured Free estimates (269)204-8207
Concrete Construction: Basement floors, patios, driveways, sidewalks Residential Free estimates Call (269)377-3950
Tree Removal, Trimming & stump g rinding Fully insured Over 30 years experience in tree work, very reliable and reasonable Free estimates Also, firewood for sale! RC Tree Service, owned and operated by Carl Sparks (269)377-0284 or (269)568-7231 Randy www rctreeservice com
Dan's Tree Service: Free estimates Senior discount Fully insured (269)664–5455 or Matt (269)569-1031 www danstreeinc com Veteran-owned
Chimney Sweep Services: Protect your home and all who reside there Schedule an annual fireplace and chimney inspection and cleaning Call 1-877-396-0354
Rogers Plumbing, Heating & A/C Service, Inc Call the company that’s local & experienced Serving this area since 1966, licensed and insured 269-694-4673, 269-217-5454
Powerwashing, Replacement Windows, doors, and roofing Call Farmer Construction Local Builder Check us out on Facebook 269-420-9748
Standing Timber Wanted: Walnut, Oak, Maple Highest prices paid Payment in advance 269-998-1839
Sara Smith Manager Rea tor® RENE E-Pro 616-558-9580 smsmith@greenr dge com
Kendra Sweeting
REALTOR®
269-760-4127 ksweeting@greenridge com
Arlene Nyhof
REALTOR®
269-251-8985 anyhof@greenr dge com
Nancy Whitney
Assoc Broker ABR CRS GRI E-Pro SFR 269-720-1473 nwhitneyhomes@gmai com
RayLene Hubbard
REALTOR®
269-743-9069 rhubbard@greenridge com
Rick Lynch
REALTOR® 269-569-4315 r ynch@greenridge com
wconner@greenridge
Sue Cornell Assoc Broker CR RAM ABR SFR 269-720-4382 scornell@greenr dge com
Winter Spor tsman Auction Bidding open 250+ fine firearms, vintage spor ting, antique & modern ammunition, militaria, tools This is a Great sale! Shipping available Bid anywhere any time @JohnPeckAuctions com Offices Gladwin & Charlotte Selling items like this? Call John Peck 989-345-4866
Bidding Is Open For The Man-Cave Extravaganza Online Auction! Find neon/metal signs, bar displays, Detroit spor ts items, electric bike, shot glasses, cups, steins, rock glasses, cocktail shakers, more! Visit BidItMi com (313-600-5451)
Visit NarhiAuctions com Now for our January Collectables Online Auction! Featuring vintage firearms, tools, toys, western prints, figurines, tins, ashtrays, glassware, bottles, porcelain, Barber's Pole, much more! Need an auction? Call 1-800-266-6474
Multiple Great Online Auctions featuring snow blowers, tools, shop tools, Christmas items, Fenton/collector glassware, coins, currency, toys, much more! View all items and bid at Bid SherwoodAuctionServiceLLC com Questions? Call Joe, 1-800-835-0495
Driving Route Open: Riverview Dr /Douglas area Approx 2-3 hours/week Delivery is done between 6:30am Friday and Saturday afternoon Pay $200-$250/mo Must have good working vehicle and phone Driving routes take 2 people, one to drive and one to hang papers Apply online at www communityshoppersguide net or in person at the Community Shoppers Guide, downtown Otsego
Don’t Forget to clear out enough around your mailbox for your mail/paper carrier to be able to pull up & out with their vehicle
SunSetter. America’s Number One Awning! Instant shade at the touch of a button Transform your deck or patio into an outdoor oasis Up to 10-year limited warranty Call now and SAVE $350 today! 1-855-848-7401
Stop Overpaying For Auto Insurance! A recent survey says that most Americans are overpaying for their car insurance Let us show you how much you can save Call Now for a no-obligation quote: 1-877-905-0009
No More Cleaning Out Gutters Guaranteed! Call LeafFilter today 1-844-369-2501 to schedule F R EE inspection, no obligation estimate Plus get 20% off! Seniors, military save additional 10% Restrictions apply, see representative for warranty, offer details
Amish-Built Storage Sheds star ting at $2,500 Custom sizes & colors We deliver anywhere in Michigan! MyNextBarn com Call 989-832-1866
Get a High Quality, Modern design bath or shower transformation in as little as one day $0 down, $0 installation, $0 payments for 12 months! Call: 1-833-776-0121
Acculevel Your Foundation Repair and basement waterproofing exper ts Whether basement, crawl space or concrete slab we’ll guide you on the right path to a healthy home Act now! Up to $600 off Restrictions apply Call for a free consultation 1-844-700-4986
Water & Fire Damage restoration Our trusted professionals will restore your home to protect your family and your home's value! Call 24/7: 1-877-291-0744 Mold Remediation services are also available!
We Buy Houses for Cash As Is! No repairs No fuss Any condition Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-855-504-0056
Home Improvement
Improvement, Siding, decks, windows, doors, etc C&H Immekus Enterprises Call 269-666-1546
Rite Pole Buildings State-wide
ting at 24x40x10: $18,300
Erected on your
Call for
not shown on any size building or go to www builtritepolebuildingsmi com Or call 989-259-2015 or 989-600-1010 or 989-324-0035
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Kimberly Sue ORTEGA AGE 62 - PLAINWELL MI
Kimberly Sue Ortega passed away peacefully with family by her side on December 3, 2025, leaving a profound and irreplaceable void in the hearts of all who loved her Kim was born on April 4, 1963, in Plainwell, Michigan Kim was a mother to all Her family was her passion, and she was a caregiver to everyone she knew Kim was a great cook and loved to cook for her family She was always behind the camera taking pictures She loved to visit and talk with anyone who wanted to sit down and have a cup of coffee Kim had a great sense of humor and enjoyed a good laugh Kim is survived by her mother Peggy Boysen; her husband Chris; her children: Khett, Cameron (Amanda), Trevor, and Jessica; her grandchildren: Lilly, Alaina and Kaylee She is also survived by her siblings: Toni (Jim) McDonald, Michelle Wesaw, Todd (Jill) Wesaw, Wayne Wesaw, Scott (Melissa) Boysen, Todd Boysen, Cheryl Boysen and Laura (Tony) Graff; her nieces: Jennifer, Casey, Nikki, and Melanie; her nephew Ryan as well as many cousins and extended family She was preceded in death by her father Wayne Wesaw and her dad Paul Boysen as well as her brother John Boysen Following her wishes, cremation has taken place A memorial gathering to honor and celebrate Kim’s life will be held on Saturday, December 13th from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm with an informal time of sharing at 1:30 pm at the funeral home Friends and loved ones are invited to gather, share memories, and support one another during this difficult time A burial of cremains will follow at 2:30 at Oakhill Cemetery in Orangeville
The family is being cared for by Avink, McCowen, Secord Funeral Home 120 S Woodhams Plainwell MI 269-685-5881 Please sign the guestbook and/or share a memory www amsfuneralhomes com
Russell D. STRATTON
AGE 82 - PLAINWELL, MI
Russell D Stratton, affectionately known as Russ passed away, Thursday, December 4, 2025, in Lawton He was born on November 28 1943 in Plainwell, the son of Willard and Rhetha (Harvey) Stratton Russ was raised in Otsego and graduated from Otsego High School in 1962 For 37 years he worked at Plainwell Paper and for 14 years at Perrigo retiring in 2013 Throughout his life, Russ was admired not only for his dedication to his work but also for his generous spirit and love for others He was an avid hunter and skilled archer, with numerous trophies from tournaments that bear testament to his talent He took great joy in woodworking, caring for his lawn, and engaging in various home improvement projects, all of which showed his willingness to help others Russ leaves behind his cherished wife, JoAnn Stratton, whom he married in 1964 in Plainwell Together, they raised three children: Dean (Angie) Stratton, Amy (Dan) Simmonds, and Dale (Deb) Stratton Also surviving are his six grandchildren, Nathan, Samantha, Kristy, Natalie, Jacob and Jeremy; seven greatgrandchildren; sisters-in-law, Faye Stratton and Nancy White, and brothers-in-law, Ben (Cheryl) White and John White, along with many nieces, nephews, and special neighbors, Waylon and Killian, who he considered his grandchildren Russ was preceded in death by his parents, a granddaughter, Sarah Stratton, brother, Larry Stratton and his brother-in-law, Craig White According to his wishes cremation has taken place
Friends may visit with the family on Saturday, January 17, 2026, between 1-5 PM, at the Gun Plain Township Hall to share memories, honor and celebrate Russ’ life Please dress casual in your favorite flannel and jeans
In memory of Russ those who knew him are encouraged to perform acts of kindness, do good deeds and help others, a fitting tribute to a man who devoted so much of his life to loving and supporting those around him
Arrangements by Winkel Funeral Home - Otsego
Messages of condolence may be posted at www WinkelFuneralHome com
Janet Mary Coash COWELS
AGE 100 - OTSEGO, MI
Janet Mary Coash Cowels of Otsego, MI, passed from this life on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 with her family at her side She was born November 1, 1925, “All Saints Day,” in Detroit, Michigan Janet was the second of five children born to Earle Lester Coash and Evangeline Marie (Pajot) Coash in Detroit Michigan A devoted wife Janet married Robert H Cowels in Kalamazoo, MI on October 7, 1950 They lived in Kalamazoo, Michigan; Waukesha, Wisconsin; Omaha and Bennington, Nebraska; and Otsego, Michigan From this union they raised five children: Celeste M McEwan (Curt), David R Cowels, Cynthia A Crittendon (Dennis), Daniel J Cowels (Debbie), and Camille L Stuedemann (John) Robert and Janet were devout Christians and raised their children in the Catholic Church The Cowels Clan includes ten grandchildren and sixteen greatgrandchildren Janet graduated in 1943 from St Augustine High School in Kalamazoo, MI She studied at Western Michigan University, Nazareth College, and graduated from cosmetology school, both in Kalamazoo As a young woman, Janet worked as a stylist in a Kalamazoo salon It was always important to her to look her best She lived for a short time in California, where she worked for the Singer Corporation in Los Angeles, later transferring to their local office in Kalamazoo when she returned home Janet also worked for the Gilmore Department Store in the gift-wrapping department and the cafe If you knew Janet, she was a “foodie” even then, and she enjoyed working in the café and serving Mr Gilmore In later years, she devoted her time and talents to arranging dinners for St Margaret’s Catholic Church in Otsego, MI Janet was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Cowels; her parents, Earle and Evangeline Coash; siblings Genevieve Northrop of Kalamazoo, MI; Robert Coash of Kalamazoo, MI; Dorothy Levine of College Station, TX; and Paul Coash of Westfield, IN
The Celebration of Life service to honor the life of Janet Mary Cowels will be held on May 1, 2026 at 11:00am at the St Margaret Catholic Church, 766 S Farmer Street, Otsego, MI Our family is grateful to Wings of Hope in Allegan for their Hospice support and assistance Memorial contributions may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice, 530 Linn Street, Allegan, MI 49010
Need Food Assistance?
List of Local Collaborative pantries
Allegan United Methodist Church – Allegan
Allegan County Food Pantry – Allegan
Christian Neighbors – Plainwell
People Helping People – Pullman
St Margaret’s – St Vincent de Paul – Otsego
Martin United Methodist Church – Martin
Christian Neighbors – Douglas
Ladders of Hope – Fennville
Hopkins United Methodist Church – Hopkins
Christian Neighbors – Wayland
More info: www alleganfoundation org
When you find yourself facing the loss of a loved one ... we can assist in making the details you face a little e a s i e r To p l a c e yo u r o b i t u a r y announcement on our community pages, simply ask the funeral home to send the details to the Community Shoppers Guide or call/email us yourself Obituar ies are approximately $75 and are included in our online edition and on our website.
Community Shoppers Guide
117 N Far mer St , Otsego • 269-694-9431
www.communityshoppersguide .net emai : info@communityshoppersguide net
Zaidos N. “Zee” CHURCH AGE 83 - OTSEGO MI
Zaidos Neil Church passed away Friday, December 5, 2025, at the Michigan Veterans Home in Grand Rapids He was born on July 30, 1942, in Plainwell, the son of James Donald and Edith Mae (Coutcher) Church Zaidos graduated from Otsego High School in 1960 and from Michigan State University in 1965 with a bachelor's degree in police administration He had been in the ROTC program and entered the U S Army following graduation He served 20 ½ years in the Medical Service Corps and attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel During his time in service, he completed his master’s degree in systems management at the University of Southern California He served tours of duty at various posts in the United States and in Vietnam and Korea Retiring in 1986, he spent almost one year working with the Shield of Faith Mission International in Floresville, Texas He returned to Otsego in 1987 to help care for his parents He worked for several years at Precision Polymer Manufacturing before retiring a second time He served for a time as treasurer of Otsego United Methodist Church and was a part of the early morning men’s Bible study and breakfast group He sang in the church choir and played handbells in the bell choir He was also a member of a local square dance club and a demonstration group known as Michigan in Motion He served for a number of years as treasurer of the Southwest Michigan Square and Round Dance Association For the last 4 ½ years he has been a resident of Michigan Veterans Home of Grand Rapids, where he received compassionate care On July 25, 1964 he married Donna Jeanne Latourette who survives Also surviving are his son, Peter (Tammy) Church of Otsego; grandchildren, Haley and Tighe; great-grandson, Nathanael; two sisters-inlaw, Nancy Roe of Oklahoma and Bonnie Pryor Latourette of Dowagiac along with several nephews and one niece, great nieces and nephews He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Sheldon Church and brother-inlaw, Ron Latourette A funeral services was held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego, with Pastor Ron Hansen and Pastor Joe Shaler officiating Burial followed at Hillside Cemetery in Plainwell Contributions in memory of Zaidos may be directed to Michigan Veterans Home of Grand Rapids Arrangements by Winkel Funeral Home - Otsego Messages of condolence may be posted at www WinkelFuneralHome com
Special Rates on the Community Page Share
, anniversaries, wedding announcements $25 and $45 sizes available and includes a picture! Call today! Community Shoppers Guide, 269694-9431.
Mark Joseph LUTZ AGE 69 - PLAINWELL, MI formerly of Wayland, MI
Mark Joseph Lutz, age 69, formerly of Wayland, MI, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on November 26, 2025
Mark passed away peacefully at his home in Plainwell, surrounded by the comfort of the place he loved He was born on June 25, 1956, to Joseph and Elizabeth Lutz, who have also preceded him in passing Mark lived a life marked by resilience, faith, and a deep love for those around him He was one of five siblings and is now reunited in heaven with his sisters Barbara, Pamela, and Elizabeth His only surviving sibling, Jennifer, shared a profound and cherished bond with him Their closeness, especially in his final years, was a source of strength and joy for both of them A 1974 graduate of Troy High School, Mark remained lifelong friends with many from his class relationships that lasted decades He went on to earn both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Western Michigan University achievements he held with pride Mark dedicated more than 30 years to his career in cartography at Wolverine Gas and Oil, where his thoughtful mind and steady dedication were deeply valued Mark filled his life with simple pleasures that reflected his creative and humble spirit He enjoyed gardening, woodworking, tennis, birdwatching, and music Football Sundays were a favorite, especially when it was the Packers vs Lions and friendly bets with Coleman were made He was also always on the lookout for a new home improvement project One of the most significant milestones in Mark’s life was his sobriety He was approaching 16 years sober a commitment he often described as the best decision he ever made He was deeply proud of this accomplishment, and it stood as a testament to his courage, faith, and determination Above all, Mark treasured his family He is survived by his children, Coleman Lutz, Marie (Christopher) Paul, and Kaitlyn (Robert) Bennett; and by his ten beloved grandchildren: Tayler, Gage, Murphy, Lennox, Brynn, Cameron, Gwen, Emma, Clayton, and Beau His humble presence, steady kindness, and quiet humor will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him A service to celebrate Mark’s life and faith will be held on January 9, 2026, at Rush Creek Bible Church, 2334 76th St SW, Byron Center, MI 49315, with a time for visiting beginning at 1:00 p m until the time of service at 3:00p m with Cameron Townley officiating Memorial contributions may be directed to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), and flowers are welcomed as a reflection of Mark’s love for nature and beauty
The family is being cared for by Avink, McCowen, Secord Funeral Home 120 S Woodhams, Plainwe l, MI, 269-685-5881 Please sign the guestbook and/or share a memory www amsfuneralhomes com
Need a Website? It’s so affordable at $399 plus $35/mth hosting fee Get a professional website for less We design it, you can update it. Easily post pictures, videos, coupons, flyers and so much more and you can do it yourself! Of course we’ll be here for suppor t if you need us! No waiting, no spending a fortune for a professional to do it for you! Contact the Community Shoppers Guide @ 269-694-9431
You may have been dumped, demoted, divorced, or dismissed, but you are welcome and wanted at First Congregational Church You matter to us because you matter to God! Join us for the following Christmas events:
‐KIDS CHRISTMAS PROGRAM: This Sunday, December 14 at 10:40, we will have a fun‐filled family service What could be better than cute kids dressed as the holy family and farm animals singing their hearts out to God?
‐CHRISTMAS EVE EVE SERVICE: We invite you to our Christmas Eve Eve service on Tuesday, December 23 at 6:00pm We’ll have a relevant message, fun carols, Silent Night with candles, and cookies, lots and lots of cookies! So bring the whole family for this festive, Christ‐focused service on the night before the night before Christmas
You are loved, Pastor Lenny Luchetti
COME WORSHIP JESUS WITH US THIS SUNDAY AT 10:40AM
We are a fr iendly, but not smother ing, growing congregation on mission to love and ser ve our community Our worship ser vices are shor t but impactful We also have a fun-filled and safe program for kids ag es 0-10
WE PROVIDE MORE FOR YOU...
“JESUS LOVES IT WHEN WE CELEBRATE HIS BIRTH”
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying Glor y to God in the highest ”
decorations, music, children’s plays, lighting of candles and the proclamation of God’s Word
The Hebrew word for glor y comes from a root word meaning heavy, weighty or impor tant In other wo r d s, g i v i n g G o d g l o r y c e l e b ra t e s H i s significance in our lives We glor ify God with our g o o d d e e d s ( M a t t h ew 5 : 1 6 ) , o u r b o d i e s ( I Cor inthians 6:19-20), and our tithes and offer ings (Malachi 3:10) In fact ever ything we do should reflect God’s glor y (Colossians 3:17)
G e o r g e Fr e d e r i ck H a n d e l c o m p o s e d t h e magnificent orator io called “Messiah” dur ing a low time in his life A man named Char les Jennens gave him the words to a new sacred piece of music and asked Handel to put music to it The words descr ibing Chr ist’s feelings of being despised and rejected resonated with him and the music began to flow What happened to him? He exper ienced C h r i s t m a s G l o r i f y i n g G o d i s a l i fe - c h a n g
exper ience May we do it often!
to last a lifetime! Limited time offer - 50% off installation + Additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders ) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-888-718-1856
Monty’s Tree Service: Licensed/insured
, in
warranty Retail cost $3,995, sacrifice for $875 Call for showing or delivery: 989-923-1278 DanDanTheMattressMan com
Budget Appliance Service Prompt, Professional and Affordable Service Call us today for your appliance repair needs (269)685-8902 Ted LaFountain, Owner
Wanted
Buying Junk Cars, Trucks, scrap metal, farm machinery Kalamazoo Metal Recyclers, Inc , 1525 King Hwy , Kalamazoo, 269-381-1315 Bring this ad!
Standing Timber Wanted: Walnut, Oak, Maple Highest prices paid Payment in advance 269-998-1839
Wanted: Quads, mini bikes, AT Vs, go-car ts, snowmobiles Paying cash for wrecked, non-runners, & par ts Free pick up, call (616)666-0312
Items For Sale
Husqvarna 12530HV 30” snowblower for sale $950 Call (269)225-1107
Davals Used Furniture & Antiques 6 buildings with 15,000 Sq Ft of quality furniture, antiques and collectibles Save time and money Shop Davals for the best selection, best quality, best price You have to see it to believe it We are truly a destination place and wor th the drive We buy estates Layaway terms available Visa/Mastercard/Discover accepted 2 miles west of Hastings at 2084 W M-43 Hwy near Bob’s Gun & Tackle Hours: Sun 12-5pm; Mon -Fri 10am-6pm; Sat 9am-5pm (269)948-2463
Wanted
Looking For Extra Cash? Driving Route for the Community Shoppers Guide is open in the Doster area Route is approx 2 5-3 5 hours/week done between Friday at 6am - Saturday at noon $200$250/month Must have reliable transportation, working phone and 2 people to deliver (one drives, one hangs papers) Apply in person, 117 N Farmer Street, downtown Otsego or at communityshoppersguide net
