Concerts in the Band Shell Plainwell Music Society

St. Vincent de Paul thanks you for your support!

Jean RUS

AGE 92 - KALAMAZOO, MI

Jean Rus, age 92, passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ early Wednesday afternoon, May 17, 2023. Jean was born in Kalamazoo on October 6, 1930, the daughter of Harm and Sena (Oosterheert) Hiemstra. On September 10, 1953, she married Ronald H. Rus who preceded her in death on November 19, 2020. Jean loved the Lord and served Him for many years as organist and pianist in many area churches. Jean was a devoted reader of God’s Word. She loved the Bible and held on to the belief that one day she would see her Savior face to face. Jean was a devoted homemaker and loved her family, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Jean is survived by her children, Norman (Linda) Rus of Kalamazoo, Timothy (Sharon) Rus of Jenison, Lavonne (Craig) Rus-Ogilvie of Bozeman, MT, and Jeff (Jean) Rus of Three Rivers; nine grandchildren; twenty-eight great grandchildren, with two more on the way; several nieces and nephews and many friends. Besides her husband, Jean was preceded in death by her parents; granddaughter, Charity Rus; eight brothers; and a sister. A funeral service in witness to Jean’s life and faith will be held on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home, 917 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo. Friends may call on the family one hour prior to the service beginning at 12:30 p.m. Jean will be laid to rest next to Ron at West Cooper Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries, in c/o the funeral home.

Arrangements by Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home

Kalamazoo - 269-343-2628

Messages of condolence may be posted at www.joldersma-klein.com

Steven Lee MENINGA

AGE 60 - PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP, MI

Steve L. Meninga, age 60, lost his yearlong battle with leukemia on Sunday, May 14, 2023. Steve was born on December 22, 1962, to Ronald & Peggy (Butler) Meninga. He grew up in Plainwell but later moved to Richland where he graduated from Gull Lake High School in 1980. While attending Gull Lake, Steve met his future wife, Kim when she backed up her brother’s car in the parking lot and literally ran over Steve’s father’s car (which he wasn’t supposed to be driving). It was not a romantic start, but they hit it off and were married six years later on April 19, 1986. Steve worked for Gilmore farms for 15 years and part of his salary was a farmhouse that they lived in Richland. Later they moved to Pine Lake and have been there for 34 years. Steve worked for Coca Cola for 23 years and later worked for Mall City Mechanical as a Mechanic. Steve enjoyed boating on Pine Lake and loved to camp in the spring and fall. He and Kim traveled to Mexico every winter that they could for a vacation. He never missed an opportunity to have a cold beer with his many friends. Steve had a strong work ethic and was passionate about all he did. He was caring to a fault and would help anyone who needed it. Steve is survived by his wife of 37 years, Kim; his siblings: Lester Meninga, Margie Meninga, Ken Meninga and Ronda Schneider; several nieces and nephews and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law Kalvin Kalkowski. A funeral Service was held on Thursday, May 18 at Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, Plainwell Chapel; 120 S. Woodhams St. in Plainwell. A committal graveside service will be held on Friday, May 19. The processional will line up at the Funeral Home at 10:15 a.m. Memorial contributions can be made in Steve’s memory to Gentiva Hospice.

The family is being cared for by Avink, McCowen, Secord Funeral Home 120 S. Woodhams, Plainwell, MI, 269-685-5881

Please sign the guestbook by lighting a candle, and/or sharing a memory with the family. www.amsfuneralhomes.com

William WOOD

AGE 80 - OTSEGO, MI

Bill passed away May 14, 2023 on his family farm where he was able to watch the fields being planted in his “paradise” in his final days. Born October 26, 1942 in Kalamazoo, MI to William H “Bill” Wood and Edith (Jones) Wood Wilson. He was raised in Otsego, MI and spent much of his time playing backyard baseball and hanging out with his many neighborhood friends. He married the love of his life, Judith Elaine (Keyes) on March 23, 1962. Bill and Judie lovingly raised 3 daughters, and he was known to reply to comments about not having any sons with “I wouldn’t trade my girls for boys for anything”. His love for fishing and hunting was shared with his dad in his early years. He continued hunting, was an avid golfer, and enjoyed fishing, both fly fishing locally and also salmon fishing on Lake Michigan with many friends. One of his favorite projects was his restoration of the 1949 Chevy Fleetline, which was the model of his first car, which he then used to drive to golf league every week and to the annual car show. Bill carried on his family tradition of maple syrup making, which has been labeled by many as “liquid gold” and he received many comments on how it was the best syrup around. His love for community was evidenced in how much he enjoyed his first job at Kroger in Plainwell, and how his favorite part of the job was all the people he interacted with. Throughout his 35 years of working at Plainwell Paper he met many great people he felt honored to call his friends, and his most treasured role was mentoring young men and instilling a solid work ethic and life lessons, who then later became lifelong friends. This job provided the means to purchase the family farm in 1967, where he and Judie enjoyed hobby farming and raising their family. His love and support for his family was extended to several foster children as well as many “adopted” neighbors, friends and 4H youth. In his declining health over the last couple of years, he incessantly repeated “I am the luckiest guy on earth….I have a loving wife of over 60 years, the best kids, and the best friends anyone could ask for” and “You know what? I love you.” His gratitude and love showed that the most important things to him weren’t “things” at all. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Judie; daughters, Dawn Wood and Wendy (Craig) Bisel; son-in-law, Robert Whitelow; grandchildren, Amanda, Alex, Erica, Brandon, Katrina, Kayla and Allison; many great-grandchildren; sister, Janet (Milo) Holroyd; many nieces and nephews; and special friends who are too many to list. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Sherri Whitelow; and sister, Karolyn Adams. According to his wishes, a Celebration of Life will be held in his honor on June 10, 2023 at 4:00 pm on the family farm. Due to the wonderful care at the end of his life which allowed him to remain in his “paradise” on the farm, donations may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice in lieu of flowers

Arrangements by Winkel Funeral Home - Otsego

Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com

Deborah Ann JOHNSON

AGE

55 - KALAMAZOO, MI

Debby (Deborah) Ann Johnson, 55, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully on May 12th, 2023 at Rose Arbor Hospice of Kalamazoo, Michigan. She was born January 31st,1968 to mother Sheila Kirby (Lichty) and father John Lichty. Debby enjoyed making people laugh, making funny jokes and putting smiles on people's faces. She is survived by step dad Jerry Kirby and her two brothers David Lichty and Daniel Lichty as well her two daughters Heather De La Cruz Santiz (Lint) and Chelsea Johnson. She was such a loving grandma and she left behind amazing grandkids who loved her very dearly: Jazzminn, Eben, Isaac Jr, and Rylee. Debby also leaves behind her boyfriend Theodore Kirk. She was preceded in death by her son, Matthew Lint. Contributions that will be given to Debby’s grandchildren can be made on PayPal to @heatherrenea15. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Scott H. LEWIS AGE 66 - GALESBURG, MI

Born on November 29, 1956 to Robert and Hazel Lewis, Scott Lewis grew up in the small town of Riverdale, MI. Quickly, it was found that baseball would become his lifelong passion. He was always involved in baseball, whether it was playing with his friends or watching it on TV. He was always a daddy’s boy, with his fondest memories being playing Little League with his dad as his coach. He loved going to baseball games with his dad and grandpa and remained a devoted Tigers fan for all of his life. Scott moved to Otsego in 1970. While in high school he began working at the local Burger Chef. He was quickly promoted to manager after graduating with the Otsego High School class of ’74. At that time he found his passion in food service. Thanks to the help from a local investor, he was able to open his own restaurant. His proudest moment in life was the opening of Scotty’s Subs & Sundaes in Dowagiac. After running his local restaurant for ten years, Scott decided to see the country by long-distance trucking. Scott and his beloved dachshund, Bosco, traveled the country by truck for many years until an injury to his back forced him to retire from truck driving. Early in his retirement Scott still had a love for driving and meeting various people from around the world so he began driving for Uber and Lyft. He loved hearing all his passenger’s stories until an accident sent him to the hospital, where he discovered he had colon cancer. Scott could often be found at dive bars controlling the jukebox, where he was loved for his great music selection and crazy hats. In his retirement he made great friends at Duck Inn and CJ’s. He often referred to them as his bar family, while they gave him the much respected nickname “Music Man”. Scott lost his battle with colon cancer on May 16, 2023. Scott is survived by his sister, Lisa (Gary) Sutton; his nephews, Cody (Hollie), Zach and Matt Sutton and Michael Stough and his nieces, Abbie (Sam) Nou, Tammy (Dan) D’Amore and Teresa Stough. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Hazel Lewis, brothers, Bob and Rodney Lewis and his sister, Cindy Stough. Per his wishes cremation has taken place and there will be no memorial service. His wish was that everyone make a toast in his honor. Contributions in memory of Scott may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or your local animal shelter.

Arrangements by Winkel Funeral Home - Otsego Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com

Richard "Rich"

George Risner, age 76 went to be with his Lord and was reunited with the love of his life Faye on May 12, 2023. Rich was born on September 14, 1946 to George and Emma (Patrick) Risner. He was united in marriage to Faye Hall on September 16, 1967. Rich and Faye were blessed with three daughters. To Rich, family was everything and he had an unconditional devotion to his children and grandchildren.

Nothing meant more to Rich than his family. In 1965 at the age of 19 he was inducted in the United States Army. He provided for his family as a timber buyer. He was an avid sportsman who loved hunting and fishing, a passion he shared with his grandchildren. "Pap" mentored his grandchildren and was so proud of them and everything they did. Rich is survived by his three daughters: Penny Sue (Mark McMillan) Risner, Misty Rae (Sam) Torres, and Tracy Lea Wooten; brother, Larry Risner; sisters: Ruth Patrick, Barb (Donald) Patrick, Josephine Bailey; grandchildren: Kevin, Felisha, Tyler, Braden, Zack, Ilaley, Cody and Carlee; great grandchildren: Ayla, Ryatt, Jase, Kinsley and Sawyer; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Faye in 2022; parents; brothers: Ted, Frank, Elmer, Dave, Clayton, Ray, Ollie; sisters: Dora Lee and infant Bertha. Rich’s funeral service was held on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at the Williams-Gores Funeral Home. Burial took place in Oak Hill Cemetery.

Arrangements by Williams Gores Funeral Home Messages of condolence may be posted at www.williamsgoresfuneral.com

Barbara Sue Chapman of Plainwell, MI passed away on Friday, May 12, 2023, at the age of 75. She was born in Kalamazoo, MI on October 8, 1947, the daughter of Wayne and Mollie (Greenway) Younger and twin of Annie. On November 14, 1983 she was united in marriage to Robert Chapman. Following marriage they moved into their family home, where they continued to live throughout their forty plus years happily together. Barb retired from Stryker Instruments in 2008 after twenty plus years of service. In her retirement years she stayed busy with home projects, went out to breakfast with the girls every Wednesday, and she visited the dollar store every Saturday looking for a deal. She was a lover of all animals, Barb saved many stray cats and dogs over the years finding homes for all of them, many times even keeping them for herself. Throughout her whole life her constant best friend was her identical twin: Annie. Together they had many adventures that they cherished. They loved to go out to breakfast, go to garage sales, mushroom hunting, and the occasional trip to the casino. Barb was a very loving family member and accepted all into her family. Everyone was treated equally and received a generous portion of her love and attention. Barb was preceded in her passing by her parents; twin sister: Annie; and step-son: John Chapman. Left to cherish her loving memory is her husband: Robert Chapman; children: Skip (Danielle) Thompson; stepchildren: Tammy (Leonard) Turner and Lisa Chapman-Rardin; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; one special niece: Tammy (George) Hill and their daughter: Telisha Thompson; and her beloved pet: Sammy; Memorials made in Barb’s memory may be directed to the Wishbone Pet Rescue Alliance Allegan Shelter. A service was held Thursday, May 18, 2023, at Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes, 120 South Woodhams Street, Plainwell, MI 49080. Barbara was laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery following the service.

The family is being cared for by Avink, McCowen, Secord Funeral Home 120 S. Woodhams, Plainwell, MI, 269-685-5881 Please sign the guestbook by lighting a candle, and/or sharing a memory with the family. www.amsfuneralhomes.com

AGE 43 - PLAINWELL, MI

Mandi passed away, Sunday, May 14, 2023 at her home in Plainwell. She was born August 19, 1979 in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Doug and Debbie (Miller) Fenwick. Mandi worked as a Quality Inspector at Safari Circuits in Otsego. Mandi’s greatest passion in life was being a mother to her daughter, Samantha Meyer. She enjoyed being a Girl Scout leader and caring for Sammy. Mandi also liked fishing, gardening, baking and helping others. She was a prankster and loved spending time with her family and friends. Mandi loved Jesus and we look forward to seeing her again in Heaven. Surviving are her daughter, Samantha Meyer; longtime partner, Mike Meyer; mother, Debbie (Larry Marble) Fenwick and sisters, Michelle (Mike) Ammon, Jennifer (Dan) Card and Jamie (Tim) Klok. She had many nieces and nephews that she cherished and loved, Katie Ammon, Jonathan Singleton, Kelly Polmateer, Cora Singleton, Ella Singleton, Ben Ammon, Grant Card, Nathan Klok and Brandon Klok and great nieces and great nephew, Waylon Polmateer, Rosemary Singleton and baby girl Polmateer. Also surviving are Mandi’s (+1) special friends, Erin Smith (-1), Melissa McKee and Dana VanSparrentak. She was preceded in death by her father, Douglas Fenwick and brother, Jonathan Fenwick. A funeral service will take place at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego at 12:00 P.M., Friday, May 19, 2023 with Pastor Elaine Pettit officiating. Burial will follow at 3:30 P.M., at Cressey Cemetery in Prairieville Township. Contributions in memory of Mandi may be made to a fund through Advia Credit Union for her daughter Samantha. Checks payable to Amanda Fenwick c/o Samantha Meyer.

Arrangements by Winkel Funeral Home - Otsego Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com

Mar tin Transmission- Not just transmissions We offer full service auto repair Locally owned & operated for over 18 years Free quotes 565 Lincoln Rd (M-89), Otsego (269)694-5500

Budget Lawn & Tree Care - now accepting new lawn care accounts Call Mike (269)271-1280

Pond/Lake Weed Removal Tools (The #1 alternative to chemicals ) Per forms C P R Cuts-Pulls-Rakes Michigan Veteran Made Still $150 00, no price increase! 989-529-3992 WeedgatorProducts com

B T’s Landscaping: Accepting new clients! Mulch, spring clean-up, weeding, gutter cleaning, tree pruning, bush/hedge trimming/pruning, edg ing Storm damage tree removal Mow & trim packages star ting at $60 and up Call Bill (269)350-0436 or Tony (269)355-8283

Standing Timber Wanted: Walnut, Oak, Maple Highest prices paid Payment in advance 269-998-1839

269 Exteriors: Now Booking for siding, gutters, drywall and decks Licensed/insured Free estimates (269)806-0690

Drywall/Repair Work: 36 years experience Big and small jobs Fully insured Call Tom Teunessen (616)218-2877

Quality Clock Repair House calls on Grandfather clocks, free pickup & delivery of all others Call Andrew Dirkse (616)990-8885

Lawn Care Service: Budget-friendly and reliable! (269)303-0796

Dan's Tree Service: Professional trimming, removal, lot clearing, tree bracing/cabling, custom sawmilling, high ranger chipper, stump grinder, free estimates Senior discount Fully insured Veteran Owned www danstreeinc com (269)664–5455 or Matt (269)569-1031

Real Estate

We Buy Houses! Cash for your home, any condition Call Brad Boone (269)207-5691

We Buy Used Mobile homes in parks and on land, cash Please call Dave Walker @ (269)365-8310 Wolf Lake Home Sales, LLC

Join

Garage Sales

The Next Community-Wide Garage Sale will be August 3-4-5!

Yard Sale: May 19-20-21 Fri /Sat 10am-6pm, Sunday 1pm-4pm (weather permitting) 1380 Hazelwood Dr , Plainwell Fishing tackle, coins, gemstones, collectibles, yard equipment, canoe w/trolling motor Misc

Dealer Selling Flea Market Inventory Vintage, antiques, home decor, furniture, Osh Kosh baby sizes Friday, May 19th 8-5:00 and Saturday, May 20th 8-2:00 4130 D Ave W Kalamazoo Cash only

If you notice a mistake in your ad, let us know right away We will not be responsible for errors brought to our attention over 7 days past the run date

Thank you - The Shoppers Guide