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Mildred “Millie” POTTER

AGE 89 - KALAMAZOO MI

Delores “Dee”

VanderVeen ALTON

AGE

85 - PLAINWELL, MI

Delores (Dee) VanderVeen Alton, age 85, was welcomed into the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 1, 2023 Dee was born in Muskegon, Michigan, November 2, 1937, and throughout her life she lived in Grand Rapids, Martin, Plainwell, and for the past 4 years she resided in Zephyrhills, Florida Just a month ago she returned to Michigan where she was lovingly surrounded by family and dear friends while she was cared for at the Alamo rehabilitation and nursing facility in Kalamazoo Dee is survived by her son, James of Otsego; siblings, Allen (Lois) Veurink, Robert (Gloria) Veurink, Joyce (Frederick) Hoekzema; and her dear friends, Travis and Jody Morris Dee was preceded in death by her first husband of 22 years, James VanderVeen, and her second husband of 26 years, Everett Alton; her parents, Adrian and Cathryn Veurink; brother, Howard Veurink; sisters-inlaw, Barbara Veurink and Marjorie Veurink; and niece, Heather Veurink Dee and her husband Jim spent most of their married life in Plainwell During those years they started the Red Barn Restaurant in nearby Martin which Dee ran from 1972-1977 Many people in Martin as well as from the surrounding areas enjoyed her delicious home cooking One of the important things about Dee is that she had the gift of evangelism She passed out many tracts and she especially loved to talk to others about her Savior Arrangements are being made by Avink McCowen Secord Funeral Homes, 120 South Woodhams St , Plainwell, MI Services will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, August 8, at 12:00 PM , officiated by Pastor Tony Dear of FaithWay Church Family will gather prior to the service at 11:00 AM and visitation is from 11:30-12:00 PM Those who wish to may make memorial contributions to Christian Neighbors

The family is being cared for by Avink, McCowen, Secord Funeral Home

Please sign the guestbook and/or share a memory www amsfuneralhomes com

Millie passed away, Friday, July 28, 2023 at Rose Arbor in Kalamazoo She was born May 19, 1934 in Dorton, Kentucky to Hassel and Elizabeth (Belcher)

Mullins As a young woman Millie worked at Cunningham’s Soda Fountain in Detroit where she also met her husband For 37 years she worked at Harding’s Market until her retirement in 1997 In her free time Millie enjoyed gardening, reading, cooking Sunday dinner for her family and helping others On May 24, 1952 in Detroit she married Clarence “Tom” Potter who passed away in 2019 Surviving are her children, Annie (Roger) Kruithoff and Steve (Julie) Potter both of Alamo; grandchildren, Jeremy, Jessey, Brock (Claire) and Nolan; great-grandchildren, Presley, Paige and Millie along with several nieces and nephews She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Dwight “Tom” Potter and siblings, Orville Mullins, Ann L Buckay, Joyce Johnson and Ruby Holifield Furneral Service was held Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego, with Pastor Jeremy Africa officiating Burial will follow at Alamo Center Cemetery in Alamo Township Contributions in memory of Millie may be made to Centrica Care Navigators-Rose Arbor Hospice or to the Library of Michigan Foundation-BTBL

Arrangements by Winkel Funeral Home - Otsego

Messages of condolence may be posted at www WinkelFuneralHome com

Otsego

Junior Cheer

Dr Kenley F BURKHART AGE 87 - PLAINWELL MI

Dr Kenley Burkhart passed away, Sunday, July 30, 2023 at Plainwell Pines Ken was born June 28, 1936 in Fargo, North Dakota, the son of Forrest and Ruth Burkhart

He attended medical school at the University of Pennsylvania Ken worked as a medical doctor and surgeon in Indiana, Nicaragua and Berrien Springs until the late 1970 s when he began working at Pipp Community Hospital in Plainwell where he served for many years until his retirement in 2011

He was one of the first surgeons to perform laparoscopy surgeries and laparoscopic assisted hysterectomies Ken was a gifted musician and enjoyed singing tenor in the Bach Festival Choir in Kalamazoo

He also enjoyed playing the piano cello and many stringed instruments In his free time Ken liked cross country skiing, sailing, photography, film making and in retirement enjoyed making jewelry On December 31, 1985 he married Dianne Strong (nee: Dommert) who survives Also surviving are his children, Holly (J Drew)

Fitzgerald of WI and Neil (Sylvia) Burkhart of AZ; grandchildren, Liam and Jacob Fitzgerald; step-children, Eric (Gretta) Strong of IL, Julie (Isaach) De Bankole of NY and Sarah (Andy Blake) Strong of Holland; step-grandchildren Maureen Tarryn Imani Megan and Brandon and siblings Geri Burkhart Cynthia Curtis Gloria Nero and Daniel Burkhart He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Sharon According to his wishes cremation has taken place A private family service will take place Contributions in memory of Ken may be made to Christian Neighbors

Arrangements by Winkel Funeral Home - Otsego

Messages of condolence may be posted at www WinkelFuneralHome com

Attention Alumni

Musicians Wanted! River Cities Concer t Band, a 64-piece ensemble has a special need for clarinets, flutes, trombones and percussion Call Dave for more info, leave a message (269)692-2155 Visit our website at www rivercitiesconcertband com