Hilma Irene Gherna, 86, passed away Friday, Jan. 27, 2012 in Three Rivers. She was born March 25, 1925 in Kansas City, Mo., the daughter of Willy Paul and Ida (Turner) Schoppe. Hilma graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1943. She was united in marriage to Joseph D. Gherna in September of 1952. Through the years she worked at …

Hazel Joyce Martin, 78, of Three Rivers, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012 at the Heartland Health Care Center. Joyce was born on May 28, 1933 in Calhoun County, the daughter of Russell and Hazel (Peaslee) VanAlstine. Mrs. Martin was preceded in death by her son, Brian Jon Carpenter; one brother, Russell VanAlstine; two sisters, Iva Lee and …

Arlene J. Fraim, age 91, of Sturgis, passed away Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, at home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born July 16, 1920, in Brandon, Colo., a daughter of the late Chester and Pearl (Marks) Doremus. She had resided in Sturgis since 1961, coming from Grand Ledge. Her early life was spent in Shelton, Neb., where she …

It hardly seems possible that a year has come and gone. I remember that night so vividly like it was just yesterday. But at the same time, it seems so long ago. When my dad passed away last January, quietly in his chair in the living room, it came as a surprise. It wasn’t like I thought he was going …

KALAMAZOO — When Yale University came knocking, Kalamazoo Wings defenseman Mike Matczak did not hesitate to answer. “I mean, being recruited to play Division I hockey at an Ivy League school, that’s a no-brainer,” Matczak said. Matczak said they were fortunate to have one of the top teams in the country during his time at Yale and would not trade …

The Kalamazoo Wings gained their first lead with 45 seconds remaining in regulation, but the Cincinnati Cyclones fought back not only to tie the game, but to win 3-2 in overtime Friday night at Wings Stadium on Culver’s Night. The first period yielded no goals for either squad, but not for lack of opportunities. Cincinnati was unable to score on …

Jesse Danial Carey, age 30, Constantine, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 26th, 2012 at his home. He was born in Lansing, MI on May 29, 1981,  the son of  Robert Carey and Christine (Sharp) Carey. Jesse had attended Climax Scotts High School.  He worked at Indiana Building Systems in Middlebury, IN. Jesse enjoyed carpentry and playing his guitar. Surviving Jesse are …

Howard Overholt, Jr., age 71 of Burr Oak, Michigan, the man of many dogs passed away early Thursday morning January 26, 2012 at the Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was born November 26, 1940 in Elkhart, Indian a son of the late Howard and Bessie (Hopkins) Overholt. Howard resided in the Burr Oak area for most of his …

A lifelong Park Township resident has accepted an offer to serve as St. Joseph County treasurer. Judie Ratering will serve the rest of 2012 as treasurer following a consensus reached early Thursday by a three-member panel. The 52-year-old Ratering will succeed Phyllis Bainbridge, who is retiring next week due to health issues. Ratering currently serves as a mortgage lender at …

Glen Oaks Community College has announced that nominations are being accepted for the E. J. Shaheen Chair for Teaching Excellence award. Current and former students, staff and community members are invited to nominate a full-time faculty member. This appointment is awarded on an annual basis to a faculty member at Glen Oaks Community College who exemplifies high professional standards, demonstrates …