On Monday, May 1, we had the privilege of attending a superb organ concert featuring Dr. Michael Burkhardt. Thanks to the Southwest Michigan Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, this hour-long concert featured a festival of hymns with audience participation. The concert was held at the First Presbyterian Church, 320 North Main Street, in Three Rivers. This was the …

Max Duane Barnes, age 83, of Sturgis, passed away Thursday, May 4, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born Oct. 12, 1939 in Coldwater, a son to the late Melvin and Ruth (Bussing) Barnes. Max has resided in Sturgis since building his current home in 1978. He previously lived in Coldwater, Bronson, Burr Oak, and …

Linda Jean Kershner, age 71, of Sturgis, passed away Thursday morning, May 4, 2023 at her home. Following an extended illness. She was born September 29, 1951 in Sturgis, daughter of the late Stanley and Barbara (Werkhaven) Zimmerman. Linda was a lifelong Sturgis resident and graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1969. She furthered her education at …

A man who was arrested last month in the 1988 stabbing and strangulation of a Three Rivers woman has died in a South Carolina jail, where he was awaiting extradition to face a murder charge. Three Rivers Police said they were told Saturday about the death of Robert Waters, age 53, at the detention center in Beaufort County, South Carolina. …

Patricia Joyce Reames, age 95, of Three Rivers, passed away Thursday, May 4, 2023 at Optalis Health and Rehab. She was born June 4, 1927 in Three Rivers, the daughter of Joseph and Lula (Becker) Mayer, and graduated from Three Rivers High School with the Class of 1946. On August 15, 1948, Pat married Wardell “Bud” Reames; they shared 58 …

Mary Lou McNeal, age 78, of Three Rivers, died Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at Optalis Heartland Healthcare. She was born in Three Rivers on May 3, 1945. She attended Mendon Schools and later graduated from Three Rivers High School. For many years, Mary Lou provided in-home care to those in need of her services. Mary Lou is survived by a …

Thomas Jay “Tom” Cutler, age 63, of rural Three Rivers, died Monday, May 1, 2023 at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo. He was born in Three Rivers on Oct. 28, 1959 the son of Leal S. Cutler and Betty L. (Cooley) Cutler and was a lifetime resident of Three Rivers. Tom graduated from Three Rivers High School, and worked as …

William Emil “Bill” Kleckner, age 72, of Mendon, died Monday, May 1, 2023 at his home. He was born in Kalamazoo on April 29, 1951, the son of Jacob and Beverly (Hodges) Schrier, and attended Comstock Schools. Bill was an independent truck driver for many years, and after retirement would drive for the Amish community. He loved his dogs, was …

Steven H. Vogler, age 62, of Kentwood, Michigan died peacefully on Sunday, April 30, 2023 at his home following a long illness. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri on Aug. 1, 1960 the son of Francis Joseph Vogler and Marion (Taucher) Vogler. He graduated from Colon High School with the class of 1978. He served 7 years in the …

Robert “Bob” McDonald passed away on Thursday, April 27th, 2023 at the age of 81. Robert was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, and friend and will be eternally loved and missed by anyone who was blessed to know him. Robert was born on August 16th, 1941 to Carrie and Ralph McDonald and was the youngest of 4 children. He served …