Michael Lee Parker Jr, age 58, of Sturgis, died on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. He was born on January 12, 1968 in Great Falls, Montana the son of Michael Lee and Mary Louise (Moser) Parker Sr. Michael was a resident of Sturgis the past 20 years, coming from Colon. He was the owner/operator of Parker’s Home Improvement. He was a …

Karen L. Sharp, age 82, passed away on Monday, January 12, 2026. She was born in Pontiac, Michigan to her late parents Frederick and Bethel Hohner. Karen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lawrence and son, Robert Street. She is survived by her loving daughter: Heidi (the late Michael) Cline; dear brother: Lee Hohner; grandchildren: Sarah (Kevin) Clayton, …

Philip P Griffin, age 72, of White Pigeon, died on January 6, 2026 at his home. He was born on May 26, 1953 in Sturgis, the son of Edward and Irene (Wilcox) Griffin. Philip lived in the White Pigeon and Union area most of his life. He was employed by Nichol Enterprise in Elkhart in maintenance. Philip is survived by …

Alvin John Poortenga “Big Al”, age 82, of Colon, closed his eyes on Friday, January 13th, 2026 and found himself waking up in the arms of his savior. Al was born September 11, 1943 in Hammond, Indiana to Peter A. and Ann (Ipema) Poortenga. He was raised in Lansing, Illinois. Al started working with his father at the age of …

Debra Frances Johnson, age 67, of Mendon, went to be with her Lord and Savior on January 12, 2026 after fighting a long illness.  She was born in Sturgis on February 6, 1958 the daughter of Lloyd and Maxine (Williams) Hart.  Debra attended Mendon High School and was part of the 1976 graduating class.  On September 28, 1979 she married …

Helen Jane Woodall, age 88, passed away Saturday, January 10, 2026 at the Orchards of Three Rivers. She was born June 28, 1937 to Howard J. and Sarah J. “Sally” (Toombs) Woodall in Mishawaka, the third daughter of six girls. She was 5 years old when they moved from Niles to Howardsville (between Marcellus and Three Rivers) in 1943. Helen …

Crystal Lagina (Everett) Kelly died on Saturday, January 10, 2026.  She was born on December 8, 1970 to the parents of Delores Montgomery of Three Rivers and William Taylor, raised by her step-father Howard Montgomery of Three Rivers. Crystal (GiGi) was so well loved. An outstanding mother, wife, and sister, and a friend to many in the community, known for …

Bonnie Jean Russell, age 77, of rural Vicksburg, passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026 at her home following a long illness.  She was born in Three Rivers on February 7, 1948 the daughter of Westley and Louisa (Harriger) Copenhafer.  Bonnie attended Vicksburg High School and was part of the 1966 graduating class.  While she was working at the West …

Kenneth T. Brandys, age 84, of Maple City, and formerly of Mendon, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. Kenneth was born on May 24, 1941 in Chicago, the son of the late Theodore and Genevieve (Noga) Brandys. He was raised in Factoryville and spent the majority of his life living in St. Joseph County. Kenneth graduated from Colon High …

Gemma M. Magnani, age 92, of Sturgis, passed away Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo.  She was born on May 26, 1933 in Routa, Italy, a daughter of Basilio and Elisa (Francioni) Mei. Gemma came to the United States at the age of 17, and later became a citizen.  In 1953 she married Ralph Magnani, he preceded her …