Obituaries

Captain David Alan Veasy, age 72, peacefully left this world to sail the clouds in heaven on Saturday, March 21, 2026, surrounded by his family at home, overlooking the lake. David was born on July 15, 1953 in Sturgis to the late Floyd “Doc” and Lois (Blood) Veasy. He graduated from Sturgis High School in 1971. Drawn to the water …

William F. Durbin, known affectionately as Bill to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the age of 85 in White Pigeon. Born on June 6, 1940 in Battle Creek, Bill was a man whose humor, creativity, and generous spirit brought joy to everyone he encountered. Bill’s life was marked by his dedication to …

Karen Sue Schmidt, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister, passed away on March 18, 2026 with family by her side at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo. Born on November 5, 1965 in Sturgis, Karen was a beacon of joy and strength throughout her 60 years. Karen’s attended White Pigeon High School and graduated with the class of 1984. Her …

Kenneth “Kenny” Dale Wiley, age 81, of Sturgis, formerly of Shipshewana, died on Monday, March 23, 2026 at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis. He was born on March 19, 1945 in Harts, WV to Clarence and Sylvia (Ramey) Wiley. On September 13, 1969 in Sturgis, he married Judith G. Deroshia.  She died June 12, 2020. Surviving are daughter, Stephanie (Paul) …

Larry A. Seaquist, age 65, of Sturgis, passed away Sunday morning, March 22, 2026, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. He was born June 28, 1960 in Chicago, son of the late Warren Alan and Margaret (Miklos) Seaquist. Larry resided in Sturgis for the past year and a half, coming from Valdosta, Georgia, where he had lived for nine years. …

Kay Marie Holmes, age 81, of Leonidas, passed away at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo on March 18, 2026 after a long illness.  She was born in Durand, MI on January 30, 1945.  Kay attended Hartland High School and was part of the 1963 graduating class.  Following graduation, she married the love of her life, Doug Holmes, on July 19, …

Barbara Jean (Hook) Stafinski, age 93, of Vicksburg, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 4, 2026 at Kairos Dwelling in Kalamazoo. Barb was born in Kalamazoo on November 16, 1932, identical twin daughter of John and Gertrude (Peters) Hook. Barb attended St. Joseph Catholic School and St. Augustine High School in Kalamazoo graduating June 8, 1950. She worked at the …

Mildred “Millie” R. Brown of Vicksburg, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the age of 87. She was born in Constantine on October 18, 1938. She was the daughter of Galvin and Mildred (Kline) Irwin. Millie grew up in Three Rivers with her brother, John. It was a simple life on the farm. The family raised chickens and …

Sharon Kay Hay, age 68, of Three Rivers, passed away Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Three Rivers Health surrounded by her loving family. She was born July 5, 1957 in Three Rivers, the daughter of Eldon and Martha (VanKirk) Irwin, and graduated from Three Rivers High School with the Class of 1975. On August 14, 1976, Sharon married James Hay. …

Christopher David “Dave” Shipe, age 68, of Sturgis, passed away Saturday morning, March 21, 2026, at the home of his nephew in Vicksburg. He was born December 25, 1957 in Sturgis, son of the late Richard Rex and Mary (Gundrum) Shipe. Dave was a lifelong Sturgis resident and a graduate of Sturgis High School with the Class of 1976. On …