Obituaries

Julie Delynn Lint, age 53, of Sturgis, passed away on December 12, 2025, while being comforted by the love of her family. Julie was born on August 18, 1972 in Kalamazoo, the beloved daughter of the late Michael E. Mason and Betsy M. (Frumau) Thompson. With the passing of her Dad at the young age of 6, she was raised …

Emily JoAnn (Leeds) Shearer, born August 4, 1953, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 1, 2026 at the age of 72. She was a woman whose hands were rarely still and whose heart was always full. A devoted member of her quilting, rug hooking, and spinning groups, she found joy and connection in creating beauty alongside …

Jacob Randall Holdeman, age 45, of Cassopolis, went home to be with his Savior, Saturday, December 27, 2025 in the comfort of his family’s presence. His life began March 2, 1980 in Goshen, Indiana the middle of three children born to John and Janell Holdeman. He married Nicole L. Mansfield August 1, 2009 in Elkhart. Jake was devoted to his …

Charles W. Watson, age 67, of Coldwater, died on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at Lutheran Hospital in Ft Wayne. He was born March 4, 1958 in Three Rivers, a son of Olan and Doris (Krull) Watson. Charles graduated from Constantine High School in 1976 and received his Bachelor’s degree in broadcast electronic technology from Ferris State University in 1979. Charles …

Pamela Kay Penninger, age 78, of Sturgis, died on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at Skaggs Assisted Living in Burr Oak. She was born February 3, 1947 in Elkhart, a daughter of Robert and Phyllis (Funkhouser) Hudson. Pam graduated from Jimtown High School in Elkhart. On July 25, 1970 she married John Penninger, Sr at Northside Baptist Church in Elkhart. He …

Jerry Lynn Culp of Portage, passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the age of 82. Born to Edgar and Margaret Culp on October 30, 1943, he grew up on Donnell Lake in Vandalia. Jerry was inspired by a teacher in elementary school to become a teacher. After graduating from Cassopolis High School in 1962, he attended Western Michigan …

Christine M Carper, age 67, of White Pigeon, died on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at her home. She was born on April 8, 1958 in Three Rivers, the Daughter of Gene and Suzanne (Thaden) Carper. She was a resident of White Pigeon most of her life. She was employed in trailer manufacturing. Christine is survived by her Children:  Jeffrey (Melissa) …

Charles N Lane, age 60, of Sturgis, died at  home on Monday, December 29, 2025.He was born on September 28, 1965 in Three Rivers, the Son of Charles B and Carma I (Kelley) Lane. Charles was a graduate of Western Michigan University and employed as an Accounting Supervisor for Lake Park Industries in Shipshewana. He was a resident of Sturgis …

John Livingstone McCartney, age 70, passed away at his home in Colon on Sunday, December 28, 2025, having lived a life of integrity and graciousness. John was born on February 22, 1955 to Virginia (Francis) and Richard McCartney. In 1988 he married Valerie J. Schwartz. They and their children, Amanda and Alex, carved a creative and enjoyable life. Together, John …

Harriet Mae Knight, age 93, of Sturgis, passed away peacefully Sunday afternoon, December 28, 2025, at the Ernestine M. Raclin House in Mishawaka. She was born November 17, 1932 in Ravenna, Ohio, the daughter of the late Vincent and Lucille (Ringley) Ward. Harriet made Sturgis her home for the past 60 years, after moving from Ohio. On January 14, 1967, …