Obituaries

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 …

Sherry Lynn Leonard, age 73, of Three Rivers, passed away on January 5, 2026 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born October 11, 1952 in Muskegon, the daughter of George M. and Norma Jean (Moseley) Leonard, and graduated from Orchard View High School with the Class of 1971. Sherry worked various jobs in Muskegon, but her …

Carolyn Emma Breece, age 94, of Three Rivers, passed away peacefully at Optalis Health and Rehabilitation in Three Rivers on Saturday, January 10, 2026. She was born on July 6, 1931 in Three Rivers, the daughter of Olin Raymond and Elivo Heath (Clark) Reames. Carolyn was a lifelong resident of the Three Rivers area. In March of 1948, she married …

Norma Jean (Lausch) Kruger, age 92, of Marcellus, went to be with her Lord Saturday, January 10, 2026 at her home. She was born December 5, 1933 in Berrien Springs, the daughter of Herbert and Arlie Lausch. On December 17, 1949, Norma married Paul Kurt Kruger Jr., whom she met while helping his family on their fruit farm. Together, the …