Obituaries

Gerald Adolph Kopraski, age 75. of Leonidas. died early Monday. Feb. 28, 2022 at Three Rivers Health following a long illness. He was born in Amsterdam, New York on June 7, 1946 the son of the late Adolph Anthony Kapraski and Frances Marion (Zirgules) Kopraski. He graduated from St. Mary’s Institute in Amsterdam in 1964. He received his Associate Degree …

Leon Thomas Gilbert, age 75, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, February 27, 2022, at Sturgis Hospital. Leon was born on October 25, 1946, in Three Rivers, a son to the late Leon and Jean (Dunck) Gilbert. Leon graduated from Colon High School with the class of 1964. On June 29, 1999, Leon married Margaret “Peggy” Scholl in LaGrange. Leon is …

Lois E Earl, age 70, of White Pigeon. died on Friday, February 25, 2022 in Tuscon, Arizona. She was born on April 12, 1951 in Sturgis, the daughter of Orrin V and Mary Ellen (lunger) Bennett. She lived in White Pigeon all of her life and was a graduate of White Pigeon High School in 1969. Employed at White Pigeon …

In as much as she gave, Susan Kipker was loved abundantly and cherished in the hearts of many. It was so easy to love Susan with her positive demeanor, loving ways, and giving heart. Susan defined the meaning of devoted wife, dedicated mother, doting grandmother, and loyal friend. Many counted her as their best friend, and her listening heart and …

Elizabeth Anne “Betty” Cooper, age 71, of Three Rivers, passed away Monday, February 28, 2022 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. She was born January 26, 1951 in Marshall, the daughter of Albert and Opal (Humphries) Curtis. On February 19, 1971, Betty married David Cooper. Betty worked as a manager at McDonald’s for more than 30 years. She also volunteered …

Harold Martin “Marty” Dills, age 67, of Sturgis, passed away Sunday morning, February 27, 2022 at Memorial Hospital in South Bend. He was born May 28, 1954 in Hammond, Indiana son of the late Harold and Juanita (Fryar) Dills. Marty resided in Sturgis since 1996 coming from Lake County, Indiana. In 1998 Marty met his partner in life, Lisa Anselmo …

Charles Arno McClish of Vicksburg, passed away on Sunday, February 27, 2022, at the age of 76. He was born in Battle Creek on October 8, 1945, the son of Arno and Wilma McClish. He spent his childhood in Battle Creek until the age of 14, when his family moved to Colon. Following high school he worked as a farm …

Patrick Edward Schoetzow, age 64, of Marcellus, passed away Friday, February 25, 2022 in Paw Paw. He was born in Dowagiac on January 10, 1958 the son of Patrick Schoetzow and Shirley Marie McNeal Schoetzow. Patrick was a construction worker, working many years for himself. He graduated from Constantine High School. Patrick enjoyed snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, woodworking, and making cabinets.  …

Gordon Roger Meyer, age 91, of Sturgis, passed away Friday, Feb. 25, 2022 at Thurston Woods Villa. He was born Sept. 10, 1930 in Eagle Point, WI a son to the late George Otto and Dagmar Florence (Nelson) Meyer. Gordon graduated from high school in Oconomowoc, WI with the class of 1948. He graduated from Tri-State (now Trine University) in …

James M. Kelly, age 84, of Goshen, and formerly of Howe, IN died Thursday, February 24, 2022, at his home. Jim was born on October 8, 1937 to Ralph A and Marguerite (Doll) Kelly in Sturgis. His family owned and operated Locust Lane Jersey Farms. Jim took over dairy distribution in 1964 and went on to be co-owner with his …