Obituaries

Dennis M. Cristofaro, age 77, of Colon, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, November 21, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born on September 21, 1948 in Chicago to the late Mike and Helen (Pytko) Cristofaro, Dennis was a man deeply rooted in faith and community. He graduated from Mendel Catholic High School with the Class of 1966 and …

Erica Jordan (Smith) Dettmar, age 25, of Vandalia, walked into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 9:44 a.m.  Erica was born on May 4th, 2000 in Sturgis, the daughter of John & Rebecca (Huffman) Smith. Erica graduated from Constantine High School in 2019. On October 5th, 2025, she married the love of her life, Isaiah Dettmar …

Wilson L. Slentz, age 85, of LaGrange, passed away on Friday, November 21, 2025, at his residence.  He was born on February 27, 1940 in Hartford City, Indiana, to Ruth Eugenia (Slentz) Flatter. Wilson was a 1958 graduate of Hartford City High School. After graduation, he served in the Indiana National Guard. On December 17, 1960, he married the love …

Kenneth Roy Gorham, age 71, of Burr Oak, passed away on Monday, November 17, 2025, surrounded by family who feel the deep sadness of his sudden absence. Born on October 4, 1954 in Battle Creek, Ken attended Battle Creek Central High School. His life was shaped by work, faith, and the kind of confidence that comes with knowing who you …

Michael Donald Foley, age 71, of Sturgis, passed away Thursday morning, November 20, 2025, at his home. He was born on May 29, 1954 in Youngstown, Ohio, son of the late Edgar Alphonso and Helen Geraldine (McCoy) Foley. Mike had made Sturgis his home for many years, coming from Youngstown, Ohio. On March 1, 2014, he married Kris Matthews in …

Charles David “Dave” Rains, age 72, of Three Rivers, passed away on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at his home in Three Rivers. Born on February 15, 1953 in White County, Arkansas, he was the son of Charles Emerson and Bonnie Jewel (Jones) Rains. Dave spent his early childhood in Arkansas before his family moved to Decatur, Michigan, where he graduated …

Robert Vern Millard, age 70, of Three Rivers, passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, in Kalamazoo after battling a long illness.  He was born in Vicksburg on October 13, 1955, the son of Winston and Roberta (Howe) Millard.  Bob attended Mendon High School and was part of the notorious class of 1973.  Following high school, he attended Bob Jones …

Nolan Jay Hanson, born on November 26, 1959, beloved son, husband, brother, uncle, and friend, went to Heaven on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, after a 9 month fight with his health.  He was 65 years old.  Nolan attended Colon High School and was part of the 1979 graduating class.  He worked at the Colon Schools Bus Garage (his favorite job) …

Gary J. Mecklenburg, age 88, of Sturgis, passed away Monday afternoon, November 17, 2025, at Thurston Woods Village, surrounded by his family. Born March 3, 1937 in Sturgis, to Julius C. “Judy” and Evelyn F. (Free) Mecklenburg, Gary was a lifelong resident and a proud graduate of Sturgis High School, class of 1956. On September 23, 1961, he married the …

Susan Kay Roberts, age 73, of Three Rivers, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2025 at Edgewood Health & Rehabilitation. Born on November 27, 1951 in Three Rivers, Susan was the beloved daughter of Dickie and Florence (Walters) Roberts. She attended and graduated from Three Rivers Community Schools and following graduation, Susan built a successful career in management within the …