Obituaries

Norma J. Knautz, age 92, became an angel on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. Born in Chicago on July 2, 1928, Norma Jeanne Johnson was an only child but was close to many of her cousins. After graduating from Roosevelt High School and spending time at the University of Illinois, she earned the nickname, “Stormy Normie”. It was during this time …

Ellen Beth Freeland, age 94, passed away on August 19, 2020 at the home of her daughter’s home, Patti Robertson, in Venice, Florida. She was born in Sturgis on July 17, 1926 to Charles (Mac) and Vera (Brown) McBride, joining her brother Fred McBride and many relatives. Ellen Beth lived in Sturgis most of her life, graduating from Sturgis High …

Lester Dale Noel, age 81, of Mendon, died Friday, May 6, 2021 at his home. He was born in Vicksburg on January 31, 1940 the son of Virgil and Dorothy Noel. Lester graduated from Vicksburg High School. After high school, he worked for 39 years as a Mold Setter at the Haas Corporation later known as the Lear Corporation. On …

George Elwin “Georgie” Rupert, age 85, of Three Rivers, died Friday, June 25, 2021 at his home. He was born in Schoolcraft on Sept. 9, 1936 the son of Elwin and Charlotte (Hunnel) Rupert and was a lifetime resident of the area. For the past 36 years he was cared for by his nephew Paul Romig and his wife, Barbara. …

Cathy Sue Miller, age 67, of Sturgis, went to be with the Lord on Friday, June 25, 2021 at her home.  Cathy was born in Sturgis on May 13, 1954, a daughter of F. Keith and Doris (Knauss) Borgert.  She attended Nottawa and Centreville Public Schools, graduating in 1972.  After high school, Cathy received her Associate’s Degree from Glen Oaks …

Mary Ruth Bronstetter, age 95, of Constantine, passed away on Friday, June 25, 2021 at her daughter’s home.   Mary was born in Florence Township on January 16, 1926, a daughter of Leslie and Edna (Wright) Featherstone. Mary attended the Masterman’s school house on the corner of Featherstone and Lutz Roads. On August 15, 1943, she married Alfred Bronstetter in …

Madeleine Jean Patricia (Murphy) Parker, age 85, of Sturgis, passed away Wednesday afternoon, June 2, 2021 at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis. She was born November 22, 1935 in Sturgis, daughter of the late The Rev. Robert J. and Marion (Cannon) Murphy. Madeleine’s father was the Chaplin at Howe Military School for many years. She was a lifelong resident of …

Judith Ann “Judy” Bickel, age 74, of Three Rivers, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 24, 2021. She was born in Chesaning, MI on Oct. 2, 1946 the daughter of James and Doris (Jones) House and later graduated from Chesaning High School. She worked for over 20 years at True Heat in Allegan and most recently as …

Shelley R. Connors, age 77, of Foster City, California passed away Sunday morning, June 20, 2021 at her favorite place in the entire world, her home on Klinger Lake. She was born January 22, 1944 in Hinsdale, Illinois daughter of the late Milton A. and Margaret Ann (Saxby) Rusteen. Shelley resided in California for over 40 years. She also lived …

Paul Smedziuk, age 71, of Three Rivers, passed away at his home early on Friday, June 4, 2021. Paul was born August 1, 1949 in Rhine, Germany. Smedziuk leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Esther; sons, Sean and Jeremy Smedziuk; brothers Pete, Henry, and Nick Smedziuk; sisters Maria, Zenka, Anna and Lena; grandchildren Haidyn, Noah, Makenna, and fur grandbaby …