Obituaries

Chris Schwartz, Jr., age 85, of Sturgis, passed away surrounded by his family at 10:45 pm, on Monday, June 10, 2024 at his son’s home in Nappanee. He was born on November 23, 1938, in Crawford County, PA, to Chris Sr. and Elizabeth “Lizzy” (Hostetler) Schwartz. On June 21, 1959, in Findley, MI, he married Edna Irene Bontrager, she died …

Elizabeth Lee Kent née Beam of Schoolcraft, passed away on June 8, 2024 at the age of 79. Her life can best be described by thinking as she did, with the eye of an artist. Betsy lived a life as full as a painter’s pallet. Family, friends, education, and career were her primary colors and artistic pursuits, gardening and travel …

Dr. Paul Michael Blank, DDS, was born on April 6, 1961 in Grand Rapids, the son of George and Mary Lou Blank. He passed away unexpectedly on May 14, 2024 at the age of 63, as a result of an earlier cardiac event. He was preceded in death by his parents. Paul graduated from Creston High School, Grand Rapids Junior …

Lee Alan Austermann, age 88, passed away at home with his wife and children at his bedside on Thursday morning, June 13, 2024. He was born April 30, 1936 in Chicago to Leon and Helen (Smith) Austermann. They moved to Three Rivers when he was nine, where he attended school through graduation. He joined the Air Force where he served …

Jack Ford Pearson, age 80, of Three Rivers, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 14, 2024, at his home with his wife at his side after a long and courageous fight with Parkinson’s Disease. Remaining to cherish Jack’s memory are his loving wife, Eileen Livanec; children, Jody (David) Young, Jaime (Anthony) Orlando and Kate (Ross) Marshman; grandchildren, Abigail Young, Chase …

Caroline Rose (Hoeft) Modrzynski died on June 3, 2024 at the age of 93.  She was born on July 27, 1930, the only child of Agnes Susan (Klingshirn) and Charles Henry Hoeft of Rogers City, Michigan. She attended St. Ignatius Catholic School in Rogers City and Siena Heights in Adrian (boarding school) and graduated from Rogers City High School in …

Betty Jean Garrison, age 97, of Three Rivers, passed away peacefully in her sleep Thursday, June 13, 2024 at LakeHouse Three Rivers. She was born October 1, 1926 in Three Rivers, the daughter of Arthur C. and Irene (Fox) Acker, and graduated from Three Rivers High School with the Class of 1945. Betty was a dedicated employee of four decades …

Steven Ray Bowerman, age 71, of Niles, died peacefully on Friday, June 14, 2024, in the comfort of his family’s presence. His life began October 27, 1952 in Paducah, Kentucky, the only child born to Nelson and Mildred Bowerman. Steven cherished his family and grandchildren.  They were his world.  He was an avid golfer and bowler.  He was a social …

John A. Barrows, age 85, of Sturgis, died Monday, June 10, 2024, at his residence. He was born on March 10, 1939, in Orland, IN to Charles W. and Jessie (Fields) Barrows. John was a graduate of Orland High School. He started farming at a young age and farmed until 1985, to pursue a career in construction. He would do …

Marlene Rochelle Moore Gilger, age 53, passed away peacefully on June 6th, 2024 at home. She was born on March 26th, 1971 in Three Rivers to Jack and Virgina Moore. She was a beloved resident of Murray, KY and leaves lasting touches in both her community and many more around the country. She married Bob Gilger on Nov 11,1995, and …