Obituaries

Joshua David Batten, age 31, of Mendon, completed his earthly journey on Friday, July 24, 2020 while vacationing with his family in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Josh’s passing was unexpected and has left a hole in the hearts of the numerous people who were blessed to call Josh their loved one and dearest friend. Josh was born on June 23, 1989 …

Travis Walter Robert Hewitt, age 35, a lifelong resident of Sturgis, passed away unexpectedly at home on Thursday, July 23, 2020. He was born April 12, 1985 in Sturgis, a son to John and Linda (Pierce) Hewitt. Travis had been employed at Atlantic Packaging in Sturgis and he enjoyed anything to do with computers, gaming, breaking codes, and even building …

Allen L. Hook, age 35, of Sturgis, passed away unexpectedly Monday, July 20, 2020, at the Sturgis Hospital emergency room. He was born Oct. 11, 1984, in Kalamazoo, a son of Harry Hook and Cheryl Chapman. Allen has resided in Constantine, Mendon and Sturgis all his life and had been employed by Markline Industries, Forest River, Clayton Homes and currently …

Wendy Sue Birkhold, age 54, of Centreville, died while surrounded by her family on Friday, July 24, 2020 at her home. She was born in Kalamazoo on Nov. 17, 1965 the daughter of Michael and Susan (Dolhay) Birkhold, Sr. She attended Comstock and Portage Northern Schools and has resided in St. Joseph County the past 30 years. Wendy provided cleaning …

Dr. Ilze K. Schwartz, age 85, of Three Rivers, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, July 22, 2020. Ilze Knezinskis was born May 22, 1935 in Aluksne, Latvia, the only daughter of Dr. Jekabs and Zenta (Strautzels) Knezinskis. Along with so many others, the family fled after the Soviet Occupation during World War II, arriving at a Displaced Persons’ Camp …

Annmarie E. Freeland, age 74, a longtime Kalamazoo resident passed away Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at The Fountains at Bronson Place. She was born January 17, 1946 in Westfield, Massachusetts a daughter to the late Glenn and Edith Price. Annmarie received her Master’s Degree from Western Michigan University and had worked for the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners and the …

Wava Jean Watson, age 95, passed away from this life into the arms of her Loving Savior at 1:00 A.M., Tuesday, July 21, 2020. Her death was caused by heart failure. She was a loving mom and grandma. She was born Wava Jean Large on January 18, 1925 in Sturgis. Preceding her in death were her husband Herbert, her parents: …

Allen W. Houck, age 86, of Sturgis, passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at Ascension Borgess Hospital. Allen was born on October 10, 1933 in Sturgis, a son to the late Ernest and Freida (Holtz) Houck. Allen attended Sturgis High School. Once Allen separated from the United States Air Force he settled back in Sturgis and would live the rest …

Bruce Olin Luck, age 67, of Kalkaska, passed away on Tuesday, July 21, 2020, in Traverse City. He was born Sept. 23, 1952, to the late Arnold and Helen (Roddy) Luck in Sturgis. Bruce was not a stranger to hard work, having worked most of his life for Grumman Olson and American Axle. After retirement, Bruce moved to Kalkaska to …

Ernest Thomas Erdos Sr., age 82, of Three Rivers, went peacefully to be with his Lord surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at Grace Healthcare. Ernie was born on January 5, 1938 in Hammond, LA, the son of the late Joseph and Margaret (Bruzcka) Erdos. Mr. Erdos proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during …