Obituaries

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” Psalm 23:1 These eight simple, yet lasting words have been woven into the fabric of the life of Kathy Jane Rynberg, age 68, of Sturgis. On Wednesday, July 29, 2020; the skies teemed down bittersweet tears as this cherished daughter of God triumphantly traded her ashes in for beauty and returned home …

Nila Jean Sass, age 88, of Three Rivers, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, July 27, 2020 surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her son, Ken (Cheryl) Sass and daughter, Debbie Sass; grandchildren, Kyle (Jessica Noel) Sass and Mallory (Cole Ventrone) Sass; great grandchildren, Morgan, Joslyn, Kami, Kian, Maverik, and Caysee; sister, Trudy Szpyrka. No public …

Marjorie A. Torres, age 91, of Colon, passed away Saturday, July 25, 2020 at Advantage Living Center in Battle Creek. Cremation has taken place and there are no services planned at this time. Arrangements by Schipper Funeral Home.

Beulah Mae Mader, age 84, of Three Rivers, passed away Tuesday, July 28, 2020at Bowman Place of Three Rivers. Beulah was born on June 28, 1936 in Mendon, to Charles and Laura (Yunker) Crotser. A lifetime resident of St. Joseph County, Beulah was a homemaker and an avid softball player, who played from childhood until age 70. She attended Howardsville …

Kirk Allen Mesler, age 55, of Sturgis, passed away Monday afternoon, July 27, 2020 at his home. He was born November 7, 1964 in Sturgis, son of the late Harry Madison and Judith Ann (Poorman) Mesler. Kirk resided most of his life in Sturgis and was a graduate of Sturgis High School. He had been employed by Burr Oak Tool …

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 …