Obituaries

Jeffrey Eugene Lantz, age 69, of Three Rivers, died on March 29, 2025. His life began November 2, 1955 in Elkhart, the eldest of two children born to William and Connie Lantz. Jeffrey served honorably for six years in the United States Army. He was athletic and enjoyed bicycle riding, as well as being an avid vegetable gardener. Jeffrey will …

Scotty Edwin Peterson, age 53, of Three Rivers, passed away Friday, June 13, 2025 at Three Rivers Health. He was born October 31, 1971 in Decatur, the son of Robert E. and Judith M. (Beischl) Peterson. Scotty attended Kalamazoo Central High School and later earned his GED. While in high school he enjoyed singing in the school chorus and the …

Louis Earl Tefft, age 81, of Leonidas, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Kairos Dwelling in Kalamazoo. Louis was born on July 24, 1943 in Centreville, the son of the late Guy Gould and Maxine Marie (Hammond) Tefft. He graduated from Colon High School with the Class of 1962. Louis worked for 33 years at Kellogg in …

Mary Ruby Lego, age 90, of Three Rivers, passed away Monday, June 16, 2025 at Edgewood Health and Rehabilitation. She was born March 18, 1935 in Constantine, the daughter of Ralph and Emma (Rhoda) Arnold, and graduated from Three Rivers High School. She loved her animals and flowers. She worked at the old rubber company and later IKA/Eaton for many …

Brooke Taylor Cross, age 32, of Three Rivers, went to heaven Monday, June 16, 2025. She was born April 8, 1993 in Three Rivers. She was a big blessing to her parents Clay and Roxanne (Conde) Cross. Brooke graduated from Howardsville Christian School with the Class of 2011. She was currently going to college to become a teacher. She grew …

Patrick Thomas Blair, age 60, of Union, passed away Monday, June 16, 2025 at his home. He was born March 12, 1965 in Gary, IN, a son of John and Rosemary (Reinerth) Blair. Patrick graduated from Hobart High School in 1983. He continued his education at Vincennes University, the first college in Indiana, where he obtained a degree in Horticulture …

Betty Lou Kipker-Chase, age 90, of Three Rivers, passed away Sunday, June 15, 2025 at Bronson Methodist Hospital with family at her side. She was born November 4, 1934 to Clyde and Bernice Bowers, and at the age of 10 was lovingly adopted by Clarence and Mary Dickerson. She graduated from Niles High School with the class of 1954. On …

Helen Marie Waltke, age 87, of Sturgis, passed away surrounded by her family at her home on Sunday, June 15, 2025. Helen was born on July 27, 1937 in Colon, the daughter of the late John and Violet (West) Wondergem. She graduated from Colon High School with the Class of 1955 and was a lifelong resident of the Colon and …

Janet C. Brueck, age 85, of Sturgis, passed away Sunday evening, June 15, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born April 25, 1940 in Sturgis, daughter of the late Marion and Frances (Vandercoy) Hopkins. Janet was a lifelong Sturgis resident. On May 26, 1962, she married Rolland Eugene Brueck at Sturgis Wesleyan Church, and spent …

Mary L. Cronkhite, age 93, of Burr Oak, went to be with her Lord and Savior Saturday evening, June 14, 2025, at her home. She was born February 24, 1932, daughter of the late Leo and Elizabeth (Nussbaum) Currier. Mary was a lifelong Burr Oak area resident and lived in the current family home since the spring of 1968. She …