Obituaries

Ralph Dazell, age 76, of Cassopolis, died peacefully Thursday, March 21, 2024. His life began March 14, 1948 in Niles, the third of five children born to Wendell and Jean Dazell. Ralph loved riding his motorcycle and sky diving, logging over 500 jumps. He was a member of the National Ski Patrol, Harley Davidson Association, and United Parachute Association. He …

JoAnn Wickey, age 88, of LaGrange, died Saturday, March 16, 2024, at The Waters of LaGrange. She was born on February 14, 1936, in LaGrange to Wilbur and Lela (Hart) Stanner. JoAnn was a homemaker and a member of the LaGrange 1st United Methodist Church. On April 18, 1956, she married Samuel J. Wickey in LaGrange County. He preceded her …

Charles Lee Crotser, age 82, of rural Scotts, went to be with his Lord and Savior on March 20, 2024. He was born in Vicksburg on October 3, 1941 the son of the late Charles Wayne Crotser and Elaine (Fenwick) Crotser. Lee, as he was called, graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School with the class of 1959. He was married …

Michael Lee Elliott, age 80, of Sturgis, passed away February 26, 2024 at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo. He was born October 13, 1943 in Grand Haven, Michigan, son of the late Harvey J and Mary Jane (Zerbe) Elliott. Michael resided in St Joseph County since early childhood, maintaining a Sturgis address for over 50 years. After completing his civil …

Mary Lou Falkenstein, age 88, a lifelong Sturgis resident passed away Thursday, March 21, 2024 at Thurston Woods Villa. She was born July 25, 1935 at Sturgis Hospital to the late Ruby (Woods) and Don Kline. Mary graduated from Sturgis High School with the class of 1953. She graduated from Glen Oaks Community College in 1984 with an Associates Degree …

Nanette Flora Bent, age 96, of Marcellus, passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at her home. She was born February 26, 1928 in Sturgis, the daughter of Raymond and Martha (Gotsch) Pierson, and graduated from Sturgis High School with the class of 1945. On July 26, 1950, Nanette married June Bent. She was a faithful and devoted wife and mother …

Nancy E. Gibbs of Three Rivers, passed away on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at the age of 82. She was born February 14, 1942 in Kalamazoo, a daughter of Carl and Daisy (Harding) Bowman. Nancy graduated from Schoolcraft High School in 1960. She later received her associate degree from Glen Oaks Community College and attended Parson Business School.  In October …

Sallie Gardner died in Three Rivers on March 6, 2024. A celebration of Sallie’s life will be held Saturday, April 13, 2024 from 2:00 to 4:00 at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers.

Cynthia M Tippman, age 65, of White Pigeon, died Friday, March 15, 2024 at Borgess Medical Center. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 PM on Wednesday at the Farrand Funeral Home in White Pigeon. Funeral Services will be at 12:00 Noon Thursday, March 21, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in White Pigeon. Cremation will follow.

Phyllis Andrea Setterblad, age 60, of Sturgis, passed away on February 21, 2024 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. She was born December 16, 1963 in Chicago, daughter of Alf Eric and Patricia Faye (Carr) Setterblad. Phyllis resided in Sturgis since 1970 coming from Chicago. Phyllis was a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1982. …