Obituaries

George E. Koomler, age 91, formerly of Burr Oak and Sturgis, passed away Friday, May 25, 2018, at Caring Circle Nursing Home in Benton Harbor. He was born March 16, 1927, in Waynedale, Ind., a son of the late George C. and Tillie (Kroom) Koomler. George moved to St. Joseph County in 1950 and to Burr Oak in 1966. He …

Gwendolyn Eunice Buys Goodwin McLaughlin, age 97, passed away on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. She was born born on January 21, 1921 in Finley, North Dakota, the twelfth child of Jessie Lossing Buys and Marlin P. Buys. Gwendolyn owned Gwen’s Beauty Shop in Three Rivers for many years. She was also an avid golfer …

Alan Duane Otterson, age 66, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2018, after a difficult illness. Alan was born in Vicksburg, on November 15, 1951.  He graduated from Vicksburg High School, attended Kalamazoo Valley Community College, and served in the US Air Force before marrying his true love, Cathy (Hinz) Otterson, on August 24, 1989.  They …

William Allen, aka “Billy,” “The Blade,” passed away unexpectedly May 22, 2018, in Three Rivers. He was born May 10, 1971, in Bradford, England. He graduated at age 16 and immediately served with the English Army in the Gulf War and Bosnia for seven years. While he lived only for 47 years, he led a very full life. He was …

Barbara Jean Kirsch, age 83, a resident of Jupiter, Fla., died peacefully May 19, 2018. She was born July 30, 1934, in Sturgis, to Arthur and Bernice Sukow Carls. Barbara graduated from Sturgis High School and earned a degree in home economics from Michigan State University. On June 22, 1957, she married Charles Edward Kirsch. Known for her indomitable spirit, Barbara …

Dillon D. Fritz, age 95, a lifelong resident of Sturgis, passed away May 11, 2018, at Doctor’s Retreat Hospital in Richmond, Va. He was born Feb. 18, 1923, in Sturgis, a son of the late Clarence and Edith (Kielkoff) Fritz. Dillon graduated from Sturgis High School with the class of 1942 and entered the U.S. Navy during World War II in December 1942 …

Dr. Nino A. Masnari, distinguished professor of electrical and computer engineering and dean emeritus of the College of Engineering at NC State University, passed away on May 19, 2018 at the age of 82. Born in Three Rivers on September 20, 1935, Nino Antonio Masnari was the second son of Antonio and Giovanna (Lupato) Masnari. He married his college sweetheart, …

Carolyn Sue Masnari, age 74, of Bloomfield Hills, passed away Sunday, May 20, 2018, at William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak. She was born in Yale, June 26,1943, the daughter of the late Ray and Ula (Steinhoff) Elston. Carolyn grew up in a wonderful supportive community on her family farm surrounded by a loving extended family. She was a Yale High …

James S. McDaniel, age 87, of Seymour, IN died at 8:55 p.m. May 19, 2018, at Schneck Medical Center in Seymour. James was born July 4, 1930, in Columbus, IN the son of John and Lavera Thornburg McDaniel.  He married Virginia M. Proffitt June 18, 1955, and she preceded him in death May 18, 2016. He retired as a letter …

Richard A. Hopkins, age 98, of Sturgis, passed away Monday afternoon, May 21, 2018, at Three Rivers Health, with his children at his side. He was born May 19, 1920, in Sturgis, a son of the late Arthur A. and Florence Abbey) Hopkins. Dick resided most of his life in Sturgis and was a graduate of Sturgis High School with …