Obituaries

Joanne M. Deihl, age 76, of Centreville, passed away on Thursday, March 1, 2018 at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. She was born in Coldwater on August 8, 1941, a daughter of Roy Birch and Dorothy Dodge. Joanne graduated from Coldwater High School in 1959. After high school, she obtained her nursing degree at the Coldwater Hospital, where she worked for …

Stewart M. Nickell, age 72, of Portage, formerly of Constantine, passed away on Thursday, March 1, 2018 at Borgess Medical Center. He was born in Sturgis on August 2, 1945, a son of R. Dale and Elizabeth “Betty” (Stewart) Nickell. Stewart’s family grew up in Constantine, moved to Ridgway, CO, and finally to Brookings, OR where he graduated from High …

Alan D. Myers, age 71, of Sandston, Va., and formerly of Colon, passed away on Monday, Feb. 26, 2018, at McGuire VA Medical Center Hospice in Richmond, Va. He was born Dec, 17, 1946, in Sturgis, a son of the late Ivan and Vyrl Myers of Colon. Alan graduated from Colon High School in 1964 and went to DeVry University …

Renee Robin Granzotto, age 58, of Three Rivers, passed away suddenly on Sunday, February 25th, 2018. She was born on October 11th, 1959 in Sturgis, to Arthur “Sam” and Catherine “Kay” (Stump) Roberts. Renee graduated from Three Rivers High School with the class of 1978. She later attended Glen Oaks Community College. In 1983 Renee was united in marriage to …

Robert Earl Drew of Kenilworth, Illinois. (November 22, 1930 – February 3, 2018). Eagle Scout. Born November 22, 1930 at Ravenswood Hospital, Chicago Illinois to Colleen and Leslie Drew. Robert attended New Trier High School, Winnetka, IL graduating in 1948. Robert or Bob as most of his friends called him, entered the University of Illinois, Urbana, in 1948, and graduated …

Yvonne Ann “Bonnie” Church, age 79, of Sturgis, passed away late Sunday evening, Feb. 25, 2018, at her home. She was born Jan. 22, 1939, in Sturgis, a daughter of the late James and Marjorie (Echlin) Hansen. Yvonne was a lifelong Sturgis resident and a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class or 1958. On Jan. 14, 1984, she …

Eli T. Miller, infant son of Tobias and Erma (Yoder) Miller, passed away Monday, Feb. 26, 2018, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. Eli was born Feb. 21, 2018, at his home in Colon. He is survived by his parents, Tobias and Erma Miller of Colon; a sister, Leah; brothers Edwin and Elam, at home; grandparents Edwin and Amelia Sue …

Stephen Francis Shank, age 50, a lifelong resident of the White Pigeon area, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, at his home. Stephen is survived by his parents; and siblings Carrie Shank and Andrew Shank, both of White Pigeon, and Michael A. Shank of Grand Rapids. He also is survived by a niece, Madeline Shank; and a nephew, Michael …

James L. Saxman, age 75, of Leonidas, passed away Sunday, Feb. 25, 2018, at his home, following three years of failing health. Jim was born Dec. 11, 1942, in Battle Creek, a son of the late Wesley H. and Gertrude C. (Cooley) Saxman. Jim lived most of his life in the Leonidas area, graduating from Colon High School with the …

Linda K. Buel, age 72, Constantine, passed away on Sunday, February 25, 2018. She was born in Three Rivers on May 11, 1945, daughter of Reuben and Irma “Irene” (Dowty) Arnold. Linda graduated from Constantine Public Schools in 1963 and later obtained her accounting certification. Linda married Franklin McDaniel on June 22, 1963; they were later divorced. On July 2, …