Obituaries

Rosemary H. (Miller) Hochstetler, age 77 years, 2 months, and 7 days, passed away on Monday, February 12, 2024 at her residence, after being bedfast for 2 months. She was born December 5, 1946, in Sturgis, a daughter to the late Henry J. and Susie (Bontrager) Miller. On March 9, 1967, she married Raymond D. Hochstetler. They lived in matrimony …

Carl R. Hawn, age 84, of Constantine, died Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at Elkhart General Hospital after a brief illness. He was born June 16, 1939 in  Ligonier , a son of George and Ethel (Smith) Hawn. Carl graduated from Cromwell High School in 1957.He worked at the Ford garage in Constantine, later going to the foundry in White Pigeon, …

Anna V. St. John, age 93, of Sturgis, passed away Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo. She was born August 13, 1930 in Lycoming County, PA a daughter to the late Alvin and Leona (Lyons) Milheim. Anna was first married to Irvin Ryder on Aug. 4, 1950. He preceded her in death Feb. 11, 1974. She then …

Clifford Louis Miller, known by many as Butch, passed away on Monday, February 5, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of adventure, kindness, and a great sense of humor. Born on June 25, 1940, in Battle Creek, to parents Clifford and Edna Miller, Cliff lived a remarkable life enriched with diverse experiences. He attended Vicksburg Community Schools and proudly graduated from …

Dale J. Lafler age 66, of Sherwood, Michigan passed away on Sunday, February 6, 2024, at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital. Dale was born on May 29, 1957, in Vicksburg, a son to the late James Lafler and Theresa (Kirchenbauer) Weinberg. Dale was a graduate of Union City High School. On April 26, 1979, Dale married his wife of 44 years, …

Robert Fred Weitting, age 89, of Sturgis, passed away Wednesday morning, February 7, 2024 at Thurston Woods Villa in Sturgis. He was born November 1, 19324 in Sherman Township, Michigan son of the late Fred and Josephine (Rambadt) Weitting. Bob was a lifelong Sturgis resident. On August 30, 1963 he married Susie Ellen Miller at the First Baptist Church in …

James F. Bennitt, age 75, went to be with his Lord Monday, February 5, 2024. He was born August 1, 1948 to Edgar and Helene in Muskegon. He is survived by his wife of 55 years Mary and three children, Amy Bennitt, Barbara (Daniel) Nees & their children Phoenix and Alexander James, and Steven (Katie) Bennitt and their children Evelyn …

Paul Winkleman Jr. of Sturgis, passed away in Benzonia, Michigan on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at the age of 57. Paul was an auto body painter most of his life. He started at Grumon Olsen and finished his career at Frohriep Auto Body in Sturgis. He loved sports, especially football and basketball. He had many memorabilia of the rock band …

James W. Oman, age 91, of Sturgis, passed away Sunday morning, February 4, 2024 at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis. He was born November 20, 1932 in Sturgis, son of the late George and Alma (Kline) Oman. Jim was a lifelong Sturgis resident and graduate of Sturgis High School with the class or 1950. On October 6, 1956 he married …

Allen William Smith, age 83, of Sturgis, passed away Monday, Feb. 5, 2024 at Thurston Woods Village. He was born Oct. 3, 1940 in Owosso, MI a son to the late William D. and Freida D. (Kline) Smith. Allen has been a resident of Sturgis since moving here from Rochester Hills, MI in 2012. Surviving are a brother: David Lee …