Obituaries

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 …

Jane Elizabeth (Ellinger) Yoder, age 83, of Sturgis, passed away unexpectedly Sunday evening, February 4, 2024 at her home. She was born February 11, 1940 in Toledo, daughter of the late H. Clay and Helen (Swinehart) Ellinger. On September 2, 1961 she married Eli Yoder, Jr. in Connersville, Indiana. They then attended Ball State University together in Muncie before settling …

Dennis E. “Denny” Eagan, age 84, of Sturgis, passed away Saturday afternoon, February 3, 2024 at his home. He was born March 9, 1939 in Sturgis, son of the late Richard and Lois (Holtz) Eagan. Denny resided most of his life in Sturgis resident and a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1957. On June 7, 1974 …

Dessie Clerece Wyatt, age 68, of Burr Oak, passed away early Monday evening, February 5, 2024 at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo. She was born May 7, 1955 in Sturgis, daughter of the late Charles and Dessie (Keith) Krontz. Dessie resided in Burr Oak since 1973 and graduated from Sturgis Public Schools Adult Education Program in 1973. On October 27, …

Paula Marie Coomer, age 75, of Mendon, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 6, 2024. She was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on January 28, 1949 the daughter of Gerald R. and Ellamaree (Maxim) Meyer. She attended Centreville Schools, where she later earned her GED. She went on to complete her Associates Degree at Glen Oaks Community College. Paula was married …