Obituaries

Dale Henry Tavernier, age 79, of Three Rivers passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, May 23, 2016 at his home.  He was born in Three Rivers on July 9, 1936 the son of Chester and Lillian (Zerby) Tavernier. Dale was a graduate of Three Rivers High School.  He served in the National Guard for eight years.  Dale …

Janice Louise Sherry, age 78, died on Monday, May 23, 2016. Funeral arrangements are pending at Hohner Funeral Home.

Caleb Timothy Kroeger, infant son of Pastor Scott and Ruth Kroeger of Colon, passed away shortly after birth at Sturgis Hospital. In addition to his parents, he is survived by five siblings, William, James, Ellen, Faith and David Kroeger; grandmother Martha Kroeger and grandfather Brian Gerboth; and several uncles and aunts. He was preceded in death by grandmother Beverly Gerboth; …

Justine Ann Palenick, age 61, of Sturgis, passed away Friday, May 20, 2016, from complications of C.O.P.D. at the Sturgis Hospital. She was born Aug. 31, 1954, in Three Rivers, a daughter to the late Al and Mary (Sedlacek) Palenick. Justine graduated from Constantine High School and resided most of her life in the Constantine and Sturgis area. She was …

Frances (Fran) Hanachek, age 87, of Colon, passed away Sunday, May 22, 2016, at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis. Fran was born April 14, 1929, in Chicago, a daughter to the late Theodore and Jennie (Meyers) Bronkema. On Jan. 24, 1948, she married Michael P. Hanachek in Chicago. He preceded her in death on Oct. 3, 2001. Fran had made …

Paula Langdon Stump, age 72, of Colon, and formerly of Sherwood, passed away on Sunday, May 22, 2016. Visitations will be Wednesday, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Schipper Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Thursday, May 26, 2016 at 11 a.m. from the funeral home.

James L. Bedell, age 72, of Klinger Lake, died Friday, May 20, 2016 at his home following a battle with cancer. He was born October 9, 1943 in Durand, MI a son of LaVerne and Almehda (VanAuken) Bedell. Jim graduated from Saginaw Arthur Hill High School in 1961. He served in the US Navy from 1961 – 1963.  On February 4, …

Alva Bontrager, 82, of Centreville, died Thursday, May 19, 2016, at his home. Mr. Bontrager was born March 21, 1934, in St. Joseph County, to William N. and Lydia Ann (Miller) Bontrager. Living his lifetime in St. Joseph County and LaGrange County, Ind., he was a member of the Old Order Amish Church. He was a farmer for many years. …

Wilma May Holtom, age 89, of Three Rivers passed away on Thursday, April 28, 2016 at her home surrounded by her family.  She was born in Flowerfield Twp, MI on December 14, 1926 the daughter of Wilmer and Nanny Kipker. Wilma enjoyed camping with family & friends and also reading, crocheting, and quilting. She was preceded in death by her …

 Sandra Kay Swihart, age 72, of Three Rivers went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at Borgess Medical Center. She was born on September 30, 1943 in Ypsilanti, MI the daughter of the late C. L. and Verladene (Beldin) Goodwill. Sandie graduated Three Rivers High School with the Class of 1961. On February 14, 1987 she …