Obituaries

Earnest Lee Canada, Sr., age 70, of Sturgis, Michigan entered the earthly gates on January 14, 1939 in Drew, Mississippi. The loving son of father and grandfather entered the heavenly gates on September 6, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. at the Sturgis Hospital Emergency after what doctors believe to be a stroke. Earnest enjoyed his 70 years of life, fishing, playing …

Warren Daniel (Beck) Bachtel, 83, of White Pigeon, Mich., died July 7, 2009 in Three Rivers, Mich., following a short illness. Cremation was conducted. A memorial open house will be held from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13 at the Constantine American Legion 65079, U.S. 131 in Constantine. Arrangements were handled by the Farrand Funeral Home of White Pigeon.

Virginia Marie “Ginnie” Lips,  age 83, of Sturgis, Michigan passed away early Monday morning September 7, 2009 at her home. She was born June 29, 1926 in Kalamazoo, Michigan a daughter to the late Carl William and Mary (Macy) Hanichen. Virginia had resided in Sturgis since 1952 coming from Chicago, Illinois where she attended and graduated from the Illinois Masonic …

Lawrence Alford Rhoda, age 98, of Schoolcraft, went to be with his Lord on Friday, Sept. 4, 2009 at Bronson Methodist Hospital following a brief illness.   He was born in Sherman Twp., St. Joseph County on April 26, 1911 the son of Albert and Mary (Schmidtendorf) Rhoda. Mr. Rhoda has been a life long resident of this area.  He and …

Roman Kurzawski, age 79, of Colon, passed away Friday, Sept. 4, 2009, at his home after several months of failing health. Roman was born July 13, 1930, a son to the late Gregory and Lucy Kurzawski. On Jan. 9, 1954, he married Margaret E. Thatch in Louisville, Ky. and she preceded him in death on Dec. 18, 2000. Roman had …

Vicki Lynn VanKirk, age 47, of Centreville passed away into the loving arms of her heavenly Father, Thursday, September 3rd, 2009. Vicki was born in Chicago, IL, on April 23, 1962,  a daughter of  William and Audrey (Mesch) VanKirk. Vicki was a member of Fish Lake Bible Church. She loved life and her family very much. Surviving are her sisters …

Daisy Lill Mae Holmes, age 89, of Three Rivers, passed away on August 26, 2009 at Fairview Living Center in Centreville, MI.  She was born on August 4, 1920 in Athens, GA to Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell. Daisy has been a long time resident of this area and member of the Grant Chapel A.M.E. Church. Mrs. Holmes was preceded in …

Evelyn May Merritt, age 94, of Constantine, passed away Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009 at her home. She was born in Benton Harbor, MI on June 16, 1915,  the daughter of Henry and Lillie (Clark) Maynard. Evelyn graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1935. On On May 28, 1938 she married Lyle Merritt in Benton Harbor, MI. Evelyn worked as …

James Joseph Bachorowski, age 62, of Sturgis, Mich.,  passed away Aug. 29, 2009 at his home. Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, Mich. Memorial donations may be directed to the family. Envelopes are available at the Hackman Family Funeral Homes – Rosenberg Chapel, 807 E. Chicago Rd., Sturgis, MI 49091.

William Brenton Beall Jr. was born on July 14, 1945 in Fredericksburg, Va. He passed away July 16, 2009, after an extended illness in Modesto, Calif. His father was, William B. Beall Sr., his mother was Romaine June (Farver) Beall. He graduated from, White Pigeon High School, White Pigeon, Mich., in June 1963. Then enlisted in USMC July 1963. He …