All Obituaries

Gary Alan DeKilder, 64 of Allegan, Michigan, passed away at his home on February 2, 2023.  Born November 15, 1958 in Plainwell, Michigan, he was the son of the late Donald and Lila Mae (McKibbin) DeKilder and the husband of Carla (Temple) DeKilder.  Gary graduated from Martin High School in 1976, then enlisted in the Navy and served his country honorably for four years.  Gary retired in 2015 from Haworth after 28 years with the company.  He enjoyed fishing and also loved...

Richard Larry Hammer, 81 of Allegan, Michigan, passed away Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo, Michigan.  Born September 7, 1941 in Allegan, Michigan, he was the son of the late Larry and Myrna (Haines) Hammer and the husband of LuLu Marie (Phelps) Hammer.  Richard served his country and family proudly in the United States Army.  After the Army, he spent most of his workings years at Pullman Industries, eventually having to retire when the...

On February first, Benjamin (Ben) Gale Schulz, 49, of Hopkins, left this world as he did most things—completely unexpectedly. Whether it was tearing apart a bathroom out of the blue while his wife was gone, to gifting her an epic trip to Africa, Ben was full of surprises. An avid outdoorsman, Ben never met a hunting trip or vacation he didn’t like. And he was prone to random trips to Indiana Amish country to pick up doughnuts. But as hard as he played, he started working...

R. Marvin Saye, 87 of Gobles, Michigan, passed away Sunday, January 29, 2023 at the Wings Home in Allegan.  Born June 10, 1935 in South Haven, Michigan, he was the son of the late Russell and Florence (Cody) Saye and the husband of the late Molly (McNutt) Saye. Marv’s main career was farming. He was also employed at Rockwell International before retiring in 1997. He then spent many years driving trucks for various companies.  In his spare time, Marv loved to be out among...

Anthony Steven Caldarona of Allegan, Michigan, flew into the arms of Jesus surrounded by his family on his birthday, January 28th.  Tony was born in Allegan, Michigan to the late Anthony and Josephine (Trandicosta) Caldarona on January 28, 1957. Tony was a wonderful husband to his wife of 25 years, Rania.  He was a loving father to his six children, Brandy Ruthruff, Daniel (Bethany) Caldarona, Billy (Kris) Meade, Elizabeth (Ryan) Capson, Shawn (Jeanette) Caldarona, and Bradley...

Jana Tibbitts, unexpectedly passed away on the evening of January 28th at the age of 61. Jana was born in Allegan to her parents Jim and Judy Wendt. Jana married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Steve, shortly after college graduation. They were the proud parents of Julie and Nathan, never missing a school event or sporting match. She welcomed the addition of her two bonus children, Chase and Jayd, as her own. She was joyous to become a mom, an auntie, and most recently, Nana...

Louis Albert Thierwechter went to be with his Lord on January 27, 2023. He passed away at Spectrum Manistee Hospital with his wife of 59 years, 8 months at his side. Lou was born on July 24th, 1939 in Bay Shore, New York to Louis and Margaret Thierwechter. He grew up in a musical household and taught himself to play piano. Growing up near the ocean gave him a lifelong love of water. Lou spent his teen years harvesting clams in the Great South Bay. He graduated from Islip High School in...

Wayne Andrew Krotz, 65 of Hopkins, Michigan, left this world for his Heavenly home on Monday, January 23, 2023 with his family by his side.  Born December 10, 1957 in Allegan, Michigan, he was the son of the late Robert and Geraldine (Grauman) Krotz and the husband of Daisy (VanVolkinburg) Krotz.  He attended Hopkins Elementary and High School and went on to Lincoln Tech -Automotive Mechanic.  He started his career at Orrin B. Hayes in Kalamazoo; then Midway Chevrolet in...

Robert James Taylor, 72, of Otsego, MI passed away on Saturday, January 7, 2023, surrounded by family. Rob was born on September 1, 1950 in Chambersburg, PA, to George P Taylor Jr and Caroline (Giambra) Taylor, who preceded him in death. Rob graduated from Penn State University in 1971 with an Associate’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.  He was a computer programmer in the aerospace industry for most of his career. Rob obtained a Balloon Pilot’s license in 1975. ...

Tyler Mark Johnson, 32, of Gobles, Michigan, passed away Thursday, December 29, 2022 at Bronson Lakeview Hospital in Paw Paw, Michigan. Born April 12, 1990 in Fargo, North Dakota, he was the son of Marty and Vicki (Togstad) Johnson and the husband of Cassey Lee (McPherson) Johnson. He grew up in Fargo for three years before he moved with his family to their home farm in Horace, North Dakota. In 1992 his sister Crystal was born and they enjoyed living on the farm together. Tyler attended...