Obituaries

Bernard “Bernie” Weesaw Jr., age 48, died Monday, Dec. 31. Bernie was an avid golfer, but first and foremost, he loved spending with his family and especially his daughter, Ashlee.…

Eric "Scott" Hilbert, age 71 of Howell, formerly of Bradley, died of a heart attack at his home early Saturday morning, Dec. 22. Born in Plainwell July 29, 1947, he…

Merle Shoemaker, age 82, of Dorr, died Sunday, Dec. 16. Merle retired from Keeler Brass after 40 years. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and bowler. He is survived by…

Julia Kotrba-Dodds, age 96, of Wayland, died Monday, Dec. 17, at Kindred Hospice. Julie, as she was referred to by family and friends, enjoyed a hardworking and joyful life. First,…

Nieko Lee “Koko” Hall, 50, of Dorr, died unexpectedly Thursday, Dec. 13. Born Jan. 22, 1968 in Allegan, she was the daughter of Joan and Alan Heslinga. Nieko possessed a…

Longtime Wayland teacher and coach Eugene Knobloch of Hopkins died Friday. He was 80. Knobloch, who only two months ago celebrated his 80th birthday, came to Wayland to teach social…

Charlotte Anne "Char" Sanok, age 60, died Tuesday, Dec. 11. Char enjoyed watching birds, arts and crafts, crocheting, gardening, and baking. Most of all, Char loved her family and friends.…

Sandra Jean Carpenter, 65, of Hopkins, died Sunday, Dec. 9, at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. Born Feb. 10, 1953, in Grand Rapids, she was the daughter of…