Obituaries

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…

Louise Walters, 74, died Friday, Dec. 7. Louise worked at Laurels of Sandy Creek for 25 years. She loved her job taking care of people and her co-workers. She is…

Susanna “Sue” (Marcinek) Christman,of Allegan, died Monday, Dec. 3,  at Bronson Hospital, Kalamazoo. She was 78. Susanna was born on Aug. 8, 1940, in Wayland, the daughter of Edward and…

Emily Goodman, age 93, died Monday, Dec. 3. She is survived by her children; Larry (Jayne) Goodman; daughter-in-law, Clara Goodman; 7 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 21 great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and…