Obituaries

Ralph Zoppa of Wayland died Wednesday, Nov. 30, at the age of 71. Ralph loved gardening, canning, books, astronomy, note taking, sweatpants and sweaters. He ran marathons for 23 years.…

James “Jim” Vincent Tew, 82 of Hopkins, died Monday, Nov. 28, after a valiant fight against leukemia. Born in Battle Creek on March 15, 1940, he was the son of…

Shirley Buskirk of Martin died Tuesday, Nov. 29. She was born April 4, 1936, in Plainwell, the daughter of Russell and Florence (Knight) Curry. Shirley stayed at home and raised…

Alice Donaldson, age 85, died Sunday, Nov. 27. She is survived by her children Brad Donaldson, Jana (Wade) Heckel, and Kurt Donaldson; grandchildren Paige, Connor, and Ian Hickel; sister, Lenore…

Eric Scott Rader, age 56, formerly of Wayland, died Sunday, Nov. 27, beside a crackling fire at his Delton home, with family near. He endured a short, but mighty fight…

Dennis John Belka, age 81, died Saturday, Nov. 26. Dennis was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus. He was also devoted to his faith and served at his…

June LaVerne Krug, 84 of Hopkins died Monday, Nov. 28, at Briarwood Assisted Living in Allegan. Born Feb. 15, 1938. in Patoka, Ind., she was the daughter of the late…

Robert Kenneth Dewey, 89, of Dorr, died Thursday, Nov. 24. He was owner and operator of Dewey's Auto Body for many years. After his retirement, Bob continued his passion for…

Louise M. Wood, age 94, died Tuesday, Nov. 22. Louise loved to start her day with a cup of tea and a favorite baked good, which she made from scratch.…

Ronald Lee Katje of Allegan, a 1969 graduate of Martin High School, died Monday, Nov. 21, at Trinity Mercy St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Rapids after a short illness. Ron…