Obituaries – Page 80

Memorial gathering slated Tuesday for Dale Talsma, 78

August 7, 2021

Dale A. Talsma, of Martin died Saturday just two days shy of his 79th birthday. Dale was born Aug. 9, 1942, in Kalamazoo, the son of Nicholas and Josie (Hoekstra) Talsma. As a young boy he went through Martin schools before graduating from Kalamazoo Christian with the Class of 1959....

Services Aug. 17 for local Big Boy owner Brian Smith

August 6, 2021

Brian Jonathan Smith, 62, died Monday, Aug. 2, in Kalamazoo. Born in Watervliet on Aug. 31, 1958, to Lyle and Evelynne Smith, Brian was owner and manager of two Big Boy restaurants, including the eatery in Wayland. He received his bachelor's degree in business from Western Michigan University. After beginning his...

Former Wayland football coach, AD Lyle Berry dies

August 6, 2021

Longtime Wayland High School football and basketball coach and athletic director Lyle Berry died of cancer Thursday, Aug. 5. Berry came to Wayland in the fall of 1965 and coached varsity football for four seasons and basketball before taking over as athletic director in 1969 and steered the school into...

Service is Saturday in Dorr for Ruthmary Lance, 75

August 5, 2021

Ruthmary Jean Lance, age 75, died Monday, Aug. 2. Ruth enjoyed many years running the Christian bookstore in Michigan. She worked as a realtor. Ruth and Dearl moved to Texas after his second retirement and continued their sailing hobby. After 18 years, Ruth and Dearl returned to Michigan to be...

Retired beautician Norma Punches dies at age 84

July 30, 2021

Norma Joy Punches died at Wings Home in Allegan Thursday, July 22. The daughter of the late Harry and Irene (Beck) Commons, she was a woman of many talents and could out work the best of them. During her younger years she he developed her strong work ethic and drive...

Cremation has taken place already for Clara Reurink

July 30, 2021

Clara Reurink, age 84, died Thursday, July 29. Clara had many hobbies, including puzzles, crafting, cross-stitching and quilting. She also enjoyed dinner dates with Evert at Russ’ Restaurant. She loved spending time with her family and hosting family gatherings during the holidays. Clara loved spending time with her four-legged friends...

Funeral is Saturday for Al Kornoelje, 69, of Shelbyville

July 26, 2021

Albert “Al” Michael Kornoelje, age 69 of Shelbyville, died Saturday, July 24, Al graduated from Rogers High School in Wyoming. He loved driving and drove anything with a steering wheel - trucks, heavy equipment, boats, motorcycles and his 1963 Corvette. He drove truck for General Asphalt for 29 years and...

Services Wednesday for Vietnam vet Richard Peake

July 26, 2021

Richard Earl Peake, 73, died Friday, July 23, at his home in Wayland after a long battle with cancer. Richard served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He had many hobbies, including hunting and fishing. Richard also loved spending time with his family and especially...

Graveside service held for Joanne Graczyk of Dorr

July 24, 2021

JoAnn Graczyk, age 91, died Wednesday, July 21. She was born on Aug. 30, 1929. She is survived by her children, James (Janet) Graczyk; granddaughter, Pamela (Stephen) Martinez of Dorr; grandson, Thomas (Julie) of Hopkins; five great-grandchildren; brother, Richard (Marilyn) of Wayland; sister, Diane (Gene) Cowell of Florida; many nieces,...

Services will be Saturday for Jerry Genther of Dorr

July 20, 2021

Jerry Genther, age 80, died at home surrounded by his family and his dog, Katie, Sunday, July 18. Jerry had a love for everything outdoors, including hunting, trapping, and spending time at the cabin in Leota, Mich. He enjoyed gun-smithing, rebuilding guns, going to shows, and collecting his own. In...

Category: Obituaries