Obituaries

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)…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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;…

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…