Obituaries

Gary D. Empie, age 69, of Dorr, died of lung cancer Tuesday, June 15. Gary was born on May 7, 1952, in Grand Rapids. After graduating from Catholic Central High…

Esther J. Schaafsma, 97, of Martin, died Wednesday, June 16, at Kairos Dwelling in Kalamazoo. Esther was born on Nov. 3, 1923, in Monterey Township, the seventh of nine children born…

Cora "Karen" Henning, 98, of Wayland died Tuesday, June 15. Cora lived life to the fullest and enjoyed traveling, camping and spending time with her family. She is survived by…

James Snyder died Tuesday, June 15, at the Laurels of Galesburg. He was 77. He was born Nov. 28, 1943, in Plainwell, the son of Kenneth and Waneta Snyder. Jim…

Jeanette “Jan” Schwartz, age 84, died Monday, June 14. Jan retired from Wayland Union Schools as a bus driver after 15 years. She worked as a hairdresser out of her…

Alan Kim Baker, 64, of Hastings, former owner of the Apple Core Lounge and Orchard Hills Golf Course, Gun Lake, died Wednesday, June 9. He was born on May 21,…

Eddie Oetman, age 81, died Wednesday, June 9, at Vicinia Gardens. Eddie was born on Nov. 14, 1939, in Martin to Richard and Ruth (Edwards) Oetman. Eddie lived for his children,…

Jack Bernard Alles, age 83, died Wednesday, June 9. Jack enjoyed his family, church and volunteering at Lake Alfred Ministries in Florida. His passion was to help others with their…

Judith Ann "Judy" Cooper, 75, of Dorr, formerly of Hudson, Fla., died Monday, June 7. Judy was fun-loving and had a great sense of humor. She loved her grandchildren and…

Raymond Silvis passed away Sunday, June 6, at the age of 70. Ray served in the United States Marines from 1968 to 1972. He was a wonderful soul who loved…