All Obituaries

James’ life began November 16, 1939, in Olaphant, Arkansas. As a young man he moved to Michigan. He worked for many years for Walsh’s Body Shop in Benton Harbor. Doing body work was also a hobby, you could find him fixing cars in his spare time. He enjoyed traveling, camping, riding his motorcycle and following NASCAR.   James leaves behind a large loving family to cherish his memory including: four children Melissa (Chris) Hopper, James R (Jen) Latham, Joseph D (Dawn)...

Bob’s life began May 16, 1942, in Jackson, Mich. He grew up in Southwest Michigan and loved calling Millburg his home. Bob proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. He work for several years for Jarvis Concrete until retirement and then cared for his aging parents. Bob enjoyed going to flea markets and visiting with friends. Bob leaves behind his sister, Kathy Ruff; and many friends to cherish his memory. He died Tuesday, August 31, 2021. His parents Robert and Betty (Reschke)...

  Tom’s life began November 19, 1943, in South Haven, Michigan. He grew up in Covert on the family farm, where his son, Tom, now owns and operates a KOA. While growing up he worked for his dad’s store DeRosa Supermarket, where he learned how to be a meat cutter. Tom used that knowledge and went to work as a manager in the meat department of Buy-Lo Store. Tom eventually went on to work for Atlantic Automotive in quality control until he retired in 2005.   Outside of...

Fred’s life began November 20, 1930, on the family farm in Watervliet, Michigan. He loved being a part of the Watervliet community. After high school he enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served his country. While in the Navy he was a radar technician and was on their boxing and baseball teams. Upon returning home Fred went to work for Producers Creamery and then Central Transport until retirement. Fred loved coaching baseball and softball in earlier years, today you could...

Barbara Jean (Smith) Zvonar died Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at the age of 93. She was a life-long resident of the tri-city area, spending her final years at Woodland Terrace in Coloma. Family members were by her side when she peacefully passed away.   Preceding her in death were: her beloved husband, Frank R Zvonar; a son, Daniel P Zvonar; and grandchildren, Tyler J. Carr and Jennifer Zvonar. She was also preceded in death by her parents, four brothers and one sister.   Born...

Leona’s life began January 2, 1937 in Hartford, Michigan. She grew up in Hartford, graduating from Hartford High School. She worked for a time as a bookkeeper and at Merchant Bank, then started driving school bus. Leona drove bus for Watervliet Public Schools, then Eau Claire Public Schools and finished her career at Lake Michigan Catholic Schools. She loved driving bus and getting to know the children. When she wasn’t working you could find Leona enjoying friends and...

Eddi’s life began June 13, 1943, in Leachville, Arkansas. She spent most of her lifetime in the Coloma/Watervliet area. As Eddi’s children got older, she went to Beauty College and acquired her Cosmetology license, then her instructors license. She was instrumental in opening the first St. Joseph Beauty College on State Street. In 1976 she became the sole proprietor of JonEd’s Hair Styling until 1988, she sold the presently open business to her daughter Laurie. Eddie did...

Alyson, known as Cindy by her family, was born April 10, 1954, in Benton Harbor, Michigan. She grew up in Southwest Michigan, graduating from Watervliet High School and going on to earn bachelor and masters degrees in social work. She worked for Catholic Social Services and the State of Michigan for many years. Alyson loved her jobs and it showed through her work in community treatment programs and she was the driving force in developing the Improving My Practices web site and helped...

Michael’s life began March 31, 1952 in Three Rivers, Michigan. He grew up in Watervliet where he happily spent most of his lifetime. Michael worked as a delivery driver for Car Quest for several years. Currently he was enjoying retirement and following the Detroit Tigers and University of Michigan.   Michael is survived by a large loving family including: his four children Rhonda Webb, Paula Brown, Amie Jacobs, and Joey Wieser; six grandchildren Tyler (Shelby) Ledesma, Breana...

  Louise was born April 24, 1928 to William and Helen (Healy) Howley on the family farm. She spent her lifetime in Watervliet where she worked and raised her family. Louise worked for several years at Midwest Timers and ES Enterprises. Her greatest joy was doing things with family through gatherings, playing cards with her sisters, or attending her grand and great grandchildren’s activities. Louise also enjoyed filling her time camping and baking.   Louise leaves behind a...