All Obituaries

Alma "Cecile" Paul, nee Weckwerth. Age 93. Resident of Palatine for 56 years, passed away on January 14, 2021. Cecile grew up on her family fruit farm in Bainbridge Township, Michigan. In 1945 she was accepted into the United States Nurse Corps and trained at Wayne State University. Cecile retired as a registered Nurse after 40 years of service.   Beloved wife of David Paul, the late Valentine Borski and the late Lawrence Walker. Loving mother of Ronald B. Walker, Richard W....

Dale's life began October 6, 1956, in Watervliet, Michigan.  He grew up in Watervliet where he graduated high school.  Dale was a talented carpenter.  He enjoyed spending time with family and using his carpentry skills helping them with projects.  Dale died Tuesday, January 12, 2021, after a short battle with cancer.  His brother Jerry Hunt (Linda Sedel), sister Debbie Ashley, and numerous nieces and nephews are left behind to cherish Dale's memory. Dale is...

Beverly's life began October 28, 1931, in Benton Harbor, where she grew up and graduated from Benton Harbor High School.  In 1949 Beverly met John Tarantino at Silver Beach in St. Joseph, they married in 1950 and enjoyed 68 years of marriage before he passed in 2018. She spent her lifetime living in Southwest Michigan until moving to Lansing to be closer to family.  Beverly worked for Watervliet Public Schools for 19 years as the high school guidance counselor secretary. ...

Ida M. “Tootie” Rogers passed away on Wednesday, December 30, at Graceway of Countryside Nursing Home in South Haven where she had been a resident for over nine years.  She was born in Watervliet on January 19, 1932 to Earl and Lula Blanshan.  She graduated from Watervliet High School in 1950.  Tootie married Harley Rogers in 1951 who she met while working at the Beverly Lumber Company.  She worked as assistant librarian at Watervliet High School for several...

Bob was born on January 28, 1937, to George and Gladys Davis in Coloma, Michigan.   He grew up in Watervliet where he attended school and lettered in football, basketball and baseball in high school.  He was a starter for the 1954 basketball team that played in the state semi-finals. Bob's love of playing sports never ended. He was an avid bowler and was part owner and manager of Coloma Lanes. In 1995 he was inducted into the Blossomland Men's Bowling Association Hall of Fame....

Dr. Samuel de Leon Roda, 89, of Coloma, passed away Friday, December 4, 2020, at the Willows Assisted Living Facility, St. Joseph. There will be private burial on Wednesday, December 9, at Coloma Cemetery with immediate family members only. Memorial contributions may be made to the Caring Circle at 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI  49085. Sam was a long-standing physician for almost 50 years and was dearly loved by his patients to whom he dedicated his heart and soul.  His...

Mary Ann Zechiel, age 91, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 3, 2020.  Mary Ann was born in Cicero, Illinois to Frank Fingerhut and Mary Regeis. Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband of 50 years, Roland Zechiel; her brother, Robert Fingerhut; great-grandson, Calvin Megna and son-in-law, Jerry Johnson. Surviving are her loving family including three children, David R. (Kathie) Zechiel of Arizona, Cynthia (Gary) Elliott of Benton Harbor and...

Bill’s life began May 29, 1966, in Watervliet.  He was a lifetime area resident.  He worked for various factories in the area and was also a gifted cook and shared his talents with Jazmine’s Restaurant in Watervliet.  Bill enjoyed playing dominos, shooting pool and trying his luck at Texas Hold’em.  However his favorite pastime was going fishing with his buddy every chance he got.   Bill died unexpectedly December 1, 2020.  He leaves behind...

Bill's life began December 3, 1944, in Watervliet.  He was the oldest son of Louis and Carmen Barchett.  Bill grew up in Watervliet where he graduated high school in 1963.  After high school Bill proudly served his country in the United States Navy.  Upon returning home Bill owned his own trucking business and then went to work for the teamsters first as a truck driver and then on the pipeline.  Bill enjoyed hunting and fishing in his free time.  He will be...

Jeff’s life began October 7, 1980, in Benton Harbor, Michigan.  He grew up in Watervliet and was a graduate of Blossomland Learning Center in Berrien Springs.  Jeff worked for Coloma Pizza Hut for 13 years.  He was a guy easily liked in the community.  He enjoyed riding his bike, hanging with his neighbors, playing games at the American Legion.  Jeff was a member of the Sons of the American Legion for about 13 years.  Jeff’s favorite pastime was...