All Obituaries

Jerry’s life began November 12, 1953 in Benton Harbor, Michigan.  Jerry was a lifetime area resident and owned JEB Construction.  Jerry enjoyed going to the casino and attending shows and concerts, you could also find him enjoying the outdoors fishing.  When he was looking for a quiet evening he enjoyed the History Channel especially American Pickers and Pawn Stars.  Jerry was a past Commander of American Legion Post 105 and proudly served his country as a...

Albert’s life began June 27, 1950 in Morris Town, New Jersey.  His family moved to Michigan when Albert was a child settling in St. Joseph.  Albert worked at Wollins for many years.  He enjoyed collecting old cars and spending time with his family.  Albert’s loving family includes; his daughter Margaret and her husband Tim Dover, three grandchildren Timmy Ray Dover, Hollie Ann Rudell, and Michael Dover, three great grandchildren, a sister Sophie Johnson, a...

Minnie’s life began January 11, 1925 in McDonald, Michigan, a small community in VanBuren County.  She was a lifetime area resident and worked at the Watervliet Paper Mill for over 40 years, Minnie proudly was one of the few women to run a paper machine.  In 1947 Minnie married the love of her life Calvin Sadler, together they would be founding members of the Southwest Buggy Club and help raise nieces, nephews and other children as their own.  Minnie enjoyed going to...

Gordon Wayne Krell, 89, Watervliet, died Thursday, April 5, 2018, at Lakeland Medical Center, St. Joseph, Michigan. Gordon was born March 6, 1929, in Euclid Center, Michigan, to Jonathan and Edith (Benson) Krell.  He grew up in Coloma on the family peach farm.  Gordon was a 1947 graduate of Coloma High School.  He married a classmate, Eleanor Johnson, in 1951.  They moved to Watervliet shortly thereafter. He is survived by a son,...

Donald’s life began September 3, 1958 in Paw Paw.  He grew up in Watervliet where he graduated High School and was proud of his “Panther” roots.  Donald became a master electrician and owned Hi Tech Enterprises for many years until merging with Estkowski Construction, currently Donald was running A & E Electrical.  Outside of work you could find Donald boating, hunting, golfing or watching sports.  He was a huge fan of the Chicago Cubs, Dallas...

Jeanette’s life began February 10, 1960 in St. Joseph, Michigan.  She grew up in Watervliet where she graduated high school in 1978.  Jeanette worked as a lab technician at Whirlpool until she retired.  Outside of work she enjoyed gardening and landscaping, camping, riding motorcycles, collecting old cars, cooking for her family and friends and working jigsaw puzzles.    Her greatest joy was spending time with her loving family which...

Betty was born December 7, 1935 in Pocahontas, Arkansas.  She spent most of her lifetime in Southwest Michigan where she raised her large, loving family.  Betty worked for many years managing the Starlight Drive in on M-139 in Benton Harbor and she enjoyed playing cards and sewing.   Betty leaves behind a loving family to cherish her memory which includes; five sons Jimmy (Carolyn) Freeman, Richard (Vicki) Freeman, Rodney (Kim) Freeman, Randy Freeman, and...

Bill’s life began September 17, 1941 in East Chicago, Indiana.  He grew up in Southwest Michigan and graduated from Eau Claire High School.  Bill drove truck for several years for Coca Cola Company, Pepsi, and Royal Crown Cola.  After driving truck he became a Real Estate Broker and owned Epple Reality with his wife Sherry for many years.  Bill will be remembered for being a very active member of the Watervliet Community through the Lion’s Club, athletic...

Bunny spent her lifetime in the Watervliet area.  She enjoyed playing Eucre and going to the North Berrien Senior Center.  She leaves behind a loving family to cherish her memory which includes: two sons Edward Rantz Jr of Hartford and Charles (Ruth) Rantz of Watervliet; four grandchildren David Nance of Kalamazoo, Rhonda (Tony) Padilla of Bridgman, Charles (Leslie) Rantz Jr of St. Joseph, and Kimberly (Jim) Modigell of Munster, IN; a great granddaughter Paige Rodriguez of...

Michael’s life began February 10, 1949, in Leechville, Arkansas.  Michael proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.  He worked as a master motorcycle mechanic for many years most recently at Paw Paw Honda.  Michael was well read and loved to hunt and fish.  His family includes: his wife of 27 years Marilyn Schultz; three children Michael McDaniel Jr, Sonja McDaniel, and Andrea McDaniel; two stepchildren Natalie (John)...