All Obituaries

Sue’s life began July 1, 1953, in Wisconsin while her dad was serving in the Air Force.  After his service he moved back to Southwest Michigan and made his home in Watervliet where Sue would grow up.  She was a graduate of Watervliet High School and enjoyed being a cheerleader and playing the flute.  Her talent with the flute found her touring Europe with the United States Woodwind Tour.  Sue loved to learn and that drive translated into a degree in criminal justice...

Marti’s life began May 4, 1944 in Lawrence, Michigan.  She spent her childhood growing up in Hartford.  On June 9, 1961 she married the love of her life Bruce Wright.  Marti worked as an office manager but her greatest joy came in caring for her friends and family.  She was a past member of the Sister Lakes Lioness Club and was very involved with her church Midway Baptist in Watervliet.  She was happiest when she was surrounded by family and friends and loved...

John’s life began April 8, 1930, in Coloma.  As a young boy his family moved to Watervliet where he grew up and attended school. John proudly served in the United States Army from 1952-1954.  He was a grain and animal farmer most of his life, however he also worked as a welder, boiler maker, and drove truck.  When he wasn’t working you could find John enjoying the outdoors hunting, fishing, gardening, mushroom hunting and spending time at his cabin up...

Fran’s life began September 15, 1940 in St. Joseph, Michigan.  She spent most of her lifetime in St. Joseph where she graduated high school.  After high school Fran attended University of Michigan and then transferred to Western Michigan University where she earned her teaching degree.  Fran taught chemistry, physics and math at Lake Michigan Catholic, Eau Claire and finally retired from Constantine.  When she wasn’t teaching Fran liked to fill her time...

The Rev. Raymond Barth went home to God on December 16, 2019. He is the son of Raymond Barth Sr. and Ethel (Knuth) Barth. He attended school in Milwaukee, Sacred Heart, Hales Corners, WI; and Loyola University in Chicago. For many years he was a Brother in the Order of St. Augustine (known as Brother Bernard). He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1985 for the Diocese of Kalamazoo. Fr. Barth served as an associate pastor in several parishes, including St. Joseph (St. Joseph, MI), St. Joseph...

Rodney’s life began February 5, 1973 in St. Joseph, Michigan.  He grew up in Covert where he graduated high school.  Rodney worked for many years for Townsend Tree Service, which took him to Louisiana to help with clean up from Katrina. Rodney found great joy in helping people.   Rodney died unexpectedly Wednesday, November 27, 2019.  He leaves behind his parents James and Gloria (Melburn-Testini) Stanford, a niece Christina Aldama, a great niece, a great nephew,...

Carolyn’s life began April 13, 1937, in Henderson, Tennessee.  She grew up in Tennessee where she lived until she married her husband Lowell Anglin.  Shortly after getting married they moved to Michigan.  Carolyn owned an H & R Block franchise for over 40 years and was a landlord.  She also took great pride in serving her community as a Benton Township Trustee for many years.   Carolyn’s greatest joy was being there for her loving family including:...

Gordon Banasik passed away Saturday, November 23, 2019, into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Gordon was born on October 13, 1929, in Langdon, North Dakota. After the loss of his father at a young age, he was raised by his mother, Frieda Banasik, later wed to Charlie Green. Gordon was the second youngest of 7 children. After graduating from high school, Gordon completed a two-year printing course at Wahpeton State School of Science in North Dakota, which prepared him for...

Vera was born August 3, 1924 to Ralph and Hilda (Gemps) Leist and grew up in South Haven and later Coloma when her parents divorced and her mother married Herbert Warman.  She graduated from Coloma High School in 1942 and worked in Seattle, Washington during WW II.  After the war, she returned to Coloma and married Howard Walther on June 22, 1946 upon his return from the service. They built a home in Coloma where they raised two daughters, Cyndy and Renee. Vera worked for VM...

Dawn’s life began June 13, 1965 in Benton Harbor.  She spent her childhood in Coloma and most of her adult life in Watervliet.  Dawn was a ray of sunshine, always with a smile.  Dawn was a motivated business person working as a property manager for several years, she also sold pools and diamonds.  Most recently she was a Scentsy Representative.  Dawn was close to God and grew up in Midway Baptist Church.   Her greatest joy was spending time with her...