Rick H Kinzler
Sep 5, 2026
“Trashman” Rick Harold Kinzler, 79, of Watervliet, Michigan, unexpectedly passed away on Saturday, September 5, 2026.
Rick and his twin brother, Vick, began their lives together on May 2, 1947, born to their loving parents, Roy “Roy Boy” and June Kinzler. Rick was proud to call Watervliet his home.
Rick was truly a legend when it came to being a family man....
Joseph Dean Akins
Sep 4, 2026
Dean’s life began on March 14, 1967, in Benton Harbor, Michigan. He grew up in Coloma, where he graduated from high school before continuing his education at Lake Michigan College.
Dean dedicated more than 32 years of his career to Lane Automotive, where he worked as a project manager. He loved his time at Lane Automotive, especially representing the company at...
Penny K Hanks
Sep 4, 2026
Penny Kosick Hanks of Watervliet passed away on September 4 after receiving hospice care.
A proud graduate of St. John Catholic School in Benton Harbor, Penny continued her education at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. She later earned a Master of Science in Librarianship from Western Michigan University.
Penny dedicated her life to serving others through...
Michael Elsner
Aug 26, 2026
Mike was born July 8, 1964, in St. Joseph, Michigan, to Theodore and Gwendolyn (Lepker) Elsner. He grew up in Coloma with his two siblings and graduated from Coloma High School in 1982.
After high school, Mike found his calling working with computers. He was self-employed for several years, his business was Allied Computer Experts where he had a client turned...
Steven Jones
Aug 25, 2026
Steven was born September 16, 1959, in Benton Harbor, where he was raised and attended Michigan Lutheran High School. He owned and operated his own construction business for many years and most recently worked for Future Construction.
When he wasn’t working, Steven enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. Above all, he treasured the time he spent with his family...
Larry Joe Sikes
Aug 24, 2026
Larry was born on March 2, 1948, to Edward and Inez (Phillip) Sikes in Arkansas. When he was a young child his family moved to Michigan where Larry grew up. Larry enjoyed browsing flea markets and spending time with his family.
Larry leaves behind his significant other Lisa Smith, three children Larry Sikes, Nicole Sikes, and Jenna Sikes, five grandchildren, seven...
Kerry Waughop
Aug 16, 2026
On July 21, 1947, Kerry was born in Peoria, Illinois. His family moved to California when he was a young child, and he grew up in West Covina, California.
After graduating from high school, Kerry proudly served his country during the Vietnam War as a member of the United States Army. Following his return home, Kerry raised his family while living...
Linda L Watkins
Aug 15, 2026
Linda’s life began March 24, 1948, in St. Joseph, Michigan. She grew up in Benton Harbor where she graduated high school. In her adult years she made her home in Watervliet with her husband Tom. Linda worked for many years as a dispatcher for Benton Township. She also worked in the court house and in security at the Orchards Mall....
Barbara Ann Kroening
Jul 21, 2026
Barbara’s life began May 12, 1938, in Clarksville, Tennessee. She spent most of her lifetime in Southwest Michigan. Barbara worked for many years tending bar, majority at M-140 Bar in Watervliet. Barbara enjoyed spending time in her flower gardens and drawing. She loved to go camping and fishing with her husband Eldon. Barbara was the life of the party and...
Randall Glass
Jul 13, 2026
Randall’s life began September 17, 1954, in Benton Harbor, Michigan. He grew up in Benton Harbor where he graduated high school. After high school he went to work for Whirlpool Corporation and then later for Printek. Randy enjoyed time with his many friends. He also enjoyed watching westerns, baseball, and game shows.. Randy liked playing word searches and trying his...
Andrew Mark Parker
Jul 8, 2026
Andrew was born December 11, 1983, in St. Joseph, Michigan to Mark and Christine (Schaner) Parker. He grew up in Watervliet with his two sisters where he graduated from Watervliet High School in 2002. In high school, the year 2000, he met the love of his life Jordan Wheeler. They married in 2010 and enjoyed raising their two daughters together....
John Charles Rauner
Jul 5, 2026
John’s life began July 16, 1961, in San Diego, California. His parents moved to South Bend, Indiana, where he spent most of his childhood. After graduating high school John earned an Associates Degree in Computer Science and found a job working IT support. John lived in the Grand Rapids area with the love of his life Janice McGregor until 2006...
Nanette Cecil Light
Jul 2, 2026
Nanette was born June 21, 1948, in St. Joseph, Michigan. She spent her lifetime living on the family farm in Hartford. She was a licensed cosmetologist but spent most of her working life at JVIS Manufacturing and Wollen Products. She loved spending time with her family and working crossword puzzles.
Her family she leaves behind to cherish her memory includes; three...
Christopher Duane Maack
Jul 2, 2026
Chris’ life began September 15, 1978 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He grew up in the Grand Rapids area. After high school he continued his education at Michigan State University where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Watervliet Public Schools were lucky enough to hire Chris as a fourth grade teacher where he worked until retirement. Outside of work Chris...
Keith Eugene Osborne
Jun 21, 2026
Keith Eugene Osborne (77), of Coloma, Michigan, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 21, 2026, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his warm presence and his ability to connect with anyone that crossed his path.
Born January 2, 1949, in Grass Lake, Michigan, Keith was the son of...
Helen Beatrice Shepherd
Jun 21, 2026
Helen’s life began January 19, 1947, in Three Rivers, Michigan. She spent most of her lifetime enjoying her life in Watervliet with her large family and friends. Helen worked for many years in the Deli Department at South Haven Meijer. She enjoyed trying her luck at Bingo and the occasional trip to the casino. Helen’s greatest gift was her baking...
Sandra McCarley Freeman
Jun 18, 2026
Sandy McCarley Freeman was born on May 12, 1957, in Akron, Ohio. She spent most of her life in Southwest Michigan, where sheworked for Zenith Data Systems for many years and later worked at Plaza Citgo.
Sandy loved running her command center, following NASCAR, and cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs, especially rooting for Mahomes.She also enjoyed occasionally putting in a...
Alton "Jay" Howard
May 15, 2026
Jay was born July 31, 1952, in Watervliet, Michigan. He grew up in Watervliet and was a proud member of the graduating class of 1970. Following high school Jay attended Michigan State University where he earned a degree in Civil Engineering. Jay worked as a project manager in highway development for DLZ Engineering until retirement in 2012. In his spare...
Stephanie Nicole Wright
May 13, 2026
Stephanie’s life began June 22, 1984, in St. Joseph, Michigan. Her mother was Trina Wright, and her stepfather Andrew Haines entered her life when she was just six years old. She graduated from Hartford High School, lived most of her life in Coloma, then made South Haven her home just 10 years ago. Stephanie had a knack for caring for...
Darla Sue Strong
May 8, 2026
Darla was born July4, 1946, in Pocahontas, Arkansas. She spent most of her lifetime in Michigan. She worked in the health care field caring for the elderly in their homes and as intake for Intercare. When Darla wasn’t working she enjoyed crafting with her husband William and attending craft shows. She was a master seamstress, made doll clothes and teddy...
