Obituary Listing

Oct 7, 2025

Douglas Arthur Kopp passed away on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, and love for his family and community.

Doug was born on January 29, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois. He was named after General Douglas MacArthur, a fitting namesake for a man deeply committed to service throughout his life. In his early...

Oct 7, 2025

Virginia Lou (Thar) Becht, 99, of Coloma passed away peacefully on October 7, 2025, at home surrounded by her family.

Per Virginia's wishes cremation will be taking place and no services are planned.

Virginia was born on November 24, 1925, in Benton Harbor to Ferdinand J Thar and Louella (McCuen) Thar.  She graduated from Coloma...

Oct 4, 2025

JoeJohn's life began September 27, 1963. He grew up in Watervliet and graduated from the Watervliet High school after school he lived in Michigan, California, Florida, and Texas. In Hurst, TX he ran a very successful auto repair shop for many years. After retiring he moved to Michigan to be closer to family, making his home in Watervliet. JoeJohn...

Oct 2, 2025

With hearts overflowing with love and heartbreak, the family of Chayse David Ott announces his passing on October 2, 2025. From the moment he entered the world on November 10, 2007, Chayse brought laughter, light, and a little bit of mischief everywhere he went. He had a quick wit, a wild streak that kept everyone smiling, and a heart...

Oct 2, 2025

Monica's life began July 6, 1952, in Webster City, Iowa. When she was in high school her dad's job relocated the family to Michigan. They made their home in Hartford where she graduated high school. Monica worked at various places including the Boston Store but her longest and favorite place to work was for Watervliet Fruit Exchange. In her...

Sep 16, 2025

Janet Tacy, 88, of Fairplain passed away on Tuesday September 16, 2025.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, September 27 at 11:00AM, with visitation prior starting at 10:00AM at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet. Her ashes will be buried in Watervliet Cemetery next to her parents. You are invited to leave a message...

Sep 14, 2025

Jacquelyn Kay Hoger Woodruff, 89, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2025, in Burlington, North Carolina.

Born in Paw Paw, Michigan, on March 7, 1936, Jacque was known for her warmth, humor, and deep love for her family. She married John Bartram Woodruff on August 30, 1968, and together they raised two sons, Allen and John, in...

Sep 12, 2025

Linda was born November 25, 1953, in Watervliet, Michigan. She grew up in Bainbridge Township on the family farm with her three sisters. Linda worked for many years as a clerk for Berrien County Court. She enjoyed photography, studying the bible, writing poetry, and crocheting blankets, scarves and hats. Her greatest joy came in spending time with her family....

Sep 10, 2025

Kenneth Allen Bannen, 84, of Watervliet, MI, died Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at Corewell Health Rehabilitation & Nursing Center – Pine Ridge in Stevensville, MI. He was born on June 27, 1941, in Traverse City, MI, to Milford "Stub" and Geneva (Bartlett) Bannen.

Ken enjoyed a loving childhood with his mother, Geneva, and brother, Grant, in Traverse...

Sep 7, 2025

Myrna was born on November 26, 1939, in Plainview, Minnesota. She spent her childhood and young adult life in Winona, Minnesota. On July 1, 1961, Myrna married the love of her life, Verlan (Bud) Steinhoff. A few years later, Bud accepted a position in Benton Harbor and the family relocated in Coloma.

Myrna cherished her role as...

Sep 7, 2025

Alice's life began January 5, 1930, in Monroe, Michigan. She spent most of her adult life in Watervliet where she raised her family. Alice loved being a wife and mother. She enjoyed putting puzzles together, working crossword puzzles, and cross stitching. Alice babysat numerous children for over 25 years and enjoyed watching the children play across the street on...

Aug 24, 2025

Dan Poupard Sr, 65, of Eau Claire, passed away on Sunday morning, August 24, 2025, at home.

Dan was born to Imogene and Delbert Poupard on June 14, 1960, in Monroe, Michigan. He attended Watervliet High School. He dedicated his life to hard work, family and the simple joys that made him happiest. He spent his career...

Aug 23, 2025

With great sadness the family of Mark William Siewert announces his passing from this world on Saturday August 23. He had battled ferociously for his health and his life, a life marked by optimism, intellectual curiosity, generosity, and love of his family, friends and his Catholic Faith.

He was born in Marion Ohio to his Father William...

Aug 18, 2025

Mavis' life began October 4, 1943, in Benton Harbor, Michigan. She was a lifetime area resident. Mavis graduated from Hartford High School and continued her education at Lake Michigan College. While working at Modern Plastics she met the love of her life Ira Pankey. In her spare time Mavis enjoyed quilting, sewing and gardening.

Mavis leaves behind...

Jul 27, 2025

Imogene's life began November 12, 1950 in Manila, Arkansas. As a young girl her family moved to Michigan making their home in St. Joseph, where she graduated high school. Imogene enjoyed working be it in a factory, Wal-Mart, or cleaning houses. She was a collector of all things especially clothing and jewelry. Her Christianity and relationship with God were...

Jul 17, 2025

Eugene's life began April 18, 1932, in Benton Harbor, Michigan on the family farm. Eugene was blessed with 93 years living on his favorite piece of land. He was a graduate of Benton Harbor High School. Eugene worked as a truck driver hauling steel for most of his life but his passion was farming his family's property. He was...

Jul 11, 2025

Murlene was born June 23, 1953, in Ada, Oklahoma. She spent most of her life in Michigan raising her family. She loved gardening, especially growing her own vegetables. She also enjoyed taking walks along the river, playing games on the computer and her phone, and celebrating July 4th. Murlene's favorite past-time was spending time with family and friends.

Jun 25, 2025

Margel's life began March 11, 1938, in Ft. Run, West Virginia. She grew up in Howard County, Maryland and attended Clarksville High School. She married the love of her life Walter S. Bellis III in Ellicott City, Md on March 17, 1956. Margel moved to Michigan in 1968 where she and Walt pastored churches in Livonia, Dowagiac, Three Oaks,...

Jun 10, 2025

With hearts full of love and deep gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of Ray Lyndon "Lindy" Smith of Watervliet, a beloved husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, and a proud son of Southwest Michigan. He departed this earthly life at age 87, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in...

Jun 7, 2025

Merton Wayne Dell, originally from Bainbridge Township, Watervliet, Michigan, and more recently from Miami Township, Ohio, went to be the LORD on June 7, 2025. Merton was born October 19, 1932 in Covert, Michigan, the son of William Henry and Laura May (Pumfery) Dell. His time on earth was 92 years.

He was a graduate of Watervliet...