Obituary Listing

Jul 29, 2024

Gary's life began October 21, 1951, in Benton Harbor, Michigan. He grew up in Watervliet with many happy memories surrounding Big Paw Paw Lake in Watervliet. Gary graduated from Watervliet High School and Lake Michigan College. He proudly served his country in the United States Army. While home on leave he met and fell in love with Eula Whitaker,...

Jul 16, 2024

Frank's life journey began on January 10, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois. As a young boy his family bought and moved to a farm in Covert to raise animals and blueberries. Frank enjoyed growing up on the farm even helping his parents with the blueberries well into adulthood. After graduating high school, Frank proudly served his country oversees in the...

Jun 30, 2024

Peggy Lee Frontczak age 72 beloved wife and mother died Sunday evening June 30, 2024 at her home in Free soil, Michigan.

She was born on August 14, 1951 in Watervliet, MI the daughter of the late Jacob N. & Violet L. (Fryer) Will.   She was a graduate of Benton Harbor High School and Lake Michigan Community...

Jun 30, 2024

Jeanie's life began March 14, 1928, in Watervliet, Michigan. She embodied a strong work ethic in everything she did, including farming, hospitality, and service. Outside of work, she enjoyed relaxing with a puzzle or word search, or keeping her hands busy crocheting and knitting. Jeanie loved to take walks and dance, especially the polka. Her favorite thing to say...

Jun 25, 2024

Larry's life began May 22, 1953, in Dowagiac, Michigan. He grew up in Cassopolis and then made Watervliet his home the last 20 years.  Larry loved to fill his time outside of work with music and golf. For many years he played in a band Al, Louie, and Larry. Larry enjoyed sharing his love for God through being a...

Jun 23, 2024

Curt's life began June 3, 1964, in Marlett, Michigan. He grew up in Marlett area, and graduated from Brown City High school where he met the love of his life Kim Gorsline. After high school Curt continued his education at Western Michigan University earning his Bachelor's Degree. After college Curt and Kim married and moved to Chicago for his...

Jun 21, 2024

Marie Ellen Pethe, 66 of Watervliet, MI, passed on peacefully on Friday, June 21, 2024, surrounded by her loving family following a determined three year battle with cancer. She was born on July 15, 1957, to Donald & Margaret Sexton of Watervliet. She was married to the love of her life, Bruce Pethe, on July 12, 1975, at St....

Jun 17, 2024

Barbara's life began July 13, 1937, on her grandparent's (Harry & Georgia Minshall) farm in Bangor, Michigan. She grew up in Watervliet with her parents, Merritt & June Knapp, and attended Watervliet Schools until she graduated in 1955.

While in high school, Barb played guard on the Lady Panthers Varsity basketball team (which their only girl's sport...

May 28, 2024

Caitlin's life began June 24, 1987, in Berrien Center, Michigan. She grew up in Coloma with her parents Rob and Sylvia Nick now deceased and her siblings Jared and Meredith. Caitlin worked hard towards her education and graduated high school. She continued her education at LMC working towards her nursing degree. She was a thoughtful caring person who loved...

May 16, 2024

Merlin Clarence Hauch, 91, of Watervliet passed away Thursday, May 16, 2024, at Hanson Hospice Center with family at his side.

Merlin was born July 27, 1932, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, to Clarence and Lena (Biastock) Hauch. He was a lifelong area resident and married to his high school sweetheart, Jackie, for 72 years.

Merlin...

May 11, 2024

William's life began June 24, 1946, in New Buffalo, Michigan. He spent his childhood growing up in the New Buffalo area until he was adopted by Glen and Elsa Helm bringing him to Berrien Springs. He helped his parents working at Bar H in Berrien Springs. William enjoyed fishing, photography, and he participated in the Special Olympics four times....

May 4, 2024

Naomi's life began March 1, 1942, in Knoxville, Tennessee. She proudly went back to school and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business and Finance as an adult. She worked for many years as a bookkeeper in a doctor's office, then she went to work as a school bus driver. Naomi and her daughter moved to Watervliet from Georgia about...

Apr 29, 2024

Verlayne was born on August 29, 1943 in Benton Harbor, MI to Ralph and Ruby (Gearin) Schommer.  She was a lifetime area resident. After graduating from Dowagiac Union High School in 1961, she worked as a Switchboard Telephone Operator at Michigan Bell Telephone Co. in Benton Harbor.

Verlayne married the love of her life, Lloyd Lynn King,...

Apr 27, 2024

Barbara was born February 22, 1962, in Newark, Ohio to Redmond and Patricia Sage. As a young girl her dad took a job with Whirlpool Corporation bringing her to Coloma to grow up. After college Barbara moved to Florida where she worked for years as a case worker for a child advocacy center. Barbara's compassion made her working to...

Apr 26, 2024

Gerald's life began July 1, 1936, in Coloma, Michigan. Jerry grew up in Bainbridge Township and graduated from Watervliet High School. After high school Jerry proudly served his country in the United States Army, where his service took him over seas. Upon returning home Jerry earned an Associate Degree from Michigan State University and made his living farming. He...

Apr 26, 2024

Everett's life began September 26, 1943, in Kennett, Missouri. When Everett was a young man his family moved to Southwest Michigan. He worked for many years as a lift truck operator for Michigan Blueberry Growers. Everett loved to work but more than working he enjoyed music and playing his Bass.

His favorite times were spent with his...

Apr 18, 2024

Lloyd, one of 6 children, was born on March 24, 1945 in St. Louis, Missouri to Jewell and Goldie (Gabbard) King.  His earliest job, which he held down while in high school, was working at Burkett's Super Market.  He received his Diploma from Benton Harbor High School in 1964.

Lloyd married the love of his life, Verlayne...

Apr 14, 2024

Tat's life began January 21, 1976, in St. Joseph, Michigan. Tat was a lifetime area resident who worked as a truck driver and enjoyed building. Tat also enjoyed spending time with his family which includes: his long time partner Shaundra Alalna; two children Killian (Ashley) Parish and Alex Parish; his dad Tat Parish; his mom Angie (Trainer) Parish; three...

Apr 6, 2024

Freda's life began March 9, 1944, in Little Rock, Arkansas. She spent most of her childhood in Arkansas until her parents moved to Coloma. Freda loved gardening and flowers of all kinds. She also enjoyed writing and singing her own songs. Above everything Freda loved her family and took great pride in being the family historian.

Freda...

Mar 31, 2024

Elenora Augusta Devay Siewert passed away this past Easter morning at the age of 93.

She was blessed with a rich yet simple life devoted to family and her Catholic Faith and Notre Dame Football.

A parishioner at St. Joseph's Catholic Church Watervliet, Michigan, she served for many years as a member of the Altar...