Duane Clyde Westervelt, age 79, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior Sunday, November 4, 2018. He was born November 13, 1938 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the son of Wayne and Luella Westervelt. Duane was raised on the family farm with his brothers and sisters, graduating from Howard City High School in 1958. He then served his country in the United States Air Force, from March 1959 to March 1965; as a weapons bomb air mechanic in Sidi Slimane Morocco Africa. After his discharge, Duane became an employee of Kelvinator in Grand Rapids retiring when their doors closed in 1981. Loving to travel, he changed careers and began driving over the road for A&M Trucking; soon becoming an owner/operator of his own rig until his retirement in 1998. He shared many stories of his truck driving days and how there were only a few states he had not driven through. During his life Duane enjoyed raising and riding registered pinto horses and was active with them in the Montcalm County Sheriff’s Posse. He was an avid hunter; owning and training many beagles and coon hounds. He shared this passion with his nephew Jerry Westervelt who carries on this legacy. Duane also spent many hours with friends and family fishing the local lakes. Duane moved to Coral in 2013 and was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease shortly after. His nieces, Kristy Stevenson and Bethany Ehlert, cared for him during this time and shared many adventures as he fought this dreadful disease. Playing cards, putting together puzzles and watching his favorite John Wayne westerns were activities they enjoyed together. Duane was a past member of the First Baptist Church of Howard City and later attended Pierson Bible Church. He loved singing and listening to the old-fashioned hymns. Duane will be forever remembered and missed by his sisters; Mary (John) Buckley of Morley and JoAnn Bajema of Lynden, Washington. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews and his good friend Steve Atwood. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Nancy Misner Westervelt, parents; Wayne and Luella Westervelt, sister; Barbara Jean Westervelt and brother; Larry Westervelt.

A celebration of Duane’s life will be held on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at Pierson Bible Church at 4:00 p.m. with Pastor Jeff Wallace officiating. Burial will immediately follow at the Sand Lake Cemetery with a luncheon afterward in the church. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service. Envelopes will be available at Johnson-Feuerstein Funeral Home, Belding where funeral care has been entrusted or at the service. Memorial contributions may be given to Pierson Bible Church. To share a message of condolence, light a candle or order flowers please visit the website of the funeral home www.jffh.com.

Arrangements by Johnson-Feuerstein Funeral Home, Belding

On November 1, 2018, there was great sadness and anguish on earth, while in heaven there was a joyous homecoming as Cindy George was greeted by family and friends as she received her angel wings and entered into her eternal glory at the foot stool of her heavenly Father. For those of us left behind, there is great sadness as we say farewell to our friend and sister, but we are conforted in the knowledge that she suffers no more and has been warmly received in heaven. Cindy was born on January 31, 1957 to Eugene (Red) and June George in Bedford, Indiana. She was born with flaming red hair, just like her Daddy whom she never knew as he passed away shortly after her 1^st birthday. Cindy graduated from Cedar Springs High School where she was a star basketball player. She attended Grand Rapids Community College and Western Michigan University where she continued to exhibit her basketball prowess. Cindy had a lifelong love of softball as well, have played on the Metro Merchants softball team and was an avid golfer. In 2017, Cindy retired from the State of Michigan after a career spanning over 30 years with the Department of Corrections and Family Services. Her long-anticipated retirement plans were upended when she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Cindy was a fighter and fought the good fight to the very end. Cindy was a blessing to all of us fortunate enough to call her our friend. She displayed rare courage and grace in her fight against her insidious disease and as a champion for LBGT rights. She defended those least able to defend themselves and was a special blessing to her niece with special needs, Alyssa Knapp. Cindy is sadly missed by her siblings, Mark (Robin) Lester, Pam (Doug) Middleton, Joe (Maria) Lester, Ruth (Jeff) Scott, and Kathryn (Chuck) Gladen; stepfather, Ron Baron; plus many nieces and nephews. She leaves behind special friends, Lorie Norden, Connie Berles, Dorothe Rhodes, Norma Colborn, Sally Grayvold, Lucretia Gomez, and all her friends at Reconciliation Metropolitan Community Church. Cindy will be sorely missed by her best buddy, Toby, her Boston Terrier. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, June Baron and Eugene George; stepfather Jack Lester, and special niece Autumn Neyome. There will be a memorial for Cindy on Sunday, November 11^th at 2 p.m at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 3950 Leonard St., Walker, MI. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider donating to the following charities in Cindy’s memory: Pancreatic Cancer Network at 1500 Rosecrans Ave., Ste. 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 or online at www.pancan.org; 5P-Society at P.O. Box 268, Lakewood, CA 90714 or online at www.fivepminus.org; Reconciliation Metropolitan Community Church, P.O. Box 68852, Grand Rapids, MI 49516.

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Colen Clem Cole age 73 of Cedar Springs, died Tuesday, October 30, 2018 after a long illness with Dementia/Alzheimers disease. Colen was born April 14, 1945 in Greenville, MI the son of Clem and Rose (Nelson) Cole. He graduated from Cedar Springs High School in 1963 and married his high school sweetheart on August 20, 1965. Together they shared 53 years of marriage. He served proudly in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War Era from 1966-68. He enjoyed the outdoors sporting life: hunting, fishing, boating, snowmobiling and riding his quad around his farm with his dog, Little Joe. He loved best being in the big woods and observing nature. Colen owned and operated United Riggers and Erectors Company, Inc., a construction company in Grand Rapids since 1974. Surviving are his wife, Nancy (Tisdel) Cole; son, Calvin (Carolynn) Cole; granddaughters, Laurynn and Allison; sisters, Marion (Richard) Morris, Marieta (William) Peterson; nephews, Dirk, Bill, Brent; niece, Tresa. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers-in-law, Victor Tisdel and Leon Dennis. Visitation will be held Saturday from 11:00 am until time of service at 12:00 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Pastor Chuck Smith officiating. Interment with military honors will take place at East Nelson Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to East Nelson United Methodist Church.

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs

Richard James Hoekstra, of Grant, passed away Friday, October 26, 2018 at home at the age of 88. He was born to Garrit and Ora (Sawtells) Hoekstra May 3, 1930. Richard served his flag and country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He is survived by his children, Gary Hoekstra, Alan Hoekstra, Nancy (Keith) Ruiter, Roxanne Cole, Kandy Kukla, Harry Kukla and Teresa Kukla; 24 grandchildren; 55 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; brother, Kenneth (Char) Hoekstra. Richard was preceded in death by his parents; wives, Murlean and Mary; brother, Gerald Hoekstra; sisters, Waneda and Betty and son, Rick (Stosh) Kukla. There will be a time of visitation with family and friends from 2 to 3 p.m., Friday, November 2, 2018 at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe St., Rockford, MI 49341. Military Service at 3 p.m.

Alonzo “Lonnie” Taylor Anthony Sr, age 46, of Sand Lake, passed away Monday, October 8, 2018 at home surrounded by his family. He is survived by his parents, George H. and Io (Amacher) Anthony of Sand Lake; children, Tina Marie Anthony, Alonzo Taylor Anthony Jr (Emily); grandchildren, Branwyn and Dallan, fiancee, Joyce McCallum; sisters, Laurie (Gerald) Reid, Diana (Glen) Roberts, and Michelle Bahmer-Farrell; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by grandparents, Alonzo and Beatrice Amacher and a brother Jeffery Bahmer. Cremation has taken place. A service will be held Saturday, November 17 at 12:00 p.m. at the Pierson Bible Church Community Room. The family will greet friends at 11:00 a.m. 

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.

Norma J. Wert, age 94, of Cedar Springs died Thursday, October 11, 2018 at Metron of Greenville surrounded by her family. Mrs. Wert was born November 11, 1923 in Muskegon, Michigan, the daughter of Ezra and Ellen (Hoxsie) Geesey. She was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed housekeeping, holiday meals and gatherings and was known for the world’s best carrot cake. Surviving are her children, Frederick (Diane) Wert, Timothy (Jodie) Wert; daughters-in-law, Kathleen Wert, Frances Osburn; grandchildren, Cory Wert, Troy Wert, Donald Wert, Chris Ann Rehl; great-grandson, Devin. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frederick in 1995; sons, Donald and Dennis Wert; 4 sisters and 2 brothers. The family greeted friends Monday, October 15 at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where the service was held Tuesday 11:00 a.m. Pastor J.B. Stutts officiating. Interment Idlewild Cemetery, Kent City. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cedar Springs American Legion Ladies Auxiliary.

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs

Kaiser Daniel Cook, 20 days old, earned his wings and flew to Heaven on October 4, 2018. He was born in Grand Rapids on September 14, 2018 as the youngest angel of Holli Hegedus and Jesse Cook. Kaiser was born with congenital heart defects caused by Diamond Blackfan Anemia. Even though the road was laden with difficulty, he was the strongest and bravest little fighter. Kaiser was loved and cherished by his family more than words could ever describe. He is survived by his parents Holli Hegedus and Jesse Cook; brothers Landon Hastings and Mason Cook; grandparents Angela Wildfong, Cliff Hegedus, Dawn Cook, and Robert Cook; great-grandparents Donna and James Hegedus, Patricia and Eli Wildfong, Mary and James Cook, and Danny Kilts; as well as by many loving and supporting aunts, uncles, and cousins. Kaiser was preceded in death by his great-grandmother Sharon Kilts. Memorial services will take place at 3 p.m. Friday, October 12, 2018 from the Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Chapel, 1200 West Wheeler Street, Midland, Michigan, with Pastor Don Duford officiating. Kaiser’s family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 2 p.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Pediatric Congenital Heart Association of Michigan or the Diamond Blackfan Anemia Foundation.

Arrangements by Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Chapel, Midland

Duane “Duey” E. Stanley, age 55, of Rockford, passed away Tuesday, October 2, 2018 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Duane was born December 14, 1962 in Big Rapids, Michigan the son of Freddie Stanley Sr. and Ruby (Leedy) Stanley. Surviving are his loving wife of 36 years, Karen (Webb) Stanley; children, Dana (Duke) Saboo, Andrew Stanley and girlfriend Sarah Crawford; Kelsey (Cody) Harper; grandchildren, Kendall, Avery, Cash, Calvin and Mason; siblings, Shirley (Ted) Irons, David (Cindy) Stanley Sr. and Ruth (John) Ondrus; mother-in-law, Linda Webb; brothers and sisters-in-law, David (Jerri) Webb, Dawn (Eddie Owens) Parmeter, Rick (Sherri) Webb and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Sue Gross; brothers, Daniel and Freddie Stanley Jr.; parents-in-law, John (Virginia) Webb; niece, Jessica Ondrus and brother-in-law, Brian Parmeter. The family greeted friends Sunday at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where the service was held Monday, October 8, 2018. Pastor Tommy Turner, officiating. Interment East Nelson Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital 100 Michigan St. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs

Michael J. Maslowski, age 64, of Cedar Springs, passed away Sunday, September 30, 2018 at his home. Michael was born August 24, 1954 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the son of Albert and Patricia (Anderson) Maslowski. He was a hardworking man, jack of all trades and provider for his family. He was very compassionate and kind and a godly and devoted Christian. Surviving are his wife, Barbara (White); children, Chad (Angie) Stoken, Sherri (Matt) Kemp, Brenda White, Mike (Kayleigh) Maslowski, Dwayne White, Mark White; 8 grandchildren; sisters, Victoria Shepard, Deb (Tom) Duffy. He was preceded in death by his parents. The family will greet friends Sunday, October 7 from 2:00 p.m. until time of service at 4:00 p.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs

Elna O. Johnson, age 100, of Cedar Springs, died Thursday, September 27, 2018 at Green Acres of Standale. Mrs. Johnson was born March 21, 1918 in Greenville, Michigan, the daughter of Elmer and Minnie (Bauman) Wilkinson. She enjoyed the outdoors, her garden and working hard on the farm. She loved music and played the dulcimer and harmonica until age 100. She welcomed everyone and always had a cup of coffee and sweets ready to enjoy. She was a longtime member of Courtland-Oakfield United Methodist Church. Surviving are her daughter, Joyce (Richard) Kastas; son-in-law, Jim Idziak; grandchildren, Robert (Paula) Johnson, Tim (Kathy Kay) Johnson, Kathy (Ken) Coleman, Cheryl Kastas, James (Tiffany) Idziak, Amy (Tony) Domanski, Jill Idziak; 9 great-grandchildren, Ryan, Kate, Logan, Daniel, Adrian, Walker, Vivian, Tony, and Tommy. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wesley; son, Robert Johnson; daughter, Judy Idziak; 3 sisters and 2 brothers. The family greeted friends Monday, October 1 at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. The service was held Tuesday 11:00 am at Courtland – Oakfield United Methodist Church with viewing one hour before. Pastor Kim DeLong officiating. Interment Courtland Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Kent County.

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs