Calvin D. Campbell

Calvin D. Campbell, 83 of Pierson, died Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at his home. Mr. Campbell was born March 31, 1928 in Hastings, MI the son of Alonzo and Fern (Abbott) Campbell. He worked for McInerny Spring and Wire for 40 years retiring in 1987. Surviving are his wife Evelyn whom he married on June 8, 1947; children, Sheila (Douglas) Ostrander of Sand Lake, Judith (Larry) Strunk of Mason, Steven (Lynne) Campbell of Pierson; daughter-in-law, Dawn DeVreugd of Belding; 12 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; stepbrother, Morris Stafford of Arizonia. He was preceded in death by his son Daniel in 1973. The family will receive friends Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where services will be held Saturday 11:00 am. Pastor Mary Ivanov officiating. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, Cedar Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to Spectrum Health Hospice.

Mrs. Merle Marie Braford, age 92, of Grand Rapids and formerly of Sand Lake, went to be with her Lord on Monday, January 30, 2012, after a long illness. She was born on April 25, 1919 in Grand Rapids, MI to Bert and Mary (Rysdorp) Gotfredsen and passed away at Clark Retirement Center in Grand Rapids. Merle is survived by her children, Dick and Jeanne Braford and Betty and Hal Clegg; grandchildren, Joseph Braford, Gail and Scott Walldorff, David Braford, Steven Braford, Robert and Mary Clegg, Bradlee and Margaret Clegg; great-grandchildren, Kyle Walldorff, Neil Walldorff, Kathryn Clegg, and Sean Clegg. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Braford, step-son, John Braford, and sisters, Alberdene VanHeest and Marguerite Lovett. Merle was a faithful member of Sand Lake United Methodist Church where she held many roles as Sunday school teacher, a member of the United Methodist Women’s group, soloist and choir member, Vacation Bible School teacher, and various other offices in the church. She was also the much loved librarian at the Sand Lake Library for 32 years. Merle was well-known through the community and loved by all who knew her. She will be missed for her ready smile and gentle ways. Her family wishes to thank the staff at Clark Retirement Center for their wonderful care during Merle’s extended stay. The service for Mrs. Braford will be Saturday at 11:30 a.m. at Sand Lake United Methodist Church with Pastor Darryl Miller officiating. Interment in Sand Lake Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Sand Lake United Methodist Church, 65 W. Maple St., Sand Lake, MI 49343 or Clark Retirement Center, 1557 Franklin St., Grand Rapids, MI 49506-3331. Relatives and friends may meet the family at the Pederson Funeral Home on Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. and prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Arrangements by The Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

Kenneth Robert Hunter, 58 of Big Rapids, MI passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, January 28, 2012 surrounded by several loved ones after a long fearless battle with lymphoma. Ken was born May 10, 1953 and was raised in Cedar Springs by his loving parents, Robert (deceased) and Rose (Wesche) Hunter with his brothers, Roger Hunter of Rockford, Jim (Sallie) Hunter of Caledonia and sister Robin (Dave) Hole of Greenville. He is survived by his loving wife, Paula Newland Hunter whom he married in 2005; children, Rochelle Hunter (Angie Hines), and Braden (Jessica) Hunter; stepchildren, Brenda Risley (Thad Kruger), Denny (Amanda) Magoon, and Kirk (Kristina) Magoon; brothers and sisters-in-law, Shirley Kruis, Marlan (Bonnie) Newland, Randal (Cheryl) Newland, Bryan (Susan) Newland and Karla (Bob) Roebuck; 12 beloved grandchildren, Quentin, Logan, Madison, Riley, Julia, Olivia, Donovan, Kyla, Kaiden, Shaylee, Evie, and Destiny, who couldn’t wait to come to Grandpa’s house where they enjoyed watching the great turkey flocks and crossing the bridge through the woods and playing in Cold Springs Creek. Several caring extended family members will also mourn his loss including many close nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and awesome lifetime friends. He will be deeply missed by all. Kenneth served proudly in the U.S. Air Force, was a member of the Rockford American Legion Merritt Lamb Post #102 for 25 years and enjoyed working at Hurst Mechanical until 2010, taking pride in his work as a mechanic. Ken was a very strong, brave, and loving man whose family, friends and his God meant everything to him. His earthly joys besides family and friends included riding his Harley, watching Nascar, golfing anywhere and anytime with his crew and listening to Classic Rock and Roll. Visitation was held on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs, to share his love and loss, and as he requested a “party” and to remember his life. At Ken’s request, cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral service. A luncheon was held between visitations on Wednesday at the American Legion Post, 80 Main St, Cedar Springs. Remembrances in lieu of flowers, the family is setting up a fund for educational expenses for Ken’s children and grandchildren. Arrangements by Bliss Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.

Mrs. Ardath Bowers, age 93, of White Cloud, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, January 25, 2012.  She was a 1937 graduate of Rockford High School.  From 1962 to 1972 Ardath worked for the Meijer store in Cedar Springs.  Since 1942 she was a member of First Baptist Church of Cedar Springs.  Ardath, a godly wife, mother, and grandmother, is survived by her loving husband, Leon “Jack”, whom she married in 1938; children, James and Sharon Bowers, Jerry and Helene Bowers, Nancy and Pastor Mike Bergman, Bruce and Claudia Bowers; 10 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; brother, Bill Sevey; and nieces and nephews. The Service of Praise and Thanksgiving for the gift of everlasting life through Jesus Christ for Mrs. Bowers was held Sunday, January 29, 2012, at 3:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Cedar Springs with Pastor Jim Howard and Pastor Mike Bergman officiating.  Interment in Algoma Township Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider First Baptist Church of Cedar Springs, 233 S. Main Street, Cedar Springs, MI 49319.  Arrangements by The Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

Virginia M. Bliss, 92 of Pierson, went to be with her Lord, whom she loved on Friday, January 20, 2012 at Spectrum Health – United Memorial Campus, Greenville. Mrs. Bliss was born April 22, 1919 in Grand Rapids, MI the daughter of Phylo and Ila Bell (Sales) Fletcher. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Leland Bliss on July 5, 2010 after 72 years of marriage. She spent her life as a loving wife, mother and person. Surviving are her children, Janet Glidden of Cutlerville, Lanette Stevens of Edmore, Muriel Kay Hoover of Grand Rapids, Irving (Elizabeth) Bliss of Sand Lake, Hazel (David) Hawley of Cedar Springs, Ila (Ron) Fisk of Sand Lake, Leland (Debra) Bliss of Cedar Springs, Sherrie (Jeff) Peters of Cedar Springs; 110 grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; brother-in-law, Arthur (Delores) Bliss; sister-in-law, Althea Welch; many nieces and nephews. The family received friends on Monday from 6-8 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs, where services were held on Tuesday 11:00 am. Pastor Larry Young officiating. Interment in the spring at Solon Township Cemetery. Arrangements by Bliss Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs

Dr. Edward L. Lepley, age 73 of Stanwood passed away Thursday, January 12, 2012 at his home surrounded by his loving family.  He was born October 10, 1938 in Bellevue, Ohio the son of James Edward and Leona Catherine (Buchman) Lepley.
Ed graduated with honors from Bellevue High School in 1956 where he not only excelled academically, but also on the football field and basketball court.  He still holds several school athletic records. Ed enlisted in the United States Army, where he served for two years, furthering his engineering and mechanical skills.  Following his honorable discharge from the service, Ed enrolled at The Ohio State University where he completed his undergraduate and Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree.  He then proceeded to practice in Denmark, England and he set up a poultry research facility for the Spanish Government located outside Barcelona.  While in England he contracted with the province of Alberta to eradicate the Brucellosis Abortus bacteria.  Along the way he stopped in Michigan and in December of 1966 he met his wife to be, Sharron Binkley.   The young couple married on December 9, 1967 and resided in Union Lake where their son Erik was born. Ed established the Waterford Veterinarian Hospital in 1968.
Ed, Sharron and Erik moved to their Ore Box ranch, located above Canyon City, Colorado in 1973. They returned to Michigan in 1978 where Ed opened Riversbend Animal Hospital.  Over the next 33 years Ed would open Cedar Springs Animal Hospital and his current practice in Howard City, which will continue to be managed by his family, to his high standards.
Ed was a devout member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Howard City and Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church in Pine Island, Florida and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a strong supporter of The Ohio State University “College of Veterinary Medicine” Alumni Association.  He held a specialty degree in the practice of Veterinary Dentistry and his professional memberships included: the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Veterinary Dental Society, the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association, and the West Michigan Veterinary Medical Association.
Ed enjoyed a number of construction projects in both Michigan and Colorado which included, an A frame Cabin and several barns.  Ed was a mentor to numerous students interested in Veterinary Medicine.  His other hobbies included sailing with his wife, Sharron and helping Erik and Tami with chores around the farm and in the field, especially operating his combine this past season.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years Sharron; his devoted son and daughter-in-law, Erik and Tamara and their children, Mallory and Grant all of Stanwood; a brother, S.J. Lepley of Bellevue, OH; three sisters, Suzette Marie Green of Bellevue, OH, Sandra Dillon of Columbus, OH, Gail (James) Miller of Bellevue, OH; two brothers-in-law, Eugene Sanders and Al Flicker both of Sandusky, OH; sister-in-law, Carol Lepley of Columbus, OH and many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Ed was preceded in death by two brothers, James D. and wife Nancy Lepley, John K. Lepley; three sisters, Jacqueline Sanders, Marilyn and husband Ted Fox, Catherine “Kitty” Flicker.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 21, 2012 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Howard City with the family greeting friends at the church from 9:30 a.m. until mass at 11:00 a.m.  Pastor James Wyse, Father Ray Bruck, Father Phong Pham, Father Lou Anderson and Father Phil Wikowski concelebrate the Mass.  The family will greet friends at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids on Thursday, Jan 19th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., on Friday Jan 20th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary being prayed that evening at 7:30 p.m.  followed by public personal reflections of Ed’s life.
Immediately following the Mass of Christian Burial, at Christ the King Catholic Church, a luncheon will be served at the fellowship hall.
There will be additional visitations and services in Bellevue, Ohio with interment at the Bellevue Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in Ed’s name may be given to his family and directed to the establishment of the “Ed Lepley Scholarship Fund” or to continue Ed’s legacy of aiding underprivileged animals.
Share a memory or leave a condolence at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com

Mrs. Betty (Hoekstra) Burg, age 79, of Cedar Springs, passed away on Tuesday, January 10, 2012. She was the most loving wife, mom, grandma, and great-grandma. Betty loved working in her flower beds, watching the birds and squirrels out of the feeders that her husband made. She enjoyed watching ice skating. Betty was the “best” cook and baker, everything from scratch, a true “Betty Crocker.”  Betty especially loved listening to her great-grandson, Ivan when he played his cello, especially the “fast songs” and loved watching Tom and Jerry with her other great-grandson, Audun. Her family has many memories of horse back riding, camping, and the downpours of rain. We are so proud of the fight she put up. Leaving behind are her husband of 61 years, George Burg; two daughters, Deb and Mike Coalter, Kathy and Bob Woodward; two grandchildren, Jacob and Michell Woodward and Lindsey Woodward and Mark Lee; two great-grandchildren, Ivan Woodward and Audun Lee; brothers, Richard Hoekstra, Gerald and Caroline Hoekstra, and Kenneth and Charlotte Hoekstra; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Juanita Wease and her parents, Gerrit and Ora Hoekstra. Honoring her wishes, cremation has taken place. Those planning an expression of sympathy in memory of Betty are asked to consider Hospice of Michigan, 989 Spaulding Ave. SE, Ada, MI 49301. Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

Jerry L. Magoon, age 64, of Sand Lake, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, January 2, 2012. As a young boy, he helped his father top cedar trees and sell them to area farmers for fence posts. Jerry owned his own successful logging and concrete business. He enjoyed hunting and had two really nice “coon hounds.” He had been a member of the Union Ironworkers. Jerry is survived by his children, Matthew and Christina Magoon, Todd and Jennifer Magoon, Tonya and Matthew Myers; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; brothers and sisters, Mrs. Inez Hough, Mrs. Patricia Seymour, Mrs. Lillian Dines, Marie and Alan McClary, Clare and Lore Magoon, Jim and Verna Smigiel, Betty and Steve Hilbrands, Jerald Magoon, Joyce and Ron Paige; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Kenny, his parents, Clare and Gerda Magoon, brothers, John, Carl, and Jim, and his sisters, Susan Porter, and Elsie Utter. The Service of Praise and Thanksgiving for the gift of everlasting life through Jesus Christ for Jerry will be Friday at 12:00 (noon) at Pierson Bible Church with Pastor Thomas Sluys and Pastor Kim Hough officiating. Interment in Algoma Twp. Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Needs of the Family. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the Pederson Funeral Home on Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Arrangements by The Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

Mrs. Lena I. Westover of Cedar Springs went home January 1, 2012, to be with her husband of 59 years, Mr. William L. Westover.  Lena was born on January 12, 1908, in Solon Township and lived the majority of her life in the Cedar Springs area.  She received her teaching certificate from Western State Teachers College in August of 1931.  Lena later completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Western Michigan University.  She was a school teacher for more than 30 years and retired from Sparta Public Schools in 1970.  Lena was very active throughout most of her life.  She was a member of the Foxville Friendship Club and in later years she enjoyed activities such as bowling, line dancing, gardening, quilting, crocheting, and spending time with her grandchildren.  Lena touched the lives of many and will be forever loved by her family and friends.  Lena is survived by her children, Gladys (Matt) Neithefer of Jenison, Shirley (David) Caldwell of Cedar Springs, and William, Jr. (Jan) Westover of Panama City, Florida; grandchildren, Irene (Ron) Steadman, and Michael (Gail) Dunbar, of Grand Rapids, Charles (Valerie) Dunbar of Cedar Springs, Allison (Dave) Collins of Lansing, Douglas (Mary) Caldwell of Jackson, and Jane (Randy) Hazel of Lake Orion; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.  Lena was preceded in death by her husband, William L. Westover, in 1987.  The service for Mrs. Lena Westover will be Thursday, January 5, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. at the Pederson Funeral Home with Pastor Mark Love officiating.  Interment at Crandall Cemetery.  Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Alzheimer’s Association, GMC – West MI Chapter, 2944 Fuller Ave., NE, Ste 101, Grand Rapids, MI  49505 or Hospice of Michigan, 989 Spaulding Ave., SE, Ada, MI, 49301.  Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home from 2-4:00 and 6-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Arrangements by the Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

Mrs. Ardith Robinson Karasinski, age 87, a longtime resident of Howard City and Cedar Springs, Michigan passed away on Thursday, December 29, 2011. Born April 12, 1924, she was the only daughter of Vernon and Mary Robinson’s 7 children. Shortly after graduating from Howard City High school, she married Andrew Karasinski of Sand Lake. Ardith .and Andy spent most of their marriage together on a small farm across from Pine Lake with their ten children. As you might imagine, raising such a large family was rewarding, but demanding. Ardith took care of the home and children and Andy worked a number of different jobs in Grand Rapids, as well as being a gentleman farmer to provide everything they needed for their modest life. Ma and Pa, as they were known around the house, were often asked how they managed to raise ten children without losing their minds. Most of the time, they would just smile at each other knowing that together, with the help of their kids, anything was possible. You see, they taught their seven daughters and three sons that the most important things in life are not things at all. If you work hard, do the best you can every single day, love your family, and have some fun along the way, your life would. be a success. That success is evident every day and survived by Ardith’s children, Susan Dunn, Bonnie Karasinski, Barbara Norman, Shirley and Donald Wittingen, Julia Leshinsky, Michael and Janice Karasinski, Brian Trethewey, Patrick and Karen Karasinski, Charles and Diane Karasinski, Mary and Ronald Krick; by her grandchildren, Pamela and Del Thebo, Mark and Rhonda Dunn, Lara and Andrew Kehe, Greg Norman, Paul MacDonald, Lisa and Derek Clark, Heather and Thomas Ison, Amanda Copeland, Michael Karasinski, Jr., Scott and Courtney Karasinski, Krista and Kelly O’Grady, Kimberly and Ezio Fortuna, Melissa and Jeff Zorn, Steven and Jessica Karasinski, Mary Karasinski, Laurie Karasinski, Rose Karasinski, Robert Karasinski, Jennifer and Guy Schnepp, Ronald Jr. and Mehgan Krick, and Andrew Krick, her 38 great grandchildren; and her one great-great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband Andrew Karasinski; her daughter Linda Trethewey; her great granddaughters Jennifer Thebe and Katherine Clark; her son-in-law James Dunn; her parents Vernon and Mary Robinson; her brothers Howard, Donald, Richard, Lawrence, Arthur, and Royce Robinson.Funeral Services took place on Monday at 11:00 am at Mary Queen of Apostles in Sand Lake with Father Joe Kenshol as celebrant. Friends visited at the Heckman Funeral home in Howard City on Sunday from 6-8 pm with a rosary at 7 pm and prior to services at the church on Monday. Arrangements by Heckman Funeral home, Howard City