Russell John Schoonmaker (Russ), 39 years young, is from Grand Rapids, MI. He passed away unexpectedly in Kingman, AZ at Kingman regional medical center. Rusty was very artistic, he loved to draw. He enjoyed reading, writing, and painting war-hammer figurines. Survived by his two children, Russell J. Schoonmaker Jr., and Lucas G. Schoonmaker; mother, Becky Evans; father, John Crysler; brothers, Jasen Schoonmaker, Lance & Ashley Frost, Garrett Evans, Victor Evans; grandmother, Arvella Palmer; aunts & uncles, David Norton, Steven & Gina Grinwis,Victor & Maxine Grinwis, Jeff &Tina Schoonmaker, Karen & Junior Mendez, and lots of cousins. He was preceded in death by his Grandpa, Russell William Schoonmaker; uncles, Russell William Schoonmaker Jr. (Rusty), Jeffrey Allen Schoonmaker (Jeff). Family and Friends are invited to celebrate his life on Saturday, March 23rd 2019 at Pierson Bible Church in Pierson, MI at 2:00 p.m. Dinner following services.
Nancy Jean (Cooper) Samsel passed away from COPD on Friday, March 15, 2019 at age 63. She fought hard for more than a year, until it was too much for her to go on. Nancy loved to make people happy by cooking and baking for them. She organized many benefits for people in need and would literally give her last dollar to those who needed it. She worked hard her whole life, especially the last 20 years at the Harvard Bar. Everyone loved her. She was preceded in death by her parents Ruth and Royal Cooper, brothers, Ken Cooper and Don Cooper; brother-in-law, Dave Fowler. She is survived by her sons, Jason (Darla) Barscewski, Brett Cooper; sisters, Helen (Steve) Smith, Jo-Ann Fowler; brother, Dale Cooper; sisters-in-law, Debbie Cooper, Nancy Sowerby; grandchildren, Cory (Jasmine) Smith, Makayela Barscewski, Brett Swainston, BreAnne (Skylar) Lightfoot, Seth Cooper and very special granddaughter, Avery Cooper; great grandsons, Elijah Smith and Oliver Lightfoot; many nieces and nephews. The family will greet friends Friday, March 22 from 10:00 a.m. until time of memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Pastor Chuck Smith officiating.
Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs
Mr. Anthony (Tony) Patin, age 78, went to be with the Lord on Friday, March 15, 2019, surrounded by his loving family. He was born and raised in Sand Lake, MI on the family farm. Tony was the youngest of 10 children. Tony met his wife Patricia at a Catholic Young Adult Group. After a courtship, and Tony’s time in the Army, they married and would make Sand Lake, MI their home. Tony worked for a time in Grand Rapids, MI, however, farming was his true calling and he made the change to full time farming early on in their marriage. He started farming alongside Pat and their children and then alongside his two sons and their families and they continue the family farm today. It is impossible to have enough words to describe the quality of a man that Tony was, or what he meant to everyone. He was a loving father, protector, teacher, and provider to his seven children. Even after they grew and started their own families, his role in their lives did not lessen. His love simply grew to include their spouses and children. He continued to show his unconditional and boundless love to all of them, not one more important to him than the next. Tony had an amazing, self-taught engineering mind. Using his own ingenuity, ambition, and experience he often built what was needed. Including everything from multiple pieces of farm equipment, smaller motorized equipment, to a full-sized dump truck converted from a school bus. He even built an ultralight plane from the ground up. You can be certain he would find something that needed fixing on any equipment that was purchased so it would work as he thought it should. As calm and steady as he was, he still liked the thrill of flying his plane and ultralights as well as the freedom of his motorcycle trips. They were part of the many things that were “awesome” to him. He also took pride in making delicious ice cream for family gatherings. (Oh, how he enjoyed eating ice cream.) He loved seeing the smiles on his beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren’s faces as they liked the ice cream as much as he did. He was truly a kid at heart and enjoyed playing as much as he did farming. Tony’s legacy will be his faith, family, and friends that he gathered throughout his life.
Consider this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 2 Corinthians 9:6
Tony was truly a good and faithful servant. Although he was always a very hard working and focused farmer, he had obvious priorities. Those priorities included instilling a love for the Lord in his family. Sunday church was not to be missed. Many winters even when the snow was very deep, Tony would load up his entire family of nine inside a single cab pickup and make it to church without fail. He was also very careful to ensure that everyone in his life knew that they were special to him including his many beloved family members, friends, and neighbors. To both Tony and Pat, everyone was family. His family and extended family was bountiful and very important to him and his presence will be greatly missed by them all. He was preceded in death by his wife Pat, his daughter Barbara, and his granddaughter Anna Mae. He is survived by his children, Mary and Carl Skelonc, Marilyn and Scott Barton, Terry (Barb) Edema, Dianne and Timothy Newton, Michael and Ann Patin, John and Sara Patin, Sharon Walkowski; 24 grandchildren and great grandchildren; Siblings, Sr Mary Philip OSF, Fred and Mary Lynn Patin, Peter and Carole Patin, Donna Dunaven, many nieces and nephews; and the many relatives of Pat’s family. The Mass of Christian Burial was offered on Wednesday, March 20 at Mary Queen of Apostles Church, Sand Lake, with Rev Lam Le presiding. Interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Relatives and friends met with the family at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs Tuesday, March 19. Memorial contributions can be made to the Mary Queen of Apostles youth program.
Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs
Evelyn I. Campbell, age 90, of Pierson, died Thursday, March 7, 2019 at Boulder Creek Assisted Living. Mrs. Campbell was born August 2, 1928 in Hastings, MI the daughter of John and Ida (Cheeseman) Norton. Surviving are her children, Sheila Ostrander; Judith (Larry) Strunk, Steven (Lynne) Campbell; daughter-in-law, Dawn DeVreugd; 12 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; sister, Violet Birman. She was preceded in death by her husband, Calvin in 2012; son, Daniel; 2 brothers; 1 sister; and her beloved cat Snoopy who was her life. The family greeted friends Sunday, March 10 from 2-4 p.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where the service was held Monday 11:00 a.m. Chaplain Madelyn Thompson officiating. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, Cedar Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to Kindred Hospice.
Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs
Alice A. Rogers, age 69, of Cedar Springs, died Thursday, March 7, 2019 at Metron of Cedar Springs. Alice was born September 8, 1949 in Grand Rapids, MI the daughter of Josephine and Tony Golembiewski. She loved the outdoors, her flower garden, yard sales and her chihuahuas. She was a wonderful mother. Surviving are her children Donna (Mark) Pelton, Michael (Dorene) Pierce, Alicia Rogers; 5 grandchildren, Mike, Dennis, Samantha, Ashley and Dylan; great-granddaughter, Emberlynn; sisters, Joyce Petersen, Patsy (Ron) Ladermann; many nieces and nephews including a special niece, Hailey Dempsey. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Tom Rogers; nephew, Jeff Rogers. A special thank you to Metron of Cedar Springs for their care. Cremation has taken place and there will be no services. Private family interment Sand Lake Cemetery.
Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.
Brian Lynn Johnson, age 59, passed away peacefully at home Thursday, February 28, 2019, after fighting his battle with cancer for the last two years. He was surrounded by his loved ones when he passed. Brian was born August 12, 1959 in Grand Rapids, MI to Lyle and Shirley (Paepke) Johnson. Brian and the love of his life, Penny, have been married for 37 years. They made Cedar Springs their home where they raised their two daughters, Brittany and Amy. Brian was a thirty year employee of Knape and Vogt and member of the Cedar Springs American Legion Post #287. Brian is preceded in death by his father, Lyle Johnson; father-in-law, Robert Hendges; brother-in-laws, Tim and Mick Hendges; sister-in-law, Kellee Carlson. Brian is survived by his wife, Penny and daughters, Brittany (Cory) Pike and Amy (Grant) Gould; grandsons, Deegan and Dawson Pike and granddaughter, Penelope Gould. Also, his mother, Shirley Johnson; mother-in-laws Marie (Ken) Baxter, Barb Hendges; brothers and sisters, Renee (Gary) Moore, Barron (Cheryl) Johnson, Vonda (Jeff) Hendges, Vicky Johnson, Brad Johnson, Kris (Tim) Johnston, Scott (Kim) Dewitt, and Dawn Douglas. He was greatly loved by all of his many nieces and nephews. Brian had an affinity for the outdoors. He loved hunting, fishing and spending time with his family. Brian always had the time to be present for anyone who needed him. He was always so thoughtful. Many remember him by his fresh lilacs or roses he would give. He spent lots of time camping and by the water. “Ozzy” loved sitting by the bonfire and listening to rock and roll. Rock on! Family will greet all those who loved Brian for a celebration of life held at the American Legion Post #101 in Greenville, MI on Saturday, March 9, 2019 from 1-4 p.m. Informal service at 1:00 p.m. with luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to American Legion Post #287 in Cedar Springs, MI.
Arrangements by Ofield Funeral Home, Kentwood, MI.
Julia M. (Covey) Wheelock “Aunt Julie”, went to her heavenly home quietly in the early morning of March 1st, 2019 at the age of 75. The devotion of her family, friends and firm belief in God, supported her in this transition to her ultimate peace. Julie is survived by her husband of 57 years, David Wheelock Sr. of Saranac, MI; son, David (Cheri) Wheelock Jr. of Albuquerque, NM; daughter, Kathy Wheelock-Besson of Saranac and Bill Besson; Julie’s three grandsons, David Wheelock III of Crestview, FL, Trevor and Bryce Besson of Saranac; great-grandchildren, Piper and Calvin.; sister, Phyllis Morse of FL; brother, Ray (Sue) Covey of FL; step-mother, MariJo Covey of GA; sister-in-law, Leona (Clyde) Eckman of MI; stepsisters, Ruth (Lyn) Bradley of MI, and Bonnie Auld of GA; sister-in-laws, Harriet (Bruce) Davenport, Anna Niemela, Charllot Perry, and Dorothy (Arnold) Kimball, all of MI; brother-in-law, Dan (Evelyn) Wheelock of MO, and several nieces and nephews. Julie was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Lillian (Sweet/Mathews) Covey; brother, Roy Covey; in-law’s, Leo and Lela Wheelock; niece, Tammy Morse; and brother-in-law, Lewis Niemela. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Julie’s Life, at 10 a.m., March 16th, at the Pathway’s Ebenezer Center, 4960 Portland Rd, Saranac, MI 48881, with an open house style reception to follow from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. The family is grateful for the condolences, but declines flowers; please, send donations to The Winding Creek Camp, 161 Summit Dr., Allegan MI 49010, Https://windingcreekcamp.org and or to the Faith Hospice, 2100 Raybrook SE, Ste 300, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, Https://faithhospicecare.org. The family would also like to thank the Sunrise Senior Living Community, the Faith Hospice and Comfort Keepers caregiving teams for their efforts, kindness and compassionate dedication.
Max T. Demorest Sr., age 62, passed away Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at Trillium Woods. Max was born April 18, 1956 in Grand Rapids, MI the son of Donald and Thelma (Russell) Demorest Sr. He loved camping and boating. He coached his kids rocket football and T-ball and loved spending time with his brothers and family. He adored spending time with his grandchildren as well. He is survived by his children, Max Demorest Jr., Angelia Demorest, Eric (Bobbie) Demorest, Bradley Demorest; grandchildren, Austin, Makayla, Kiersten, Landon, Jarek, Claudia, Ava, Mason and Hudson; great-grandson, Rylan; brothers, Donald (Terri) Demorest Jr., James Demorest Sr., Craig (Laura) Demorest; sisters, Sally (Marty) Roelofs, Christine Shears; brothers and sisters-in-law, Dino (Tina) Masteropietro, Aldonna Spain; many nieces and nephews. Max was preceded in in death by his wife, Laura; parents; mom, Gloria Demorest; brother, Rusty; daughter-in-law, Danielle Demorest; brother-in-law, Brian Shears. The family will greet friends Monday from noon-2 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. until time of service at 6:00 p.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.
Arrangement by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs
John E. Aspinall, age 70, passed away Sunday, February 24, 2019 in Grand Rapids. John was born July 9, 1948 in Evart, MI the son of Lonnie and Dorothy (Bodman) Aspinall. His grand kids were the light of his life. He loved to tinker on anything motorized. John also enjoyed hunting, fishing and listening to old country music. He is survived by his children, John (Brandy) Aspinall, Teri Aspinall, Tracy (Adam) Albrecht and Amy Aspinall; grandchildren, Corrine (Nate) MacDonald, Cortney Aspinall, Jaxson Aspinall, Justin Bogner, Jesse Johnson, Landon Johnson, Noah Aspinall, Brody Albrecht and Amiyah Albrecht; sisters, Sheila (Jim) Young, Shirley (Rick) Mockeman, Evy Drowley, Margie Vincent, Barb (Bill) Johnson and Linda (Gordon) Tower; brothers, Dick (Delores) Aspinall and Bob Fisher. He was preceded in death by his parents. The family will greet friends Saturday from noon until time of service at 1:00 p.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Following the service a luncheon will be held at the American Legion.
Arrangement by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs
William Gregones, age 73, passed away Sunday, February 24, 2019 in Grand Rapids. Bill was born June 18, 1945 in Grand Rapids, the son of John and Alma (Seaborn) Gregones. He was in the U.S. Navy during Vietnam and was in the active Naval reserve from 1975 – 1989. Bill was a former commander at the American Legion Post #287 in Cedar Springs and was a member of the Sons of the American Legion. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Brenda (Banta) Gregones; children, John (Brandy) Gregones, Matthew Gregones and Lisa (Paul) Hollenbeck; 11 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter; brothers, Michael (LaVonne) Gregones, Robert Gregones; sisters, Pam (Dale) Larson and Robin (David) Oie. He was preceded in death by his parents. The family will greet friends Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, Cedar Springs. Pastor Bill Johnson officiating. Interment Elmwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Purple Heart Homes.
Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs
