EPSON scanner image

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

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.

Thank you to all that attended the visitation and funeral of James Cole Jr. and Lisa Bradley. We were overwhelmed by so many people showing their love and concern to our family. Thank you Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home. Thank you to all who gave a gift of money, brought food (so delicious) to our home and to the funeral, to Mary, Diane, Wendy, Laurie and Dawn for all your help setting food up that day, the beautiful cards and words given to us, all the flowers, all your hugs and tears, prayers to comfort us, to all that helped and continue to help her on the farm, getting the crops off the fields, feeding the herd, stopping in to check on me. God is good! A big thank you to all the friends and businesses who helped, to Troy (pig roast) and Greg Fisk (bug spraying), also to Inge and Tommy for your beautiful words at the service and in my home. We continue to pray for goodness on this earth and separate us from hate. “God is Love”.

Thank you – God Bless You

Gloria Cole (mom)

Children: Shanda, Jessica, Erica & Hunter

Brothers and spouses: Dave & Dawn, Jon & Sandy

Nieces & nephews, great nieces & nephews

Annette DeVries (mom) & her family

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

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

Donald E. Welch, age 90, of Ensley Township, Sand Lake died Sunday, September 16, 2018 at Spectrum Health – Butterworth Campus. Don was born July 8, 1928 in Hastings, Michigan, the son of Harold and Viola (Wickham) Welch. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Don enjoyed mushrooming, motorcycles, farming and heating with wood. He loved fixing old oily and rusty engines. He had a great sense of humor and loved to tease people. Surviving are his wife, Joan; children, Gary (Connie) Welch, Sandra (David) McMahan, Donald Ray Welch; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; brother, James (Carol) Wood; sister, Alice (Mauri) Hammond; sister-in-law, Mary Wood; brothers-in-law, Russell Tramper, Leonard Brock. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers and a grandson. The family will greet friends Thursday, Sept. 20 from 1:00 p.m. until time of service at 2:00 p.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Pastor Gary Giddings officiating. Interment North Ensley Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 456 Cherry St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

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

Darrell D. Joslin, age 52, of Cedar Springs, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, September 15, 2018. Darrell was born April 19, 1966 in Grand Rapids, Michigan the son of Elwyn and Goldie (Sicard) Joslin. He was an insurance agent and district sales coordinator for AFLAC. Darrell suffered a traumatic brain injury from an auto accident in 1990. He had enjoyed working with wood as a handyman. He was a devout Michigan fan and enjoyed football, hunting and his family. Surviving are his wife, Sherry; parents, Elwyn and Goldie Joslin; siblings, Dennis (Connie) Joslin, Denise (Tom) Raisch, Darla (Jim) Stroup, Daniel (Tammie) Joslin, DeWayne (Renee) Joslin, Danella Joslin; many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Roy and Mamie Sicard and Clifford and LaVona Joslin; mother-in-law, Anna Walker; nephew, Nathaniel Joslin (Darrell’s buddy); and several aunts and uncles. The family greeted friends Wednesday, September 19 at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. The service will take place Thursday, September 20 at 11:00 a.m. at Pilgrim Bible Church with viewing at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Knox Bullock officiating. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, Cedar Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to Pilgrim Bible Church.

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

Josephine M. Avery, age 92, of Cedar Springs, died Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at her home. Mrs. Avery was born October 16, 1925 in Spencer Township, Michigan the daughter of George and Inga (Jensen) Weinrich. She was very hard working and independent. She had worked at Gibsons, Michigan Chair and Wolverine World Wide. She enjoyed farm living and loved animals and horses. Surviving are her children, Bruce (Benita Ringler), Avery, Jodine (Randall) Casebeer, Peter Avery; 9 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; brother, Marvin Weinrich; sisters, Edna Clingan, Sandy Volpe, Blanche Christie; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse in 1998; sister, Anabelle (Bill) Sevey; brother, Harold (Inez) Weinrich; brother-in-law, Dick Clingan. The family greeted friends Friday, September 14 from noon until time of service at 1:00 p.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Interment East Nelson Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Carol’s Ferals or Spectrum Health Hospice.

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

Helen C. Tibbe, age 89. of Cedar Springs, died Monday, September 3, 2018 at Sanctuary of St. Mary’s, Grand Rapids. Mrs. Tibbe was born February 21, 1929 in Grant Township, Michigan the daughter of Andrew and Mary (VanWylen) DeVries. She was a longtime member of Pioneer Christian Reformed Church and was presently a member of the United Methodist Church, Cedar Springs. Surviving are her children, Nancy (Rick) Alberda, Randy (Sally) Tibbe, Gary (Teresa) Tibbe; daughter-in-law, Darla Tibbe; 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; sister, Katherine Wolfsen. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Don; son, Mike. The family greeted friends Wednesday, September 5 at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. The service was Thursday, September 6 at 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, Cedar Springs with viewing at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Bill Johnson officiating. Interment Hillside Cemetery, Grant. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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

Elsie May (Condon) Waller, age 82, of Cedar Springs, passed away peacefully, Sunday, September 2, 2018 at Mercy Health – St. Mary’s surrounded by her family. Elsie was born July 28, 1936 in Lowell, Michigan the daughter of Boyd and Jeanne (McFarland) Condon. Elsie was a longtime collector of Avon and Precious Moments. She enjoyed her flowers, craft shows, flea markets and time spent with family sitting around (and playing) with the fire at the cabin. She and her husband Bob were able to travel all over the country including Alaska and several trips to Yellowstone National Park. They were able to winter in Florida where they made lifelong friends from all over the country. Elsie was incredibly proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed every minute spent with her family. They loved attending parades and events with the car club, of which they have been members for many years. Elsie was very much loved by her family and many friends and is already missed by all. Surviving are her husband of 63 years, Robert; sons, Gene (Barb) Waller, Gordon (Lauri) Waller; grandchildren, Jessica Waller (RJ), Andrea Edrington, Jackie Slocum (Justin), Amy Hutchinson (Adam); great-grandchildren, Ashley, Brady, Melanie, Brody, Peyton and Evan; sister, Sharon Cramer; sisters-in-law, Ethel Ergang and Helen (Bud) Gambee; special friend, Nancy Norman. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Boyd Condon Jr. The family will greet friends Thursday, September 6 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where the service will be held Friday 11:00 a.m. Pastor Bill Johnson officiating. Interment East Nelson Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Mercy Health – St. Mary’s Critical Care Unit.

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

Arthur J. Schoenborn, age 80, passed away Friday, August 17, 2018 at his home. He was born March 8, 1938 in Belding, Michigan the son of Robert and Lillian (Laux) Schoenborn. He served in the U.S. Army from 1958 – 60. Art was always willing to help others and was very involved in serving through the Moose. He was a member of the Sparta Moose, Cedar Springs American Legion and the Tri-County Eagles. He is survived by his grandsons, Kirk Nagle, Randy Nagle, Jamie Nagle, John (Kelly) Nagle; great-grandchildren, Corianne, Ryan, Charlie, Melissa, Emily, Johnny, Jarrett, Joseph, Jaken, Jesse, Jimmy; great-great-grandsons, Brayden and Bentley; siblings, Sr. Evelyn Schoenborn, OP, Sr. Catherine Schoenborn, Jacqueline Pangburn, Theresa Crouse, Lawrence (Karen) Schoenborn; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his longtime partner Lola Anderson; daughter, Selma Nagle; siblings, Raymond, Donna, Donald, Sr. Phyllis Schoenborn, Bernice Geiger, Maurice, L. James (Jim), Sylvester (Buck) Schoenborn and Pauline Powers. A Memorial Mass will be offered Wednesday, September 12 at 10:30 a.m. at Mary Queen of Apostles, Sand Lake with a luncheon to follow. Rev. Fr. Lam Le, Celebrant. Interment St. Mary’s Cemetery, Sand Lake with military honors. 

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

Bruce E. Armstrong, age 92. of Sand Lake, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, August 15, 2018. He was born November 8, 1925 the son of the late Milton and Minnie (Eldred) Armstrong. Bruce worked for Wolverine World Wide for 20 years and then as a mechanic for East Sparta Equipment for 20 years. He was a lifelong and active member of Huggard Bible Church. He had built his own home and enjoyed collecting and restoring old cars. Surviving are his children, Glen (Wanda) Armstrong, Joan (Howard) Kepple, Amy (Klint) Beck; grandchildren, Tabitha (Matt) Akkerman, Jackie (Tom) Cato, Neil Armstrong, Bridget (Andy) Moul, Chris Armstrong, Sam (Heather) Armstrong, Tera (Bruce) Woode, Mike (Amanda) Knapp, Ryan Kepple, Alicia (Tim) Kelley, Brandon Beck, Seth (Tricia) Padilla; 17 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Bernice (Schnicke) Armstrong; son, Jack (Barbara) Armstrong; brother, Clifton (Lavora) Armstrong; sister, Eloise (Kelly) Covey. The family greeted friends Sunday, August 19, from 4-6 p.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. The service was held Monday 11:00 a.m. at Huggard Bible Church, 8860 – 21 Mile Road, Sand Lake. Pastor Rick Malone officiating. Interment Blythefield Memory Gardens, Belmont. Memorials may be made to Huggard Bible Church.

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