John Edward Hull age 57 of Ensley Township passed away Saturday, February 24, 2018 at his home after a brief battle with cancer. John was born in Grand Rapids on January 8, 1961 to Dwight and Marian (Roosien) Hull. John grew up in Wyoming, Michigan, graduated from Godwin Heights High School, and moved to Sand Lake. John loved his children and his dogs. He also enjoyed sports especially the Tigers, U of M, and wrestling. John is survived by his children Kirk Jon Hull and Monica Rae Hull; father, Dwight; siblings, Carol and Donald Dracht, James and Karen Hull, and Connie Beles; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Darla Rae and mother, Marian Noreen. The family wishes to thank Great Lakes Caring Hospice for their care. The family greeted friends Wednesday, February 28 at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs with the funeral service following. Pastor Jeff Wallace of Pierson Bible Church officiated. Interment Crandall Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Special Olympics or Great Lakes Hospice.

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

The Hawks Nest student section during the pink out game against Lowell last Friday, January 26. Photo by K&R Lalone.

By Judy Reed

The Cedar Springs Red Hawks’ student section—the Hawks Nest—just barely missed making it as a top three finalist for MHSAA’s Battle of the Fans VII. But they are winners none-the-less.

“Our student body has been absolutely fantastic this year. In fact, I believe it has been the best it has been in many years,” said teacher and coach Justin Harnden, who has been working with the student Athletic Leadership Council to create a culture that positive and supportive for all fans and teams. “A large amount of students have taken the challenge of changing the culture of our student section and making it a positive experience for everyone.”  

Cedar Springs was chosen as one of nine semi-finalists and one of three in Class A, on January 16. They then had 12 days to step up their game and show what they could do, and record it on social media. On January 23, almost 1,000 students cheered on a Special Olympics basketball game between Cedar Springs and Sparta—and they cheered for both sides. They also cheered at pink out games for girls and boys basketball. During last Friday’s pink out boys basketball game against Lowell, the positive spirit they showed made a big impact on at least one of the opposing team’s fans.  

Joel Fritsma, a Red Arrow fan, posted this on Twitter: “Shoutout to @CedarALC for the hospitality Friday night! The pink out was really fitting. Quite the SS you guys have put together this year! Keep up the great work, and best of luck towards moving on in the #BOTF rankings! – A Lowell Student #HowBasketballGamesShouldBe”

Harnden said that sentiment really exemplies all that they have done this year. 

“There have been a large amount of great moments the past two sports seasons that are highlighted with one of the largest sections we have ever had for our Lowell football game, and partnering with the school Be Nice campaign for our Glow Out Bullying basketball game,” he said.

“While we were disappointed that we didn’t make the finals, everyone here is extremely proud of all the we have done and we absolutely will try again next year. The upperclassmen that we currently have put forth so much effort into the shift and they have laid the groundwork for everyone else to follow.”  

Harnden hopes the positive impact of the campaign extends beyond school walls. “I hope that the positive shift resonates with not just our students, but our community as well. Everyone leading and pushing in a supportive way makes the games so much fun to be a part of and when we can lead the shift out of the student section we can make a much bigger difference in the lives of many other people,” he explained. 

Boyne City, Buchanan and Petoskey were selected as finalists by MHSAA’s Student Advisory Council. Voting among the top five semifinalists was particularly close, according to the MHSAA. Cedar Springs and Charlotte just missed earning spots among the top three. Munising, Negaunee, Pellston and Traverse City West also were among the semifinalists.

“Charlotte and Cedar Springs were very close to becoming part of this year’s finalists tour,” said Andy Frushour, MHSAA director of brand management and advisor to the Student Advisory Council. “Both have established incredible fan cultures, and we certainly plan on seeing them in this contest again next year.”
Harnden agrees. 

“This year semi-finalists; next year champions,” he said.

Visit CedarSpringsTV on youtube.com to see several examples of the Hawks Nest in action during Battle of the Fans VII.

Franklin “Frank” John DePue, 75 of Greenville, passed away Sunday, April 17, 2016 at home. Frank was born October 5, 1940 in Eaton Co., Michigan, the son of the late Maurice “Mike” and Helen (Holbrook) DePue. Frank is loved and survived by his wife of 56 years, Judith (Ellick) DePue; his children: Monique (Dave) Doolittle and Vincent (Kayleen) DePue; grandchildren: Trafford (Ashley Hattis) Giles, Stephanie Doolittle, Nick Doolittle, Michael (Ceara) DePue, Kyle DePue, Donald Eikenhout, Andrea (Larry) Wiley and Graham DePue; sisters: Dorothy Fisher, Carol (Ron) Stevens, Shirley (Dick) Rinckey and Dee (Ron) Corwin; great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. Frank was preceded in death by his siblings: M. Jean Schafer, Edwin Maurice DePue, Kathleen Marie Cooper, Jennifred Joan Schrauben, David Lee DePue and Dean A. DePue. Frank was a graduate of Greenville High School in 1976. He retired from Meijer as Loss Prevention Manager after 30+ years of service. In addition to a long career at Meijer, he and his wife Judith were owners of Animal Crackers Farm Petting Zoo of Greenville. Frank and Judy touched countless lives, spanning several generations by taking their large traveling zoo to schools, festivals, churches, parades and more local events than can be documented. Frank donated time, along with Judy, at Special Olympics, March of Dimes, Optimist Camp and the American Cancer Society, and he walked his beloved camel Shalamar across most of Montcalm County to raise nearly $1000 for that cause. Frank also enjoyed greeting Mejier customers every Christmas Eve dressed as Santa with his reindeer and sleigh. He was very proud of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Frank always appreciated being embraced by the community and enjoyed sharing his love of his animals. He got great enjoyment making people laugh and smile with his wit and a wink. His contagiously happy spirit will be missed by so many, but never forgotten by anyone. We are sad that you are gone, but find peace in knowing we will someday see you again. We love you. Memorial services were held at 1:00 pm Thursday, April 21, 2016 at Hurst Funeral Home, with Pastor Ken Harger officiating. Visitation was Wednesday from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society, and memories and messages of condolence may be shared at www.hurstfh.com.

Arrangements by Hurst Funeral Home, Greenville

Students at Cedar View presented Special Olympics with a check for $948 Monday. From left to right: Special education teacher Chris Leslie, fifth grade students Marissa Whitney, Sierra Hess, and Mae Larsen, Special Olympics representative Diane House, and Independent Bank representative Julie Wheeler. Post photo by J. Reed.

Special Olympics benefit from fundraiser

By Judy Reed

Three Cedar View students with a heart for sharing, plus 480 students who helped support the cause, equals a generous donation to Special Olympics.

When fifth grade students Marissa Whitney, Sierra Hess, and Mae Larsen decided they wanted to do a fundraiser, they chose something that kids at their own school could benefit from—Special Olympics.

“These girls worked so hard,” said special education teacher Chris Leslie. She explained that funding from Special Olympics is the only way that some of the students in her class get to participate in certain athletic activities.

The three girls urged fellow students to bring in their change, each day on the morning announcements, for about a month. “We told them there would be a treat [for the winning classes], but told them we wanted them to do it because it would help people,” explained Marissa.

In the end, the two classes whose bins weighed the most were Mr. Moleski’s fourth grade class, and Mrs. Cairy’s fifth grade class. Each class got popsicles as a special treat.

The change was taken to Independent Bank, where employees rolled it—all $948.85 worth of it.

Fourth and fifth grade classes gathered on the lawn Monday morning, as the three girls presented Diane House, from Special Olympics, with the check. House was grateful to the girls for their hard work. “This will go to fund special events across Kent County, including here,” she explained.

The High School Special Olympics Basketball Team, with eight students from Mr. White’s class, took first place at the State Unified Basketball Tournament. The students played two games and won both, with a score of 24-18 in the first and 32-30 in overtime in the second game. The students received gold medals at the medal ceremony.

Congratulations to the team!