Mac Darrell Harless, age 93 of Cedar Springs, passed away, Tuesday evening, October 6, 2020, at his home with his loving family by his side. Mac was born August 17, 1927, in Anderson, Indiana, the son of Loren and Mabel Harless. Mac was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Barbara Joan (Murray) Harless; his parents; son, Carl Michael Harless; brother, Ned Harless; sister, Donna L. (Harless) Eastman; great-granddaughter, Madde Morrow; and many relatives and friends. Mac is survived by his daughter, Teressa Taylor (Dan); brother, Jack Harless (Phyllis); Ina Harless; seven grandchildren, Mike Dykstra (Chea), Marci Harless, Melissa Harless, Lori Kolodziej (Jeff), Chris Lyon (Alyson), Andrea Morrow, and Kendra Chapman (Scott); and 13 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and his granddog, Milo. On April 3, 1949, Mac married Barbara Joan Murray. Mac and Barbara met in 1946 where Barbara was working as a carhop on roller skates at a local drive-in. He stopped to get a sandwich while on leave from the Merchant Marines. Mac told Barbara, “I am going to marry you.” Her reply was, “Oh you think so do you?” and skated away. They did marry and celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary on April 3, 2020. For the first eleven years, they resided in Indiana until 1960 when Mac was transferred to Grand Rapids, Michigan. From there they moved to Big Myers Lake in Rockford, Pine Island Dr., Upper Lake, and then settled in Cedar Springs for the last 29 years.

Mac cherished every moment with his family and loved ones. He was a very dedicated and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was generous and kind to all he encountered. He found a way to truly connect with everyone he met and was instantly adored by those who knew him. Mac loved sharing his stories, loved to joke, and had many funny sayings that would light up anyone’s day. He shared stories about growing up in Indiana, his time serving in the Merchant Marines during World War II and traveling the world, and most of all stories about his wife, children, grandchildren, loved ones, and good friends. Mac loved helping others, in any way he could. He loved all children and all animals. He also loved spending time with his granddogs who gave him great joy: Toby, Tasha, and Milo. For many years he would sit at the table and watch the birds eat from the many feeders he and Barbara had for them. Fishing was a lifelong hobby of Mac’s which he greatly enjoyed with his grandson and close friends. He retired from Bell Fibre after more than 30 years of service. In 2016 Mac and Barb met Father Lam of St. John Paul II Catholic Church, started RCIA classes, and became members of the church in 2017. Mac had strong faith and dearly loved his church family parishioners. He was an amazing man who will live in our hearts forever. The Mass of Christian Burial for Mac will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 10 at St. John Paul II Catholic Church, Cedar Springs, Rev. Lam T. Le presiding. Burial will follow in Solon Cemetery. All guests are respectfully asked to wear masks and observe appropriate social distance. There will be a video of the service on the church website on Facebook. Memorial contributions can be made to St. John Paul II Catholic Church.

Arrangements by Hurst Funeral Home, Greenville

Barbara Joan Harless age 88 of Cedar Springs, Michigan passed away at her home on May 26, 2020 with her loving family by her side. She was born in Anderson, Indiana on April, 3rd, 1932 to Vesta Ravilla and James Glen Murray. In 1946 she met the love of her life, Mac Harless, while working as a carhop on roller skates at a local drive-in. He stopped to get a sandwich while on leave from the Merchant Marines. His first words to her were “I am going to marry you”. Her reply was “Oh you think so do you”? and skated away. They did marry and celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary on April 3rd, 2020. For the first eleven years they resided in Indiana until 1960 when Mac was transferred to Grand Rapids, Michigan. From there they moved to Big Myers lake in Rockford then moved to Cedar Springs. Barbara was a very dedicated wife and mother and cherished every moment with her family. She has always said that the most exciting days of her life was when she found out she was going to be a grandma. When she was not fussing over her husband or family she could be found in town shopping and talking, never at a loss for words, she always had something to say. She took pride in her home and yard and spent many hours keeping them looking clean and beautiful. In the summer you could find her outside every day with her flowers, and keeping all of the many bird feeders full. All animals were dear to her. There was nothing she would not do for them. In 2016 she met Father Lam of St. John Paul II Catholic Church. She and Mac started RCIA classes and became members of the church in 2017. She dearly loved her faith and all of her fellow parishioners. She has said many times that that was one of the most happiest days of her life. She was proceeded in death by her son, Carl Michael: her parents, brother, Richard Murray and many relatives and friends. Barbara is survived by her husband Mac D. Harless; a daughter, Teressa (Dan) Taylor; three grandchildren, Mike Dykstra, Marci Harless, and Melissa Harless; four step-grandchildren, Lori Kolodziej, Chris Lyon, Andrea Morrow, and Kendra Chapman; three great-grandchildren and ten step-great-grandchildren. There was a Mass of Christian Burial at St. John Paul II Catholic Church in Cedar Springs, Michigan on May 29th, 2020. She was laid to rest at Solon Township Cemetery. There is a video of the service on the church website on facebook. Memorial contributions can be made to St. John Paul II Catholic Church.

The Springs Church will soon be joining the St. John Paul II Catholic Church to offer free meals for anyone who wants to join us. 

This will be a community event offered on Thursday nights at The Springs Church. In order to serve these friends we will need YOUR help. If you would be willing to be part of this amazing outreach, come to a meeting on Sunday, Sept. 30, 6:30 p.m. at The Springs Church, on the corner of Oak & Grant Streets. We would love to share how you can be part of reaching many with minimal commitment. Many hands make light work! This is a great opportunity to serve our community in an impactful way. For more info, contact Cherryl at the Springs Church 616.696.2970.

We hope to see you there!

Dorothy A. Helsel age 87 of Cedar Springs died Saturday, April 28, 2018 at St. Anne’s Home, Grand Rapids. Mrs. Helsel was born August 26, 1930 in Grand Rapids, Michigan the daughter of Stanley and Francis (Blasczyzk) Jaskiewicz. She retired from General Motors Alpine Avenue plant. Dorothy loved and adored her grandchildren, enjoyed traveling, and spending time with close friends and family. She made rosaries and was very devoted to the rosary. Surviving are her daughters, Deb (Carl) Allen, Tena (Mike) Hoxsie; grandchildren, Mike (LesLee) Michalek, Joann (Matt) Johnson, John (Gwen) Michalek, Laura (Drew) Felsted, Kendall Hoxsie; great grandchildren, David, Jack, Mia, Lillie and Piper; brother, Ray (June) Jaskiewicz; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, John; daughter and son-in-law, Sandy (Mic) Michalek; grandson, Todd Allen. A special thank you to St. Anne’s Home for their wonderful love, care and support. The family will greet friends Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where the Rosary will be prayed at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday 11:00 a.m. at St. John Paul II Catholic Church, Cedar Springs. Rev. Fr. Lam Le celebrant. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Grand Rapids. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John Paul II or St. Anne’s Home.

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

Evelyn M. Bliss 97 of Cedar Springs died Monday, February 12, 2018 at Bishop Hills, Rockford. Mrs. Bliss was born August 31, 1920 in Detroit, Michigan the daughter of John Jay and Mary Ellen (O’Leary) Seeley. She along with her husband, Tom owned and operated the Bliss Funeral Home from 1954 – 1981. She was a member of St. John Paul II Catholic Church in Cedar Springs. She stayed very involved in her church and the Cedar Springs community throughout the years. Surviving are her daughters, MaryAnn (Ted) DeVries of Plainwell, Peggy Helsel of Rockford; grandchildren, Brenna Willis, Eric (Jessica) DeVries; beloved great-granddaughters, Hannah and Delilah Willis; unofficial third daughter, Joan Walsh Duffy; nieces, nephews and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas in 2010; son, Patrick in 2015; and brother Floyd “Bud” Seeley. The family will receive friends Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where a Scripture Service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday 11:00 a.m. at St. John Paul II Catholic Church, Cedar Springs. Rev. Fr. Lam Le presiding. Interment St. Mary’s Cemetery, Sand Lake in the spring. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cedar Springs Public Library, Hospice of Michigan or the charity of donor’s choice.

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

Aaron Lee Dault age 23 of Cedar Springs, passed away Sunday, January 7, 2018 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Aaron was born January 3, 1995 in Grand Rapids, Michigan the son of Dean and Kara (Wiles) Dault. He was a 2013 graduate of Cedar Springs High School and was finishing his bachelor degree at Ferris State University. He loved being with his family and friends, playing soccer and his guitar. He was a genuine, kind-hearted and humble young man who will be deeply missed by many. Aaron was involved at his church, St. John Paul II where he was adored by the parishioners and everyone he met. He will be remembered for his million dollar smile holding the door open and saying “hi” to the people as they came for Mass. Surviving are his parents, Dean and Kara Dault; brother and sisters, Luke, Grace and Sophia; grandparents, Sue Dault, Sue and Bruce Cadwell, and Diana Wiles; great-grandmothers, Ann Wiles and Barb Herrington; aunts and uncles, Deb (Tom) Kies, Dano (Carrie) Dault, Tricia (Dwight) Perkin, Lindsey Wiles, Tyler Wiles, Jenna Wiles, Carrie (Brandon) Covington, Cory (Tina) Cadwell, Erin (Jim) Carter, Erica Purcell, Kim Bolens; many cousins and many many special friends. He was preceded in death by grandfathers, Lee Dault and Doyle Wiles. The family greeted friends Wednesday, January 10 at St. John Paul II Catholic Church, 3110 17 Mile Road, Cedar Springs. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, January 11 at 11:00 a.m. at church. Rev. Fr. Lam Le celebrant. Interment St. Margaret’s Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John Paul II Capital Campaign. 

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

Scott L. Case of Cedar Springs, Michigan, age 58, passed away on Sunday, December 24, 2017. He was born to Ross and Vera (Towsley) Case on December 14, 1959, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Scott was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed spending time with his family. He understood the value of hard work and passed that on to his children. Scott is survived by his beloved wife of over 25 years Melissa M. (Lund) Case; loving children Scott Case Jr., Craig Lund, Colton (Sam Streeter) Case, and Caleb Case; granddaughter Ashlyn and siblings Ross, Corrine, Ron, and Mary. He was preceded in death by both parents and best friend Charlie Hyke. There will be a time of visitation from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 28, 2017, at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe Street NE, Rockford, MI 49341. There will be a Praying of the Rosary following visitation at 7:30 p.m. The mass of Christian burial for Scott will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 29, 2017, at St. John Paul II Catholic Church, 3110 17 Mile Rd NE, Cedar Springs, MI 49319. Fr. Lam will be presiding. There will also be a one hour visitation prior to the service.

Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford

Members of the Women’s Club and Rotarians helping out with a meal at St. John Paul II Catholic Church. Courtesy photo.

Several members of the Cedar Springs Women’s Club recently teamed up with the Cedar Springs Rotarians in providing one of the weekly community meals. These meals are served at St. John Paul II Catholic Church located just west of Meijer on 17 Mile Road in Cedar Springs.

Each Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. the doors are opened by the church for all community members of all ages who want to enjoy a free hearty meal and fellowship. The menu varies each week and is provided by parishioners along with other area churches, youth, and community groups such as the Rotary and Women’s Club.

This week’s group served appetizers of fresh vegetables with cheese and crackers and then lasagna, corn, coleslaw, potato salad, rolls, and dessert. All are welcome at these weekly dinners!

Carl R. Straub, 72, of Cedar Springs, died Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at his home. Carl was born April 28, 1944 in Granada, Mississippi, the son of Herman and Marjorie (Egner) Straub. He graduated from Union High School in 1962. He then joined the Air Force serving from 1963-69. He settled in Cedar Springs in 1977 near the Egner Family Farm. Carl was a simple, stubborn man. He enjoyed his cars, guns, Gunsmoke reruns and spending time with his grandkids. He was one of a kind! Surviving are his wife, Marjorie (Race) whom he married on Feb. 27, 1965; sons, Carl Straub & Brynadette Powell, Richard & Carolyn Straub; grandchildren, Adrianna, Brooklyn, Caroline and Blake; brothers, William & Lenora Nawara, John Nawara; sister, JoAnne & Brian Ellis; brothers-in-law, Gordon & Shirley Race, Kenneth & Yvonne Race; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. The family will greet friends Wednesday from 6-8 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday 11:00 am at St. John Paul II Catholic Church, Cedar Springs. Rev. Fr. Lam Le celebrant. Private interment Elmwood Cemetery, Cedar Springs.

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