Mr. George E. Burg of Cedar Springs, Michigan, age 87, passed away in the comfort of his home, with loved ones all around, during the early morning hours of Thursday, December 6, 2018. George was born to Edgar and Elsa (Rector) Burg in Cedar Springs, on June 22, 1931, and had been a lifelong resident of the area. George had married the love of his life, Betty Lou (Hoekstra) prior to his enlistment in the military. He proudly and courageously served his flag and country in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. He was a loving and devoted husband, wonderful father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, and dear friend. He loved to spend time in his garden, and he was always a great story teller—but, an even better listener. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered. George is survived by his two daughters, Deb (Mike) Coalter and Kathy (Bob) Woodward; grandchildren Jake (Michell) and Lindsey Woodward; and three great-grandchildren Ivan, Audun, and Allyie. He was preceded in death by his parents; and beloved wife Betty Lou Burg on January 10, 2012. Those wishing to offer an expression of sympathy are encouraged to make a memorial contribution to Hospice of Michigan, 989 Spaulding Avenue SE, Ada, MI 49301. George will be laid to rest with full military honors at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI.

Arrangements by Pederson

 Funeral Home, Rockford

The United States Marine Corps Sports Leadership Academy will host a free basketball clinic June 24 at MSA Fieldhouse (5435 28th St Ct SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546).

The USMC Sports Leadership Academy is a unique experience for athletes seeking skill training and leadership insights that go beyond the playing field. These nationwide sports clinics offer the chance to enhance basketball ability through instruction from some of the area’s best basketball coaches as well as learn leadership from some of America’s best leaders, the United States Marines. “We are excited to provide this opportunity for the local youth to complement their athletic experiences with the skillset to become exceptional leaders,” Mr. Leroy Pennington, Director of Eastern Recruiting Region Marketing said. “The USMC Sports Leadership Academy is a unique skill building experience that provides a great atmosphere for its participants.”

Participants will be immersed in the fundamentals of basketball while being exposed to Marine-style leadership. Marine Corps Leadership Traits will be taught during short breakout sessions throughout the day and focus on how the sports skills learned on the field relate to real world leadership challenges. Whether in the classroom or on the court, USMC Sports Leadership Academy attendees will experience the skills required to stand out among their peers.

The Basketball Academy begins at 8 a.m. and concludes at 4:30 p.m. following the awards presentations and closing ceremony. All participants receive a USMC Sports Leadership Academy t-shirt and free lunch as well as a camp swag bag. The seven top performers receive 2017 Academy All-Star medals. The event is open to anyone between the age of 15 and 19 years of age. Limited registration is available at www.usmcsports.com.

Coaches know the game, now players can learn the secrets of leadership that will carry on beyond the realm of athletics.

Duane E. Bradley, age 83, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, March 22, 2016. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bert & Lottie Rens; sister, Shirley Flood; son in-law, Fred Taylor. Duane is survived by his wife of nearly 58 years, Ellen Bradley; his 6 children, Reba & Gerald Albritton, Janet & Doug Plumb, Yvonne Taylor, Dale & Jacki Bradley, Linda & Joe Maxim, Doug & Tracy Bradley; 15 grandchildren, Melissa (Scott), Nicole (Matt), Andrea (Reggie), Tim (Angie), Troy (Tiffany), Jessica (Nate), Tiffany (Scott), Krystal (Donte), Joanna (Lee), Derk (Bridget), Dalton (Lindsey), Dillion (Sam), Angie (Paul), Ashley (Eddie), Nicole Porter, Jacob Porter; 25 great grandchildren; sister, Pam & Gene Gibson; brother in-law, Harry Flood. Duane served in the United States Marine Corp and then the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He worked for Ronda Tire for many years until retirement. He loved to play pool, golf, and cards and enjoyed his cocktails. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Monday, March 28, 2016 at 6:00 P.M. Friends may meet the family at the funeral home on Monday, Noon – 2:00 P.M. and 4:00-6:00 P.M. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to assist the family with expenses.

Arrangements by Hessel Cheslek Funeral Home www.hesselcheslek.com.

Mr. Richard B. Goodell of Fruitland Park, Florida, formally of Cedar Springs, Michigan, age 91, passed away Monday, November 2, 2015. He was born on Saturday, February 16, 1924, to Garner and Jessie (Heiss) Goodell in Solon Township and was a graduate of Cedar Springs High School. As a truehearted countryman, Richard proudly and courageously served his flag and country in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. After the war, he was a dairy farmer for most of his life, which he truly enjoyed. Richard also was mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him. Richard is survived by his beloved wife Betty; loving children, Bonnie (Zane) Ziviski, Janet (Larry) Gomaat, Keith (Cheryl) Goodell, Robert K. (Cathy) Brooks, Linda C. (Ron) Harper; ten grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild coming in February; sisters, Thelma Morris, Marie (Winfield) Bigney, and Donna Rhoades; sisters-in-law, Rosemary Goodell, Dorothy Visger; brothers-in-law, Edward Batchelder, John Batchelder, Shirley (John) Brenner. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Eleanor; brother, Donald; sister, Norma Robinson; son-in-law, Jay Markham; brothers and sisters-in-law, Natalie (Charles) Bolthouse, George (Geraldine) Batchelder, Elmer (Laura) Batchelder, Bob Visger, Harley Morris, Raymond Rhoades, and Patricia Batchelder. The funeral service for Richard will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 12, 2015, at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe Street, Rockford, MI 49341. A time of visitation with the family was held from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 11, 2015, at Pederson Funeral Home.

Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home

www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

Mr. James Bernard Clouse of Cedar Springs, Michigan, age 65, passed away into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Thursday, January 29, 2015. He was born to Robert and Betty Jane (Chulski) Clouse on Sunday, June 12, 1949 in Grand Rapids, and had been a life long resident of the area. Jim received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Central Michigan University and later worked as a quality control engineer, a profession which he was exceptional at. He was also a veteran who proudly and courageously served his flag and country in the United States Marine Corps in London, England during the Vietnam Conflict. Jim loved many things in life. He was a great outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing at the Pere Marquette River or deer hunting in the Upper Peninsula along the Paint River. He loved spending time with his family, being around his children, grandchildren, and his nieces and nephews. He also loved to tinker, always keeping a spotless garage. He was a selfless and altruistic man, putting others before himself, especially his family. His love for them was immeasurable. He was a loving father, proud grandfather, wonderful brother and uncle, and dear friend. His big-heartedness, kindness, and generosity will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all those who knew and loved him. Jim is survived by his loving children Scott (Rachael) Clouse, Andrew (Karla) Clouse, Peter Clouse, Josh Clouse, and Kelly Clouse; adored grandchildren Lincoln, Paige, and Amber Clouse; siblings Dr. Robert (Carol) Clouse, Mary (David) Malecki, Michael (Cindy) Clouse, Gayle Barkey, Linda (Wesley) Ruwersma, Cindy (Neil) Kimball, and Diane (Ray) Weaver; and many, many nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and nephew Gregory Clouse. A  time of visitation was held on Monday, February 2, 2015, at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe Street NE, Rockford, MI 49341. The funeral service for Jim was celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 3, 2015, at Pederson Funeral Home. There will also be a one hour visitation prior to the service.

Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford, www.pedersonfuneralhome.com