Philip “Tete” Hallock age 79 of Cedar Springs died Thursday, September 15, 2022 at home surrounded by his family and joined Kay “Alice” his bride of 48 years. He was born in Cedar Springs on November 19, 1942 to Glen and Jean (Koster) Hallock. Tete joined the U.S. Marine Corp. from 1960 to 1964. He was a truck driver, heavy equipment operator, and mechanic, a true handyman who could fix anything. He retired from Wynalda Litho. Tete enjoyed camping, traveling, quad riding, socializing, listening to music, and campfires. Surviving are his children, David Korreck, Christine (Lee) Mullennix, Timothy “John” Korreck, Holly (Dan) Metzger, Mandy (Jonathon Scutt) Hallock; grandchildren, Joshua (Danielle) Korreck, Trisha (Christopher) Dart, Jeffrey (Amber) Alverson, Jamie Taylor, Morgen Menefee; 6 great-grandchildren; brothers, Nick (Diane) Hallock, Lou (Jo) DeVore; sister-in-law, Mary Hallock; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, grandparents, Fred (Helen) Koster, brother, Jim Hallock, grandson, Eric Mullennix. The family greeted friends Monday, September 19, at Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs, where the service was held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 20. Memorial contributions may be made to the Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids, 2950 Monroe Ave. NE Grand Rapids MI 49505, Spectrum Health Hospice, 750 Fuller Ave NE Grand Rapids MI 49503, or Meals on Wheels, 2900 Wilson Ave. SW #500 Grandville MI 49418.

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

The family of Ron Fisher would like to send a special thank you to Kevin and the team at Bliss-Witters & Pike for your wonderful care of our husband, dad, grandpa and our whole family, during our loss. You all are so kind. Pastor Chuck Smith, thank you for a beautiful service. It was perfect. Your help during this time is very appreciated. To all who sent a prayer, card, food or even a thought of us, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  

Olney Lee Hawkins, “Hawk”, as he was known by friends and family, went to be with his loved ones in Heaven on Monday, August 29, 2022. He passed away peacefully at his Belmont home, surrounded by his children, he was 91. He was born on August 10, 1931, in Fife Lake, MI to William and Thelma (Snyder) Hawkins. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 49-years, Florence; his parents; his daughter, Patti Jo; his brother, Luther Hawkins, and son-in-law, Larry Britton. He is survived by his daughters, Beth Hawkins (Stu Seling) of Hardy Dam, Susan (Dave) Faber of Conklin, and sons, Kyle Hawkins (Michael George) of Chicago and Jeff Hawkins of Belmont; 19 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren; his sister, Marie Reimus of Gowen; many nieces and nephews; his beloved dog, Max the 3^rd as well as his best friend, Billy Bennett and many other lifelong friends. Hawk attended Rockford High School before joining the US Army at age 17. He was a member of the 101^st Airborne Division “The Screaming Eagles” during the Korean War. While still enlisted in the Army, he married Florence (Chollar) on February 24, 1951, at Fort Riley, KS. Together they raised five children and cared for many more through the years. After returning home from the Army, he built airplanes for General Motors in Grand Rapids. When a position with Steelcase was offered to him, he accepted and worked in the Chair Division for 35-years, before retiring. He loved anything to do with the outdoors; fishing, hunting, camping, mushrooming as well as being a master gardener. For years he fed his family, neighbors, and many others. He also passed on his gardening and canning expertise to his children and grandchildren, along with so many other valuable life lessons. There wasn’t an animal that he didn’t like, and he was always taking in a stray, even though he said he was not going to have any more pets. He was an avid Rockford High School football fan and attended every home game for years with his brother Luther. Everybody knew where they sat, and they always had lots of visitors at the games. Hawk was also a Saturday morning regular at Sue’s Kountry Kitchen in Cedar Springs, where he enjoyed breakfast with his family and friends, a tradition that will be continued by his family. After his retirement, he spent the next 32-years attending estate sales and auctions as well as selling a truck load of his beloved possessions at the Trufant Flea Market and Auction each week with his nephew Lyle Streeter. His garage was his oasis, where he spent hours tinkering with his treasures and making sure to keep a little bit of everything just in case someone needed it! He was member of the American Legion and a lifelong member of the Walton Junction Sportsman’s Club. There will be a Celebration of Life at the Rockford Community Cabin, 220 North Monroe Street in Rockford, on Sunday, October 02, 2022, from 2:00 p.m. To 5:00 p.m., with a military tribute and sharing of memories of Hawks life at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, his wishes were that donations be made to the Humane Society of West Michigan (give.hswestmi.org), 3077 Wilson Dr NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534, which was near and dear to his heart, or plant a tree in his name (alivingtribute.org) as a living tribute that benefits present and future generations for decades to come. Hawk impacted so many lives and will be dearly missed by all. We love you, Dad. Hawk’s family welcomes messages and memories in their online guestbook at www.plaisierfuneral.com.

Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford

Pastor Darryl Miller

Sand Lake/South Ensley Churches

I have to admit that I love this time of year. I know that some will say I am crazy and wish that summer would last forever but I am a solid autumn guy. I love the weather; a campfire feels good and it’s not so hot that you need to sit far away from it. Most of all, I love the changes. Yes, those of you who know me know that I am blind, but I still remember the lake that I grew up on. It was ringed with every kind of tree that meant in the fall every different color would explode all around the lake. Brilliant reds, bright yellows, oranges, and so on. The thing that made it even better was seeing the trees at sunset. There is something special about a fall sunset. The colors seem almost painted. Moreover, they are, painted by the hand of a master artist—God paints them. 

One thing that far too many of us forget is that we, too, are artists. We were made in the image of God the creator: “God created humanity in God’s own image, in the divine image God created them, male and female God created them.” Genesis 1:27 CEB.

This includes the creativity of the Creator. We have been made with the imagination and creativity of God. Unfortunately, some will use this imagination and creativity to harm others and towards evil purposes, but God intends for us to use them to honor and glorify God. He has given us skills, but some will think that their skills are inadequate or not as good as others are. We need to remember though that we shouldn’t use these skills to impress humans, but instead to glorify and please God the Creator. This puts things in a completely different perspective. God gave us the gift of creativity: “The Lord has filled him with the divine spirit that will give him skill, ability, and knowledge for every kind of work. He will be able to create designs, do metalwork in gold, silver, and copper, cut stones for setting, carve wood, do every kind of creative work,” Exodus 35:31-33 CEB.

When you see a beautiful sunset and you paint it, paint it as a tribute to God. When you sing in church, give it your best, not for others but for God. He will be pleased if you do! 

Should you feel that your ability is not worthy, let me share a saying that I have kept all my life… God does not ask for perfection, only willingness. In God’s eyes, you are precious and so is everything you do to glorify Him. Use the creativity that God had given you freely and with joy!

Ken Shaw would like to thank Cedar Chase Golf Course, his kids and Shaner Avenue Nursery for the beautiful garden and plaque dedicated to him on the 17^th Hole in honor of the 2 hole-in-one’s he had there. Thank you to everyone that attended the party to celebrate. It is something he will remember for the rest of his life.

Kerry William Randall, age 74 of Howard City, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly Monday, September 12, 2022 in his home. Kerry was born September 23, 1947 to William and Norma (Cady) Randall in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He attended Rogers High School in Wyoming, Michigan. Kerry was an Army Veteran, a machinist, a truck driver, and loved his wood working and his family. Kerry is survived by his wife of 46 years, Penny (Smith) Randall; his children, Kerry (Tammy) Randall Jr., Fred Crafard, Angelia (Chris) Foster, and James Randall; his brothers and sisters, Dan (Mary) Randall, Polly Merritt, Eugene (Darlene) Randall, Don (Jane) Randall, Mary (Gary) Poortvliet, and Sue (Tim) Fiebig; his brother-in-law, Dick Schutter; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by both parents; his brothers, Eric and Mike Randall; his sister, Pat Randall; and his daughter, Annette (Randall) Thompson. Kerry will be cremated and a Celebration of Life is planned for Sunday, September 25, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at 8245 – 104th St, Howard City, MI 49329.

Arrangements by Howard City Funeral Home, Howard City

Edward Jamgotch from Sioux City, Iowa died September 9, 2022 in Newaygo, Michigan. His partner for many years in Cedar Springs was Charlene Cole. He operated a retail rug company for many years in Rockford, Michigan and participated in boat races in Europe. Edward was a member of the Cedar Springs American Legion. He lived in Newaygo at the time of his passing. No memorial service is planned.

Susan Robbins, age 68, passed away in her home on Pine Lake September 6, 2022 after 8 years of jujitsu with breast cancer. Susan was a woman of many talents and passions including an extraordinary sales person, selling several products, but finally reaching her goal to create and sell her own product, with the help of her partner, Mike White. Together they created and sold Conifer Creams; a line of skin care remedy for most every ailment. Susan took a lot of pride in her products and her ability to sell them. Susan was preceded in death by many close friends and family, including her son, Ian Robbins. She is survived by her daughter, Evan (Jeff); grandchildren, Ayden and Ivan; pup, Mia; partner, Mike; Mother, Shirley, and many friends and siblings. Susan was described by her loved ones as a free spirit, doing things her way with thoughtful intention. She was funny, passionate, wise, kind, brave, loving, graceful and open-minded. She valued her family and friendships, and shared her love by cooking delicious meals and smoking “good pot.” She could find something she loved about anyone, seeing and accepting people in their “highest possibility” and passed her gift of empathy and compassion to her children and grandchildren. She will be remembered as a woman full of love, ready to dance and share her gifts with her family and friends. She will be forever missed and treasured. A celebration of life will be held at the American Legion 2560 Northland Dr. Morley MI. 49336 on September 23, 2022 from 5-9 p.m.

Pastor Jon Huizenga

Rise Up Church

Meets Sunday mornings at Cedar Springs Middle School, 10:00 a.m.

Psalm 23 verse 6: “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Hi Neighbors,

The verse quoted above is the last line of Psalm 23, a well-loved, often quoted Psalm. You’ve probably heard it. It starts, “The Lord is my shepherd…”.

I find this last line especially meaningful when it says that goodness and mercy will follow me. Here is the story of the word “follow” in that line.

It could also be translated “chase” or “pursue” and it is usually used to describe a bad thing like getting pursued by an enemy. In the original language of the Old Testament (Hebrew) the word is “radaf.” Pharoah, for example, “radaf-ed” the Israelites when they crossed the Red Sea. One does not normally want to be pursued in the way “radaf” describes. It seems like the wrong word to go with such nice words like “goodness” and “love.”

Now, a little English class. Using the wrong word like this is called irony. In irony, you use language that normally signifies the opposite for the sake of effect or humor. The person who wrote this Psalm is making a point: God chases you, but that is not a bad thing, because He chases you with goodness and love.

I have two questions for you today:

1. How might God be chasing you? 

Two times last week God snuck up on me. I wasn’t expecting Him and He surprised me in a good way. I’ve also, for full disclosure, experienced times when God snuck up on me in a way that was convicting and not pleasant but even that was a good and loving thing in the end. I wonder, how are you experiencing God chasing you? If you stop and look, I bet you will see something.

2. If God has “caught” you, who might He be calling you to chase?

Don’t chase with malice, of course. But is there someone in your circle who needs to experience goodness and love from you? They just might experience it as goodness and love from God, delivered through you.

Surely, God’s goodness and love are following you, and that is a good thing.

Daniel Jan Sturgeon I, age 81 of Howard City, MI passed away Friday, September 2, 2022. He was born November 14, 1940 in Grand Rapids, MI the son of Norman and Jane (Day) Sturgeon. He was a dairy farmer and enjoyed playing cards, family gatherings, hunting and horses. Daniel lived for his wife and children. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Judy (Elder); son, Daniel (Julie) Sturgeon II; daughters, Diana Sturgeon, Danielle (Steve) Neff, Dawn (Lyndsey) Sturgeon, Darci (Jack) Reinhardt; 7 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; brother, Douglas (Jeanne) Sturgeon; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Deborah Ann Sturgeon and brother, Norman Sturgeon. In keeping with his wishes, cremation will take place and there will be no services. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice, 2100 Raybrook St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. 

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

9/6/1946 – 8/25/2022 

Ivan Judson passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 25, 2022. Ivan will be remembered as a selfless friend, always willing to help and put others first. He greeted everyone he knew with, “HELLOOOOWW!” followed by his iconic laugh. Ivan touched so many lives and we are all better for knowing him. Ivan was a native of Rockford, MI. He grew up on Bostwick Lake, later residing on the renovated family farmstead, finally settling in Cedar Springs. His home WAS the place to be and Ivan’s passion for gardening was evident in his immaculately landscaped homes. Ivan worked in various capacities for Kenowa Hills, Walker Schools and St. Patrick’s in Parnell, where he retired. Ivan is survived by his partner, Ricardo Macias; nephew and nieces, Jim (Robin, Quinn & Parker) Wheeler, Jamie (Jack, Jackson & Max) Shavlik, Susie (Guy, Riley & Molly) Diske. His parents, Robert and Donna Judson and sister, Sue Wheeler preceded him in death. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2022, from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Bostwick Lake Antiques, 8451 Belding Road NE, Rockford, MI 49341 In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Glioblastoma Foundation, P.O. Box 62066, Durham, NC 27715. The family welcomes messages and memories in their online guestbook at www.plaisierfuneral.com.

Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford

Rachel and Joshua Hunt, of Plainwell, are happy to announce the birth of their son, Sage Alistair Hunt, born on Saturday, August 20, at Bronson Methodist Hospital, in Kalamazoo. He weighed 6 lbs 13.5 ounces and measured 19 inches long.

Sage was welcomed home by his three excited siblings, Atlas, Maverick, and Ember; proud grandparents Steve and Judy Reed, of Cedar Springs, and David and Julie Hunt, of Plainwell; and great-grandparents Bill and Pat Campbell, of Big Rapids, and Les and Jean Green, of Delton.