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.

Brandon M. Empie

Brandon M. Empie, 23, a 2012 graduate of Tri County High School, is currently home on leave and took part in Memorial Day ceremonies with the Cedar Springs American Legion. He joined the Air Force almost five years ago on September 11, 2012. Brandon has served two years at Royal Air Force Mildenhall in England; was deployed from there to Arba Minch in Ethiopia for six months; and is currently stationed at Andrews Air Force base near Washington D.C.

Brandon is a security forces member and is certified as a response force leader.

He is the son of Matthew Empie and Jenifer Smigiel, and grandson of Rusch and Pat Merlington, and Don and Lucille Empie.

Earl J. Gorby 80 of Kent City died Friday, April 7, 2017 at Spectrum Health – Butterworth Campus. Earl was born June 6, 1936 in Kent City, Michigan the son of Ray and Crystal (Uhrbrock) Gorby Sr. He attended Trufant Elementary School and graduated from Lakeview High School in 1954 and served in the U.S. Army from 1959-61. He was a member of the Cedar Springs American Legion and retired from Sparta Foundry. He enjoyed deer hunting, golfing and watching and playing sports. He loved kids, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Surviving are his children, Dawn (Fred) Groenke, Kenneth Pope, Betty (Brad) Kahrs; 9 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; sister, Joyce (Bing) Downer; brothers, Pete (Gerry) Gorby, Harold Gorby; sister-in-law, Ardis Gorby; good friend, Steve Pope; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley in 2012; sisters, Erma Rowland and Verma Osburn; brother, Gordon Gorby. The family greeted friends Wednesday, April 12 at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. The service was Thursday 11:00 am Plainfield Christian Church. Pastor Bruce Wilson officiating. Interment Idlewild Cemetery, Kent City. Memorial contributions may be made to Renucci Hospitality House.

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

Myron L. Waller 60 of Cedar Springs died Friday, November 11, 2016 at his home surrounded by his family. Myron was born March 29, 1956 in Grand Rapids, Michigan the son of Donald and Opal (Middleton) Waller. Myron enjoyed all sports, especially baseball. After he became a parapalegic he enjoyed going out to the deck for some sun and giving his grandchildren and other children a ride on his wheelchair. Surviving are his daughter, Brittnie (Robert) Good; grandchildren, Brooklyn, Blake and Michael; mother, Opal Waller; brother, Mark (Julie) Barnhart; sisters, Judy Turner, Gail (Carl) Dunn, Janet (Lloyd) Ingersoll, LuAnn (Jeff) Piatt, Margie (Schmitty) Schmitz, Robin (Steve) Brott; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and a sister, Kellie Fast. The family would like to thank all of the nurse aides who cared for Myron and became friends. A memorial service will be held at the Cedar Springs American Legion on Friday, November 18 at 11:00 am with a luncheon to follow. Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

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

Lawrence K. Cook (Larry), age 69, of Sand Lake, passed away on Thursday July 28, 2016 at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital surrounded by family. The son of Allen & Dorothy (Walker) Cook, he was born March 10, 1947 in Kanab, Utah. A proud U.S. Navy veteran of Vietnam, Larry served aboard the U.S.S. Galveston. After 30 years, Larry retired form Burke Porter Machinery as a mechanical engineer. Larry was a private pilot, as well as a member of the Air Corps Association and EAA. He was a member at the Cedar Springs American Legion Post 287. Larry was also a fan of Bob Seger and loved to tinker with anything old he might be able to fix. Larry was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Gary; Surviving are his wife of 32 years, Linda; daughters, Kimberly Cook, Jill Lindgren, Jody Lindgren, and Jayme Lindgren; grandson, Kyan Lindgren; and siblings, Ruth (Chuck) Pifer, Sam (Kathy) Cook and Ron (Linda) Cook. A committal service with full military honors will be at North Ensley Cemetery on Saturday, August 20, 2016 at 11am with a luncheon at the Cedar Springs American Legion following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to David’s House Ministries, 2390 Banner St. SW, Wyoming. Honoring his wishes, cremation will take place.

Arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids.

Arthur Cazier age 81, of Grant, passed away September 18, 2015 at Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus.  He was born January 17, 1934 in Grand Rapids the son of Cecil and Myrtle (Elliott) Cazier.  During his working years he worked at McInerny Spring and Wire for 38 Years before retiring from there.  He loved fishing, hunting and playing his harmonica which Art played at many locations.  Surviving is his sister, Bessie Smith of Marne. He was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy in 2011, and five brothers, Russ, Rex, Glen, Wes, and Jerry; and two sisters, Doris and Iva. Memorial services will take place on October 14 at the Cedar Springs American Legion Post from Noon till 4 pm.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Heckman Funeral Home of Howard City

Albert G. Heeringa, Jr. (Sparky Harris), 65, of Sand Lake, died Friday, September 18, 2015 at his home. He was born October 1, 1949 in Grand Rapids, MI the son of Albert and Mildred (Winright) Heeringa. He lived and breathed music and was a musician all of his life. In 1969 during the Vietnam War he joined the USO for 16 months playing music for the troops. He graduated from Ferris State University with a mechanical engineering degree. He had worked for Klise Manufacturing for eight years and enjoyed wood craftsmanship as a hobby. Surviving is the love of his life for the past 26 years, Nina Marcinowski; sons, Buddy (Kat) Heeringa; Mike (Kelly) Garza; daughter, Bonnie Aguilar; many grandchildren; brother, Denny (Kathleen) Heeringa; sister, Gail (Tom) Szotco. He as preceded in death by his parents. A memorial service and luncheon will start at 12 noon on Wednesday, September 30, at the Cedar Springs American Legion Post #287, 91 First Street, and will continue with music through the day until 7:00 pm. Interment will take place later at Oakwood Cemetery, Lowell.

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

Thorval “Bo” Nielsen, 81 of Cedar Springs, died Friday, August 7, 2015 at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. Bo was born September 29, 1933 in Cedar Springs, Michigan, the son of Vern and Lillian (Pritchard) Nielsen. He graduated from Cedar Springs High School and attended Davenport College. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Bo attended the East Nelson United Methodist Church, was a member at the Cedar Springs Historical Society and active at the Museum, the Cedar Springs American Legion, and a lifetime member and very active in the Red Flannel Rod and Gun Club. He was a lifetime builder in the Cedar Springs area, enjoyed hunting and fishing, and loved his family and spending time with his sons. Surviving are his wife, Sharon (Buchholz) whom he married on December 6, 1958; sons, Brian (Deborah), Alan (Rhonda); grandchildren, Ryan (Molly), Lauren (Will) Buttars; great grandchildren, Kendall and Mason; brothers, JC, Walter (Helen), Ivan (Phyllis), Eugene (Shirley); sisters, Nina Middleton, Karen (Leonard) Deyman; in-laws, Otto (Marion) Buchholz, Alvin (Patricia) Buchholz, Joyce (Richard) Johnson, Lois Garvey; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother; one sister; and one brother-in-law. The family greeted friends Tuesday, August 11 from 6-8 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where the service was held Wednesday 11:00 am. Pastor Herb VanderBilt officiating. Interment with military honors at East Nelson Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 25200 Telegraph Road, Suite 100, Southfield, MI 48033.

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

Reva Marvetta Benedict, 88 of Holland, formerly of Cedar Springs, died Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at her home. Marvetta was born February 4, 1927 in Kewadin, Michigan the daughter of Espy and Edith (Wildi) Hubbell. She graduated from Elk Rapids High School in 1944 and had worked at Knape & Vogt for 28 years retiring in 1991. She had been a member of First Baptist Church, Cedar Springs and was presently attending New Vision Church, Holland. She was a 40 year very active member of the Cedar Springs American Legion Post 287 Ladies Auxiliary and the 40 et 8. Surviving are her children, Gerald (Joni) Nelson, Douglas Nelson and fiancee, Crystal Scott, Sarah Nelson; stepchildren, Herbert (Sandy) Benedict, Colleen Benedict; 14 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert in 1995; four brothers, three sisters, a great-grandchild, and a stepson. The family will greet friends Thursday from 6-8 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs, where services will be held Friday 11:00 am. Dr. Anthony Adams officiating. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, Cedar Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Cedar Springs American Legion Ladies Auxiliary.

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

Otto J. Ford 91, of Cedar Springs, died Sunday, October 12, 2014 at Lincoln Square Assisted Living, Grand Rapids. Otto was born May 18, 1923 in Quincy, Michigan, the son of Cecil and Luella (Newberry) Ford. He served in the U.S. Army, in the Pacific Theater, during World War II and was a member of the Cedar Springs American Legion. Following the war he came back to Cedar Springs and worked in his father’s gas station on Main Street. He also had been an auto mechanic for Jack Hough Ford and later worked on the grounds crew at the Grand Rapids Golf Club. Surviving are his wife, Winifred, whom he married on August 14, 1971; stepsons, Dean and Deb Parker, Dale and Jeny Ransom; grandchildren, Amy Ransom and Dana Aspinall, Jason and Cyndi Parker, Rick and Rene` Martin, Julie and Bob Robinson, Jeremy and Haley Parker; 9 great-grandchildren; sister, Greta Ackerly; sister-in-law, Inez Ford; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Lloyd and sister, Marjorie. The family will greet friends Friday, October 17 from 1:00 pm until time of service at 2:00 pm at Mamrelund Lutheran Church, Kent City. Pastor Leonard Dahlgren officiating. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, Cedar Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to Mamrelund Lutheran Food Pantry.

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