William Kent age 80 of Howard City passed away November 7, 2020 at Spectrum Health Butterworth campus. He was born September 17, 1927 in Solon Township, Michigan the son of Charles and Dorothy Wiseman Kent. During his working years he worked at General Motors for 30 years. William was a handyman, enjoyed golfing, fishing, dogs, and working in the yard. He served his country in the north US Navy. Surviving are his children, Kathy Kent of Howard City, Evelyn VanHauen of Howard City, Dennis and Fran Kent of Grand Rapids, Denise and Keith Rohloff of Lakeview; a stepson, Vincent Berry of Missouri; a daughter-in-law, Lena Swanson of Sand lake; 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Linda Nugent; a stepson, Ted Swanson; sons-in-law, George VanHauen and Jerry Nugent. Services will be held in the spring at the Polkton Township cemetery in Coopersville Michigan.

Arrangements by Heckman Funeral Home, Howard City

Robert C. Penland age 79 of Cedar Springs, died Monday, October 19, 2020 at his home. Bob was born June 13, 1941 in Walker, MI the son of Alvin and Florence (Cowles) Penland. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He retired as a supervisor from General Motors on Alpine Avenue. Bob enjoyed restoring old cars, construction and electrical projects. He loved his grandchildren and doing things with them. Surviving are his wife, Shirley; children, Kelly (Brian) Hoffman, Kimberly (Dan) Foster, Eric (Heather) Shadley, Shawn (Emily) Shadley; 13 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; sister, Ellen Flores. He was preceded in death by siblings, Alvin Penland, Ed Penland, Edna Mae Carlton. Cremation will take place and there will be no services at this time. 

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

Loren W. Frey age 102 of Ensley Township, Sand Lake, went to be with his Lord and Saviour on Sunday, May 17, 2020 at his beloved family farm with his family by his side. Loren was born August 31, 1917 in Ensley Township, MI the son of Harold and Dora (Borton) Frey. He attended Frey Country School and graduated from Sand Lake High School. He was a member of South Ensley United Methodist Church where he had been church superintendent. He was a member of the 4-H, Sons of the American Revolution and the Ensley School Board. He was a farmer all of his life and had been a die maker at General Motors for 30 years retiring in 1980. He had cared for his grandparents and wife and was a loving husband and father. Surviving are his children, Norman Frey and Hilda, Jack and Holly Frey, Janet and Gary Rogers, Joy and John Alex, Kay Deacey, Karna and Joe Montambo, Paul and Val Frey; son-law, Richard Morris; 33 grandchildren; 48 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Violet and a daughter, Nancy Morris. A private visitation and family service was held at Crandall Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Spectrum Health Hospice or South Ensley United Methodist Church. 

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

Dwight C. “Ike” Jamison, age 90, of Cedar Springs, passed away peacefully in his sleep at Faith Hospice Trillium Woods on Sunday, August 5, 2018. Ike was born February 15, 1928 in Big Rapids, Michigan the son of Hugh and Nina (Oldfield) Jamison. He attended what was then called Ferris State Institute. At eighteen, Ike enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed at the 161st Station Hospital in Japan for five years during the Korean War. Upon his return to the states, he was stationed in New York City where he met and married his bride of 66 years, Josephine “Jo” (Valdez) in 1952. After a year of living in Manhattan, they returned to West Michigan and settled in Cedar Springs where they have resided for 53 years. Ike worked in millwright and retired from General Motors Plant #2 in Grand Rapids where he made many life-long friends and was an active member of the UAW, Region 1D. Lovingly remembering his constant dedication to family and friends are his wife, Jo; brother, Hugh Jamison; children, Archie Jamison, Judson (Kim Vu) Jamison, Carla (Bjorn) Hansen; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; several nieces and nephews and countless friends. The family will greet friends Thursday, August 9 from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, Cedar Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice.

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

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

Audrey E. Earhart, 89 of Cedar Springs, died Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at her home. Audrey was born February 26, 1929 in Grand Rapids, Michigan the daughter of Edward and Letha (Kesler) Weaver. She graduated from Cedar Springs High School in 1945 and served her country in the Women’s Army Corps during the Korean War. She worked at the General Motors Alpine Avenue Plant for 30 years retiring in 1989. Surviving are a sister, Lily Fisher; brother-in-law, Edward Earhart; nieces, Jeanne Fisher, Susan Hood and Janie Ream; nephews, Edward Fisher and Greg Earhart; many great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Ray in 1998; a brother Cedric Weaver and a very special nephew, Joe Fisher. A graveside service with military honors will be held Friday 11:00 a.m. at Greenwood Cemetery, Grand Rapids. 

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

Burdette “Burley” Helenius passed away peacefully on March 24, 2018 after a lengthy illness. He was born October 4, 1946 in Grand Rapids to William and Ardella (Opperman) Helenius. He worked for General Motors for 36 years as a welder maintenance leader and was a skilled tradesman at heart. He was a veteran of United States Air Force and served in Vietnam from 1965 to 1967. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved nothing more than being out in the woods hunting or being in his boat, on the ice, or in the river fishing. He loved playing tennis, going bowling, and watching baseball and football. He is survived by his wife, Jeanne; his sons, Laars Helenius and Kyle (Dana) Helenius; his brother, Sidney (Nancy) Helenius; his step-siblings, Randy (Gloria) Crump, Diane (Walt) Dunbar, and Donna Korstange; six grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, step-father, Ralph Crump; sister, Vawn Punches; step-sister, Linda Crump. The family met with friends Wednesday, March 28 at Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where a memorial service is being held Thursday, March 29. Pastor Bruce Wilson officiating. Interment Rosedale Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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

Lou D. “Trooper” Grayvold, age 75 of Sparta died Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at Spectrum Health – Butterworth Campus. Lou was born October 22, 1942 in Suttons Bay, Michigan the son of Martin and Florence (Nyberg) Grayvold. He retired as a supervisor from General Motors Fisher Body. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, hunting and fishing and all the friends he did those activities with. He was a member of the American Legion Post #247 in Comstock Park. Surviving are his wife, Sally (Grannis) whom he married on June 18, 1966; brother, Max Grayvold; sister, Sonya Dearry; sister-in-law, Gloria Holmes; many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and 1 great-grand niece. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, Sherman and Gary Grayvold. The funeral was Monday, January 29, 2018 at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Private family interment East Nelson Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cedar Springs Historical Society or the donor’s choice.

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home

Harold L Stoner, age 78, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 27, 2017. Born on February 7, 1939, he was the son of the late Max and Dorothy (Dines) Stoner of Cedar Springs, where he resided most of his life. He was a talented tool & die maker starting out at Keeler Brass where he met, and later married, Karen (Homrich) Stoner. He retired from General Motors to dedicate more time to the important things in life: family, mushroom hunting, fishing, golfing and gardening. He was a member of the American Legion and Fraternal Order of Eagles. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 51 years, Karen; his children Traci (Stoner) & Chris Scherer, James Stoner and Robert Temple (and his grandpets Pinkie Lee & Goo). He was preceded in death by his brother & wife, Victor & Callie “Liz” Stoner. Celebration of Life services will be held at noon on May 5, 2017, at the Cedar Springs American Legion Hall, 91 South 1st St, Cedar Springs, MI 49319, with a luncheon to follow. Memorial contributions may be made to Spectrum Health Hospice https://give.spectrumhealth.org/donation then search Designation for “Spectrum Health Hospice” or to the Grand Rapids Home for Veteran’s, 3000 Monroe Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49505.

Arrangements by Shoreline Memorial Services, Muskegon, Michigan (231)-722-5050. Leave a tribute for Harold at our website www.shorelinememorial.com

Della L. Shirley, 84 of Sand Lake, died Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at Spectrum Health – Butterworth Hospital. Mrs. Shirley was born January 27, 1933 in Green Township, Michigan the daughter of Nelson and Catherine (Palmer) Swiger. She had worked at General Motors Alpine Avenue Plant for over 30 years and was a member of the Rockford Sportsman’s Club and the UAW Retirees. She enjoyed many winters in Florida and spending time with her grandchildren. Surviving are her husband, Edward whom she married on July 30, 1965; children, Rocky (Mary) Dorey, Linda (Bruce) Yeakey, Johnnie (Rita) Simon, Steven Simon; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; brother, Les Swiger; sister-in-law, Geraldine Swiger; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a son, Robert Shirley; sister, Leona Sperlik; brothers, Melvin, Gilbert and Albert Swiger; 3 nephews. The family greeted friends Sunday at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where the services were held Monday. Pastor Ralph Kilpatrick officiating. Interment Crapo Cemetery, Green Township. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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

Harold & Karen Stoner

Harold and Karen (Homrich) Stoner, of Cedar Springs, are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married on September 24, 1965. They met while working at Keeler Brass in Grand Rapids. Harold retired from General Motors in 1999 and focused his efforts on fishing, golfing, and hunting the elusive mushroom. Karen loved being a stay-at-home mom but redirected her attention to the home’s beautiful landscaping, golfing and Angry Birds. They enjoy spending time with their two lovely children, their families and babysitting the grandpets. A celebration with family & friends is planned in their honor.

Cheers to 50 Years!

James A. Rector, 85, of Baldwin and Florida, was called back to his Savior, Jesus Christ on Saturday, August 29, 2015 at Faith Hospice-Trillium Woods. Mr. Rector was born January 26, 1930 in Pierson, Michigan, the son of Edward A. and Gladys S. (Bird) Rector. He was an Army Veteran and had been employed by General Motors for 37 years before retiring January 1, 1990. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and looking for lost golf balls. Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Donna L. (Rounds); two daughters, Terri (Peter) Loda of Byron Center, Gail (Joe) Parks of Grandville; six grandchildren, Michele (Justin) Poorman, Andrea (Evan) Bevolden, Aaron Loda, Shelby Loda, Conner Loda and Joshua (Heather) Lunger; three great grandchildren; brother, Alvin “Pete” (Edith) Rector; sister, Norma (Fred) Shira; several nieces and nephews. James was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Marian and Ed Rathbun. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 6-8 pm, at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs and one hour before the funeral service on Wednesday, September 2nd at the First Baptist Church, Cedar Springs. Pastors James Howard and Bob Sponable officiating. Interment at Elmwood Cemetery, Cedar Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice-Trillium Woods, Byron Center or Lake Community Bible Church, 8033 Central Park Blvd., Baldwin, MI 49304.

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home