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

Alvin Rector, age 82, of Howard City passed away August 19, 2019 at Spectrum Health Kelsey Campus.  He was born November 12, 1936 in Sand Lake, the son of Edward and Gladys (Bird) Rector. During his working years he worked as a meat cutter for Pastoors Meats for over twenty years as well as Birds Meat Market in Howard City for five years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, yard sales and euchre. In 1958 he married Edith Ranney who survives. Also surviving are one son, Tim (Rachel) of Howard City; one daughter, Debra (Kory) Mossell of Florida; 8 grandchildren; one sister, Norma Shira of Grand Rapids, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Marian and a brother, James.  Funeral services will take place on Friday at 11:00 a.m. at the Heckman Funeral Home with burial in the Elmwood Cemetery in Cedar Springs.

Arrangements by Heckman Funeral Home, Howard City

Carol Goetsch, age 77 of Howard City, passed away on July 3, 2018 at Metron of Cedar Springs.

She was born April 18, 1941 in Greenville Michigan, the daughter of Tom and June Mulkins Sutphen.  During her working years she worked as a bus driver and hair dresser as well as working with her husband and family for many years on their tree farm. She enjoyed time with her family as well as training her horses. Surviving are her mother June; four children, Deborah (Michael) Ensley, Mark (Camie) Goetsch, Bruce (Lisa) Goetsch and Arno Goetsch (Significant Friend – Michelle).  Also, seven grandchildren, Bradley, Ashley, Ryan, Adam, Jessica, Kyle & Aleshia and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert, her father Tom, and her brother Tom. Memorial services will take place on Saturday July 7 at 10 a.m., luncheon following, at Heritage United Methodist Church with Pastor Terri Cummins officiating. The family will greet friends from 9 a.m. until time of service.  

Arrangements are entrusted to the Heckman Funeral Home of Howard City.

Billy Cotton age 75 of Sheridan passed away April 6, 2018 at his residence. He was born March 16, 1943 in Wynne, Arkansas the son of Newt and Lottie (Waite) Cotton.  During his working years he worked in the Foundry Industry for his entire life.  He enjoyed farming, gardening, tractors, gambling and Sunday dinners with his family.  Billy served his country in the US Navy. Surviving are two daughters Christina (Chris) Allison of Sheridan, Kelly Border of Greenville; 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; four sisters Betty Cotton, Dorothy McLain, Ann (Tommy) Pearson, Helen Anderson; a sister-in-law, Laura Cotton; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, James; one sister, Ruth and five brothers, Floyd, Elmer, Charles, Newt and Harry.  Graveside Services have taken place on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. at the Reynolds Cemetery with Pastor Terri Cummins officiating.  

Arrangements are entrusted to The Heckman Funeral Home, Howard City 

Marijo (Swart) Brockschmidt age 49 of Howard City went home to be with her Lord and Savior  February 5, 2018 at her residence. She was born July 5, 1968 in Grand Rapids the daughter of Richard and Jacqueline (Slater) Swart. During her working years she worked as a Massage Therapist / Reflexologist for twenty five years. Marijo was a kind and giving person she enjoyed hunting, playing musical instruments, knitting and crocheting. She was a foreign exchange student to Belgium and was also a youth missionary. In 1998 she married James Brockschmidt who survives. Also surviving are her mother Jacqueline Swart of Pierson; sister Teri (Christopher Powell) Swart of Morley; their son Turner and daughter Alyssa; brother Jack Swart and his son Nathan; stepson Kyle Brockschmidt of Howard City and his children Brody, Brianna and Brooklyn; stepdaughter Kelli (Eric) Luchs of Las Vegas and their daughter Kerith; brother-in-law Leo (Jean) Brockschmidt; two nieces Amy and Erin Brockschmidt. She was preceded in death by her father Richard and mother and father-in-law Elaine and Phil Brockschmidt. Funeral services will take place on Monday at 11:00 a.m. at the Heckman Funeral Home with Pastor Gary Giddings officiating with burial in the Reynolds Cemetery.  The family will greet friends at the Funeral home on Sunday from 2- 4 and 6-8 p.m. and prior to services on Monday.

Arrangements by Heckman Funeral Home, Howard City  

Janet Wilson age 79 of Coral passed away January 3, 2018 at Spectrum Butterworth.  She was born December 10, 1938 in Chesaning, Michigan the daughter of Frederick and Alice (Weighman) Gould.  During her working years she worked in the factory as well as being a C.N.A. She was a very loving mother and grandmother.  Janet enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, watching nascar, puzzles and her Dog Bella. Surviving are her children, Cindy (Bill) Pease of Big Rapids, Kirk (Melody) of Coral, Paul of Coral, Scott (Kimberly) of Sand Lake, Joy (Calvin) Alverson of Howard City; 12 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren; one sister, Mary Jo Beek of Mio; a sister-in-law, Barbara Gould of Fenton; and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Hildreth; son Hildreth (Jack); one grandchild F.C. and 14 brothers and sisters. Funeral services took place on Monday at 1:00 p.m. at the Heckman Funeral Home with Pastor Frank Taylor officiating with burial in the Hillside Cemetery in Entrican.   The family greeted friends on Sunday evening from 6-8 p.m. and prior to services on Monday.   

Arrangements by Heckman Funeral Home, Howard City. 

Laura Smith age 87 of Sand Lake passed away December 22, 2017 at Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus. She was born May 6, 1930 in Courtland Township the daughter of Albert and Grace (Stewart) Becker.  During her working years she worked as a seamstress as well as working in a factory for several years. She enjoyed sewing, plastic canvas, crafts, camping, fishing, gardening and swinging on the swing in the front yard. Surviving are her children, Dan (Jane) Smith of Pierson, Margaret Merritt of Sand Lake, Sandra (Harold – Trez) McConnell of Sparta, Edward (Karin) Smith Jr. of Ohio, Randy (Roxie) Smith of Texas, John (Cheryl) Smith of Sand Lake, Lori (Scott) Wesche of Howard City; 16 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Martha Parker; one brother, Kenneth Becker; a sister-in-law Dorothy Briggs; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Edward, and seven brothers and sisters. The family greeted friends on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. and prior to services on Thursday. Funeral services will take place on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. at the Heckman Funeral Home in Howard City with Pastor Richard Nichols officiating with burial in the Pierson Cemetery. Luncheon at 12 noon to 2 pm at the Sand Lake VFW. In lieu of flowers gift donations can be made in Laura’s honor at Howard City Action Center, 132 E. Edgerton, Howard City, MI 49329.

Arrangements by Heckman Funeral Home, Howard City

Garry Runyon age 71 of Cedar Springs passed away October 31, 2017 at Metropolitan Hospital. He was born Dec. 10, 1945 in Grand Rapids the son of Wilbur and Mildred (Tucker) Runyon. Garry worked at various jobs which included the Rockford Papermill, Cedar Springs Stamping and Mico Industries. He enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting. In 1970 he married Phyllis Runyon who survives. Also surviving are a daughter, Anita Bartholomew of Sparta; two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; one brother, Rex Runyon of Howard City; three sisters, Cathy Runyon of Morley, Laurie Bowen of Cedar Springs, Loretta Hawley of Gowen and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Duane and Walter and a sister Ruth.  Memorial services will take place on Saturday November 11 at 1 p.m. at the American Legion in Cedar Springs.  The family will greet friends from Noon until time of services.

Arrangements by Heckman Funeral Home, Howard City

Carleton E. Proctor, age 70 of Sand Lake, went home to be with his Lord on October 20, 2017 at his residence.  He was born October 12, 1947 in Jackson the son of George and Esther Proctor.  During his working years he worked in construction.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, working in his gardens but most of all he loved to spend time with his family. Surviving are his wife Sally; two daughters, Kristina ( Mark ) Hubbard, Gail Proctor; two step-daughters, Tammy Horst, Teri Corrick; four grandchildren, Dale Hubbard, Dawson Hubbard, Lacey Poulson and Taylor Horst; three sisters, Cathy Henry, Sarah Ellison and Colleen (Bob) Burian; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter, Tina;  brothers, Jack and Allen and a sister, Virginia.  Funeral services will take place on Thursday at 3 p.m. at the Pine Grove Community Church on (M- 82 ) with Pastor Dan Wolters officiating with burial in the North Ensley Cemetery. The family will greet friends at the church from 1 p.m. until time of services at 3 p.m.

Arrangements by Heckman Funeral Home, Howard City

Evelyn VanderZee age 99 of Holt passed away March 4, 2017 in Holt, Michigan. She was born January 16, 1918 in Diller Nebraska the daughter of Walter and Anna (Roseman) Eberhardt. She lived in Cedar Springs for many years. During her working years she worked at the Homestead Grocery Store where she assisted in the family business. She loved bowling, puzzles, the Kardashians, playing cards. She didn’t start driving until she was in her late 50’s. She also assisted her daughter at Peacock Pet Parlor as well. Surviving are her children, Andrew VanderZee of Florida, Robert (Betty) VanderZee of Cedar Springs, Dorothy Conner of Lansing, Judy (Mike) Peterson of Ravenna, Sharon (Derrick) Peacock of Stanwood; 17 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by husband Andrew VanderZee Sr., a first born child Edwin, two infant grandchildren, a great-grandson Matt, a daughter-in-law Betty, and a brother Elmer. Funeral services were held on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at the Heckman Funeral Home with pastor David Davis officiating with burial in the Aetna Cemetery in Morley.

Arrangements by Heckman Funeral Home, Howard City

Evelyn VanderZee age 89 of Holt passed away March 3, 2017 in Holt, Michigan.  She was born January 16, 1918 in Diller Nebraska the daughter of Walter and Anna (Roseman) Eberhardt.  She lived in Cedar Springs for many years. During her working years she worked at the Homestead Grocery Store where she assisted in the family business.  She loved bowling, puzzles, the Kardashians, playing cards.  She didn’t start driving until she was in her late 50’s.  She also assisted her daughter at Peacock Pet Parlor as well.  Surviving are her children, Andrew VanderZee of Florida, Robert (Betty) VanderZee of Cedar Springs, Dorothy Conner of Lansing, Judy (Mike) Peterson of Ravenna, Sharon (Derrick) Peacock of Stanwood; 17 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by Husband Andrew VanderZee Sr. a first born child Edwin, two infant grandchildren a great-grandson Matt, a daughter in law Betty and a brother Elmer.  Funeral services were held on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at the Heckman Funeral Home with pastor David Davis officiating with burial in the Aetna Cemetery in Morley.

Arrangements by Heckman Funeral Home, Howard City

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