Opal M. Lewis, age 94, of Cedar Springs went to be with her Lord on July 9, 2020. She was born on November 20, 1925 in Cedar Springs to Cyril and Louisa (Spaulding) Remington. She was married to Donald L. Lewis in 1944 and they enjoyed nearly 60 years of marriage before his passing in 2003. Opal loved sewing and quilting and was an excellent cook and baker. She enjoyed canning and sharing her canned items with family and friends. Opal also loved caring for her family and she enjoyed the little things in life. Opal is survived by her children, Marcia Schulz, Don and Beth Lewis, John and Ann Lewis, Linda Struman, Ken and Lorna Lewis, Mike and Cathy Lewis, Beth and Curt Puite, Todd and Tami Lewis; 20 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren (with 1 on the way), and 4 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Beth Vogel and Virginia Staal; and many nieces and nephews. Opal was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; son, Benjamin; grandsons, Jason Paepke and Greg Struman; son-in-laws, Harold Schulz, Lloyd Ogg, Jr. and John Struman; daughter in law, Michile Lewis; as well as 4 brothers and 4 sisters. A celebration of life was held on Friday, July 17 at Opal’s home. As Opal had wished cremation has taken place and Inurnment of her cremains will take place in Solon Township Cemetery. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to a Charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements by Hessel-Cheslek Funeral Home, Sparta

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal. Please join us for a celebration of a life well lived. A memorial service will be held in memory of our beloved Mother, Wanda Reyburn, at the Hessel-Cheslek Funeral Home in Sparta, Michigan, on July 14th, 2018, at 11 a.m. followed by a lunch at the Sparta Community Center at 12:30 p.m.

Thor N. TerHaar, age 54, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 9, 2018. He was born July 20, 1963 in Grand Rapids to Gordon and Nancy (Kruger)TerHaar. He was preceded in death by his father, Gordon. He is survived by his daughter, Amber TerHaar; mother, Nancy Kruger; brothers, Scott TerHaar, Thad Kruger; sister, Tina Ward; several nieces, nephews and friends. As Thor had wished, cremation has taken place. A memorial service for Thor will be held on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at Cedar Creek Community Church, 2969 14 Mile Rd. Sparta, from 2-6:00 p.m. with a luncheon served from 2-4:00 p.m. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Assist the Family with Expenses.

Arrangements by Hessel-Cheslek Funeral Home, Sparta

Hazel Ray Hawley age 72 passed away Sunday, January 14, 2018 at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital. She was born in Grand Rapids on December 28, 1945 to Leland I. and Virginia Marie Bliss. She married David Hawley on February 1, 1964 in Solon Center. She was preceded in death by her infant son, David Hawley. She is survived by her husband, David; her daughters Geri K. Follett, Annette L. Wert, Jeannie M. Taylor;9 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; her sisters, Janet, Lanett, Muriel”, Ila, Sherry, and; her brothers, Irving and Leland; several nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, January 19, 2018 from 2 until 5 :00 p.m. at the Pierson Village Hall. 

Services by Hessel-Cheslek Funeral Home, Sparta

Cherri Ann Damer, age 41, of Holland, passed away after an extended illness, with her family at her side. She was born in Zeeland on February 28, 1976 to Robert Damer, Sr. and Diane Damer. She graduated from Zeeland High School. She was preceded in death by her sister, Angie; and her daughter, Angel. She is survived by her son Henryk Smith; her mother, Diane Damer; father, Robert Damer, Sr.; brother, Robert Damer, Jr.; grandmother, Crystal Meadows; several aunts, uncles and cousins. Funeral services were held on Friday, January 12, 2018, 3:00 p.m. at the Hessel-Cheslek Funeral Home in Sparta with Rev. Bruce Wilson officiating. Friends met the family at the funeral home on Friday from 1 until time of service at 3:00 p.m. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to The American Diabetes Association.

Arrangements by Hessel-Cheslek Funeral Home, Sparta

Emma JoEllen Orr, age 9, received her wings on Sunday, October 1, 2017 after a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Holland, Michigan on October 18, 2007 to Michelle Crawford and Phillip Orr. She will be lovingly remembered by her parents, Michelle Crawford and Zach Fisk, Phillip and Braelen Orr; brother, Tyler Orr; grandparents, Kevin and Suzi Crawford, Barbara Crawford and fiancé Scotty Campbell, Steve and Julie Fisk, Daniel and Beverly Orr; several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Friends can meet the family at the Funeral Home on Friday, October 6th, 3 to 7 p.m. A private family service will take place later this week. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Emma’s 9th Floor Activities Fund for The Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. Arrangements by Hessel Cheslek Funeral Home, Sparta www.hesselcheslek.com

Joshua Daniel VanBelzen Facebook photo.

A 26-year-old Sparta man died on Saturday, August 26, when his motorcycle crashed into a pickup truck in southeast Michigan.

Joshua Daniel VanBelzen, 26, had attended an event hosted by Foundation 14, a veteran’s riding group, at a restaurant and bar in Lenawee County. After the event, VanBelzen was heading east on US12 and was west of the public access to Allen Lake when he went into a curve and crossed the centerline. His motorcycle hit a pickup truck, driven by William Szentmiklosi, 90, of Addision.

VanBelzen was pronounced dead at the scene. He was reportedly wearing a helmet. It’s unknown whether alcohol was involved.

The driver of the pickup and his wife, Elizabeth, a passenger in the pickup, went to the hospital to be checked out.

A group of fellow riders came upon the scene shortly after the crash but did not witness it.

VanBelzen did a tour in Afghanistan and was currently serving in the Army Reserves as a drill sergeant, according to his obituary. He was also working as a Federal Corrections officer.

His obituary said that Josh touched many lives, had an amazing sense of humor and could always be counted on to make some smart remark. “He always had a smile and loved cars, trucks and motorcycles. Josh was trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation,” it said.

Services for Josh will be held on Friday, Sept. 1, at Sparta Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m. Family will meet visitors on Thursday, August 31 from 2-4:00 and 6-8:00 p.m. at Hessel-Cheslek Funeral Home and on Friday at the church for 1 hour prior to the service from 10-11:00 a.m. Interment in Fairplains Cemetery. Those wishing to make a donation in Josh’s name may do so to Wounded Warrior Project at woundedwarriorproject.org.

Gary Lee Kruger age 76 passed away peacefully at his home with his family at his side on Wednesday, July 12, 2017.  He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Nancy; children, Tina and Daniel Ward, Thaddeus and Brenda Kruger, Thor TerHaar, Scott TerHaar, Kelly Kruger; 8 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; siblings, Irene, Roger, Barb, Sandy, June, Larry, and Margie; several nieces and nephews.  As Gary had wished cremation has taken place and  a Celebration of Life will be held at Cedar Creek Community Church on Saturday, July 22, from 2 until 6 P.M.  Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Great Lakes Caring Hospice.

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

Jody Lynn Scott, age 39, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at her home. She was born September 28, 1977 at Blodgett Memorial Hospital to Harvey and JoAnn Scott. She graduated from Cedar Springs High School in 1997. She is survived by her son, Jacob Scott; daughter, Brittney Scott; parents, Harvey and JoAnn Scott; sisters, Amy and Jerrod Bromm, Darlene Scott, Sabrina Smith; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held on Monday, July 3^rd, 2:00 p.m. at the Hessel-Cheslek Funeral Home with Rev. Keith Hemmila officiating. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Assist the Family with Expenses.

Arrangements by Hessel-Cheslek Funeral Home, Sparta

Donald W. Reed, Sr. age 88, of Sparta, passed away peacefully at his home, on Thursday, May 18, 2017 with family at his side. He served his country during Korea, in the U.S. Army. He was a life member of the Sparta American Legion Post 107, which he served as president, service officer, commander, sergeant at arms, as well as served in the color guard. Don was a founding member of the Sparta Hunting and Fishing Club, where he served as president, was a lifetime board member, and was the master chef for the turkey shoots. He was one of the Dirty Dingus gang members and was honored in 2014 to be the Grand Marshal of the Sparta Town and Country Parade. He was a coach, trail boss, friend, dad and husband. He loved snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, camping, traveling, racing, music, being with family and friends, and going to the casino with his wife, Barb. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 35 years, Artha A. Reed; brother, Richard “Dick” and Joan Reed; brothers-in-law, Kenneth Tobey, and Donald Davis. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Barbara J. Reed; his children, Cynthia Reed, Vicki and Chuck Myers, Jacalyn Barbour, Robin Moore, Brenda and Joe Nichols, Donald “Buck” Reed, John and Ana Endres, Janice Reed; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Jeanette Tobey; in laws, Lynn and Joyce Lewis, Gerri and Ron Urbanski, Jill Davis, Alan and Winnie Spencer; his best friend and hunting buddy, Robert “Bob” Anderson; many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank God, prayer, the medical teams, Heartland Hospice, and all the friends and family who helped us through this journey. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, May 23, 12:00 p.m. at the Sparta United Methodist Church with Rev. Lou Grettenberger officiating. Military Honors by the Kent County Veterans Honor Guard. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Sparta Hunting and Fishing Club, in which he took special pride.

Arrangements by Hessel-Cheslek Funeral Home, Sparta

Jerry Lee Klock Jr. age 44 passed away on Saturday, September 3, 2016. He is survived by his children, Jerry, Michele, Jason, and Joshua; his parents, Jerry Sr. and Holly Klock, Karen and George Beardslee; brother, John Klock; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held on Thursday, September 8, 11:00 a.m. at the Funeral Home with Rev. Bruce Wilson officiating. Interment in Pine Grove Cemetery, Comstock Park. Friends met the family at the funeral home on Wednesday 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to His Children’s Educational Fund.

Arrangements by Hessel Cheslek Funeral Home www.hesselcheslek.com

Ellen Allie Bradley, age 73, passed away unexpectedly at Mercy Health St. Mary’s on Saturday, April 16, 2016. She was preceded in death by her husband, Duane on March 22, 2016; her parents, Dollie and Bunyon Stroud; 2 sisters, Elizabeth Floyd, Blanche Evans; 2 brothers, Lester and James Stroud; son in-law, Fred Taylor. Ellen enjoyed spending time with her family, knitting and gardening. Ellen is survived by her 6 children, Reba & Gerald Albritton, Janet & Doug Plumb, Yvonne Taylor, Dale & Jacki Bradley, Linda & Joe Maxim, Doug & Tracy Bradley; grandchildren, Melissa (Scott), Nicole (Matt), Andrea (Reggie), Tim (Angie), Troy (Tiffany), Jessica (Nate), Tiffany (Scott), Krystal (Donte), Joanna (Lee), Derk (Bridget), Dalton (Lindsey), Dillon (Sam), Angela (Paul), Ashley (Eddie), Nicole, Jacob, Kailie; 23 great-grandchildren; sister in-law, Pam & Gene Gibson; brother in-law, Harry Flood. Funeral services were held at the Hessel Cheslek Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 20, at 7:30 P.M. Friends met the family at the funeral home on Tuesday, 6 to 8 P.M. and on Wednesday, 5:30 to 7:30 P.M. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to assist the family with expenses.

Arrangements by Hessel Cheslek Funeral Home, 88 East Division St.,
Sparta, MI 49345, www.hesselcheslek.com