Francis “Butch” James Middleton, age 79, of Sand Lake, Michigan went home to his Lord and Savior Sunday, May 6, 2018. He was born on April 28, 1939 to Frank and Auril (Wells) Middleton in Solon Township. Francis was a teacher for Cedar Springs Schools. He was very musically talented and founded the band called Midnight Curfew. Francis also enjoyed baseball, softball, tennis, and he especially loved playing his accordion. He even wrote his own polka called the Great Lakes Polka. He is survived by his wife Glenda (Dame); children, Kristy Rempalski, Kelly (Nelson) Shulenberger, Randy (Kerry) Middleton, Kurt Middleton, Megan (Adam) Krichau, Jess Middleton; son-in-law, Rob Rempalski; grandchildren, Shane Kasper, Brooke Rempalski, John Luke Shulenberger, Jaxon Shulenberger, Kendall Krichau, Dane Krichau, and Callahan Krichau; brother, Barth Middleton; sister, Opal Waller; sister-in-law, Lucille Middleton. Francis was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Brandi Middleton; sisters, Vera Armstrong, Leone Davis, Agnes Feikema; brothers, Cleo Middleton, and Clair Middleton. There will be a time of visitation with the family from 4:00 – 7:00 pm Thursday, May 10, 2018 at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N Monroe St. NE, Rockford, MI 49341. The funeral service of praise and thanksgiving will be 11:00 am Friday, May 11, 2018 at Grant Christian Reformed Church, 13110 Poplar Ave, Grant, MI 49327. There will also be a time of visitation at church one hour prior to the service. Those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy may make memorial contributions to Grant Christian School, 12931 Poplar Ave, Grant, MI 49327 or to Heartland Hospice, 1053 W. Main St., Fremont, MI 49412.

Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford

October 10, 1992

We last saw you and remember you at the age of 57, sporting that Youth and Beauty, with that gorgeous red hair and your vibrant smile. That memory for us will never fade!

Happy 80th Birthday Mom.

We love you

We miss you

Dad, Kids, Grand Kids & Miss Lila

Terrance Arthur Gage II 39 of Cedar Springs, passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2015 from accidental injuries. Terry is now walking with the Lord. Terry was met by his Grandpa and Grandma Middleton, Grandpa Gage, Aunt Laurie and Grandson Israel. He was born July 31, 1975 in Lakeview, MI. Following graduation from High School Terry enlisted in the U.S. Navy, he very proudly served his country for 20 years retiring in July of 2014. He traveled a lot while in the service and his daughters were able to travel with him. Terry loved to cook and was known as the chef. He was learning to make bowls from different kinds of wood, enjoyed auction sales and flea markets and loved to hunt. He was always helping people and spending time with his family and friends. He was looking forward to seeing his son Kevin graduate from high school and his daughter Ashley from business college in Virginia. He will be missed by his family and friends. Surviving are the love of his life, Marti; daughters, Mykenzie, Ashley (Danny) Lopez, Kayli (Warren) Armock; son, Kevin; two grandson and one granddaughter whom he loved very much; father, Terry (Judy) Gage; mother, Carol Rowe; grandmother, Carol Gage; Marti’s parents, Charlie (Reta) McKee; sisters, Debbie (Tim) Prins, Sue (Joe) Molyneux, Colleen Maycroft, Chris (John) Sweeny; brothers, Paul (Jane) Ringler, David (Cheryl) Finnila, Todd Finnila; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. The family greeted friends Wednesday, May 27 from 11:00 am until time of service at 1:00 pm at Solon Center Wesleyan Church, 15671 Algoma Avenue, Cedar Springs. Pastor Tom Holloway officiating.

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

Mrs. Ellen June Middleton of Cedar Springs, age 87 passed away Tuesday, January 27, 2015.  She was born in Millbrook, Michigan to Herbert and Elsie (Oberlin) Decker. She enjoyed dancing, traveling, winters in Florida and the challenge of putting puzzles together.  However, her greatest joy was spending time with her family. Ellen is survived by her loving husband Harold “Buck”; sons, Alan (Betty) Palmer, Rob (Ethel) Palmer; step-children, Steve Middleton, Jerry (Laurie) Middleton, Mary Jo (Bill) Weidenfeller, Karen (Kevin) Grattan; 12 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and brother, Cecil Decker. She was preceded in death by her parents; 10 brothers and sisters; and step-son, Ronald Middleton. There will be a memorial visitation for Ellen from 1 – 4 p.m. Saturday, January 31, 2015 at the Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe St., Rockford, MI 49341. In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to Heartland Hospice, 3230 Eagle Park Drive NE, Suite 200, Grand Rapids, MI 49525. There will be a graveside service for Ellen in the spring.

Pederson Funeral Home

www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

October 10th 1992

At birth we boarded the train and met our parents, and we believe they will always travel by our side. However, at some station our parents will step down from the train leaving us on this journey alone.

As time goes by, other people will board the train; and they will be significant, i.e. our siblings, friends, children, and even the love of our life. Many will step down and leave a permanent vacuum. Others will go so unnoticed that we don’t realize they vacated their seats. This train will be full of joy, sorrow, fantasy, expectations, hellos, goodbyes, and farewells. Success consists of having a good relationship with all passengers, requiring that we give the best of ourselves.

The mystery to everyone is: We do not know at which station we ourselves will step down. So, we must live in the best way, love, forgive, and offer the best of who we are. It is important to do this because when the time comes for us to step down and leave our seat empty, we should leave behind beautiful memories for those who will continue to travel on the train of life.

Lastly, I thank you for being one of the passengers on my train.

We love you. We miss you.

Dad, kids, grandkids & Miss Lila

In loving memory of Carl Middleton who passed away Friday, at home, with his family by his side. Carl, 88, was born in Cedar Springs on February 20, 1925 the son of the late Clinton and Flossie (Waller) Middleton. Beloved husband of Nina Middleton (nee Nielsen). Loving and devoted father of Pam N. DeMarco (Jerry), Craig E. Middleton (Mary). Cherished grandfather of Jamie and Mari. Dear brother of Beatrice Kelly. He was predeceased by siblings Bernice, Virgil, Rex, & Kenneth. He will be sadly missed by his family, nieces, nephews and friends. The best way to describe Carl is to say he was a family man. Nothing made him happier than to be around this family and friends. His quiet and gentle way gave his words a strong presence, and when he spoke it was always remembered. Never complaining, he was always true to himself, strong and steady, there for anyone who needed him. Carl was a WWII Veteran serving in the US Marine Corps, 6th Division in the Pacific Theatre, he received the Purple Heart, a Combat Action Ribbon and a Combat Unit Award. He was an honest and hardworking businessman and took pride in the many relationships he created through his construction company. He loved fishing, hunting, sunny days at the camp, and traveling to see his granddaughters. Carl had the best friends anyone could have wished for. He was there for them whenever they needed him and considered them family. Together with his family, they created a support system for him during his journey that was as strong as his will to live. Although he will be missed everyday, his strength will give all who knew him help through their difficult times. The family received friends Tuesday, August 20, at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where services were held Wednesday, August 21. Chaplain Eric Coulon officiating. Interment will military honors at Elmwood Cemetery, Cedar Springs. 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

who passed away 12 years ago, October 27, 1999

You did so many things for us
Your heart was kind and true,
And when we needed someone
We could always count on you.
The special years will not
Return when we were all together,
But with the love within our hearts
You will be with us forever.

Loved and sadly missed by your family

March 13, 1956 – July 30, 2005

Time heals the pain that was given to us the day you left this earth, but the memories we made with you will be strong in our hearts forever.
We love and miss you very much.

Love,
Jess, Grandpa and family

Rex E. Middleton 83 of Cedar Springs, died Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at his home. Rex was born March 25, 1928 in Evans, MI the son of Clinton and Flossie (Waller) Middleton. He was a founding member of the Red Flannel Saddle Club and a member of the Michigan Harness Horseman Association. Surviving are his wife, Ruth; children, Mary Willett of Lake Leelanau, Douglas (Pamela) Middleton of Cedar Springs, Ronda (Christopher) Ash of Boca Raton, FL; 6 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; brother, Carl (Nina) Middleton of Grand Rapids; sister, Beatrice Kelley of Cedar Springs; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law, Kenneth Willett; brothers, Keith, Virgil and Kenneth Middleton; sister, Bernice Bremmer. The family will receive friends Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday 11:00 am at Our Lady of Consolation, Rockford. Rev. Fr. Tony Russo celebrant. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, Cedar Springs. Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.