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.

Pearce Allen “Rocky” Lane, 87, of Cedar Springs, formerly of Big Rapids, passed away Friday July 27, 2018, in Greenville. He was born October 9, 1930, on a farm in Big Rapids, the son of Leroy and Ferne (Rogers) Lane. Pearce graduated from Big Rapids High School, and attended MSU on a boxing scholarship. Rocky was the World Amateur Boxing Champion in 1954, was the All Army Worldwide Boxing Champion in 1955 and 1956, and boxed in the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games. (He earned the nickname “Rocky” before the movie came out!) For 25 years, Rocky served his country in the U.S. Army, retiring as Lt. Colonel, and earned many honors. He served two tours in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot, and was shot down but escaped injury. Rocky was named an Outstanding Young Man of America in 1967, and was president of Georgia Olympians. He was honored to carry the torch in the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. Throughout his life, Rocky earned other honors and awards, and could tell you a story about all of them. He will be missed along with those stories and his sense of humor. Pearce was preceded in death by his first wife Dianne and son Bruce. He is survived by their children Nancy King and Richard Lane, also his second wife Betty and her children, Ronald Helms, Vicki Goss, Richard Helms, Michael Helms, and Karen Corey; his siblings Gordon Lane, Herman McConnell, and Diane Windquist; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by brothers Roger and Kenny Lane. Memorial services for Rocky were held 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 30, 2018, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Pastor John Bookshaw officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Big Rapids American Legion Post #98 Honor Guard. Burial will be in Highland View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Kindred Hospice Care, 625 Kenmoor SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Share a memory or express condolences at www.mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by Mohnke Funeral Home, Big Rapids

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.

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

Arthur Emory (Pete) Campbell, age 89, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 25, 2017. Pete proudly served his country while in the U.S. Navy. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Joyce; children, Denise & Jim Lockridge, Gary & Linda Campbell, Todd & Jody Campbell, Kevin & Teresa Campbell, Julie & Bill Jackomino, Lee & Becky Campbell; 31 grandchildren; many great and great-great-grandchildren; brothers, Paul & Linda, Ted; sisters, Linda Misner, Judy Laso; several nieces and nephews. Funeral Services were held on Thursday, March 30, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at Plainfield Christian Church with Rev. Bruce Wilson Officiating. Military honors under the Auspices of the Kent County Honor Guard. Interment Solon Township Cemetery. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Plainfield Christian Church.

Mr. Larry O. Woodhull, aged 71, a lifelong Cedar Springs area resident, passed away on Saturday, December 17, 2016. Larry was born February 13, 1945 in Grand Rapids, the son of Kenneth and Lila (Bowers) Woodhull. He was a 1963 graduate of Cedar Springs High School and attended Solon Center Wesleyan Church. He served with the U.S. Army in Vietnam, and worked for many years as a carpenter. Surviving are his brother Gary (Barbara) Woodhull; a niece Ann (Darryl) Stock and a nephew Patrick (Kristin) Woodhull, two grandnieces and two grandnephews. There will be a time of visitation on Thursday, December 22, 2016 starting at 10:00 a.m. with the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at the Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford followed immediately with Military Honors. Interment Algoma Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions to St. Jude Hospital or Solon Center Wesleyan Church would be appreciated.

Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford

Mark H. Doren, 97 of Cedar Springs passed away at his earthly home Tuesday, September 20, 2016 and was welcomed into his heavenly home by his bride of 77 years, June (Moul) Doren who went before him on February 8, 2016. Mark was born April 23, 1919 in Kent City, Michigan the son of Charles and Ruth (Carlson) Doren. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and served as a Tech Sergeant in Patton’s 6th Armored Division during WWII. He took part in the Battle of the Bulge and the liberation of the Buchenwald Concentration Camp located outside of Wiemer, Germany. Mark started serving the Lord at Alpine Baptist Church and then in 1955 when moving to Cedar Springs he became a longtime member of First Baptist Church, Cedar Springs. He drove bus, was Sunday School Superintendent, lead the singing and served on the Church, Camp and Missions Boards. He was an engineer at Sackner Products retiring in 1981. He served Algoma Township for 28 years on the Planning Commission, as a Trustee and as Supervisor. After retirement he enjoyed traveling and time at his cabin in Munising, which he called “God’s Country.” When not up north, he enjoyed sitting at the kitchen table and having coffee with anyone who stopped to visit. Surviving are his children, Sharon (LaVerne) Schut, Dennis Doren, Debra Ergang; daughter-in-law, Marilyn Doren; son-in-law, James (Rose) Hunt; 14 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Marie Doren; several nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Marlyn Hunt; son, Mark N. Doren; brothers, Willard, William and Charles Doren. The family will greet friends Thursday from 4-7 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. The service will be Friday 1:00 pm at First Baptist Church, 233 S. Main St., Cedar Springs. Pastors Robert P. Smith and Stanley Mohr officiating. Interment Pine Grove Cemetery, Alpine Township with military honors by the U.S. Army. Memorial contributions may be made to David’s House Ministries, 2375 Banner Dr. SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 or the First Baptist Church, Cedar Springs.

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

Walter Kilts, 89 of Cedar Springs, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at his home. Walter was born March 2, 1927 in Grand Rapids, Michigan the son of Howard and Emma (Fisk) Kilts. Walter served his country during World War II in the U.S. Army stationed in Darmstead, Germany. On May 18, 1951 he married Dorothy Fries, living in Solon Township for 55 years. Walter then moved to the Cedarfield Community. He worked for 37 years at Michigan Plating and Stamping “The Bumper”. He enjoyed life on the farm with his family and his vegetable and flower gardens. Surviving are his children, Deborah (Duane) Stendel, Terri (Wayne) Fifield, Allen (Barb) Kilts, Rita (Kevin) Dines; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; one great great-grandson; several step grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Barbara Jean Wainright; sisters-in-law, Betty Kilts, Lois Kilts, and Marilyn Sidlauskus; brothers-in-law, Donald (Carol) Fries, Alvin (Carol) Fries; many nieces and nephews; special friend, Lucille Middleton. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Dorothy in 2000; brothers, Norman Kilts, LaVern Kilts; sister, Maxine Powell; brothers-in-law, Russell Powell, Jack Wainright, Raymond Fries, Bob Sidlauskus; sister-in-law, Marcia Fries. 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 service will be held Friday 11:00 a.m. Chaplain Dan Pflug officiating. Interment Solon Township Cemetery with military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to Spectrum Health Hospice.

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

Jerry L. Elder, 72, of Newaygo, died Monday, May 16, 2016 at Metro Health Hospital. Jerry was born May 7, 1944 in Cedar Springs, Michigan, the son of Cecil and Virginia (Hanna) Elder. He served in the U.S. Marine Corp during the Vietnam War. He owned and operated Elder Forest Products since 1981. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved his work at the sawmill and most importantly the numerous family gatherings with his children and grandchildren. Surviving are his wife of 53 years, Darlene (Wert); children, Chad (Melody) Elder, Tammy (Brian) Hills, Gerry Aley; 8 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; mother, Virginia Fisher; sister, Judy (Dan) Sturgeon; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, Maurice Dean; brothers, Jack and Ralph. The family will greet friends Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where the service will be held Friday 2:00 pm. Pastor Chuck Smith officiating. Interment with military honors at Solon Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Metro Health Hospital or the Friends of the Michigan Veterans Home.

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

Irvin L. Smith, 67, of Sand Lake, died Friday, May 13, 2016 at his home with his family by his side. Irvin was born November 8, 1948 in Cedar Springs, Michigan, the son of Alvin and Ida (Spencer) Smith. He graduated from Kent City High School and was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during the Vietnam War. He received a Silver Star and Purple Heart. He enjoyed being a mechanic, restoring tractors, hunting, fishing, and horseback riding. When he married Denise in 1998 he took in her children as his own. He had a heart of gold and would do anything for anybody. Surviving are his wife, Denise (Pope); children, Kevin (Connie) Smith, Ann (Aaron) Kindel; stepchildren, Chad (Jeannie) Fisk, Ken (Courtney) Fisk, Sherri (Ron) Potes; grandchildren, Ashley (Jeremiah) Strawderman, Nicole Smith, AJ, Austin and Alivia Kindel, Chase and Archer Fisk; brother, Ike (Joyce) Smith; parents-in-law, Keith (Shirley) Pope; brothers-in-law, Keith (Dixie) Pope, Mark Pope, Bill (Angela) Pope; several nieces and nephews; his baby girl, Stormy. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Carol Lundquist; brother, David Smith. A private family memorial service will be held. Pastor Chuck Smith officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the Kent County Veterans Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Michigan or Friends of the Michigan Veterans Home.

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