Duane Clyde Westervelt, age 79, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior Sunday, November 4, 2018. He was born November 13, 1938 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the son of Wayne and Luella Westervelt. Duane was raised on the family farm with his brothers and sisters, graduating from Howard City High School in 1958. He then served his country in the United States Air Force, from March 1959 to March 1965; as a weapons bomb air mechanic in Sidi Slimane Morocco Africa. After his discharge, Duane became an employee of Kelvinator in Grand Rapids retiring when their doors closed in 1981. Loving to travel, he changed careers and began driving over the road for A&M Trucking; soon becoming an owner/operator of his own rig until his retirement in 1998. He shared many stories of his truck driving days and how there were only a few states he had not driven through. During his life Duane enjoyed raising and riding registered pinto horses and was active with them in the Montcalm County Sheriff’s Posse. He was an avid hunter; owning and training many beagles and coon hounds. He shared this passion with his nephew Jerry Westervelt who carries on this legacy. Duane also spent many hours with friends and family fishing the local lakes. Duane moved to Coral in 2013 and was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease shortly after. His nieces, Kristy Stevenson and Bethany Ehlert, cared for him during this time and shared many adventures as he fought this dreadful disease. Playing cards, putting together puzzles and watching his favorite John Wayne westerns were activities they enjoyed together. Duane was a past member of the First Baptist Church of Howard City and later attended Pierson Bible Church. He loved singing and listening to the old-fashioned hymns. Duane will be forever remembered and missed by his sisters; Mary (John) Buckley of Morley and JoAnn Bajema of Lynden, Washington. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews and his good friend Steve Atwood. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Nancy Misner Westervelt, parents; Wayne and Luella Westervelt, sister; Barbara Jean Westervelt and brother; Larry Westervelt.

A celebration of Duane’s life will be held on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at Pierson Bible Church at 4:00 p.m. with Pastor Jeff Wallace officiating. Burial will immediately follow at the Sand Lake Cemetery with a luncheon afterward in the church. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service. Envelopes will be available at Johnson-Feuerstein Funeral Home, Belding where funeral care has been entrusted or at the service. Memorial contributions may be given to Pierson Bible Church. To share a message of condolence, light a candle or order flowers please visit the website of the funeral home www.jffh.com.

Arrangements by Johnson-Feuerstein Funeral Home, Belding

Alonzo “Lonnie” Taylor Anthony Sr, age 46, of Sand Lake, passed away Monday, October 8, 2018 at home surrounded by his family. He is survived by his parents, George H. and Io (Amacher) Anthony of Sand Lake; children, Tina Marie Anthony, Alonzo Taylor Anthony Jr (Emily); grandchildren, Branwyn and Dallan, fiancee, Joyce McCallum; sisters, Laurie (Gerald) Reid, Diana (Glen) Roberts, and Michelle Bahmer-Farrell; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by grandparents, Alonzo and Beatrice Amacher and a brother Jeffery Bahmer. Cremation has taken place. A service will be held Saturday, November 17 at 12:00 p.m. at the Pierson Bible Church Community Room. The family will greet friends at 11:00 a.m. 

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

Mary Jean Hall (formerly Mary Jean Scholten), Sand Lake, Michigan, age 69, passed away on July 14, 2018 into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with her family by her side. Mary Jean was born June 17, 1949 in Grand Haven. She was an active member of Pierson Bible Church. Mary Jean will be remembered for her zeal for Christ as she shared the good news on many mission trips, her love for the outdoors and gardening, and the joy she brought as she served others. On June 16, 1990, she married Danny Hall. Her husband of 28 years survives, as do her children, Shawnda (Dan) Brewer of Holland, Brent Scholten of Zeeland, Chad (Michelle) Scholten of West Olive; step son, Christopher (Carinn) Hall of Comstock Park; grandchildren, Bethany, Andrew, Ashley, Rebecca, Connor, Kyleigh, Trista, Hunter, Michaela, Dani, Leo; two great-grandchildren; and uncle, Roger & Rose Bush of Holland. Mary Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Wallace and Sarah (Bush) De Zwaan; and her son in law, Paul Hutt. A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 20 at 11 a.m. at Pierson Bible Church, 101 Grand St. Pierson, Michigan. Friends may visit with family on Thursday from 6-8:30 p.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW and at the church from 10-11 a.m. Memorials may be made to Equest Center For Therapeutic Riding, Inc. Please visit Mary Jean’s personal web page to read more of her life story, leave a message or condolence at www.lifestorynet.com.

Arrangements by Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Grand Rapids

John Edward Hull age 57 of Ensley Township passed away Saturday, February 24, 2018 at his home after a brief battle with cancer. John was born in Grand Rapids on January 8, 1961 to Dwight and Marian (Roosien) Hull. John grew up in Wyoming, Michigan, graduated from Godwin Heights High School, and moved to Sand Lake. John loved his children and his dogs. He also enjoyed sports especially the Tigers, U of M, and wrestling. John is survived by his children Kirk Jon Hull and Monica Rae Hull; father, Dwight; siblings, Carol and Donald Dracht, James and Karen Hull, and Connie Beles; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Darla Rae and mother, Marian Noreen. The family wishes to thank Great Lakes Caring Hospice for their care. The family greeted friends Wednesday, February 28 at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs with the funeral service following. Pastor Jeff Wallace of Pierson Bible Church officiated. Interment Crandall Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Special Olympics or Great Lakes Hospice.

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

Hometown Happenings articles are a community service for non-profit agencies only. Due to popular demand for placement in this section, we can no longer run all articles. Deadline for articles is Monday at 5 p.m. This is not guaranteed space. Articles will run as space allows. Guaranteed placement is $10, certain restrictions may apply. You now can email your Hometown Happenings to happenings@cedarspringspost.com please include name and phone number for any questions we may have.

Craft & Vendor Show at Hillcrest Community Church

Apr. 29:  On Saturday, April 29 the Hillcrest Community Church (5994 18 Mile Rd.) will be hosting the Spring Craft & Vendor Show from 9 am – 2 pm. It is an opportunity to experience a time when you can set aside the fast paced world and slow down, enjoy some coffee or tea, browse the craft tables, enjoy a relaxing lunch and visit with friends. Mother’s Day is coming soon and this is a great opportunity to shop for mom. We will have flowers, hanging baskets and ferns too. #17

Huge Adoption Fundraiser

Apr. 29: Rockford Reformed Church is hosting a HUGE Adoption Fundraiser Garage Sale for a local family in the Church Gym (4890 Eleven Mile Rd.) on Saturday, April 29^th from 9 am to 2 pm. There will be a $5 bag sale beginning at 1 pm. Please join us for a great sale to support a great cause – tons of kids items, clothes, home décor, quality large furniture items and much more! #17p

Payton Christian in Cedar Springs

Apr. 30, May 1: Payton, an 18 year old actress/model/non-profit director/speaker, will share her testimony on Sunday, April 30 at North Kent Community Church, 1480 Indian Lakes Rd. NE, Sparta, MI 49345 at the 10 am service. At 5:30 pm Payton will speak to the youth at the community wide screening of “I’m Not Ashamed.” Monday, May 1 at 2:45 pm, Payton will speak to En Gedi Youth Center at Red Hawk School, 204 E. Muskegon St. Cedar Springs. For more information contact Pastor Craig Carter, Senior Pastor of North Kent Community Church, 616-550-6398. #17

Dinner at the Legion

May 1: American Legion, 80 S. Main St. Cedar Springs, is hosting a Baked Chicken dinner on Monday,  May 1, from 5 – 7 pm. Included will be baked chicken, mashed potatoes, stuffing, veggies, salad, roll, drink and dessert. The cost is $9 for adults, children (15 and younger) $4.00. Come and enjoy home cooking. Take out is available. 616-696-9160.  #17p

God’s Kitchen in Cedar Springs

May 2,9,16,23,30: Join us for dinner every Tuesday. God’s Kitchen – Cedar Springs welcomes families from Northern Kent County and the surrounding area to a Tuesday Evening Meal. No charge – no registration required!  Served from 5:30 – 6:30 pm at the St. John Paul II Parish, 3110 – 17 Mile Rd., Cedar Springs. For more information, call the Church office at 616-696-3904. #17

Parent and Child Yoga @ KDL

May 4: Amber Kilpatrick – founder of Mindful Vinyasa School of Yoga & creator of The Mindful Classrooms Project – will be hosting a special Parent & Child Yoga session, perfect for young children. Come learn about yoga and try a few poses. A story is included! The library has a limited number of yoga mats. First come, first served. Please bring your own if possible and join us! Thursday, May 4, 6:30 pm,  at the Spencer Township KDL Branch, 14960 Meddler Ave., Gowen. #17

Carnival Bingo

May 6: Come join the fund and help the North Kent Senior Citizens Association raise money to help pay for their furnace. We will have a baked good sale going on and chances to win gift baskets as well. So come check out the Senior Center, 44 N. Park, Cedar Springs, and have a great time playing bingo! Only 25 cents for 3 bingo cards per game to play. #17,18p

3^rd Annual Kentucky Derby Party

May 6: Watch the Kentucky Derby, listen to music by Gordon Thayer Band, enjoy a Mint Julep, food, raffle, and silent auction. Pick your favorite horse. Saturday, May 6^th from 4 to 12 midnight at Sparta Moose Lodge, 11510 North Division, Sparta. Benefit to support 2^nd Chance School a school for troubled teens of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin. Questions? Call 616-293-2150. #17,18p

Discover Small Museums

May 6,7: “Spring Into the Past” and discover the small museums of the Tri-River Historical Museum Network, including Cedar Springs Museum, Rockford Area Museum, Oakfield (Twp) Museum and Plainfield Township’s Hyser Rivers Museum in Belmont. These and 25 other member museums from Hastings to Edmore, Plainfield to Sunfield will be open from 11 am to 5 pm for your convenience. Pick up one at any member museum. Ask about the new Tri-River Quilt Trail too. #17

Pierson School Reunion

May 13: The Pierson School Reunion will be held on Saturday, May 13^th from 9 am to 12 noon at Pierson Bible Church, 101 Grand St., Pierson. Contact Dick Pierce or Francine Sherman, 616-550-4547. #17

Christian Women’s Retreat

May 13: The Carousel of Life – Strategies for Navigating Today’s World. Speaker – Leslie Anne Wood, Transforming Faith Ministries. Do you feel like you’re on a carousel? Life is spinning round and round and first you’re up and then you’re down. The music plays louder and louder. Let me off! But we can’t get off; we must learn how to ride the colored horses of life. We can do this with faith and perseverance and God’s help. Saturday, May 13, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Settlement Lutheran Church (1031 S. Johnson Rd., Gowen). Cost is $5 and includes registration, wake up coffee, snacks, and a light, healthy lunch. Register by Sunday, May 7 by calling Linda Hansen at 616-984-5557 or mailing her at 13680 Sprague St., Gowen 49326, or by emailing linda13680@sbcglobal.net. #17

October 22, 2015

A memorial service for Dale Rhineberger will be held on November 7, 2015 from 1 to 5 pm at Pierson Bible Church, 101 Grand St., Pierson, Michigan.

Irene Marie (Hawley) Lee, age 60, of Hessel, Michigan, died on August 7, 2015 in Petoskey, Michigan. She was born on May 1, 1955, in Cedar Springs, Michigan, to George and Marjorie (Wert) Hawley. Irene grew up in Cedar Springs and attended Kent City High School. She worked at Lehnart Dairy Farms in Sand Lake. She met Thomas Lee later in life, and married on November 14, 1998. Irene took great pride in being a caregiver to her mother for many years. Irene was a very fun and happy person. She liked hunting, flower gardening, playing cards and dice, and loved going to the casino. Irene is survived by her husband, Thomas Lee; sisters, Denise VeltKamp, Bonnie Clayton, Jennie Magoon, Kathy Trader, Margaret (Mike) Carriere; brothers, George (Gayle) Hawley, Tim (Jenny) Hawley, Jeff (Dawn) Hawley, Sam Hawley, Brian Hawley, and Kris (Nicole) Hawley; and many nieces and nephews. Irene is preceded in death by her parents; brothers-in-law, Clinton VeltKamp, Bob Clayton, and Norm Trader. Memorial service will be held August 30, 2015 at 1 pm at the Pierson Bible Church, 101 Grand, Pierson.

R. Galer Funeral Home in Pickford, Michigan is serving the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rgalerfuneralhome.com.

DICK AND ARLENE PIERCE

Dick and Arlene Pierce are blessed to celebrate their 50th anniversary on June 14, 2015. They were married June 12, 1965 in the Courtland-Oakfield Methodist Church in Courtland Center Township, Rockford, Michigan. Dick’s uncle Rev. Lawrence Lewis performed the ceremony. Their children are Carmen (Keith) Corbin of Noblesville, Indiana, Wayne (Christine) Pierce of Cedar Springs, Michigan, and Jeff Pierce of Pierson, Michigan. Their grandchildren are Catelin, Madelin and Brielle Pierce and Isak Corbin. They will celebrate with an “Open House” June 14, 2015 from 1 to 5 pm at Pierson Bible Church CMB Fellowship Building in Pierson, Michigan. Please, no gifts.

The secret of their success is “Knowing the Lord is in control.”

The family of Justin Ryan Holloway would like to thank everyone for all the prayers, love, kindness and support given to us through the loss of our beloved Justin. Special thanks to Pastor Beasinger and the Pierson Bible Church, the American Legion #287 and Mary Goller-Kilts for the wonderful luncheon, and Kevin Pike of Bliss Witters & Pike Funeral Home.

With love,

The Robinson & Holloway families

Members of the Pierson Bible Church are grateful to God for the 60 years their church has existed. Stories of those who shared in the development of the church go back to the early 1950’s.
Currently a little over 100 people thrive in a fellowship of family-oriented gatherings. This is very consistent with the humble beginnings of this fellowship.
Drawing from the memories of Ray and Millie Boerema, the story began when a few families commuting to church cities in Howard City began bringing children to Sunday School from Pierson. A man in the church arranged to have a bus pick up the children as interest grew in the winter of 1950. When they saw the number of children riding the bus they realized it was time to have Sunday School in the village of Pierson.
When they found the town hall was available, plans for a new Sunday School took shape. The first Sunday School was held there on August 19, 1951. A few weeks later, Rev. Ray Knoll and his wife Donna joined the men and Pierson Bible Church was born. He led services the first winter as the first pastor of the church. Every Sunday morning, Mr. Schuitema would arrive at the town hall early enough to build a fire in the old potbelly stove to keep everyone warm. By spring of 1952, it was time to find a permanent home for the new church and Sunday School.
An unfinished structure was for sale on the corner of Grand and Second Street, just down the block from Petrie’s Hardware. It was just a basement but it offered the potential of supporting a fine church building, if the people were willing to work. The purchase was completed and renovations began with a great deal of excitement. The fall of 1952 found the congregation meeting in that basement. However, Rev. Knoll’s health was failing, and he moved to Muskegon, leaving the congregation to find a new pastor to lead their new church.
This began a long series of guest speakers. During this time, the men worked diligently to acquaint the village with their new undenominational church. By the time they were able to call their next  pastor, the church was filling the basement meeting space. This was all Rev. Ed Rozell needed. Through his leadership, beginning in March of 1953, the church grew and prepared to build.
By fall of 1954, Walter and Floyd Bradley had bee hired to construct the church sanctuary. Jim VanderMolen joined them to lay the brickcrete. It was a labor againt time, working well into the cold weather to have the building ready to host the Christmas program that year. For nearly nine years, the church flourished and served the village under Rev. Rozell.
Pierson Bible Church looks back on this simple beginning and enjoys a much larger building today that was completed in the 1970s. In 2001, a gym with a large kitchen and Sunday School classrooms was completed just south of the present building. As in the days when the church began, the congregation chooses to be debt-free. An active ministry to the community continues under Rev. Thomas Sluys.
The church celebrated 60 years of God’s faithfulness last Sunday, August 21, when former pastors and old friends returned. Mrs. Marg Kronberg played the original Hammond Organ for the service. She has been organist since it was purchased in 1954.