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

Noah Joseph Salak passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 13, 2018. He is survived by his father, Joe E. Salak; his beloved son, Joseph Michael Salak; his son’s mother, Jacqelynn Rogers; and his loving girlfriend of 10 years, Melanie Musshorn. Noah was amazingly talented in many areas and, “too smart for his own good,” or extremely smart. He was a huge advocate for fighting for our American rights whenever possible and an advocate for his people. He was a loving, giving, honest man who some didn’t understand, but this did not deter Noah’s strong and outgoing personality. He was the life of the party and protected the weak. One of his greatest accomplishments was his son, of whom he was very proud. Noah will be severely missed by his girlfriend Melanie and his son Joey, and the people and friends that he touched with his wonderful heart throughout the years, and will NEVER be forgotten.

I’ll see you again Bubbie my love! I miss you so much, Melanie.

Private services will be held.

Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford

Linda Michaels, 72 of Rockford, unexpectedly went to her heavenly home on Tuesday, January 17, 2017 in Casa Grande, AZ.  She was a loved wife, mother, aunt, sister, grandmother, expectant great-grandmother and friend.  She was born August 16, 1944 to the late Ralph and Alice Pratt and she lived her entire life in Kent County.  She was a middle child, placed right between two loving sisters, Ann Scott (Jim) and Carolyn Reed (Mike).  She married Gene Michaels on September 13, 1991 and they recently celebrated their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary.  She will be missed by many family members including her husband, two sisters, many nieces and nephews and her children, Christine Hofstra (John), Dan Rogers (Theresa), Ann VerWys (Jim) and Shannon Novak (Russ) in addition to her eight grandchildren, Zachary Rogers (Ashley), Lauren Linde (Chase), Ben Rogers (Maaret), Annalyse Haarer (Brandon), Austin Stevens, Nate Rogers, Lucy and Josie Novak. Linda was a loving, funny, spunky and caring woman.  She was a long-time employee at Hartwell Mortgage Company.  Some special memories include her incredible cooking ability and the meals she shared with friends and family alike. There was a fresh cookie for every occasion.  She enjoyed reading, studying, and was actively involved in a women’s Bible study.  We are thankful that she is in heaven with her Savior. There will be a memorial service at a later date.

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

The family of Thomas A. Rogers would like to thank family and friends for all the nice flowers, cards, and messages. We would like to especially thank Bliss-Witters and Pike Funeral Home, Father Joe Kenshol, the ladies of Mary Queen of Apostles Church, and the Honor Guards of Kent County. We thank you so very much.

Family of Thomas Rogers