Eugene Paul Calkins age 78 of Cedar Springs, died Wednesday, September 30, 2020 at his home. Gene was born August 17, 1942 in Grand Rapids, MI the son of Eugene and Ruth (Wilson) Calkins. He had served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and then the National Guard for many years. He retired from General Motors after 30 years. He worked with horses and was one of the best pickup men in horse racing. He was a self taught and very talented musician and guitar player. Surviving are his wife, Diane; daughter, Tena (Jeff) Chulski; stepchildren, Scott Dozeman, David (Michele) Dozeman, Amy (Marlon) Fairbrother; 9 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; brothers, Joseph (Nancy) Calkins, Floyd “Duff” (Betty) Calkins; many cousins, nieces and nephews. The service was held Monday, October 5 at 12:00 p.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Masks were required. Pastor Inge Whittemore officiating. Interment Solon Township Cemetery with military honors by the Kent County Veterans Honor Guard.

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

Richard D. Tompkins, 65 of Cedar Springs, died Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at home surrounded by his family. Mr. Tompkins was born September 11, 1952 in Grand Rapids, Michigan the son of Richard and Barbara (Knoll) Tompkins. He enjoyed gardening, his tractors, hunting in the U.P., and hanging out with his brothers. He loved his grandkids and was known as grandpa candy. Surviving are his wife, Shirley (Miller); children, Brooke Scott & Marshall Dillon, Brian (Kelly) Tompkins, Bridget (Jeff) Johnson; grandchildren, Elly (Cody), Emma, Etta, Nick, JR, Ainsley, Autumn, Peter, Jase, Zach, Gracie, Abby; mother, Barbara Tompkins; sisters, Cheryl (Alfred) Dines, Nancy (Rocke) Pennington, Susie (Tim) Price; brothers, Jim (Patty) Tompkins, Ray (Yukiko) Tompkins, John (Denise) Tompkins; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and in-laws, Jarvis and Gladys Miller. The family will greet friends Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until time of service at 1:00 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Interment Solon Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation.

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

Shirley Ann Pope age 82 of Cedar Springs passed away Saturday, July 29, 2017 surrounded by her family at Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. Shirley was born April 24, 1935 in Ludington to the late Bernard and Selma (Murawski) Swantek. Surviving is her loving husband of 64 years, Keith; children, Denise Smith, Keith (Dixie) Pope Jr., Mark Pope, Bill (Angela) Pope, and Duane Pope; grandchildren, Chad, Kenny (Courtney) Fisk; Sherri (Ron) Potes, Nicholas (Angie) Pope, Ross Pope, Katie (Asa) Khoury; Abby, Cody, Colton, Alexis Pope; Megan Vanbeek, Travis Parker, Tyler Pope, and Wyatt Magoon; great-grandchildren, Chase, Archer, Iva, Mabel, and Owen; brother, Richard Chesney; sisters-in-law, Joyce (Irv) Hanna, Dee (Clinton) Mack, Beverly (Bob) VanderHeide, and Joanne Chesney; and brother-in-law, Art Curtis. She was preceded in death by her brother, Daniel Chesney; son-in-law, Irvin Smith; sisters-in-law, Yvonne Adams, Joan Curtis, and Bonnie Chesney; and brother-in-law, Ken Pope. The family received friends Tuesday, August 1 at 10 a.m. until time of the service at 11 a.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs, Fr. Peter Vu officiating. Interment was at Solon Township Cemetery. The family would like to thank the staff at Grand Rapids Home for Veterans and Great Lakes Hospice for their excellent care. Memorial contributions may be made to the Veterans Home and Great Lakes Hospice.

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

Michael A. Shellito, 19 of Cedar Springs, died Monday, June 12, 2017 at his home. Michael was born May 3, 1998 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was a graduate of New Beginnings High School and was a natural at all sports and horseback riding. He was very much loved and will be missed by his family. Surviving are his father and stepmother, Andrew (Bonnie) Shellito; mother, Bonnie Phillips; brother, Andrew Shellito; sisters, Nicole Hinton and Madison Shellito. The family will receive 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 11:00 am. Pastor Larry Young officiating. Interment Solon Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to help the family with expenses.

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

Curtis D. Morris, 63 of Morley died Thursday, June 1, 2017 at Spectrum Health – Butterworth Campus. Curt was born October 9, 1953 in Grand Rapids, Michigan the son of Billy and Wanda (Parker) Morris. He worked for Elston-Richards for 23 years and loved hunting, fishing and mushroom hunting. Surviving are his significant other, Julie Berry; children, Michael Morris and fiancee, Christina Perkins, Vivian Berry and Billy Vincent; granddaughter, Kadense; mother, Wanda Morris; sisters, Ann (Larry) Cornell, Charlene Fifield; nieces and nephews, Nutasha (Sid) Tolsma, Jon (Jinger) Fifield, Theresa (Jesse) Koomen, Brett (Heather) Fifield, Katelyn Fifield, Laurissa Cornell. He was preceded in death by his father and a brother-in-law, William Fifield. The family received friends Sunday, June 4^th at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where the service was held Monday, June 5^th. Pastor Gilbert Morris officiating. Interment Solon Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart or Diabetes Associations.

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

Eugene Eben Finch Sr. age 79 of Cedar Springs passed away Saturday, June 3, 2017 at Spectrum Health – Butterworth Campus. He was born August 13, 1937 in Grand Rapids, Michigan the son of Eben and Bessie (Fairbrother) Finch. Eugene proudly served in the Marine Corps from 1954 to 1957. He also enjoyed driving around on his tractor working his land. He is survived by his children and grandchildren, Eugene (Lori) Finch Jr. (Anthony, Chelsea, and Dylan), Terry (Angela) Finch (Alexander and Andrew), Debbie (Troy) Ensminger (Kyle and Nicole), Rodney S. Finch; great-grandchildren Ryland, Mya, and Bryson; sister, Eileen (Val) Bennett. Eugene was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Patricia Finch and Joyce Hegwood. The family met with friends on Wednesday at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where the service will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. Pastor Larry Young, officiating. Interment Solon Township Cemetery with the Kent County Veterans Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.

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

Troy “Jamie” Poling 51 of Grand Rapids, died Sunday, April 16, 2017 at his home. Jamie was born May 3, 1965 in Grand Rapids, Michigan the son of Melroy and Marie Poling. He graduated from Cedar Springs High School in 1984 and enjoyed working as a computer operator for Pitney Bowes and CU*Answers. He enjoyed reading, especially anything history related and spending time with family and friends especially around a firepit. Surviving are his wife of 25 years, Linda (DiCesare); daughters, Paige and Bailey; parents, Melroy and Marie (Tomlin) Poling; sister, Ronna (Keith) Wiseman; brother, Shawn Poling; sisters and brothers-in-law, Kathy DiCesare, Joe (Raquel) DiCesare, Anna DiCesare, Rich (Linda) DiCesare, Rocco (Garry) DiCesare, Paula DiCesare (Mike) Leaf and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents-in-law, Ralph and Margaret DiCesare; brother-in-law, John DiCesare; nephew, Nicholas Wyatt. The family will greet friends Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where the service will be Saturday 11:00 am with viewing at 10:00 am. Pastor Rick Ferris officiating. Interment Solon Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Meijer Heart Center.

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

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.

Hope J. Flasch 89 of Cedar Springs, passed away Thursday, September 1, 2016 at Bishop Hills, Rockford. Mrs. Flasch was born June 11, 1927 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania the daughter of William and Anna (Worgul) Kuyat. Surviving are her children, Joyce (Joel) Andrus, Jerry (Vivian) Flasch; grandchildren, Nikki (Wayne) Bugden, Kerry (Charlie) Boyer, Katrina (Justin) Craven, Eric (Tamara) Flasch; 8 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles in 2000 and 3 brothers. Visitation and service was held Monday, September 5 at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Interment Solon Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Michigan, 989 Spaulding SE, Ada, MI 49301.

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

Ronald Roger Fisk, 88 of Cedar Springs, surrounded by his family went to be with his Lord and Savior, on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at Metron of Cedar Springs. Ronald was born on October 24, 1927, the son of Neff & Mamie (Holliday) Fisk in Cedar Springs. On September 27, 1947 he married Evelyn Dingman of Grand Rapids in his family home where they later resided for his last 22 years. Ronald was a farmer at heart and farmed his father’s farm, his own farm and worked for area farmers as well. Ronald retired from Keeler Brass Company in 1989 to enjoy his beloved horses, which he used to farm the land and pull competitively. He was an excellent teamster, raised and broke his own Belgians and was known among the Amish community for his well trained teams. Ronald was a member of the Solon Center Wesleyan Church since 1973, where he served his Lord faithfully in several capacities. He is survived by his beloved family, wife Evelyn; his sister Genevieve Giar; brother-in-law Donald Green; his children Allan (Beth) Fisk, David (Kathy) Fisk, Kathy (Roy) Mabie; caregiver, Patricia Host; foster sons Mike (Patricia) Happeny; David (Kelly) Eck; 12 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; 9 great-great-grandchildren; several cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Geraldine Hinkley and Marian Green; brother-in-law Harley Hinkley. The family greeted friends on Monday, August 29 at the Solon Center Wesleyan Church, 15671 Algoma Avenue, Cedar Springs. The service was held Tuesday at the church. Rev. Douglas DiBell officiating. Interment Solon Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Solon Center Wesleyan Church.

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

Alma Charlotte Hagenah Van Den Hout of Cedar Springs, Michigan, age 95, passed away on Monday, August 8, 2016. She was born on November 16, 1920 to James H. Hagenah and Alma Kibbe Hagenah on the family farm in Solon Township, Kent County, Michigan. Alma, the fourth of five children, attended Christian Hill School and later graduated from Cedar Springs High School in 1939. On May 2, 1940, Alma married C. Vernon Rider, who was killed in combat in Europe on November 16, 1944. On April 10, 1947, Alma was married to Clifford “Bunch” Van Den Hout; they were married for thirty-eight happy years. Bunch Van Den Hout passed away on December 18, 1984. Alma is survived by two nieces, Jan Weston and Sue Lindhout; and three nephews, James, Gene, and Larry Hagenah; three granddaughters, Nancy (Phil) Keller, Lou Ann Jacobson, and Fiona Van Den Hout; two grandsons, Thomas and Dennis (Amy) Traxler; two cousins; and numerous great-grandchildren and great nieces and great nephews. Alma was preceded in death by her husbands, C. Vernon Rider and “Bunch” Van Den Hout; daughter Doris (Bill) Traxler; son Roger Van Den Hout; one sister; and three brothers. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 12, 2016 at Solon Township Cemetery. Those who wish to offer expressions of sympathy are encouraged to make a memorial contribution to Cedar Springs Museum and Historical Society, P.O. Box 296, Cedar Springs, MI 49319.

Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com