Arlene Abbey (Shick) Wesche, age 91, of Cedar Springs, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, December 13, 2020 at the Brook Retirement Home, Big Rapids, MI. Arlene was born on July 16, 1929 at her home in Sand Lake MI, the daughter of John and Ivah Shick. She came to know her Lord and Savior at the age of 12 at the First Baptist Church of Cedar Springs (was a member for over 70 years). She graduated from Sand Lake High School in 1947. She met the love of her life, August John “Bud” Wesche in 1948 and on June 23, 1950 they were united in marriage at the First Baptist Church of Cedar Springs. Arlene was one of three sisters whose husbands are brothers. Arlene and August had 4 children together. If asked what was the most important to her she would always say “her family.” She was a hard worker all her life, working at several factories in Grand Rapids, Wolverine World Wide in Rockford, Cedar Springs Public Schools as a classroom aide and at Great Day in Cedar Springs in the Deli (food preparation). Arlene loved to camp and deer hunt with her husband and several family members, x-country ski by moonlight (with the love of her life), travel the country side (especially the U.P.) and spend time with family and friends. She was very proud of the beautiful afghans she made for her children and grandchildren. She was a wonderful cook, baker and so enjoyed to prepare meals at holidays for her family. Arlene was a loving and devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. She will be greatly missed by her four children, Daniel (Bev) Wesche of Big Rapids, Linda (Bill) Williams of Grand Rapids, Gregg Wesche of Sand Lake and Sandy (Don) Richard of Cedar Springs; grandchildren, Amber (Christopher) Jenson, Erin Wesche, Jason (Claire) Williams, Jeffrey Williams, Nicholas (Sara) Wesche, Shastyn Nelson, Heather (Eric) Bagge, Logan (Kristina) Shepherd, Zack (Brittany) Richard, Jenny (Tony) Smith; great-grandchildren, Derek, Lula, Roland, Harper, Eliza, Lindsey, Kiera, Liam, Toby. She is survived by sisters, Beverly (Phillip) Wesche, Verna (Richard) Wesche (note: Phillip and Richard Wesche are brothers of August Wesche Jr.); brother, Fred (Carol) Shick; brother-in-law, Gerald (Gloria) Wesche; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Houghton, Rose Hunter and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 56 years, August John Wesche Jr., parents, John and Ivah Shick; siblings and in-laws, Robert and Jean Shick, Harvey Shick, Donna and Orvin Reed, Berniece and Nelson VerStrate, Edward and Beverly Wesche, Jackie and Joseph Chorman, Mike Houghton. Mom, you will forever be loved and greatly missed by each of us, but we find comfort in knowing you will be watching over us … Heaven has welcomed a new angel! Psalm 23:6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Due to COVID a memorial service will follow at a later date. Memorials in lieu of flowers in Arlene’s memory can be made to the First Baptist Church of Cedar Springs P.O. Box 387 Cedar Springs, MI 49319 or Spectrum Health Hospice 750 Fuller Ave. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503. 

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

John H. Tow, Sr., age 82, formerly of Crystal and Clifford Lake, passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus at home on Thursday, November 19, 2020, under the loving care of Laurie and his family. The son of Merle & Clela (Race) Tow, he was born on May 6, 1938 in Grand Rapids. On October 7, 1961, he married Barbara Ann Greenhoe and together they enjoyed 48 years of marriage and raised two children. John was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Barbara (Greenhoe) Tow in 2009; and infant son, David Mark Tow in 1969. Surviving are his “Sweetie” of eight years, Laurie Bowen; his children, Johnny H. & Kelly Tow, II of White Cloud; Jackie Tow-Zerka of Stanton; six grandchildren including Sarah “too pretty for a nickname” Tow, Joshua “Dozer” Tow, Jacob “Hammer” Tow & Sarah VanderMeer, Katie “too pretty for a nickname” & Travis “Traverse” Johnson, Eric “Tractor” & Chelle Zerka, Benjamin “Boomer” Zerka & Katelynn Epple; great-grandson Rowan “Pumpkin Seed” Tow; two brothers, Norm & Christi Tow of Chippewa Lake, and Dick & Sharon Tow of Florida; one sister, Shirley & Fritz Strautz of Stanton; siblings-in-law, Betty & Rev. Jim Wilcox of Greenville, Ronald Greenhoe, and Wilber Jr. & Laura Greenhoe, all of Sheridan; and many, many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and especially the family of Laurie Bowen. John began his career in retail with Tow’s Leonard Service, a gas station in Crystal that he ran with his father, which he later converted into a convenience store. John and Barb worked together with their family in many of their business ventures including the Paris Hardware & Grocery, Crystal Hardware, Brookside Dairy Freeze in Big Rapids, Tow’s General Store in Crystal, as well as several family rental properties. What made John unique was that he genuinely loved talking with people and made every person feel special; he remembered your name, he remembered your story, and he always had a smile. Even in retirement he delighted in being the official greeter at his son’s stores at Lincoln Lake and Coral and we salute those that survived his Handshake of Steel! John’s last years were filled with love as he and Laurie enjoyed each other’s company greatly. When they were not driving the roads in his golf cart bottle hunting, they enjoyed spending time together playing cards, visiting with friends and family, and spending time at Little Rainbow Lake. But, if you knew John, you know his biggest delight after his grandchildren and newest great-grand, was in cheering for his Spartans! Go Green! Go White! We will miss him greatly. Due to current state orders, a private graveside service for immediate family will be held at Evergreen Township Cemetery near Sheridan. A celebration of life will be held in the future when COVID restrictions are more forgiving. Instead of flowers, contributions in memory of John to Spectrum Health Hospice would be appreciated as we can not say enough about the loving care their team provided to John and our family throughout this journey. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign John’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Christiansen’s Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville, (616) 754-5638.

Sherrie Lee Logsdon passed from this life and into the arms of Jesus her Savior on October 29, 2020. Visitation hours at Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs were November 1. Memorial service was held at Maranatha Baptist Church in Cedar Springs, MI on Monday, November 2. Pastor Scott Sloan officiating. Sherrie left this world after a ten year battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Born in Rochester, New York on April 26, 1945. Married to Rev. Thomas Logsdon. Preceded in death by parents, Fredrick and Dorothy Hackett; brother, David Hackett; brother-in-law, Ron Rodgers; daughter, Mary Beth James; granddaughter, Abbey Logsdon. Survived by husband Thomas; sister, Darlene Rodgers; sister-in-law, Ann Hackett; brother, Timothy (Helena) Hackett; sister, Rebecca Hackett; sister, Jane Hackett; brother, Michael Hackett; children, Mark (Bonnie) Logsdon AL; son-in-law, Marlin James NY, Thomas (Amy) Logsdon NY, Rebecca (Charles) Klompstra MI, Christina (Derek) Zinn MI; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Sherrie graduated from Pavilion Central in 1963. Attended Tennessee Temple University. Assisted her husband in establishing three churches in upstate New York: Faith Baptist Morrisville, Grace Baptist Dansville, Cornerstone Baptist Geneseo. Foster care parent of twelve children. Avon Sales Representative and Manager for thirty years. Owner and operator of Rplace Ranch in Cedar Springs, Michigan. Sherrie was known for her joyful laugh and sense of humor. She was admired for her high energy, determined (some might even say spunky) personality. She was a top competitor in the game of spoons. She was a lover of all animals but especially of her horses and kittens. She participated in the Genesee Valley Hunt and spent many years teaching young equestrians at RPlace Ranch. On any given day, in any season, you would find her outside, except on Sundays where she gathered to worship at church. She dedicated her life to her husband of 57 years. She had an abundant love for Christ, her Savior, her family, and her church. Alternate service will be held in Pavilion, New York on Saturday, November 7, 2020 at Logwell Acres. Visitation 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. with a memorial service at 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers please donate to Spectrum Health Hospice.

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

Patricia Ann Waite (Funk-Archer) age 78 of Cedar Springs gained her wings peacefully surrounded with love by her family on Tuesday, October 27, 2020. She was comfortable and in no pain. She was born to Ernest and Mary Archer on December 17, 1941, in Perrington, Michigan. Patricia adored her family and was passionate about her faith, always trusting in God with all her heart. Patricia worked 30 years as a custodian for Kenowa Hills Public School. She enjoyed attending church, reading, camping, vacationing, a fan on Elvis Presley, and just spending time with loved ones. Patricia is survived by her loving children, Joseph (Janette) Funk of Trufant, Debra Sue Funk of Cedar Springs, Timothy Funk of Ravenna, Judy Lynn Pease of Clermont Florida, many adored grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings Ernest (Gerry) Archer Jr. of Howard City and Marilyn (Jerry) Beemer of Sand Lake. She was proceeded in death by her sons Richard Funk and Kenneth Funk Jr., latest husband Floyd Waite and first husband Kenneth Junior Funk Sr. and both parents. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October, 29 from 6-8 p.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. The service will be held Friday, October 30 at 11:00 a.m. at The Springs Free Methodist Church in Cedar Springs. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Masks are required at the visitation and service. Pastor Dallas Burgeson officiating. Interment North Ensley Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Spectrum Health Hospice or the National Kidney Foundation.

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

Loren W. Frey age 102 of Ensley Township, Sand Lake, went to be with his Lord and Saviour on Sunday, May 17, 2020 at his beloved family farm with his family by his side. Loren was born August 31, 1917 in Ensley Township, MI the son of Harold and Dora (Borton) Frey. He attended Frey Country School and graduated from Sand Lake High School. He was a member of South Ensley United Methodist Church where he had been church superintendent. He was a member of the 4-H, Sons of the American Revolution and the Ensley School Board. He was a farmer all of his life and had been a die maker at General Motors for 30 years retiring in 1980. He had cared for his grandparents and wife and was a loving husband and father. Surviving are his children, Norman Frey and Hilda, Jack and Holly Frey, Janet and Gary Rogers, Joy and John Alex, Kay Deacey, Karna and Joe Montambo, Paul and Val Frey; son-law, Richard Morris; 33 grandchildren; 48 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Violet and a daughter, Nancy Morris. A private visitation and family service was held at Crandall Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Spectrum Health Hospice or South Ensley United Methodist Church. 

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

Ramon L. Hunter age 93 of Cedar Springs, died Monday, March 30, 2020 at his home. Ramon was born April 27, 1926 in Cedar Springs, MI the son of Howard and Nancy (Walls) Hunter. He worked for Sparta Piston Ring for 30 years, was a farmer and worked with plow horses. He enjoyed fishing, had a sense of humor and was a tease. Surviving are his granddaughters, Beverly Huffman, Barbara Morris, Britt McCarthy and B.J. Lebeck; special friend, Katie Schumann. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Gertrude in 2005; step-daughters, Helen (Fay) Lebeck, Mary Jean (Steve) Rowland; siblings, Leslie, Paul, Maurice, Jesse and Floran Hunter, Beulah McIntyre, Carrie Zeck. A private family service was held on Thursday, April 2 at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, Cedar Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to Spectrum Health Hospice, 750 Fuller Avenue, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

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

Josephine M. Avery, age 92, of Cedar Springs, died Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at her home. Mrs. Avery was born October 16, 1925 in Spencer Township, Michigan the daughter of George and Inga (Jensen) Weinrich. She was very hard working and independent. She had worked at Gibsons, Michigan Chair and Wolverine World Wide. She enjoyed farm living and loved animals and horses. Surviving are her children, Bruce (Benita Ringler), Avery, Jodine (Randall) Casebeer, Peter Avery; 9 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; brother, Marvin Weinrich; sisters, Edna Clingan, Sandy Volpe, Blanche Christie; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse in 1998; sister, Anabelle (Bill) Sevey; brother, Harold (Inez) Weinrich; brother-in-law, Dick Clingan. The family greeted friends Friday, September 14 from noon until time of service at 1:00 p.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Interment East Nelson Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Carol’s Ferals or Spectrum Health Hospice.

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

Janet (Wainright) Hunt 77 of Stanwood died Sunday, May 27, 2018 at her home. Janet was born November 8, 1940 in Cedar Springs, Michigan the daughter of Murville “Charlie” and Shirley (Empie) Misner. Surviving are her husband, Mark; children, Philip (Gloria) Wainright, Ilene (Kevin) Shell, Beverly Richards, Steven (Julie) Wainright; 9 grandsons; 9 great-grandchildren whom she loved dearly and spent as much time with as she could. Sisters, Marlene Ledford, Shirley Merlington, Joyce Johnson, Verdena (Jude) Martin, Lou Ellen (Gene) Fisk; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband and children’s father, Robert Wainright; second husband, Jarvis Miller; daughter, Ruth Warner; sister, Nancy Westervelt; brothers, Mick Misner and Arloe Misner. The family greeted friends Wednesday, May 30 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where the service will be held Thursday, May 31 at 10:30 a.m. Philip Wainright officiating. Interment Rockford Cemetery. Memorial contributions to Spectrum Health Hospice or the Church of the Full Gospel, Sand Lake. Her hard work is now complete and her faith has become sight.

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

Barbara Jean Hartline, age 74, formerly of Cedar Springs, passed away Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at home under the loving care of her family, friends, and Spectrum Health Hospice. The daughter of Bert O. & Anna Marie (Petersen) Chambers, she was born on April 15, 1943 in Grand Rapids. On November 10, 1967 she married Alvin Henry Hartline, Jr. and together they raised two children. Barbara also worked outside the home for the State of Michigan as a Claims Examiner for the Michigan Employment Security Office for 33 years, retiring in 1995 with plans of traveling, trips to the casino and more. She loved to play in her garden and take care of her flowers. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bert & Ann Chambers; her husband, Alvin Hartline, Jr.; and a brother, John Chambers. Surviving are two daughters, Shelly & Matt Porter of Morley and Susan & Tim Cole of Sand Lake; her grandchildren, Jamie (Jeremy) Bockheim, Jessica (Cody) Balkema, Mike (Sabrina) Osburn, Zachary Johnson, Nick Terpstra, Kaitlin Rounds, Abby Cross, Justin (Danielle) Porter, Tara (Denis) Evans, and Josh (Rachael Marrion) Porter; many great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Bonnie Magoon Miller for the care she gave Barbara in her home. She became a very special friend to Barbara. Also, to Spectrum Health Hospice for the care and attention that was given to Barbara this past year. Honoring her wishes, cremation has taken place. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Barbara’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.ChristiansenCares.com. 

Arrangements were entrusted to Christiansen Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville.

Robert Edward Townes, age 89, of Cedar Springs, Michigan, passed away Saturday, December 2, 2017 at Green Acres Cedar Springs. He was born May 23, 1928 in Cedar Springs, Michigan, to James and Maxine (Winters) Townes. Bob, as everyone called him, graduated from Cedar Springs High School in 1946 and served in the Navy. He held many jobs in his younger days. Some of these included serving under his father as a deputy police officer and driving for Bliss Funeral Home. He was a long-time employee of Michigan Wheel, retiring after 38 years of employment. In 1952, Bob along with his father, James Sr. and Edward Townes, created the Cedar Springs Red Flannel Rod and Gun Club and was a lifetime member. He was also a lifetime member of the Grand Rapids Steelheaders Association. He enjoyed many years of hunting and fishing, especially on Lake Michigan. He will be fondly remembered for his smoked fish. One of the best around! The community of Cedar Springs was very important to him. He spent many years coaching baseball and then could be found on the field or basketball court as an umpire or referee. His biggest commitment to his community was his dedicated service to the Cedar Springs Fire Department, retiring after 51 years of service. He passed this dedication to the Fire Department onto two sons and two grandsons. He loved to be a part of Red Flannel Days and enjoyed his last one on October 7th. There was always a pot of chili made for family and friends. Bob is survived by his devoted and loving companion, Delores Koopman; 7 children Christine Segard (Gordon “Doc” VanOtteren) of Cedar Springs and Grand Rapids, Victoria Cooper of Howard City, James Townes of Cedar Springs, Larry (Elaine) Townes of Six Lakes, Cheryl (Gordon) Pratt of Holland, Susanne (Rodney) Mosher of Cedar Springs, and Paul (Tami) Townes of Cedar Springs; he was blessed with 33 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren, with one on the way; brother James Townes, Jr. of Reed City; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends from Michigan and Florida. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 49 years, Anna (Seaborn) Townes; parents; stepfather, Ed Grossman; sister and her husband; one granddaughter and one great-granddaughter. Bob attended the United Methodist Church in Cedar Springs, where his funeral will be held Thursday at 1:00 p.m. His family met with friends Tuesday 6-8 p.m. and Wednesday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Pastors Karen Sorden and Michael Shiery officiating. Interment with military honors at Elmwood Cemetery, Cedar Springs. He will be greatly missed by his family. His memory will live on through his acts of service and his love of family. The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Spectrum Health Hospice and Green Acres Cedar Springs, especially Sonya Lovell. Memorial contributions may be made to Cedar Springs Fire Department, Cedar Springs United Methodist Church, Spectrum Health Hospice or Green Acres Cedar Springs Activity Dept.

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

Clarence L. “Moose” Miller age 80 of Sand Lake, died Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at his home. Mr. Miller was born January 26, 1937 in Detroit, Michigan the son of Roy and Catherine (Newville) Miller. He graduated from Montrose High School and was a member of their Football Hall of Fame. He served in the U.S. Army from 1956 – 58 and retired from AC Delco in Flint after 32 years of service. Moose enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, camping and cooking. Surviving are his wife, Maxine (Frey); children, Ron (Julie) Miller, Lyle (Brian) Miller; stepchildren, Colette Bergman, Dolores (John) Nagelhout, Kevin (Joann) Parker; 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers and 1 sister. The family will receive friends Thursday from 6-8 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where the service will be held Friday 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be held Friday at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Darryl Miller officiating. Private family interment Crandall Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Spectrum Health Hospice.

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

Dorothy M. Olson 91 of Cedar Springs, passed away Monday, May 8, 2017 at her home. Mrs. Olson was born May 23, 1925 in Sparta, MI the daughter of F.G. and Lena (Dargie) Reyburn. She graduated from Sparta High School and was a former member of First Baptist Church, Cedar Springs. She enjoyed gardening and was a member of the Iris Society. Surviving are her children, Dave (Barb) Olson, Ron Olson, Judy (Al) Ferguson, Sandra Olson, Tom (Denise) Olson, Steve (Deb) Olson, Karen Olson, Joanne Olson, Phil Olson, Paul (Judy) Olson; 18 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman in 1988 and two brothers. The family would like to thank Spectrum Health Hospice for their help and care. The family will receive friends Thursday from 6-8 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where the service will be held Friday 11:00 am. Pastor Chuck Smith officiating. Interment Greenwood Cemetery, Sparta. Memorial contributions may be made to Spectrum Health Hospice.

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