Obituaries

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Donald Nelson “Don” Hallowell

December 1, 2021 Obituaries
Donald Nelson “Don” Hallowell, passed away on November 27, 2021, at the age of 82. His battle with serious medical conditions over the past 20 years, speaks of his determination to spend as much time with his loving wife and his 6 grandchildren who brought him the greatest joy.
Don was born April 14, 1939, in Flint, MI to George Nelson and Mildred Edith (Wakeman) Hallowell.
He graduated high school from Ferris College in 1957 and Michigan Tech University in 1965. Don served the public in various positions of responsibility for 38 years, before retiring as Dowagiac’s Director of Public Services in 2009. He was an active member of the Rotary, the Knights of Columbus, the American Public Works Association (APWA), and the Michigan Municipal Electric Association (APWA), and many other associations in the engineering field. Don was a longtime, active member of Holy Maternity Catholic Church where he also served on the parish council. His greatest accomplishment was his 50 years of sobriety and his dedication to helping countless others overcome their own addictions.
Don is survived by his wife Patricia (Pini) Hallowell; children, Cherie (Ron) Janik and Donald Jason (Teri) Hallowell; grandchildren: Ty, Camden, Luke, Calli, Grace, and Claire; sister-in-law JoAnn Pini (Jim Kuusisto); brother-in-law, Jim (Susie) Pini; many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, George Nelson and Mildred Edith Hallowell and his sister Fran Wohlgemuth and mother-in-law, Irene Pini.
To Celebrate Don’s life, a Funeral Mass will be held on Monday December 20, 2021, at 11:00AM at Holy Maternity Catholic Church, 210 N. Front St., Dowagiac, with Fr. Russel Homic officiating.
Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, December 19, 2021, from 3:00PM until 5:00PM at Clark Chapel 405 Center St. Dowagiac.
A Rosary will be recited at 4:45PM. In lieu of flowers, Don’s family has requested that memorial contributions be made to St. Francis Outreach in Dowagiac, or Holy Maternity Building Fund.
Those wishing to leave a condolence online may do so at www.clarkch.com.
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Ralph Thurston

November 30, 2021 Obituaries

Ralph’s life began July 31, 1929, in Buchanan, Michigan. Ralph grew up in Buchanan where he graduated high school, after high school Ralph proudly served in the United States Navy where he was an Aviation Machinist. After the service Ralph returned home and went to work at Whirlpool Corporation. Ralph and his wife Doris first made their home in Benton Harbor until finding their forever home in Watervliet. Ralph was an active member of the Watervliet Community volunteering for the Watervliet Fire Department for over 30 years. While a member of the fire department Ralph served as Assistant Chief of Ambulance and he was the Chaplin for many years. Another place you could find Ralph giving back was his church, Apostolic Tabernacle Church in Benton Harbor. Ralph helped build the church and served as a board member, deacon, Superintendent of the Sunday School as well as a Sunday School teacher. When Ralph wasn’t serving his community you could find him building bird houses, raising chickens, camping, or fishing.... ...Read Full Story

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Marylin J. Hill

November 30, 2021 Obituaries

Marylin J. Hill passed away Nov. 28, 2021. She was born Jan. 10, 1934 in Kalamazoo, Mich. to Clare and Edna Schilling. During her childhood she lived in Kalamazoo and Battle Creek and graduated from Battle Creek Academy the spring of 1953.... ...Read Full Story

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Darlene Bessie (Playford) Springer

November 30, 2021 Obituaries

On the evening of November 28, 2021, Darlene Bessie Springer, 95, accepted God’s loving invitation to spend Christmas in heaven with Him.  Darlene was born in Lawton, Michigan, the third daughter of Carr and Maria (Jenson) Playford.  Her childhood is very reminiscent of the stories of “Little House on the Prairie” where Darlene and her siblings, Donna Jean, Elmira, Celeste, Wyett and Paul lived in their Maternal Grandparent’s barn for a while before moving into the big white house across the street from the railroad tracks.  The Playford children really would walk miles to and from school every day.  When Darlene was in High School, she contracted TB and was sent to live in a Sanatorium in the Oshtemo area until she could be cured.  Being away from her family was the most difficult time for her; however, it did make her a stronger and more determined person.  She cried when she was not allowed back in school when she was released, for fear that she could still expose others to TB.  It was years later when, as an adult, Darlene went back to high school and earned her diploma.  What a proud moment and huge accomplishment!
 Darlene was working in the cafeteria at the YMCA in Kalamazoo, MI when a handsome soldier came in to eat.  It was almost “love at first sight” for Darlene and Army Private First Class Chester Springer.  They dated a little before Chester had to head back to war, but the two lovebirds wrote continuous letters back and forth and before long they knew they wanted to be together always.  On September 3rd, 1945, they married in the parsonage of the Lane Blvd. Evangelical Church and began their life together.  Darlene and Chester raised four sons (John, Frank, David and Dennis) and a daughter (Karen) together.  Because education was so important to her, Darlene made sure the kids did their homework as well as their chores.  And if there was time after that, she would have them keep busy doing jigsaw puzzles…a love she would continue through all her years.  Darlene also loved needlework of all kinds, knitting, sewing, embroidering, quilting and she was delighted to pass that love on to her only daughter.  But the biggest thing her children remember is their Mother’s great faith.  On Sunday’s…You Go To Church.  Her love of God got her through so many difficult times in her life.  Darlene grew up Baptist but joined Trinity Lutheran Church in Paw Paw where her husband, Chester, later became an Elder and where her children received the sacraments. 
Darlene became the head of the household after Chester’s sudden death from diabetes in 1985.  She always earned her way working at jobs as a maid or in a Laundromat.  She also loved shopping at Good Will Stores where she would buy little dolls to bring home, fix up, then give to others in need.  Later in life, Darlene, who only had one well-loved doll as a child, would collect realistic looking dolls…and also stamps, coins, and jars of pennies.  “Always Save Your Pennies” was a favorite phrase of hers!  Having grown up during wartime, Darlene was also very proud of America and the fact that between her husband and children, her family served in four branches of the service…the army, navy, marines and air force.  She continued to donate to all veteran causes even when she had little left for herself.  “God, Family and Country” truly was her mantra. 
Darlene is survived by two sons, Frank (Carylle) Springer of Portage, MI and Dennis Springer of Fountain, MI and a daughter, Karen Beazley of Bakersfield, CA,  one brother, Paul Playford of Sun City, AZ,  10 Grandchildren, 18 Great-Grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. 
Funeral services for Darlene will be held at Adams Funeral Home, 502 W Michigan,  Paw Paw, on Monday, December 6, 2021.  The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 am with a service immediately following at 11:00 am with Rev. Philip Phifer. Burial will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery, Mattawan. ... ...Read Full Story

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Stacy Nicole Riede

November 30, 2021 Obituaries
Stacy Nicole Riede, 35, of Grand Junction, passed away Saturday, November 27, 2021 at her home. She was born September 29, 1986 to Walter and Katherine “Kathy” (Ponicki) Riede in Allegan, Michigan. Stacy was a devout Christian and would read her devotional, “Jesus Calling” every day. She loved to garden both vegetables and flowers and enjoyed working on tractors with her dad. Creatively minded, Stacy also enjoyed making arts and crafts, coloring, and taking photographs.... ...Read Full Story

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Carlene Mariea Wishon

November 30, 2021 Obituaries

Carlene Mariea Wishon, 74, of South Haven, passed away Friday, November 26, 2021 at her home surrounded by her husband and loving family. She was born January 17, 1947 to Otto General and Leitha Viole (Moore) Caldwell in Kennett, Missouri. Carlene married Guy Leon Wishon on August 24, 1963 in South Haven, Michigan and they shared 58 years of marriage before her passing. She worked at Big Wheel for ten years before starting her career at Walmart. After twenty-two years of service, she retired as the assistant manager in 2012. Carlene had a great love for being outdoors and enjoyed gardening, fishing, and bird watching, especially the hummingbirds and chickens. Some of her other favorite pastimes were crocheting, going to the casino, and drinking coffee. But most of all, Carlene loved to spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren.... ...Read Full Story

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Alvin Christopher “Chris” Thames

November 30, 2021 Obituaries

Alvin “Chris” Christopher Thames, 51 of Covert, Michigan, passed away on Thursday, November 25, 2021. He was surrounded by family. He was born to Carolyn and Alvin Thames on January 15, 1970 in Haines City, Florida. He was a cook at Taste in South Haven, Michigan, loved the Dallas Cowboys, loved being outdoors and was a tattoo enthusiast. He was close to his family and his world revolved around his only son, Dallas.... ...Read Full Story

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Dorothy Jean Davey

November 30, 2021 Obituaries
Dorothy Trail Kasun Davey, 85, of Stevensville, MI, died November 24, 2021, after an extended illness.
Dorothy, “Aunt Dort” to many, was born December 24, 1935, in McHenry, KY. She had six brothers, Archie, Edward, James, Joe Dean, William, and Thurman Trail; and one sister, Mary Wesner. On May 5, 1956, Dorothy married Charles “Chuck” Kasun. Chuck worked as a detective with the local Sheriff’s department. She owned The London Pride Cleaners in St. Joseph, from 1963-1986, when she sold it to Kent Hardin. She played on The London Pride Cleaners bowling team in the mid-seventies. She also ran The Honey Bee dress shop in St. Joseph, from the late eighties until the early nineties. Her husband, Chuck, died November 2, 1995.
Dorothy married Rev. Frederick J. Davey on May 27, 2001, and became a pastor’s wife. At that time, she gained four children, their spouses, and nine grandchildren. The couple pastored the Crystal Springs Church of God in Benton Harbor for eight years, and then enjoyed retirement years together until Fred died on August 6, 2019. Dorothy’s wonderful gift for decorating/crafting was called upon for many family and church special occasions. She loved God, her family, and her church. She had a gift for hospitality and served people well.
Dorothy is survived by children, Kathleen (Keith) Buehler, Rev. John (Patty) Davey, Rev. Jim (Mary) Davey, and Karen (Jeff) Strickler; grandchildren, Ben (Felicia) Buehler, Teri (Tracy) Downey, Beth (Robbie) Baxter, Christy (James) Jones, Josh (Bethany) Davey, Jessica (Chris) Kreeger, Matt Davey, Mindy (Cameron) Hauke, and Megan Strickler; 28 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, and both of her husbands.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Crystal Springs Church of God, 1465 Pipestone Rd. Benton Harbor, on Saturday, December 4, 2021, at 1:30 PM, with burial following at Shanghai Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Friday, December 3, from 4 PM until 7 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, as well as on Saturday from 12:30 PM until the time of the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crystal Springs Church of God or Caring Circle Hospice, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph MI 49085. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
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Pamela S. “Pam” Lukey

November 30, 2021 Obituaries

Pamela “Pam” S. Lukey, 68, of St. Joseph, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2021, at Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville.
Beloved wife of Richard for over 43 years; devoted mother of Rebecca (Dan) Wodka and Shannon (Andrew) Jones; and loving grandmother of Lexi and Rosalie. Also survived by cousins Deborah Blum and Karen Smith and long-time friend Patricia Greenburg.
Celebration of Life Service will be held at 12:00PM on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at Stevensville United Methodist Church, 5506 Ridge St. where she was a member. Friends may visit with the family on Saturday 10:00am until the time of service at the church, with a luncheon following the service. In an effort to continue keeping everyone healthy, Pam’s family asks that you please wear a mask. Memorials may be made to Stevensville United Methodist Church or Caring Circle of Lakeland. Those wishing to leave a condolence for the family may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Pam was born in Connersville, Indiana, on February 28, 1953, to Wilbur and Wilma (Smith) Perin, then moved with her family to St. Joseph, Michigan in 1956.
A graduate of St. Joseph High School, she received a degree in Fine Arts from Central Michigan University. She enjoyed painting, applying her talents to works of fine art as well as designing sets for her daughters’ senior parties and for Vacation Bible School.
Pam loved all music, from Dixieland to Rock, and played guitar with the B.A.S.I.C. praise band as well as singing with the choir at church. Following in her father’s footsteps she was also an avid, award-winning photographer.
She also tutored special needs children in the St. Joseph school system.
Pam will be remembered for her beautiful smile, upbeat personality, wry sense of humor, and as an extra “Mom” to many of her daughters’ friends.
She was preceded in death by parents Wilbur and Wilma Perin and her brother James Perin.... ...Read Full Story

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