Forcier, Thomas W.

April 16, 1960 - January 14, 2023

PLAINWELL - Tom passed away, Saturday, January 14, 2023 at his home in Plainwell. He was born April 16, 1960 in St. Paul, Minnesota, the son of James and Carol (Sorlie) Forcier. Tom worked as a welder for Bradford White. In his free time he enjoyed golfing, camping, socializing, flying and coaching football. He was a member and past Exalted Ruler of the Otsego Elks and the Outdoor Adventures. On September 3, 2011 in Plainwell he married Jackie Patrick who survives. Also surviving are his children, Ben (Faith) and Brady (Heather) both of Wayland; step-children, Andrew (Danielle) of Angola and Katie (Lawrence) of Otsego; grandchildren, Odette, Alexa, Oakley, Tinsley and Berkley; siblings, Kathy (Kurt), Jim, Jeff and Mike along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Friends may visit with Tom’s family from 2-5 PM, Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego. Cremation will follow. Contributions in memory of Tom may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice.
Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.

Ray, Marian J.

September 09, 1926 - January 14, 2023

OTSEGO - Marian J. Ray passed away Saturday, January 14, 2023. Marian was born in Cooper, Michigan September 9, 1926 to Herman and Fannie (Engel) Hummel and was a lifetime resident of the area. On March 15, 1946 she married Darryl Ray. Surviving Marian are Russ (Carol) Ray of Paris, MI; Marilyn Ray Mowry and Brenda Kuilema Ray of Otsego; one sister, Doris Geiger of Sebring, FL; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents, husband; two sons, Rick and Randy Ray; two brothers, Charles Hummel and Benjamin Hummel; five sisters, Elda Van Fleet, Helen Houvener, Anna Mae Towne, Esther Hummel, and Joyce Miller. In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 3pm at the VFW Post 3030, 124 N. Famer St., Otsego. Memorial contributions may be made to VFW Post 3030 or to the the charity of your choice.

Sass, Gerry

October 10, 1944 - January 14, 2023

RICHLAND - Gerry passed away Saturday, January 14, 2023 in Richland. Gerry was born October 10, 1944 in Lawton, MI to Robert and Donna (Willmarth) Goodrich. She enjoyed entertaining, traveling, cooking, shopping, decorating, going on cruises, tanning and dancing. On August 10, 1991 in Kalamazoo she married Edward Sass III who survives. Also surviving are her children, Kim (Paul) Bloss of Allegan and Amy Zeran of Allegan, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her siblings, Larry (Kathleen) Goodrich of TX, Steve (Ardith) Goodrich of Otsego and Naomi (Charles) Wright of Otsego; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, Robert, Kathryn, Jesse, Faith, and her son Karl Ferris III. Friends may meet with Gerry’s family from 5-7 P.M. Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego where a Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. with her brother Larry Goodrich officiating. Burial will follow at Prairie Home Cemetery, Richland. Contributions in memory of Gerry may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the Shriners. Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.

Harrington, Judith "Judy" Lee

August 30, 1940 - January 14, 2023

PLAINWELL - Judith "Judy" Lee Harrington passed away peacefully in her home on the evening of January 14th, 2023 after battling and surviving years of illness. She was surrounded by her loving family and close friends at the time of her death. Judy was born on August 30th, 1940, to Clarence & Beatrice (Osborn) Meacham in Plainwell, Michigan where she lived her entire life. Judy was a strong woman who faced many challenges as a single mother of four in her early adult life, and survived with the support and love of her mother, her sisters, and their spouses. In 1968 Judy's life changed for the better when she met the love her life Daniel "Digger" Harrington. The couple was married on September 28th of the same year, and their family was completed in 1973 with the birth of their daughter. Judy was an animal lover through and through; she loved bird watching, feeding her barn cats, and taking her grandchildren back to the family pond to feed the fish. She enjoyed playing card games or Yahtzee, and especially enjoyed casino trips to play the slots. Judy loved to socialize and travel to see friends and family wherever they may be. She was well known for her amazing cooking, her brownies and scalloped potatoes being a fan favorite at summertime family reunions. Judy is well loved and will be sorely missed by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Duane Meacham, sister Charlene Meacham, sister and brother-in-law Marie & Lawrence Middlestadt, brother-in-law Donald Bartels, uncle and aunt Tom and Lucy Osborn, nephews Lawrence Middlestadt Jr., Daryl Middlestadt, and Denny Shook, and her niece Caroline "Sis" Prolo. Judy is survived by her husband of 54 years Daniel Harrington, her sister Iris Bartels, her children; Gloria (Rusty) Vanderbilt, Roxanne (Nick) Cantu, William (Rebecca) Meggs, Jeffery (Miranda) Meggs, and Danielle (Jonathan Ratulowski) Harrington, her five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to Allegan's Wings Home, c/o Wings of Hope Hospice 530 Linn St. Allegan MI 49010. A celebration of Judy's life will be held on Saturday June 3rd, 2023, from 2-5pm at the family farm: 297 4th St. Plainwell, MI 49080.

Maneke, Bette Joan

December 18, 1935 - January 13, 2023

PORTAGE - Bette went to be with the Lord Friday, January 13, 2023 with her family by her side. Bette was born December 18, 1935 in Kalamazoo the daughter of Roy and Viola (Truax) Chamberlain. Bette had worked at RS Electronics, Otsego and Jirgens Modern Tools from where she retired. Bette was a longtime active member of the Trowbridge United Methodist Church and for the last several years attended At The Masters Feet Church. Bette was an avid reader. In years past she enjoyed bowling and golfing. She excelled at knitting, quilting and sewing; she took much pride in making quilts, hats and mittens to donate to those in need. She was also an excellent cake maker of wedding cakes and for any special occasion. On July 1, 1951 in Rodney, MI she married Gordon Maneke who preceded her in 2021. Surviving are her daughters, Kathleen (Jeffrey) Brand of Parchment and Janice (Judy Dewane) Maneke of DeForest, WI; a granddaughter, Courtney Bailey; 2 great grandchildren, Chloe Vorva and Brandon Bailey; her brothers David and Roger (Bev) Chamberlain and several nieces and nephews. Bette was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, grandson Kryn Brand; sisters, Barbara Horn and Linda Keefer and brother Eugene Chamberlain.
Friends may meet with Bette’s family Tuesday, January 17, 2023 from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service at 11:00 A.M. at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego, MI. With Pastor Ray Brown officiating. Cremation will follow. Contributions in memory of Bette may be made to Corso Care Hospice.
Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.

Stoneburner, Margaret A.

September 06, 1930 - January 12, 2023

PLAINWELL - Margaret A. Stonebuner, age 92 of Plainwell, passed away on January 12, 2023 at her home. Margaret was born on September 6, 1930 in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Lorin and Mildred (Kitzmiller) Pickard. Margaret was a machine operator at the James River paper mill for 30 years before retiring. She also worked on the family farm with her husband. Margaret was a member of the Delton VFW Post 422 Ladies Auxiliary where she was a past president and Prairieville TOPS 1221. She was an avid puzzler and enjoyed gardening, going to auctions and sales, rock collecting, and being outdoors. Margaret participated in the annual Labor Day Mackinac Bridge walk until the age of 90. She loved collecting cookbooks and recipes and will be remembered for her homemade noodles and sense of humor. Most of all, she loved her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Margaret is survived by her son, Jim Stoneburner; grandchildren: Jason (Melissa) Stoneburner, Jenni (Michael) Brown, Sarah Whitney; great grandchildren: Justin VanOverloop, Emily Stoneburner, Easton Stoneburner; son in law, Fred Whitney; brothers: Richard (Gerry) Pickard, Thomas (Nancy) Pickard; special friend, Carolyn Wilder; and several nieces and nephews. Margaret was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John Stoneburner; daughter, Julie Whitney; great grandson, Jeffrey VanOverloop. Margaret’s family will receive friends on Monday, January 16, 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Williams-Gores Funeral Home where her funeral service will be conducted on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at 11:00 AM. Burial will take place in Prairieville Cemetery. Memorial contributions to West Michigan Hospice will be appreciated. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral.com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for Margaret’s family.

Smith, Sylvia "Jeanne" J.

April 03, 1937 - January 08, 2023

OTSEGO - Jeanne passed away, Sunday, January 8, 2023, at Kauhale in Otsego. She was born April 3, 1937 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the daughter of Clayton and Audrey (Wilson) Wheeler. Jeanne earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Master’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Cincinnati and worked in Human Resources for many different companies over the years. In her free time she enjoyed reading, traveling, watching movies and staying busy. She loved her dogs and spending time with her family. Surviving are her sons, David (Heidi) Smith of Otsego and their son, Tanner and Ron Smith of Portage and his children, Christopher, Stephen and Megan; great-grandchildren, Parker and Sophia; sister, Carol (Glenn) Patterson of Cincinnati along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Ray Wheeler. According to her wishes cremation has taken place.
Contributions in memory of Jeanne may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.

Thompson, Harry E.

July 17, 1931 - January 08, 2023

OTSEGO - Harry passed away, Sunday, January 8, 2023 at American House in Jenison. He was born July 17, 1931 in Metcalf, Illinois, the son of Lex and Vera (Stark) Thompson. Harry owned and operated Thompson Electric and was co-owner of Professional Code Inspections. As a young man Harry enjoyed car racing and spending time at the Kalamazoo Speedway. He also liked hunting, watching golf and football and spending time at his cottage up north. He was a member of the Otsego Elks, was a scout master when his boys were younger and served on the Otsego City Planning Commission. On February 24, 1951 in Otsego he married Nanette Judd who passed away in 2006. Surviving are his children, Katherine (Bill) McLoud of Jenison, Tom Thompson of Middleville and Sue (Greg) Morrison of Jonesville; 16 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; siblings, Marcia Thompson Slusher and Max Thompson both of Kentucky along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; son, Dick Thompson and daughter-in-law, Wendy. Friends may visit with Harry’s family starting at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, January 12, 2023, at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego, until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 A.M., burial will follow at Mountain Home Cemetery in Otsego. Contributions in memory of Harry may be made to Boy Scouts of American Troop 98 of Otsego. Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.

Kovacik, Jr., Stephen John

August 31, 1933 - January 07, 2023

NORTHFIELD - Stephen John Kovacik, Jr., 89 of Northfield, MN passed away Saturday, January 07, 2023 at home surrounded by family.

He was born on August 31, 1933 in Rossford, OH, the son of Stephen and Anna Kovacik (Dula). He graduated from Rossford High School, and had a long career as a metallurgist. He retired from Rockwell International where he managed the Heat Treat Department. He enjoyed spending time with his family, working on home projects, fishing, golfing, and was a longtime member of the Elks.

Steve is survived by his wife, Julie Kovacik of Northfield, MN; five daughters, Arlene Lancaster (Denny) of Portage, MI; Stephanie Barr (Steve) of Paw Paw, MI; Jennifer (Jeremy) McCollum of Mount Vernon, IA; Jessica (Jeff) McBurnett of Northfield, MN; and Jeanna (Casey) Randall of Cedar Rapids, IA; ten grandchildren, Thomas VanOrder; Devin West and Alicia Hardy; Grace, Lauren and Meredith McCollum; Nolan and Parker McBurnett; Alexis and Brady Randall; in addition to many other beloved family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Joey Kovacik and Albert Kovacik, sister, Marie Abbajay, and granddaughter, Alexandria McBurnett.

A private family memorial will be held at a later date.

Harper, Terry A.

August 14, 1945 - January 03, 2023

PLAINWELL - Terry passed away, Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo. She was born August 14, 1945 to Willard and Rose (Dawson) Harper and was raised by Elva and George Mowat. For many years Terry worked at Parker Hannifin until her retirement. Terry was an animal lover, especially dogs and had rescued many animals over the years. She also enjoyed gardening and eating good food. Most of all she loved spending time with her family. Surviving are her children, Jerry (Anita) Zickafoose and Lisa (Mark) Adams; 12 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; brothers, Alfred Harper and Dale Mowat; sister, Eleanor Campbell along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and several brothers and sisters. According to her wishes cremation has taken place. Contributions in memory of Terry may be made to the ASPCA or the American Cancer Society. Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.