Obituaries

William Edward Wagner, of Decatur, was born on Aug. 19, 1934, in Watervliet, the son of Lloyd and Thelma (Burg) Wagner, both of whom preceded him in passing. He was also preceded in passing by his wife, Betty and four brothers. Bill, as he was known, passed away at the age of 89 on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Hanson Hospice Center, Stevensville. Bill was formerly employed at Roosevelt Farm for many years. He drove a truck, cut timber, and loved bending your ear – in other words he...

Helen Virginia “Ginny” Wheeler (Cantrell), 77, of Hartford passed away suddenly on Friday, April 5, 2024. Ginny was born on Aug. 15, 1946, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the daughter to Fred and Margie Cantrell. She married Ronald “Ron” Wheeler on Dec. 12, 1964. She retired from the Hartford School District after over 30 years of service. Ron and Ginny were high school sweethearts who cherished their life together for over 53 years. They had two children she would do...

Dirk Edward Knuth was born on June 4, 1960, in St. Joseph, the son of Arthur and Eunice (Smith) Knuth. Dirk passed away at his home in Hartford on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at the age of 63. As to Dirk's wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, March 30, at the Hartford United Methodist Church, where at 11 a.m. a memorial service to honor Dirk's memory will take place. The Calvin Funeral Home in Hartford has been entrusted with...

Pauline Rutha Stainbrook was born Oct. 5, 1943, in Little Rock, Ark., the daughter of George and Essie (Ledbetter) Cullum. Pauline passed away on Sunday; March 17, 2024, at Hanson Hospice Center. She was a loving mother who did her best. As to Pauline’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no services will be held. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so on our website at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com. Pauline is survived by her son, Charles...

Elvin Guy Nyhuis was born Oct. 15, 1929, in Hudsonville, Mich. and entered his eternal home in heaven on March 16, 2024, at the age of 94. He was preceded in death by his beautiful wife of 69 years, Ann Nyhuis; his son, Timothy Nyhuis; his parents; three brothers; his son-in-law, Joey Walker; and his daughter-in-law, Jean Nyhuis and is survived by his sister, Joyce Brower. He leaves behind to cherish his memory: his children: Guy Nyhuis and wife, Nancy, Paul Nyhuis and wife, Sylvia,...

Jerry Dean Conklin, 71, of Lawrence passed away Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at Centrica Rose Arbor Place, Kalamazoo. Jerry was born Dec. 3, 1952, in Paw Paw, the son of Melvin and Phyllis (Wright) Conklin, both of whom precede him in passing. Also preceding him in passing are a granddaughter, Emersyn Conklin; and a brother, James Conklin. Jerry was proud to be a butcher by trade. He loved watching NASCAR races, and traveled to many of the tracks on the schedule, in his motor home, as he...

Faye Eleanor Blum was born March 11, 1937, in Waverly Township, the daughter of Frank and Gail (Palmer) Campbell. Faye passed away on Friday, March 1, 2024, at her home in Hartford. Faye was a stay-at-home Mom. She was a talented piano player, who played for many years at her church and the Calvin and Leonard Funeral Homes. She always enjoyed the times spent with her family, especially watching the Ox Roast Parade in Lawrence. She also loved baking cookies and sewing. Faye was united in...

Veronica Selena Cardoso, 25, of Lawrence passed away on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, at Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, Mich. Born on July 16, 1998, in Battle Creek, Mich., to Arnulfo “Morris” and Erica (Adams) Cardoso. She was a 2016 graduate of Edwardsburg High School. Veronica dedicated her life to her family and friends. Always loving, reliable, and supportive, Veronica was a caregiver that made sure to put everyone before herself. Veronica is survived by her parents;...

Sharon Kay Bassett was born on Oct. 17, 1938, in Dowagiac, the daughter of Robert and Esther (Abbs) Iliff. Sharon passed away peacefully at the age of 85 on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024, at her home in Dowagiac. Sharon was united in marriage to Stanley Bassett on Aug. 3, 1957. She was a loving stay at home mom and in her spare time, she loved bowling, playing cards with her girl friends, attending summer concerts and going out to eat. But her most important times were spent with her family,...

Keith Alan Yerington, 67, of Dowagiac, formerly of Hartford, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, at Corewell Health Niles Hospital, Niles. Pete, as he was known by most, was born on Nov. 2, 1956, in St. Joseph, the son of Frank and Florence (Hartke) Yerington, both of whom preceded him in passing. On Nov. 3, 1990, Keith was united in marriage with Debra Wesaw, and she survives, along with a daughter, Julia Yerington; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; his beloved dog, Sam;...