Mrs. Marva Dawn Turner, age 83 of Newaygo, passed away Friday evening, May 15, 2020 at Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial in Fremont after a short illness. She was born on April 3, 1937 in Muskegon, Michigan to John and Jeannette (Zylman) Knoll. Marva enjoyed family functions, good friends and going to yard sales. On September 18, 1955 she married Jerry Turner and he survives her along with four children: Roy Turner of Hart, Cliff Turner of Hesperia, Tom Turner of Ravenna and Kari (Dale) Hanes of Fremont; five grandchildren: Gerald Turner, Marva (Desmond) Piper, Kari (Lynx) Price, Melanie (Chris) Pastotnik and Angela Tyler; ten great grandchildren; sister Dorothy Jordan of Fremont; and sisters-in-law Carline Knoll of Newaygo and Mary Knoll of Muskegon. Marva was preceded in death by her father, mother, step-father Charles Ranger, daughter-in-law Rhonda Turner, grandson Jerry Turner, grandson-in-law Andrew Tyler, two brothers Richard and Dennis Knoll and by her brother-in-law Ivory Jordan. Due to current restrictions concerning COVID-19 and social distancing, a celebration of Marva’s life will take place at a later time. Online guest book: www.kroeze-wolffis.com. Arrangements by Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home, Inc. of Fremont.
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Freda Martha Landis Smith Somers, 99, of Fremont, Michigan, passed away peacefully May 13th, 2020, surrounded by her family, and was welcomed home by Jesus, her savior. Freda was born in her family’s farmhouse on the Kansas plains on September 11, 1920, the third of John and Alta Landis’ seven children (Adiel, Mercedes, Cayley, Rose, Sonya, and Nanine). After graduating from Seaman High School in 1938, Freda earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Kansas State University and became a teacher. She went on to teach history, math, English, social studies, and biology in junior high and high schools. She was a committed Sunday School teacher for over thirty years. Near the end of WWII, the entire Landis family moved to Ludington, MI. Freda met James Bert Smith, a fellow teacher and the basketball coach. They were married in Community Church of Ludington on June 10, 1946. They eventually settled in Albion, MI to raise their children, Joyce, Carol, Diane, and Rich. After Jim lost his life to cancer, Freda returned to teaching. To be closer to her siblings, she moved to Midland, MI where she attended Calvary Baptist Church and taught for the Bullock Creek school system for 15 years before her retirement in 1982. In her late sixties, Freda married Clarence “Bud” Somers of Fremont, MI on March 15, 1990. She enjoyed supporting his ministries with Gideons International and the Chinook Campground.Freda was known for her signature joy, kindness, unconditional love, patience, intelligence, wisdom, and appreciation of God’s creation. She was happiest when she could be outside, enjoying the birds, especially at the Little Red Cabin with a box of chocolates. She was preceded in death by both of her husbands, all of her siblings and their spouses, her granddaughter Jennifer Ryan, her son, Richard Smith, and her grandson, Jacob Smith. She is already dearly missed by her surviving family: Daughters, Joyce Ryan, Carol (Gary) Prentiss, and Diane (John) Palmer. Daughter-in-law, Peggy Smith. Stepdaughter, Dee Somers Henrickson. Grandchildren Julie (Don) Jackson, Jared (Jesse) Prentiss, Rachael (Scot) Tencza, Kristin (Mickey) Ott, and Larissa Ryan. Great-grandchildren Caitlin, Emily, Josh, Wes, Brooke, Stella, Luke, Kharis, Kai, Maya, and Ariah. As well as many beloved nieces and nephews, and Janet Taylor (her caretaker). Freda’s family is grateful for the two years of compassionate care she received at Newaygo Medical Care Facility. A private graveside service will be held in Midland Cemetery and live-streamed through Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Services on Tuesday, May 19, 2020, at 1:00 PM. Freda’s grandson-in-law, Rev. Don Jackson, will officiate. You can sign the online guest book at www.kroeze-wolffis.com. Arrangements are by Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home, Inc. of Fremont. Margaret Katherine Vanderwall was born June 7, 1926 in Fremont, Michigan to Ben and Jennie Sneller. She died peacefully on May 15, 2020 at the Grant Fountain View Village where she’d lived for the last four and a half years. Margaret has always deeply loved children: her own, nieces and nephews, her 25 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren, her great great granddaughter, neighbors and those who visited or sang at Fountain View. Her children will miss her dearly: Larry (Becky) Vanderwall, Jennie (John) Van Hooft, Sandie (Dave) Peterson, Sue (Jim) Tibbe, Ben (Marcia) Vanderwall, Don (Kathy) Vanderwall, and Marian Vanderwall. Albert Vanderwall, her husband of 53 years, preceded her in death on May 18, 2002. Margaret has three surviving siblings: Dorothy Assink, Bette Van Dyk and Paul (Butch) Sneller. Siblings preceding her in death are John Sneller, Carl Sneller, Pauline Berens, Evie Deur and Virgina Landheer. Margaret was a member of Reeman Christian Reformed Church since her youth and was ready to go home to her Lord and Saviour. She grew up on a farm in Reeman, and later farmed some of the same land with her husband Albert. They grew corn, wheat and hay, though mainly keeping their family “out of mischief” gathering eggs. Mom was an avid farmer and a hard worker. She was okay with delaying the building of her home so more funds could go into the farm. She frequently participated in running the farming, preferring outside work to working inside the house. Her own projects included breeding and raising Newfoundland and Siberian Husky dogs and growing sweet corn to sell. In addition, for many years she had a huge garden, froze lots and lots of vegetables and annually canned 100’s of quarts of fruit. As her family grew older, Mom’s interests grew. She volunteered her time watching children for women’s groups, loved to bowl, and was a Grey Lady for over 30 years. Whether her home was small or large, it was always open to family visitors from near or far. She also quilted baby quilts, embroidered and sewed personalized diaper bags, blessed loved ones with homemade baskets and other crafts, cared for grandchildren, collected Precious Moments, and went to yard sales. Due to the current restrictions related to COVID-19 concerning social distancing, a celebration of Margaret’s life may be held at a later date. At this time a Private Family Graveside Service will be held at Reeman Cemetery with Pastor Les VanDyke officiating. A video of the graveside service will be available to view on the Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home website. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be given to the Fremont Area Community Foundation for the Reeman Christian Reformed Church Endowment Fund or for the Fremont Christian School Endowment Fund. Contributions can also be given to Fountain View Retirement Village of Grant. You can sign the online guest book at www.kroeze-wolffis.com. Arrangements are by Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home, Inc. of Fremont. Leona J. “Pudge” Volz, age 84 of White Cloud, passed away Thursday, April 30, 2020 at The Brook Assisted Living Center in Newaygo following a short illness. Pudge was born on June 8, 1935 in Sherman Township to William Karl and Petranella (Hoebeke) Volz and graduated from White Cloud High School. Pudge worked at the Newaygo County Register of Deeds Office in White Cloud for many years and after her retirement from this office continued work in independent title work for several years into her 70’s before her final retirement. Pudge was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in White Cloud where she had served as the organist for over 40 years. Pudge enjoyed gardening, birdwatching and was well known for her baking of cookies and cheesecake. Pudge is survived by her brothers, Melvin (Linda) Volz of Florida; Richard Volz of Fremont; several nieces and nephews. Pudge was preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, Elinore “Pic” (Dale) Lesman; her brother and sister-in-law, William Karl (Bernice) Volz Jr.; sister-in-law’s, Eleanor Volz and Iva Volz. Due to the current health issues within the State of Michigan, private graveside services were held on Monday, May 4, 2020 at the Sherman Township Cemetery. A video of the graveside service will be posted to this web page on Monday afternoon following the services for those wishing to participate in the services as well. Friends may consider memorial contributions to Mel Trotter Ministries (meltrotter.org) for memorial contributions in memory of Pudge. Friends may send a condolence or share a memory with the Volz family online at www.crandellfh.com. Arrangements by Crandell Funeral Home – White Cloud Chapel John Wesley Genson, age 90, of Fremont passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2020, at his home. John was born on March 27, 1930, in Mishawaka, Indiana, to Wesley A. and Elsie (Hardenburgh) Genson and married Donna Mae Brock on March 20, 1963, in Montague. John worked as a security guard for Howmet in Whitehall for many years. John and Donna moved to Fremont in 1976 and continued to raise their family here. John proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and enjoyed antique cars and auctions. John was a quiet man who loved to laugh and cherished his family. John is survived by his loving wife, Donna; children, Marilyn Joy Clarey of Fremont, William (Annie) Genson of White Cloud, David Paul Genson of Fremont, and Eva Mae (Chad) Armstrong of Howard City; 6 grandchildren, Jack Daniel Armstrong, Tommy Lee Armstrong, Perry Orr, Curtis Orr, Samantha Paine, and Richard Paine; and many nieces and nephews. John was preceded by his daughter, Martha Hawkins; grandson, Chad Armstrong II; and brother and sisters, Ed, Theda, Bessie, and Velma. A private interment services will be held at a later date at Oakhurst Cemetery in Whitehall. Friends may consider the family for memorial contributions. Friends and family may share memories and condolences online at www.crandellfh.com Donald G. Rudert, age 90, passed away on May 2, 2020 at Green Acres Assisted Living Center in Fremont. Don was born on July 13, 1929 to Elry and Helen (Gould) Rudert in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and attended Staunton Military Academy and later Salem College, West Virginia. It was at this time at Salem College where he met his wife, Norma Johnson and they were married on July 30, 1949 in White Cloud. After working for his father for 5 years, Don decided to move to Norma’s hometown of White Cloud and founded the Rudert Agency in 1954 and enthusiastically took part in the life of a small town. He served on the White Cloud City Council and later served as Mayor, City Planning Commission, School Board, was a member of the Rotary Club, Summerfest Committee, White Cloud Fire Department, Newaygo County United Way, Saladin Shrine Temple of Grand Rapids, Shrine Motor Patrol, Two-Cylinder Club, and Antique Farm Equipment Club. Don was instrumental in arranging for NARCO to locate to White Cloud when the company was looking at locations to build their manufacturing facility. As a school bus driver, Don enjoyed driving the team bus to away games and working the scorer’s table for home basketball games. Don was an avid fan of Michigan State University Sports and The Pittsburgh Steelers. Don was a member of the Seventh Day Baptist Church of Daytona Beach, Florida and served on the denomination’s General Council. He is survived by his wife Norma, their 5 children, Thomas (Cindy) Rudert of Mt. Pleasant; Eric (Michelle) Rudert of White Cloud and Traverse City; Sandra (Dan) Monahan of Birmingham, Michigan; Lauren (Willy) Marinez of Haslett; Gigi (David) Hines of Fremont, 15 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and his sister Carol (Burton) Douglass of Redmond, Oregon. Don’s family gathered at Crandell Funeral Home on May 4 to hold private farewells. A visitation and memorial service will be held at a later date at the Crandell Funeral Home in White Cloud with service dates and times to be announced. Interment will be in the White Cloud Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to the Seventh Day Baptist Church (checks payable to Crandell Funeral Home) or to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital (c/o Crandell Funeral Home) in memory of Don. Friends may send a condolence or share a memory with the Rudert family online at www.crandellfh.com. Arrangements by Crandell Funeral Home – White Cloud Chapel. Mrs. Nora B. Houston, age 88 of Bridgeton Township, passed away on Tuesday morning, May 12, 2020 at her home. She was born on July 26, 1931 in Bellflower, Ohio to William & Clara (Kempton) Fowler. Nora enjoyed fishing, cooking, knitting, & crocheting, which included making baby hats for the hospital, and scrubbies. She had also worked for Gerber Products Company. On December 18, 1948 she married Albert Houston and he preceded her in death on June 6, 2007. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Connie Sue Houston in 1953; by her son-in-law, Earl Gouine in 1990; by her sister Eloda Dorn; and by her brothers: Francis, Joe, & Tom Fowler. Nora is survived by 3 children: Bonnie Gouine of Montague, Albert W. Houston of Bridgeton Twp, Michael Houston of Bridgeton Twp; 4 grandchildren: Arthur (Hayley) Gouine, Richard (Sara) Houston, Amy (Shawn) Lynch, Richard (Melissa)Gouine; 10 great grandchildren & 1 great-great grandson; sisters & brother: Janet Jones, Martha Hicks, Robert (Sheryl) Fowler, & Keitha Loomis all of the Bridgeton Area. Due to current restrictions related to COVID-19 concerning social distancing, a private family graveside service will be held at Bridgeton Township Cemetery with Pastor Nick Bowling officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be given to Harbor Hospice, or the Holton American Legion Post. You can sign the online guest book at www.kroeze-wolffis.com. Arrangements are by Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home, Inc. of Fremont. Mary Elizabeth Lanciaux, age 96, passed peacefully late on Saturday, May 9, 2020 at the family farm in Fremont, Michigan surrounded by family. The sixth of fourteen children, Mary was born in Tomahawk, WI to Edmond and Mary Mitchell on April 13, 1924. After relocating to West Michigan, Mary attended St. Mary’s High School in Muskegon. Upon graduation, she joined the Dominican Order of Nuns as a novitiate cloister nun in Lufkin,Texas. After six years she felt called to return to Muskegon where she married the love of her life, Francis E. Lanciaux, on February 20, 1954. Family and friends were the center of Mary’s life. She was known by many for her cooking and hospitality, as she joyfully used her culinary skills to the delight of all. Mary made homemaking look like a walk in the park. Some even said she could get a whole meal for ten on the table while others were still thinking about what to make. Somehow she managed to orchestrate her youngsters to do their part on the farm, all the while finding ways to brighten up the daily lives of her children. She delegated all sorts of tasks, ranging from pasteurizing the milk straight from the cow and collecting eggs straight from the coop, to tending to the gardens by harvesting and canning. Using joint efforts, the fruits of her harvests were transformed into a sacramental culmination at mealtimes. Mary made it seem easy. Known also for her compassion, she served and hosted others in their time of need. Mary led others to enjoy arts, crafts, and music, through 4H photography clubs, homemade quilts, and by playing the accordion . Mary had a way of turning ordinary events into remarkable celebrations whether it was Sunday dinner on fine china or harvest time picnics under the maple tree ending with homemade strawberry shortcake. She and Francis often hosted large family get-togethers, including everything from graduation receptions and baby showers to corn roasts. After retirement, Mary and Francis spent the next 18 years as snowbirds in Arizona where Mary was very active in their retirement community. She loved having people come and share their winter home. Her children recognize they learned so much of what is important in life from their mother. She will be forever missed, and she rests in the loving arms of her husband and savior. Mary is survived by her eight children; Marie (John) McMahan of Edmond, OK, Joe (Debora) Lanciaux of Houston, TX, Francis (Laurie) Lanciaux of Grand Rapids, OH, Bernadette (John Fitzsimmons) Lanciaux of Pittsford, NY, Colette (Dennis) Kufahl of Montague, MI, Jim (Debbie) Lanciaux of Fremont, MI, JoAnn Wegert of Hart, MI, Cheryl (Kevin) Timmons of Leander, TX, sisters Bernadette (Ralph) Jacobson of Illinois, and Benita (William) Mikesell of Muskegon, MI; a sister-in-law, Lorraine Anderson of Rosemount, MN, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Francis Lanciaux her brothers; Audrey, Chester, Conrad, Nazare, Linus, and Elmo, as well as her sisters; Sr. Elaine Mitchell, Ramona Breitfeller, Imelda, Avis, and Gertude Mitchell. Due to COVID-19, graveside service will be private with interment at St. Michael Church Cemetery in Brunswick (6382 S Maple Island Rd, Fremont, MI 49412) with a video of the live stream available through The Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home Website. In lieu of flowers, MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS may be made to St. Michael Church of Brunswick. You can sign the online guest book at www.kroeze-wolffis.com. Arrangements are by Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home, Inc. of Fremont. Edwin “Red” Jay Pummel, age 77 of Newaygo, passed away on Friday afternoon, May 8, 2020 at Fountain View Retirement Village of Grant after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. He was born on November 20, 1942 in Lima, Ohio to Wilbert & Mildred (Hawk) Pummel. He had been employed by McInerney Spring & Wire Company in Grand Rapids for 25 years until his retirement. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, and raising beagles. He also enjoyed bowling, hunting, golfing, playing poker, country music, and going to antique car shows. He was also a huge Ohio State Buckeyes fan. On July 1, 1961 he married Irene Marie Howard and she survives him along with 3 children: Collene (Carl) Merritt, Arlene (Daniel) Vander Ploeg, Gregory (Angie) Pummel; 4 grandchildren: Erica (Jon) O’Brien, Kacy Reed, Ryan (Sam) Huismann, Andrew (Allison) Huismann; 8 great grandchildren; and by several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, & friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and by 2 brothers & 1 sister and by his father-in-law & mother-in-law Bert & Maxine Howard. Due to current restrictions related to COVID-19 concerning social distancing, a Private Family Graveside Service will be held at Newaygo Cemetery with Pastor Erik Harvey officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be given to Fountain View Retirement Village of Grant. You can sign the online guest book at www.kroeze-wolffis.com. Arrangements are by Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home, Inc. of Fremont. Deanna Marie Beall, age 51 of Hesperia, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday morning, April 29, 2020 at Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial in Fremont. She was born on November 27, 1968 in Shelby, Michigan to Samuel & Joann (Nickelsen) Boyette. Deanna was very family oriented, and she enjoyed crocheting and fishing. She is survived by 2 sons: Cody (fiancée Jaime) Burns of Fremont, Michael Burns II of Muskegon; 3 grandchildren: Emily Elizabeth Hendrick, Bentley Allen James Burns, Lyssa Marie Tetzlaff; 3 brothers: Philip, Alan, & Chad Boyette; and by several nieces & nephews. Deanna was preceded in death by her parents; by her grandma, Hazel Nickelsen; and by her first husband, Michael Burns. Due to the current restrictions related to COVID-19 concerning social distancing, a celebration of Deanna’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be given to the funeral home to help with expenses. You can sign the online guest book at www.kroeze-wolffis.com. Arrangements are by Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home, Inc. of Fremont. |