Michael Edward Schafer, age 94, of Portland, passed away September 20, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. He was born September 13, 1925, the son of Edward J. and Laura C. (George) Schafer. Mike was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and was a devout Christian man. He absolutely loved his family and he enjoyed every minute he spent with them, especially his grandchildren. Mike also liked to tinker, ride his bike, tell jokes, and he loved to smile and laugh with others. He was a proud...

James William Hayden, passed away peacefully at the age of 80 on Wednesday, September 18, 2019. At the time of his death, he was surrounded by his family. Jim led a very active life.  Unfortunately, over the past 5 months he suffered many health complications. Jim worked his entire life in the automotive industry, starting at the age of 14 washing cars for George Coe in Ionia, Michigan. After attending Central Michigan University, he went to work for George’s son, Orson E. Coe,...

Eugene Albert Platte, age 91, passed away on Friday, September 13, 2019 . He was born on October 27, 1927 in Westphalia, the son of Ferdinand and Antoinette (Arens) Platte. Gene was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and the Westphalia Fire Department. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army and a Corporal with the 43rd Army Infantry. He was a member of the the V.F.W. Post #3733, enjoyed going to horse races, traveling, and fishing. Gene is  preceded in death by his...

Celeste Mary Heckman, age 86, of Pewamo, passed away Wednesday, September 11, 2019. She was born October 7, 1932 in Fowler, the daughter of Nicholas and Rose (Simon) Hufnagel. Celeste was a devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Altar Society. She followed P-W sports and was a Spartan fan, despite most of her family’s love of U of M maize and blue. She always made sure others were taken care of and often drove them to doctor’s appointments. Celeste enjoyed...

William David Pung, of Portland, age 67, passed away September 10, 2019. He was born April 26, 1952, the son of Louis J. and Florence L. (Miller) Pung. Bill was a faithful member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. He enjoyed going out to dinner and watching golf and Lawrence Welk. Most of all, Bill loved spending quality time with his family. Preceding Bill in death are his parents. He is survived by his siblings, Sr. Mary Pung CSJ, Lawrence (Ann Marie) Pung, Joseph (Jeanette) Pung,...

Mae Elizabeth (Schrauben) Lehman, age 96, of Portland, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 8, 2019. Mae was born on April 19, 1923 in Westphalia, the daughter of Frank and Mary (Pline) Fandel. She was a devoted member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Portland, the V.F.W. Post #4090 Ladies Auxiliary and she volunteered at the Portland Senior Center. Mae enjoyed playing cards, baking bread, walking, and playing bingo. She was a beautician for over 50 years in the Portland area. Her...

Carol Marie Fox, age 88, of Pewamo, passed away on Saturday, September 7, 2019, surrounded by her family. Carol was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pewamo. She enjoyed baking and was known for her cookies, pies, and peanut brittle. Carol also enjoyed crocheting and embroidery, making doll blankets for the children of the Appalachia mountain region. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl; daughter-in-law, Tammy (Thelen) Fox; great-grandson, Gunner Thelen; siblings,...

Robert Edward Minnis  Born May 28, 1947 and passed away September 6, 2019.  Bob was born to Max H. and Patricia R. (Brock) Minnis of Portland, MI.  After High School he joined the Army in 1965 and served for 3 and a half years, including 2 tours in Vietnam.  After Vietnam, he lived in various places and held odd jobs for a few years before settling back in Portland.  He and his ex-wife, Chris raised their family in the house he grew up in.  He worked as a...

Daniel Edward DeMay, age 66, passed away on Friday, September 6, 2019. He was born in Lansing, Michigan, on September 6, 1953, the son of Donald L. and Colleen A. (Rando) DeMay. Private family services will be held. Arrangements are entrusted to Lehman Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be mad at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.

Jerry Lavern Spangler Born in Hillsdale, MI on October 4, 1947 to Eben "Bud" and Jean Spangler of Frontier, MI. He graduated from Camden-Frontier High School in 1965. He briefly attended Ferris State College (now University) before enlisting in the United States Air Force, being stationed in Guam, Thailand, Massachusetts, and North Carolina.  He served until 1972, attaining the rank of Senior Airman. On August 8, 1970 he married Diana Mocerin (of Elk Rapids, MI) in...