Mrs. Gladys M. Erhart, age 91, formerly of Rockford, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, May 11, 2012. Five years ago she moved to Baton Rouge, La., and became a southern belle known as “Miss Gladys” to folks she met in her new home.

She is survived by her children, Carol and Jon Morrill of Baton Rouge, La., and Mary Kay Erhart of Rockford; granddaughter, Catherine Ann (Christopher) Brooks, of Opelousas, La.; grandson, Captain Thomas Edward Morrill USAF; brother-in-law, Don Veen; and sister-in-law, Ila Chrysler; and many nieces and nephews. Gladys was preceded in death by her husband, Edward D. Erhart; and her son, Allen J. Erhart. She was the last surviving sibling of 12 children: her brothers, Harold, George and Eugene Chrysler; her sisters, Dora Long, Nellie Plescher, Hazel Ulberg, Mildred McConnell, Claire Kolkman, Connie Veen; and two infant sisters, Betty and Edith.

She was a farm wife and a helpmate to Edward. In years gone by she was active in 4-H Leadership, and is a member of Rockford Baptist Church where she helped with the Ladies Guild and children’s programs.

The services for Mrs. Erhart will be Saturday, May 19, 2012, at 1:00 p.m. at Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford, with Pastor Larry Rowland officiating. Interment will be in Rockford Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider your local hospice or Rockford Baptist Church. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the Pederson Funeral Home on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m.

Arrangements were made by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford.

Feikema

Mr. Fred J. Feikema, age 82, of Comstock Park went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, May 12, 2012. He was born in a Christian-centered home in South Dakota to Clarence and Minnie Feikema, who moved their family to Michigan in 1939.

As a young man, Fred worked for Ralph Pratt and Emerson Clement, helping them gather crops and other farm chores. To get his education, he boarded with a family and worked for his room and board, until graduating form Rockford High School in 1948. During the Korean War he was drafted into the U.S. Army and stationed at Camp McCoy, Wis.

While at Camp McCoy, Fred drove 100 miles to attend Randolph Christian Reformed Church, where he met his beloved wife, Esther. After their marriage Fred and Esther settled in Michigan where they began their family and Fred worked as a bricklayer. In 1968, Fred and his family moved to Nigeria, working through the Christian Reformed World Missions, where Fred built and maintained homes, schools and hospitals. After 10 years in the mission field, he and Esther brought their family home.

Fred worked first for the Inter-City Christian Federation, helping restore homes in Grand Rapids, and then spent over a decade with the maintenance department at Calvin College, retiring in 1991. Fred was a long-time charter member of Blythefield Christian Reformed Church, where he served in various roles such as elder, deacon, Sunday school teacher, and on the missions committee.

He is survived by his loving wife, Esther; children, Dale (Carolyn) Feikema, Brandy (Bruce) Cottrell, Darlene (Paul Smith, deceased) Feikema, Luann (Kevan) Krenz, and Diane (Pedro) Gomez; grandchildren, Rachel, Rebecca (Matt), Gina, Elle, Joy, Ben, Ian, and Levi; great-granddaughter, Ellie; brothers and sisters, Donald (Joan) Feikema, Berdena (Roger, deceased) Visser, Clarence “Bud” (Carolyn) Feikema, Mary Ann (Dennis) Redder; and Edna (Herman, deceased) Feikema; and many nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Minnie Feikema; and his grandson, Jon-Paul.

A memorial service of praise and thanksgiving for the gift of everlasting life through Jesus Christ will be held Saturday, May 19, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. at Blythefield Christian Reformed Church with Pastor Darrin Compagner officiating. Following the service there will be a time of gathering and sharing memories with the family. Military honors will be under the auspices of the U.S. Army. Contributions to honor Fred’s memory can be made to WITS International (PMB 261, 101 Washington, Grand Haven, MI 49417) for Grace Bible College in Cambodia.

Arrangements were made by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford.

Atherton

Karen Ann (Guettler) Atherton, age 69, of Rockford passed away on May 11, 2012.

The daughter of Gordon and Bernice Munn, she is survived by her daughters, Heidi (Rodolfo) Martinez, Krista (Derek) Prater; two grandchildren; and sister, Nancy Munn.

The service for Karen was Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at Rockford United Methodist Church with Pastor Dick Riley officiating. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Rockford Methodist Church or the benevolent fund at Resurrection Life Church.

Swinehart

Mrs. Esther C. Swinehart, age 85, passed away May 11, 2012 in Tucson, Ariz. Her husband, Leonard A. Swinehart, predeceased her in June 2010.

She was born in Battle Creek, Mich. on May 3, 1927, attending Battle Creek Central and graduating from Western Michigan University. She began doing social work, then went into teaching before starting her family. Mrs. Swinehart returned to teaching in the late ‘60s and taught first and third grade for 25 years at Belmont and then Parkside Elementary schools. She was a long-time parishioner at Assumption Catholic Church and then Our Lady of Consolation. She taught high school religious education at both churches. She started the first library for Assumption Church and School. She served on the Krause Memorial Library Board and Rockford City Council and also did volunteer work in the area, such as at North Kent Social Services.

She was an avid reader and accomplished at crossword puzzles. An exceptional baker, she was particularly known for her rich brownies and chocolate chip cookies.

Surviving are her children, Bernadette A. Ruiz, spouse, Joaquin Ruiz; David R. Swinehart, spouse Dawn Swinehart; and James R. Swinehart, spouse, Karen Swinehart; her grandchildren, Peter Ruiz and Sarah, Evan, Margaret, Brendan, and Maeve Swinehart; her sisters, Lillian Jackson and Elinor Johnson; sister-in-law, Garlyn Saleski. She was preceded in death by her parents, David Hoy and Mildred (Hoy) Bowersock; stepfather, Frank Bowersock; her siblings, Virginia VanDamme, Gerald Hoy, and DuWayne Hoy.

The mass of Christian burial for Mrs. Swinehart will be Saturday morning, May 19 at 11:00 at Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church, with Rev. Tony Russo presiding. Interment will be in Rockford Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at Pederson Funeral Home on Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Arrangements were made by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford.

Veitenheimer

Heaven gained a beautiful, bright angel with the unexpected passing of Madyson “Maddy” Veitenheimer of Belmont, who died on Sunday, May 13, 2012. All her friends say they will miss her smile that lit up any room she entered and her fun-loving nature.

As an 18-year-old high school senior, Maddy was passionate about basketball, track, being the number one “superfan” with Ram Nation at Rockford High School sporting events, and TV Studio. She volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House and loved spending time with family and friends. She lived the Everybody Love Everybody (ELE) lifestyle and always treated others with kindness, humor and compassion. She planned to attend Central Michigan University in the fall and was ecstatic to receive an academic scholarship as well as a first-place award with Michigan Association of Broadcasters.

Maddy was a friend to everyone and would help people get out of their comfort zones by encouraging them to try new activities. She always made people feel welcomed and loved. She leaves a positive impact on her school, church, family and friends and will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her parents, James and Laure; sister, Aubrey; brother, Drake; grandparents, Almarie (William) Taylor, Bob and Kay Buckmaster, and Wallace Herrala; great-grandmother, Elsie Veitenheimer; several aunts, uncles, cousins and a special cousin Blaire. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, James Veitenheimer Sr.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 17 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Assumption BVM Catholic Church in Belmont. The mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, May 18 at 11:30 a.m. in the church with the Rev. Peter Vu officiating. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorials to Assumption BVM School.

Arrangements were made by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford.

Paul Des Noyers, Ralph R. Smith, Bill Troy

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Harold Martinson, Michael Richard, Tyler TenBrink, Esther Waller

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David Dingman, Connie Potter, Lynda Ringelberg, Rose Sickrey

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Steve Douthett, Kurt Hazlewood, Cyndy Len, Linda Richard, Darlene Thorington

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Kristi Anderson, Marjorie Brooks, Patte Carter Hevia, Terry Guinnup

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Evelyn Hoekwater, Roger Stotz, Joyce Wagner

18

Mary Jane Kohls, Randy Sivins

Nella J. Holbrook, age 90, of Rockford went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, May 2, 2012.

She was born in Fremont, Mich., the daughter of Paul and Maggie Jordan. After high school she met and married Richard Holbrook. She worked at Rockford Bowling Lanes for many years.

Nella was a long time member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, where she participated in Bible studies, and especially enjoyed the companionship of the Guild members. Most important of all Nella enjoyed her family.

Nella is survived by her children, Richard and Lorna Holbrook, William and Sandra Holbrook, Neesha Soules and Tom, Debbra Bonney and Joseph; 14 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Mrs. Thelma Hekkuis, and Mrs. Leona Vanderberg. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; her siblings, Leonard, Paul C. and Kenneth Jordan, and Arlene Howard.

The service for Nella was Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church with Pastor Mark Love officiating. Interment was in Rosedale Memorial Park. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 310 E. Division, Rockford, MI 49341.

Arrangements were made by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford.

Mr. Bruce L. Elkins, age 86, of Rockford went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, May 1, 2012. He was a 1944 graduate of Rockford High School, where he participated in the Drum and Bugle Corps. At this time he also worked at Stanfield Drug Store and Ernie Fonger’s Texaco Station. After high school he marched off to war with the U.S. Army.

Bruce was a commander of a M-18 tank destroyer serving in the European Theatre. While in the Army, he met Mary Evelyn Sarvis in Raleigh, N.C. They dated and were married on January 24, 1948 in his family’s home on Main Street in Rockford.

Bruce attended Davenport College and worked nights at Union Bank. Bruce and Evelyn moved to Port Huron in 1952 where he worked for Goodyear. In 1957, they moved back to this area and Bruce worked at Michigan Consolidate Gas Co., retiring in 1989 after 34 years. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and singing with the Mich-Con Quartet and his church choir.

As a family, Bruce and Evelyn enjoyed camping, traveling south each summer to visit Evelyn’s family in South Carolina, picnics and family outings. After retiring, Bruce and Evelyn traveled the USA and parts of Canada.

Bruce was a wonderful husband, father and a man of faith. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn; sons, Roger and Barbara Elkins, Stephen and Colleen Elkins, and Douglas Elkins; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren with the much anticipated arrival of a great-granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his brother, Lawrence, who drown in the Childsdale pond in 1941, and sister, Doris Rice.

The service for Bruce was Monday at 11:00 a.m. at Rockford United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dick Riley officiating. Military honors were under the auspices of the U.S. Army National Guard at the church, with interment in Rockford Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Hospice of Michigan, 989 Spaulding Ave. SE, Ada, MI 49301, or Rockford United Methodist Church.

Arrangements were made by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford.

A memorial service for Arlo K. Elkins will be held Friday, May 18,

11a.m. at the First Congregational Church of Rockford. In lieu of

flowers please make donations to the Rockford Historical Society.

6
Mary Johnson

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Jerry Elder, Bev Fisher, Tracey Huff, Alex Meester, Les Trendt, Chloe Zukin

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Lori J. Kison, Jacqueline Woods

9
Bernie Smith, Jason Dionne

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Bill Antor, Jack Cook, Jodi Hay, Linda Martinson, Gary Pratt, Delores Quinn, Gerry Riemersma, Sue Wheeler

11 
Stan Hone

During the 12 weeks of training, the officer candidate received “basic soldiering” instruction in leadership, professional ethics, soldier team development, combined arms tactics, weapons defense, combat water survival, squad drill, intelligence, field training exercises, day and night land navigation, confidence obstacle course, common core tasks, communications, staff and general military subjects, and physical fitness tests which include three-, four- and five-mile runs, and foot marches between 5-12 miles carrying rucksacks.

The candidate is tested on leadership skills and team work abilities required of a commissioned officer. Students learned to utilize acquired skills to function in “leader and follower” positions in squad and platoon sized elements, and evaluated in various leadership garrison positions while in a stressful and demanding field environment.

Carrier is the son of Meg Hackett of Rockford. He is a 2004 graduate of Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in 2008 from the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Ind.

Mindy Peterson, John Smedes, Patricia Thome

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Theresa Brown, Angie Dingman, Tami Hjelm, Barbara Markus, Emery Polasek Jr., Christy Sharpe, Angie Stotz

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Sharon Bennett, Caroline Kelley, Jim Reh, Nancy Schovey, Lloyd Streeter

MAY

1

Danielle Albrecht, Joan Bunn, Trevor Huff, Julie Palmer

2

Danielle Brinks, Grace Clements, David Laux, Jonathan Palmer, Sara Williams, Ed Wolven

3

Beverly Meester, Timothy R. Poddig

4

Marilyn Palmer, John Rickson, Mary Jo Tidey, Wendy Wagner Rodriquez, Jerry Ziomkowski

In loving memory of Phyllis Marie Brantner (Wheeler),
October 1, 1930–April 29, 2002.

When someone you love becomes a memory,
the memory becomes a treasure.

Forever missed by her children and family.

Mrs. Carol Sobie, age 70, of Rockford passed into the presence of her Lord and Saviour early Saturday morning, April 21, 2012, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Cadillac, Mich., on September 29, 1941 to Donald and Vivian Grant. She was a graduate of Traverse City High School and moved to Grand Rapids to attend Davenport College.

Carol worked at an insurance office. She met Paul Sobie, and their first date was at a square dance called by his brother, Ed Sobie. After a loving courtship, Carol and Paul were married at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, and they were eventually blessed with eight children.

Carol walked the walk in her faith life and was totally committed to her marriage. She and Paul made a Cursillo Commitment and Charismatic Renewal. They were involved in large prayer groups, but more importantly their small home-base groups became extended family. She was a very loving mother and grandmother, patient teacher, devoted giver, and a very fine partner in life for Paul and her family.

She is survived by her husband, Paul; children, Lisa Sobie, June Sobie, RN, Matthew and Abby Sobie, Amy Sobie, Deborah and Justin Noller, Beth and Michael Gillen Jr., Donald and Roxane Sobie, Teresa and Rick Thelen; 15 grandchildren, Olivia, Curtis, Jacob, Sierra, Jackson, Kelly, Ryan, Katelyn, Sean, Kyle, Cheyenne, Dominic, Jerome, Benedict, and Luke; brother, Edward (Marge) Grant; and nieces and nephews.

The mass of Christian burial for Mrs. Sobie was offered on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church with the Rev. Tony Russo officiating. Interment was in St. Patrick Cemetery in Parnell. The Rosary was prayed at the funeral home on Tuesday evening at 8:00 p.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Presentation Ministries, 5701 Lawshe Road, Peebles, OH 45660, or Our Lady of Consolation School Educational Endowment Fund.

Arrangements were made by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford.