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.

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.

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.

June Yvonne Olsen, born August 26, 1923, passed away March 31, 2012, peacefully with her family at her side into the arms of Jesus!

June will be greatly missed by her husband of 51 years, Erik L. Olsen; their children, Jerry Hall, Michael (Carolyn) Hall, Melody (Don) Morbeck, Kimberly (David) Vitacco; 14 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren.

The memorial service will be held Friday, April 27 at 11:00 a.m. at Rockford United Methodist Church, 159 Maple Street, Rockford, with Pastor Dick Riley officiating. A luncheon will follow the service. A one-hour visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. prior to the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Samaritans Purse International in her memory.

Teesdale

Mr. Harold “Hap” Teesdale, age 90, of Comstock Park, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, April 13, 2012.

He grew up on the family farm in Lime Lake with 13 children in his family. They all helped on the farm. Hap was able to get one pair of shoes and bib overalls for school. He served his country in WWII under General Patton’s Army. While chasing the Germans across France, Hap was wounded in action and joined others as a POW in a German hospital. His family had been notified of his death, and they had held a funeral for him. After his brother received a postcard from Hap, they found that he was alive! After the war, he married and was blessed with three children.

Hap worked for Ranger Reels, then as a caretaker for an estate, and then Rockford Paper Mill. As a child he accepted Christ as his Savior. Hap attended Algoma Baptist Church and always bundled his children and brought them there every Sunday and Wednesday. He enjoyed building birdhouses, camping, traveling, hanging out at deer camp, and gardening.

Hap was a quiet, patient, mild-mannered man who took his faith very seriously. The whole Bible was his favorite. His children and grandchildren have many memories of him eating his lunch and reading the Bible.

Hap is survived by his children, Carole and Larry Gates, Kevin and Sheri Teesdale, Gail and Robert McCready, Lynn Sienkiewicz, Leslie and Dion MacCammond, John and Madelynne Crystal, Rohn and Barbara Crystal; 14 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Mrs. Lillian Teesdale, and Mrs. Betty Teesdale. He was preceded in death by his wives, Margaret in 1986, Gladys in 2005; son, Michael in 1984; his brothers and sisters, Arthur Dale, Mrs. Alice Potes, Cecil, Newt, Clifford, Clare, LeRoy, Wilbur, Lyle, Freeman, Mrs. Doris Larson, and Mrs. Claudia Russell.

The service of praise and thanksgiving for the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ for Mr. Teesdale was Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. at Algoma Baptist Church with Pastor David Fernlund officiating. Interment was in Algoma Township Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the building fund at Algoma Baptist Church or Spectrum Health Hospice, 4500 Breton Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508.

Arrangements were made by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford.

Mrs. Dorcas E. Hammer Jensen, age 91, of Rockford, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, April 6, 2012.

There were six children in her family, and Dorcas would come home from school to help. She met her husband, Dayton Hammer, when he was plowing for a farmer, and she took a glass of water to him. Dorcas has many memories of the depression days, especially eating beans, macaroni, and rice. Even today, she likes the same food. After marrying Dayton, they bought the Frank Peterson farm. For many years Dorcas was a farmer’s wife who drove horses, and cooked for the thrashers, baked, and canned while raising five children. Dayton died in 1999.

For many years, Dorcas was on WJPW (Rockford radio station) involved with the Community Calendar and Bargain Rama; in addition, she was the secretary and Girl Friday at the station. Years ago she was active at Ashley Baptist Church as Choir Director. She played the piano, helped with Junior Choir, the Cradle Roll, and taught Sunday school. Dorcas was always willing to lend an ear and give support. She was married to Oscar Jensen from 1997 to 2007.

Dorcas is survived by her children, Arnold and Sheryll Hammer, Royce and Jan Hammer, Karen and Bob Robinson, Diane and Eugene Rencher; grandchildren, Cynthia (Eric) Hogarth, Phillip (Connie) Hammer, Keith Hammer, Shari (Greg) Osborne, Timothy (Hide) Hammer, Tami Jo (Glenn) Jaffe, Heather Tower, Isaac (Dawn) Tower, Bob (Julie) Robinson, Kari Beth (Eric) Sherman; great-grandchildren, Samantha Hammer, Cassidy Hammer, Brandon Sias, Shannon Hammer, Akacia Hammer, Zachery Cross, Cody Cross, Cameron Cross, Desiree Tower, Isaiah Baxter, Levi Tower, Cecelia Clark, Parker Klotz, Teagan Jaffe, Nathan Hogarth, Hannah Hogarth, Andrew Hogarth, Timothy Hammer, Matthew Hammer, Shaelyn Robinson, Gabrielle Sherman, Major Sherman, Nathan Robinson, Nicholas Robinson, Tyler Robinson; great-great-grandchildren, Naomi Sias, Gabriel Wing; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, Gary; siblings, George, Benjamin, Naomi, Moses, and Ruth.

The service for Mrs. Jensen was Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at Pederson Funeral Home with Pastor Cal Steiner officiating. Interment was in Courtland Township Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Spectrum Health Hospice, 4500 Breton Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508.

Arrangements were made by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford.

Salyer

Tamara Lou (McClearen) Salyer, age 54, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, April 9, 2012. She was born on November 4, 1957 in Medford, Ore.

Tamara graduated from George Fox College in Newberg , Ore. with a B.S. degree in social work and a minor in psychology. For 20 years she worked at Hope Network and worked part-time for 17 years at Steelcase. Tamara had many wonderful friends and neighbors who loved her.

She is survived by her two daughters, Kiah Salyer and Kayleah Salyer; father, Bobby McClearen; her brothers and sisters, Carlotta (Frank) Armstrong, Ron (Tamala) McClearen, Shawna (Mark) Tittle, Marie Hayes and Craig Hayes, Kelly Salyer; father of her children, Kevin Salyer; mother-in-law, Donna Salyer; and many loving nieces and nephews. Tamara was preceded in death by her mother, Wanda McClearen.

The service for Tamara will be Thursday, April 12 at 11:00 a.m. at Crossroads Church, 8331 Myers Lake NE, Rockford, with Pastor Eldon Sanders and Pastor Daniel Wheeler officiating. Interment will be in Rockford Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Wednesday, April 11 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Arrangements were made by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford.

Arlo Elkins

Arlo Elkins, Palmetto State tennis icon and longtime University of South Carolina women’s tennis head coach, died Saturday, March 31, 2012 at his home in Columbia, S.C. He was 62.

Elkins had served as the head coach for the Gamecocks since fall 1983 and established a nationally prominent program that has reached the NCAA Tournament the past 17 seasons in a row. His teams consistently advanced beyond the first round of NCAAs and made it as far as the quarterfinals. The Gamecocks finished ranked among the nation’s top 25 in 15 of his seasons as head coach. He accumulated well over 400 victories during his career and had a winning record in 22 seasons. His passion to see his student-athletes succeed extended beyond the tennis court as well. Elkins’ teams typically posted GPAs well above 3.0 and as recently as spring 2011, the women’s tennis team led all squads at Carolina with a nearly 3.6 GPA. Multiple times he was named the Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s Region Coach of the Year and he was the first coach in any sport at Carolina to be named SEC Coach of the Year. In 2003, he was inducted into the South Carolina Tennis Association Hall of Fame.

Before becoming a coach, Elkins played professionally and competed in the main draws at Wimbledon and the French Open. He also played in more than 50 different countries, and in 1978, Elkins was ranked among the top 200 in the world. Elkins graduated from Northwood Institute with a bachelor of arts in business in 1971. He was a four-year starter for the Midland, Mich. based school at No. 1 singles.

Arlo is survived by his mother, Norrine Norman Elkins of Rockford; his wife of 34 years, Tara T. Elkins of Columbia; their children, Alyssa (Sammy) Rhodes of Columbia, Elliot Elkins of Ft. Myers, Fla., Kelsey (Andrew) Mathias of Greenville, S.C.; five grandchildren, Jayne Mac, Asher, Eloise, and Sadie Rhodes, and Charlie Mathias; one brother, Dan Elkins of Atlanta. He was preceded in death by his father, Ardie L. Elkins, and a brother, Larry Elkins.

A memorial service was held Wednesday, April 4, 2012, at The Zone at Williams Brice Stadium, Columbia, S.C. Burial will be in his hometown of Rockford. Memorials may be made to LIVESTRONG, National Mail Processing Center, PO Box 6003, Albert Lea, MN 56007-6603. Shives Funeral Home is assisting the family (ShivesFuneralHome.com, 803-754-6290).

Mr. Glenn N. Hardy, age 93, of Rockford went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, March 16, 2012. He was born on January 18, 1919, in Algoma Township, the son of Leamon and Bernice Hardy. He served his country in the U.S. Navy during WWII and was a member of the Rockford VFW Post #3946.

Glenn worked for Wolverine World Wide for 44 years before wintering in Brooksville, Fla. For over 70 years, he was a member of Crossroads Wesleyan Church.

Glenn is survived by his wife, Virginia (nee Willett); children, Rod and Lois Hardy, Sharon Krotts, Daniel and Kimela Hardy; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brother, Don and Janice Hardy; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert; and his sister, Lela Haveman.

The service for Mr. Hardy was Wednesday, March 21, 2012, at 1:00 p.m. at Pederson Funeral Home with Virginia’s nephew, the Rev. David Willett, officiating. Military honors were under the auspices of the Kent County Veterans Honor Guard with interment in Rockford Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Gideon’s International, 1933 Tremont Blvd., Grand Rapids.

Arrangements were made by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford.

Ardyth M. Streeter

Mrs. Ardyth M. Streeter, age 84, of Rockford went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, January 27, 2012.

She was a 1945 graduate of Roosevelt High School in Keego Harbor, Mich. Prior to her marriage, Ardyth worked at Bell Telephone, and she later worked for Lears, McInerney, and General Motors. She was very organized and strived for perfection. Ardyth was a person who thought of others first. She enjoyed all kinds of dancing and was one of the founders and a member of Rockford Country Squares. In her free time, she liked to sew, read, write poetry, and play golf.

Ardyth is survived by her children, Gayle and John Markus, Lori Streeter, Nita and Rich Randall; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas; and her brothers and sisters, Ray Norton, J.C. Norton, Clydy Norton Jr., Drusilla Anthony, and Celestine Coffey.

The service for Mrs. Streeter is Wednesday,

Feb. 1 at 1:00 p.m. at Courtland/Oakfield United Methodist Church with Pastor Robert Eckert officiating. Interment is in Courtland Township Cemetery . Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Courtland/Oakfield United Methodist Church, 10295 Myers Lake Ave. NE, Rockford, MI 49341, or Faith Hospice, 2100 Raybrook NE, Suite 300, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.

Arrangements were made by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford.

Charles W. Grover Sr., 80, of Tavares, Fla. passed away January 15, 2012.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Shirley; sister, Rebecca Cannady (John) of Camilla, Ga.; six children, Chuck Jr. (Janice) of Grand Rapids, Michael (Mary) of Grand Rapids, Susan Wilson (Jim) of Chippewa Lake; stepchildren, Cathie D’Itri (Ken) of California, Leslie North (Dan) of Florida, Dana Miiller (Kevin) of Florida; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Charlie was born May 15, 1931 in Big Rapids, Mich. Upon moving to Rockford he started grade school. Prior to starting high school, he and a few of his buddies at the age of 14 drove from Rockford all the way to Georgia one summer to visit his father.

After graduating in 1949 from Rockford High School, Charlie served as a sergeant in the Armed Forces during Korean War. After his return from the war, he worked for Lear Seigler for several years. Charlie then owned and operated his own body shops for many years, including Grover’s Body Shop in downtown Rockford and another shop located on Northland Drive. His body shops were always a popular place where his friends liked to stop by and talk about their cars, work and families. Chuck also worked for Chevy dealerships as their body shop manager for several years before moving to Florida to somewhat retire. But his love for restoring old cars kept him busy up until the age of 79. There is no doubt he loved not only working on cars but teaching others the trade as well.

Charlie was a past Mason and Shriner during his years in the Rockford area. He served part time for the Rockford City Police Department and was instrumental in starting the Rockford Ambulance Service back in the mid 1960s when he was an EMT volunteer for several years. He was a member of the Golden R Club at Rockford High School. Most every year he would plan his summer vacation with his daughter Sue and her husband to attend the reunion and visit with classmates, friends and family.

Charlie made many friends over the years. He was always willing to offer a helping hand and good sound advice for those who asked and a lot of time even if they didn’t.

Many will remember the home that he purchased for $1 from Pederson’s Funeral Home and moved from Monroe Street to the corner of Lincoln and Courtland. He was amazed that three drywall screws placed on a window sill, standing on their heads, never fell over during the over eight-hour move down the street and set on the new foundation. He was a man of many talents, who took great pride in finishing and restoring this old home as his own.

Charlie was passionate about restoring street rods. He was a past and present member of several car clubs in Grand Rapids and in Lake County, Fla. and was an NSRA member. He was honored to have pictures of two cars he completely restored featured in Rodder’s Digest car magazine. We will all remember Charlie as a generous person who never met a stranger who didn’t end up as his friend.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, Jan. 29 at the American Legion Hall, 300 Northland Dr., Rockford, from 2 to 4 p.m. Interment will be in Rockford Cemetery.