Obituaries — August 26, 2010

August 26, 2010 · Filed Under Obituaries · Comment 

Ragsdale

Mr. James “Rags” Ragsdale, age 66, of Rockford passed away unexpectedly on Friday, August 20, 2010. He grew up on the west side of Grand Rapids and delivered the newspapers from a very early age (often getting up at 4 a.m.). In 1962, he graduated from Union High School, where he played baseball.

Jim enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War, specialized in decoding, and left the service with a rank of Sergeant. After the service, Jim attended Grand Rapids Junior College, earning his associate’s degree in business. For many years he worked for Michigan National Bank and ATL Credit Union on 36th Street.

Jim played fast-pitch softball and was the team manager, sponsored by Putt-Putts and The Thunder Chicken. He was a wonderful father who was involved in his sons’ sports, helped with coaching in community games, provided transportation, helped many young men set and achieve lifetime goals, and also taught sportsmanship. His home was always open to everyone; pick-up games were often played on most Sundays. Jim was also an avid golfer.

Jim is survived by his son, Will and Melanie Ragsdale of Rockford; grandchildren, Sophia Ragsdale, Sam Kleynenberg, Eli Kleynenberg; mother, Mrs. Edith Ragsdale; sister, Liz Stoner; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Cecil, and his son, Curtis Kleynenberg.

The service for Jim was Monday at 11:00 a.m. at the Pederson Funeral Home with Pastor Bruce Wilson officiating. Military honors were under the auspices of the U.S. Air Force with interment in Blythefield Memory Gardens.

Arrangements were made by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford.

Willett

Mr. Roger “Buck” Willett, age 79, passed away on Wednesday, August 18, 2010. He grew up on the family farm at Blakely and M-44 (Belding Road) where he and his brother would herd the cows. In 1950 Roger graduated from Rockford High School. He played guard, played JV basketball, and participated in the FFA.  His parents moved to Cedar Springs when his father became their Chief of Police. Roger drove so he could still attend Rockford High School with this ‘37 Ford and later a ‘39 black Ford. He and Darlene were high school sweethearts who started dating in the tenth grade. After high school, Roger worked for a while and then joined the US Army. They both wrote love letters to one another and became engaged. When Roger came home on furlough, Darlene and he were married at her parents’ home and had a small immediate family reception at Finger’s Restaurant. Together they picked flowers for their wedding from the family garden. Roger and Darlene went to Colorado, and then he was shipped out. After the military, Roger worked for Coit Gravel Company and also worked part time laying concrete. Later, he started his own business, Willett Concrete Company with his sons working with him. Roger was a wonderful husband and father. He was a likeable, quick-witted, soft-hearted guy who started his day with breakfast at Fables. In later years, Roger had daily coffee which he always made at The Trading Post, and with the gang he discussed community issues.  His family was very important to him. He loved attending the sporting events for his children and grandchildren. When needed, he was there to coach baseball. In his leisure time he enjoyed hunting and trips to the casinos. Roger was a member of Bostwick Lake Congregational Church and the Merritt Lamb Post #102 American Legion.

He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Darlene; children, Brenda and Rick Greenland, Kim and Lynn Jensen, Mike and Laurie Willett, Casey and Kerri Willett; nine grandchildren, Matthew (Heidi) Greenland, Luke (Lisa) Greenland, LJ (Rachael) Jensen, Tressie (Dennis who is now with the military in Afghanistan) Jensen-Moody, Rachael Willett, Brent Willett, Blake Willett, Cassie Cosier, Seth Cosier; four great-grandchildren with the anticipated arrival of the first great-granddaughter, Dylan Greenland, Cody Greenland, Caiden Jensen, Callie Jensen; in-laws, Marian Russ, Neil and Louise DeYoung, Mrs. Myrna DeYoung, Mrs. Gladys DeYoung; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Gerritt (Mary) Willett, Wally (Barbara) Willett, and his granddaughter, Michelle Greenland.

The service for Mr. Willett was on Monday at 11:00 a.m. at Bostwick Lake Congregational Church with Pastor Jason Hubbard 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 Bostwick Lake Congregational Church, 7979 Belding Road, Rockford, MI 49341 or Hospice of MI, 989 Spaulding Ave., SE, Ada, MI 49301. Relatives and friends met with the family at the Pederson Funeral Home on Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.

Arrangements were made by The Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford.

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Obituaries — June 17, 2010

June 17, 2010 · Filed Under Obituaries · Comment 

Hayes 

Mrs. Nadine Hayes, age 86, formerly of Rockford, passed away Wednesday, May 19, 2010. She worked for the Rockford Register newspaper and really loved her job; she also worked in the tannery office of Wolverine World Wide, retiring in 1985.

Nadine was a member of the Rockford Historical Society, the American Legion Merritt Lamb Unit #102 Ladies Auxiliary, and ABWA. Throughout her life she was always a hard worker.

Nadine was an avid reader of all types of books and loved to work crossword puzzles. The greatest joy and pride of her life was in raising her children and being a grandmother. Nadine was a lovely lady who always cared about the welfare of others.

She is survived by her family, Marsha and Gary Watkins of Grand Rapids, Randy and Mary Hayes of Roseville, Minn., Connie Hayes and William Hayes, both of Rockford; grandchildren, Gabriel Dale Hayes, Meredith (Kurt) Hayes, Kimberly Sommer and Derek Wheeler, Tory Sommer, Arron Hayes, Sara Hayes, and Ashar Hayes; her sister, Mrs. Maxine Alber of Grand Rapids. Her husband, Dale Hayes, who was the love of her life, preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her son, Gary; her brothers and wives, Ron and Ollie Smith, Terry and Maxine Smith; and brother-in-law, Bernie Alber.

The memorial service for Mrs. Hayes was Saturday, May 22, 2010, at the funeral home with Pastor Richard Riley officiating. Interment was in Rockford Cemetery. Those desiring an expression of sympathy may consider Spectrum Health Rehab and Nursing Center, 750 Fuller NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

Arrangements were made by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford.

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Obituaries — June 10, 2010

June 10, 2010 · Filed Under Obituaries · Comment 

Paull

Mr. Wilfred “Bill” Paull, age 100, of Rockford went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, June 2, 2010. He was a 1925 graduate of Rockford High School. His working years were spent with Wolverine World Wide in various capacities from warehousing and manufacturing to supervision and as interplant coordinator for the company’s (scientific) Leather Measurement Program.

Bill retired after 42 years of service. He was a very faithful servant of God and holds the longest membership (since 1924) at First Congregational Church of Rockford, UCC. Choral music was his passion. Bill sang with the Rockford Congregational Church choir 30 years, and directed various area choirs including being choir director at Cedar Springs United Methodist Church 20 years. When directing the choir or singing, you could see by his expression the wonderful contentment that music brought to him. Bill was a member of the Northview Seniors and sang with the Northview Silvertones for 15 years and also sang with the Rockford Community Choir. During leisure time, he enjoyed photography.

The Paull family would like to thank Bishop Hills Elder Care Community, Bill’s home for the last five years, for their wonderful care and devotion.

Bill is survived by his children, Douglas Paull, and Lee and Faith Paull; his grandchildren, Stephen Paull, Renee and Aaron Harvey, Heather and Tom Emperor; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Coyla (Zimmerman) Paull on December 10, 1983; and brothers and sister, Gordon, Mildred, Mary, Wayne, Alvin, Donald, and Ruth.

The celebration of Mr. Paull’s life was Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Rockford, UCC with Rev. Laurel Ten Have-Chapman officiating. Interment was in Rockford Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the building fund at First Congregational Church of Rockford, UCC.

Arrangements were made by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford.

Alcumbrack

Mrs. Elizabeth Alcumbrack, age 91, of Rockford passed away on Wednesday, June 2, 2010.

Elizabeth was raised on the family farm during the Great Depression. Her father was a farmer while her mom was a homemaker. In 1937 she graduated from Rockford High School. For a short time, she worked for Wolverine World Wide and then met the love of her life at a dance at Silver Lake Grange Hall.

After a loving courtship, “big and tall” Morey and “little” Elizabeth were wed. Her life became that of a wife and homemaker. If Morey was not working, you would find them together at social events.

Elizabeth was a member of Bostwick Lake Congregational Church, UCC, where she was very active. She particularly enjoyed her home on Silver Lake. She loved entertaining, playing cards, and having parties with her family. Elizabeth will always be remembered for her positive attitude about life, her sense of humor, and her laughter.

She is survived by her daughters, Muriel and Larry Crow of Comstock Park, Judy and Dan Brechting of Rockford; grandchildren, Mary and Joe Willacker, JoAnn and Mike Riley, Sandy and Ed Morris, Beth and Jim Perry, Denice and Scott Hubbard, Colleen and Mark Mandreky, Matthew and Laurie Brechting, Phil Brechting; 18 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Virginia Alcumbrack; brother-in-law, Lester Alcumbrack; sister-in-law, Mrs. Kenneth (Mary Ann) Baldwin; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Maurice “Morey” Alcumbrack on November 29, 1993; and brothers, Howard Baldwin and Kenneth Baldwin.

The service for Mrs. Alcumbrack was Monday at 11:00 a.m. at Bostwick Lake Congregational Church, UCC, with Pastor Richard Alcumbrack officiating. Interment was in Bostwick Lake Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Bostwick Lake Congregational Church, UCC.

Arrangements were made by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford.

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Obituaries— May 20, 2010

May 20, 2010 · Filed Under Obituaries · Comment 

Kunst

Mr. Raymond J. Kunst, age 88, of Rockford went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 9, 2010. He was a 1940 graduate of Creston High School.

Staff Sergeant Raymond Kunst served his country, his flag, and his God in the U.S. Army during WWII. He took part in the Rhineland and Ardennes Campaigns and was wounded on December 20, 1944, in Bastogne, Belgium.

On February 1, 1952, Ray and his wife, Thelma, started Rockford Flower Shop. Ray was a fourth-generation florist and gifted designer. While operating the floral shop, they also had a garden center (formerly beside the Rockford Michigan State Police Post). They were a faithful, gentle and caring couple, who worked as a team in providing the community with quality flowers and caring service. In July 1975, Ray and Thelma sold their business.

Ray was a gentleman who always needed to be busy. He began working for Rockford Hardware, and for many years he assisted people with their plants and lawn care products. Ray was a great family man who had impeccable morals and ethics. His Christian values were sustained throughout his life and have been passed on to his children and grandchildren.

Ray was a charter member of Rockford Reformed Church and took great pride in seeing the church expand and grow. He was a life member of the William Smith Post #2 Disabled American Veterans.

He is survived by his loving wife, the former Thelma Weller, whom he married on July 17, 1942; his children, Janice and Harold Hulst of Sparta, Ronald J. and Mary Ellen Kunst of Elmira, N.Y., Steve and Cheryl Kunst of Tallahassee, Fla.; grandchildren, Susan and Bryan Albers, Pamela Phillips, Jeffrey and Candace Hulst, Rebecca and David Ziebarth, Renee and Jeremy Guzzardi, Ronda and Mike Neri, Christofer Kunst, Sheena and Joe Perkins; 13 great-grandchildren; in-laws, Mrs. Lorraine Kunst, Eldona and George Allington, Spud Ensing, Barney and Marcy Townes; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter L. and Nellie Kunst; brothers, Lawrence and Wilford; and daughter-in-law, Mrs. Ruth Kunst.

The service celebrating Ray’s faith life and physical life was Friday, May 14, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. at Rockford Reformed Church with Pastor Rick Tigchon 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 Rockford Reformed Church, 4890 11 Mile Rd. NE, Rockford.

Arrangements were made by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford.

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Obituaries — May 13, 2010

May 13, 2010 · Filed Under Obituaries · Comment 

Adams

Carl W. Adams, 75, of Nokomis, Fla., formerly of Rockford, died May 5, 2010. A private service will be held.

Survivors include three children, Natalie of Port Charlotte, Fla., Steve of Arcadia, Fla., and Pamela of North Port, Fla.; two sisters, Sue and Judy of Venice, Fla.; and a brother, Dale of Sarasota, Fla.; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Airtroops. Mr. Adams was a dry wall texturing contractor for over 40 years in the Venice, Fla. area.

Memorial donations may be made to TideWell Hospice Inc. in Venice, Fla.

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