Obituary:
William G. "Bill" Colson, age 72, met his Lord and Savior on Sunday, October 24, 2021, after courageously battling cancer for five years. He was born on January 4, 1949, to Albert and Ann (Mathis) Colson in Metz, France, and made his way to Michigan in 1954.

He was a proud veteran, serving his country for six years in the U.S Navy during the Vietnam Era. He graduated from Northwestern Michigan College with an associate's degree in criminal justice. He used his education to obtain a career as a corrections officer in the state of Michigan for 10 years until 1999. Bill then continued working as an EMT for Reading Emergency Unit until he retired in 2009.

On June 20, 1989, he married the love of his life, the former Michelle Berman in Jackson, Michigan. Together they cherished 32 years full of love, laughter and witty banter. William and Michelle were inseparable and enjoyed participating in most things together. They were highly involved in their community and helped at the Taste of Muskegon, the Salmon Fest, Irish Fest and numerous others. He truly enjoyed volunteering and giving back to his community and caring for those in need. Bill was also a member of the American Legion and the National Association of EMTs.

Above all things, he loved his wife unconditionally, his children and grandchildren wholeheartedly, and his friends dearly. He will always be remembered for his witty and charming personality and love for Godzilla. His tender-loving and caring spirit will truly be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Michelle Colson; five children: Nicholas Colson, Myra (Adam) LaSure, Joshua (Kaila) Colson, Chandra (Rick) Colson and Rebecca (Alex Matt) Colson; eight grandchildren: Wyatt, Liam, Alli, Ranson, Zander, Neliel, Isaiah and Sage; and brother, Raymond (Lisa) Colson. He was preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law, Sharon Ballard; and father-in-law, Michael Berman.

Arrangements entrusted to The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 737 E. Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442. Memorial contributions in Bill's honor can be made directly to Hospice of North Ottawa Community, the American Cancer Society, or his family.

 

  

Burial headstone, Restlawn Memorial Gardens, Holland, MI

Obituary:
John Martinez was a man who could build any structure with his own hands and at the same time could make a person smile with a good joke or a story. He was an honest and caring family man who always put the needs of his family above all else. John found great happiness in life thanks to his many friends, coworkers, and loved ones.
John was born in the midst of the 1940's and a very important decade in our nation?s past. The epic battles of World War II were fresh in the memories of millions around the globe as people tried to rebuild their lives and move on. It was the era of big bands and the birth of television, back before anyone had ever heard of rock and roll. John entered this changing world on May 30th, 1947 in Austin, Texas to Brigido and Manuela Martinez.
John had a normal childhood for the times, growing up alongside his siblings. His sister was a good friend of another neighborhood girl named Dora. John had crush on Dora for years and he asked her out many, many times. Finally one day, Dora agreed to a date and the two began a long romance. They dated for nearly three years before John proposed. They wed on May 2nd, 1976 at the Austin City courthouse. John had two friends stand up for him and Dora had one. The newlyweds didn't ride off into the sunset for a grandiose honeymoon though; they each had jobs and couldn't afford to get away. In 1977, John and Dora took an opportunity to move north and settled in the community of Holland, Michigan.
John was a self-employed carpenter for many years. He could create wonderful things with just his hands and the right tools, and building made him very happy. Upon arriving in Holland, John took a job helping to build the Evergreen Commons community. Another firm working on the site quickly noticed the degree of skill and talent John possessed. That company, Lamar Construction, hired him on the spot and he worked for the firm for many years. His coworkers loved him for his easy-going and fun personality, especially his jokes and stories (though they were sometimes exaggerated). John soon had an all-new audience for his stories.
He was very proud of all of his children and would stop at nothing to see that their every need was met in full. The whole family attended church every Sunday at St. Frances de Sales. John found great happiness in many different activities and hobbies. He loved to go fishing with a group of friends; they would fly deep into Canada and spend the entire week fishing. Upon returning home, John would have story fodder to last up until his next big trip. He liked to take his wife and kids down home to Austin, where they would visit family and friends. One place that John always wanted to visit was the infamous Las Vegas Strip. He finally got his chance to frolic amidst the neon glow in 1999, and had the time of his life. He hopped from casino to casino terrorizing the slot machines in each locality. John took Dora to the Hispanic festival in Milwaukee one time. He loved Spanish music and food, but he had a soft spot for Russ' Twinburger and Onion Rings.
John was very handy with his tools around the house and often used his talents to help friends and neighbors. One of his favorite possessions was his beloved Burgundy Silverado truck, though it replaced the legendary "White Lightning".
Another important part of John?s life was his many friends. He spent lots of time with his buddies, getting outdoors and just plain having fun. But for John, his biggest priority was always his family. He loved spending time with his children and his ultra-special grandkids. Each of his loved ones brought endless happiness to his life.
John passed away on Friday, September 12th, 2003 at Hospice House of Holland.
Surviving are his wife, Dora of 31 years; children, John Martinez Jr. of Austin, TX, Patricia and Dan McClenden of Pflugerville, TX, Tracy Moreno of Holland, Christopher John Martinez of Holland, Amanda Martinez of Holland, and Andrea and Adam Hernandez of Zeeland; 11 Grandchildren; Brother, Joe and Gloria Martinez; Sisters, Margaret Nunez, Toni and Joe Lopez all of Austin, TX; Brother-in-Law-Joe Esparza of Milwaukee, WI; Sister-in-Law-Linda and Richie Mullins of Georgetown, TX; several nephews, nieces, and cousins.
Services will be 10 AM Wednesday at the St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church with the Rev. Charles Brown officiating. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Gardens. Visiting will be 6-8 PM Tuesday at the church with wake prayers at 7:30 PM. Arrangements are by the Downtown Chapel, Dykstra Funeral Homes.
To read John?s complete life story, share a memory, send flowers, or make a memorial contribution to the Hospice House, please visit his personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com.
John was an honest and caring man that brought love and laughter to everyone around him. He will be greatly missed.
- Dykstra Funeral Homes

Documents:


Documents:
Burial monument, Spring Lake Cemetery, Spring Lake, MI

Obituary:
Mr. Monte B. Sayles, age 76, died Monday, October 25, 2004 at Simarron. He was born in Muskegon, Michigan on June 4, 1928 to Judson & Marva Bee Sayles and married the former Sharon Smith on November 19, 1953 in Muskegon. Mr. Sayles had been vice president at Topper Construction until retiring in 1993. He was a former member of the VFW and the American Legion, Spring Lake Country Club, Rotary Club and Yacht Club. He is currently a member of Leland Yacht Club.
SURVIVORS
Wife, Sharon; daughters, Amy Rich Wagner of Simsbury, CT, Leigh Ann Daniel Riley of Eden Prarie, MN; Shari Sayles, also of Eden Prarie MN; sons, Gregory Sayles of Traverse City, Bryan Gillian Sayles of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Christopher Jill Sayles of Spring Lake; a sister, Mary Fred Wierengo also of Spring Lake; seven grandchildren.
SERVICE
Private Service with Fr. Anthony Vainavicz officiating. Interment at Spring Lake Cemetery.
VISITATION
Wednesday, 4-7 PM at Clock Funeral Home. at. MEMORIAL: Hospice of North Ottawa Community 1515 S. DeSpelder St. Grand Haven, MI 49417.
-Clock Funeral Home, Spring Lake, MI

  

Obituary:
Haslett - Helen Louise Robbins Hill (nee Fetter), 89, of Haslett, Michigan passed away on Thursday, October 21, 2021, following a short illness. She was born to the late Frederick and Mildred (Johnson) Fetter on June 2, 1932 in Morral, Ohio. She is predeceased by three brothers, Charles (Garnet) Fetter, Frederick "Leroy" (Jane) Fetter, and Richard (Winifred) Fetter. A sister, Dorothy Jean (Jerry) Emery survives. She is also survived by two children, Jill Ann (James) Robbins-Cutshaw, and Jeffrey (Lisa) Robbins. She had four granddaughters, Lauren (Mark) Kukkamaa, Lilian Robbins, Andrea Cutshaw and Alexis Cutshaw; three step granddaughters, Kathryn (Jason) Beck, Kirstyn (John) Grandinetti, and Michaela (Anthony) Uanino and 8 great grandchildren. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
Helen grew up in Morral Ohio and married Jack E. Robbins of Marion, Ohio who predeceased her in 1986. She was also married to Andrew D. Hill who passed away in 1999. She moved to Stevensville Michigan from Marion Ohio in 1966 where she and Jack raised their two children and she worked as a bank teller. She later moved to Port St. Lucie, Florida where she continued to work in the banking industry. In 1998, Helen retired as a bank officer, but continued to work part time as a receptionist for the Spanish Lakes Golf Village where she resided. She was a member of the American Legion and active in local golf clubs, bocce, and bridge clubs. In 2020, she returned to Williamston Michigan to live with her daughter and family. Helen loved her large family, her close friends, dog Toonie, playing golf, cards, dancing and enjoying life to the fullest. Her family and friends miss her very much.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, June 4, 2022 at the clubhouse at Villas at Center Park, 1480 Center Park Dr in Marion, Ohio.
Helen loved dogs and her wish would be for donations to be made to your local Animal Shelter or Dog Rescue organization.
- Marion Star, June 01, 2022

  

 

  

Burial headstone, Island View Cemetery, Good Hart, MI

Obituary:
Amy M. BOWERS, 38, of Harbor Springs, died Feb. 2, 1998.
Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Petoskey. The Rev. Frank Kordek, O.F.M., will be the celebrant. Interment will take place in Island View Cemetery near Good Hart.
Amy was born Sept. 20, 1959, in Leslie, Mich., the daughter of Dale and Mary Lou (LASLEY) BOWERS. She attended Leslie High School and graduated in 1977.
She worked as a nurses' aide in private duty nursing and in nursing homes in the Leslie and Jackson area. She moved to the Harbor Springs area and attended North Central Michigan College, where she graduated from the nursing program in 1986.
Amy was currently a registered nurse in both private duty nursing and care facility nursing.
She enjoyed crafts, painting and drawing.
According to Amy's wishes, her family has donated all of her usable organs and tissue through the Organ Donor Program.
Amy is survived by one son, Cody BOWERS, of harbor Springs; her mother, Mary Lou BOWERS, of Harbor Springs; two sisters, Annette MILLER and her husband, Ben, of Petoskey, and Andrea MATTESON and her husband, Chuck, of Harbor Springs; one brother, David BOWERS, of Baltimore, Md.; her paternal grandmother, Gladys BOWERS, of Jackson; niece, Tawni MILLER, and nephews, Jameson MILLER and Matthew MATTESON; and by several aunts and uncles.
Amy was preceded in death by her father, Dale Raymond BOWERS, in 1985; and by her grandfather, Raymond Alden BOWERS.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Cody BOWERS Fund. Envelopes for memorial are available at the Schiller Funeral Chapel of Harbor Springs, where friends may call from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4 with a rosary recited at 7:30 p.m.
- Petoskey News-Review

 

Obituary:
Lorraine Reese, age 82 of Stanton, passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2020 in Greenville at Spectrum Health United Hospital.
There are several words and phrases which could be used to describe Lorraine. Loving wife is one, a great mom is another, tremendous friend could also be used, wonderful sister also certainly applies, but probably the one Lorraine loved being called the most was simply �Grandma�. Lorraine loved her family, especially her grandkids and she was called grandma by many people, even if she wasn�t related by blood, she just had that warm and loving personality type. She retired as the head teller at Sidney State Bank after 30 years of service. She golfed on a league for 40+ years and bowled for 20+ years. On both leagues, Lorraine was the secretary and always made sure everything was kept up to date. She loved watching her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids in their various activities and sports. Lorraine loved to watch sports, especially her beloved University of Michigan � �Go Blue�. Later in life as Lorraine started to slow down a bit, she loved putting puzzles together, crocheting, cross-stitching, and cooking and baking for her family, especially her famous Red Velvet Cake with her delicious homemade frosting and her aebleskiver�s. Lorraine will be deeply missed by everyone, but the lessons she taught them and the memories she made with them will live on for generations to come.
Lorraine�s family would like to extend a special thank you to all the nurses and staff at both the Spectrum Health United Hospital and Rehab and Nursing Center for the wonderful care they provided Lorraine these past few months.
Surviving Lorraine is her husband of 62 years, Tom; sons, Greg (Pam) Reese of Grand Ledge; Randy (LeeAnn) Reese of Stanton; Scott (Tammi) Reese of Stanton; grandchildren, Peggy (Jim) Blaszak of Comstock Park; Phillip (Ashley) Reese of Sidney; Holly (Joel) Reese of Kingsley; Molly (Reuben) Arellano of Greenville; Justin (Jeni) Reese of Sheridan; Tom (Emily) Kain of Omaha, Nebraska; Samantha (Lance) Angst of Chesaning; great grandchildren, Hunter; Kenzie; Ryleigh; Olivia; Adley; Alexis; Lauren; Catherine; Brodie; Kailee; Connor; Zander; Lucas; brothers, Larry (Kay Thomas) Petersen of Stanton; Duane (Connie) Petersen of Cedar Springs; Darwin (Mary Jane) Petersen of Sidney; Gerald (Esther) Petersen of Sidney; Merton (Marge Knuth) Petersen of Rockford; brothers-in-law, Duane Muns of Greenville; John (Janice) Reese of Indianapolis, Indiana; and lots of nieces and nephews.
Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents, Irving & Myrtie (Thomsen) Petersen; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Donald & Ella Reese; three sisters-in-law; Sharon Petersen; Diane Muns and Marilyn (Lorraine) Reese; and two nephews, Corey Petersen and Troy Petersen.
With all the uncertainty of the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Stay-At-Home Executive Order issued by Governor Whitmer, a memorial service celebrating Lorraine�s life will be held later this year.