Search Archived Marriage Records
Monte L. Anderson
SOUTH HAVEN -- Monte L. Anderson, 65, of South Haven died Sunday, Jan. 4, 2004, at his home.
Monte was born Dec. 8, 1938, in DeKalb County, Ind., to Wier and Chloe (Yontz) Anderson. Monte graduated from Avilla High School and Purdue University with a degree in education. He then received his master's in education from Ohio State University and his master's in public administration from Western Michigan University. Monte also served his country in the U.S. Army. On June 21, 1957, in Avilla, Ind., he married Sally Yarde. Sally died on March 17, 2000, after 42 years of marriage. On June 27, 2001, Monte married Vada Strother in South Haven.
Monte's work was in education his entire life. He was a tremendous advocate of youth and was a leader when it came to helping at-risk youth. He loved his family and was an avid fisherman. Monte worked in the Watervliet Public Schools from 1964 to 1984. His responsibilities there ranged from teacher to elementary principal, to high school principal, to the interim superintendent. From 1984, to his retirement in 1993, Monte was the superintendent of the Michigan Center Public Schools. Wherever Monte lived, he always was active in the community. He was a Boy Scout leader and a Mason. Also, he was a former member of the Watervliet Lions Club and former member and past president of the Rotary Club in Michigan Center.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wier Anderson (1975) and Chloe Anderson (2003), and his first wife, Sally Anderson (2000).
Surviving are his wife, Vada Anderson of South Haven; daughter, Linda Anderson of Fennville; four brothers, Thomas (Norma) Anderson of Lawton, Kenneth (Nancy) Anderson of Scotts, Mich., Steven (Betty) Anderson of Lawrence and Dennis (Georgea) Anderson of Schoolcraft, Mich.; and several nieces, nephews and cousins, among them, Charlene Arnold, Kent Yontz, Keith Yontz, Randall Yontz, James Yontz and other close relatives. Also his caregiver, Josh Leverton.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Filbrandt Family Funeral Home, South Haven, where funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Military Honors will be conducted by the American Legion and VFW Honor Guard. Burial will be in Leoni Township Cemetery, Michigan Center. Memorial contributions may be made to the Watervliet Public School Scholarship Fund.
Jill L. Hook-Ruiz
PAW PAW -- Jill L. Hook-Ruiz, 45, of Paw Paw passed away Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2004, at home.
Jill was born Aug. 1, 1958, in South Bend, Ind., the daughter of John and Phyllis (Skinner) Hook. She was a member of the Four Winds Fellowship of Decatur.
Surviving are daughter, Leticia Moffit of Paw Paw; son, Carlos Ruiz of Paw Paw; her mother, Phyllis Parish of Fort Worth, Texas; sister, Amanda J. Hook of Lawton; brother, John M. Hook of Dallas; half-brother, Donald Mark Parish of Las Vegas; aunt, Lila Shisler of South Bend; many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Friends will be received from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Monday at Adams Funeral Home, Paw Paw, followed by services at 2:30 p.m. Pastor Delbert C. Ritchie will officiate. Interment will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Paw Paw. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.
Jack C. Fetke
ST. JOSEPH -- Jack C. Fetke, 53, of St. Joseph died Jan. 9, 2004, at his residence.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 13, at 10 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Joseph, with the Rev. Robert Barber, Jr., officiating. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. at Kerley and Starks Funeral Home, St. Joseph, Monday, Jan. 12. Burial will be in Spring Run Cemetery, St. Joseph. Memorials may be may to Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Joseph.
Jack was born Nov. 15, 1950, in St. Joseph to Harry and Dorothy (Krumroy) Fetke. He was a lifetime construction worker and heavy equipment operator, having worked for the J.V. Burkett Co., John G. Yerington Co., Kalin Construction Co., L.E. Barber, Inc., and lastly, Consumer's Asphalt Co. Jack was a member of the St. Joseph F.O.P. 96. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Jack was well-known in Berrien County. There hardly was a person who didn't know him.
He married the former Pam Anderson on Dec. 4, 1983, in St. Joseph, and she survives. Also surviving are his son, Sean Fetke, of San Antonio, Texas; daughter, Sara Fetke of St. Joseph; sister, Evelyn (John) Bell of Florida; two nephews -- Eric (Kelly) Kietzerow of Watervliet, William Anderson III of Texas; a niece, Erica Anderson of Colorado; two great-nieces, Anna and Rachel Kietzerow.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Charles E. Nutt
ST. JOSEPH -- Charles E. Nutt, 90, of St. Joseph died Sunday, Jan. 11, 2004, at Lakeland Hospital, St. Joseph.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 16, at Kerley & Starks Funeral Home, St. Joseph, with the Rev. Marlo Fritzke, First Baptist Church, St. Joseph, officiating. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, at the funeral home. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery, Decatur. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the James Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.
Charles was born June 28, 1913, in Decatur, to Adam and Mary (Barton) Nutt. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the 4th Marine Corps Division. Charles had been the production manager for the Jackson family at Twin City Bottling Works, retiring after 40 years. Later in life, he worked part time at Kendall's to keep busy. He was a lifetime member of Berrien Hills Country Club and a member of St. Joseph Elks 541. Charles was a unique individual who lived life his way and was well liked by everyone. He was a warm and loving individual who greatly will be missed by his family.
He was married for almost 70 years to the former Isabel Brigham, whom he married on Aug. 5, 1934, in Benton Harbor. She preceded him in death in October of 2003. He was devoted to her and cared for her very lovingly during the last years of her life.
Survivors include: a son, Paul (Nancy) Nutt of London, Ohio; grandchildren -- Suzanne (Richard) Jenks of Grandview, Ohio, Charles A. Nutt of Columbus, Ohio; and great-grandson, Timothy Jenks.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents; and by six brothers and sisters, Olive, Raymond, Howard, Merle, Martin and Florence.
Dale Eugene Nye
ST. JOSEPH -- Dale Eugene Nye, 56, of St. Joseph passed away early Saturday morning, Jan. 10, 2004, at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Zion United Church of Christ, 9105 Third St., Baroda, with the Rev. Dr. Christopher Noffke officiating. Burial will follow in Spring Run Cemetery, Scottdale. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorials may be made to Zion United Church of Christ or Berrien County Cancer Service. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Dale was born Dec. 8, 1947, in St. Joseph to Harry and Leone (Becker) Nye. He graduated from Lakeshore High School in 1966 and from Michigan State University in 1970 with a bachelor of science degree in Agri-Business. Dale worked for Niagara Chemical Company following graduation for several years before returning to the family fruit farm located on Hollywood Road. Dale married the former Jacquelyn Mirely on Dec. 17, 1983, in Baroda. Their 20 year marriage was richly filled with many varied experiences. His wife, Jacquie, a schoolteacher in Niles, has enriched young children's lives for over 22 years. Dale served on the Board of Directors for National Grape Co-Operative for over 20 years, as well as being a member of the Michigan Apple Committee, a life member of the Michigan Horticultural Society, and a longtime member of Mainstreet Toastmasters. Dale was a devoted husband, father, brother and friend. He loved people, swapping stories, and taking in sporting activities. Dale thoroughly enjoyed operating his farm -- Dale Nye Farms and Nye's Apple Barn, and providing fruit and camaraderie to the members of our community. He particularly enjoyed his hunting and fishing trips, especially to Montana, time with his family and riding his Harley. He was previously married to Jeannie Underberg with whom he has two children.
Dale is survived by his wife, Jacquelyn of St. Joseph; daughter, Amy Nye of Winthrop, Wash.; son, Andy Nye of Madison, Wis.; stepson Chris Lattak of Sylvania, Ohio; stepdaughter, Angela Lattak of Indianapolis; three brothers -- Jerrold (Joan) Nye of Columbus, Mont., John (Sandra) Nye of St. Joseph and Gordon Nye of Kenton, Mich.; sister, Mary (Kevin) Schuhknecht of Watervliet; numerous nieces and nephews; and Jacquie's loving family.
Robert Erwin
STEVENSVILLE -- Robert Erwin, 71, of Stevensville passed away Thursday, Jan. 29, 2004, at his home.
There will be a Celebration of Life Service 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2, with the Rev. Dr. Christopher Noffke officiating, at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. Friends may call on Bob's family from 2 to 4 p.m. today, Feb. 1, at the funeral home. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery, Bridgman. Memorials may be made to Make-A-Wish.
Bob retired after 25 years at Continental Can Company. Bob was a warm and wonderful man who had only friends and is beloved by all. His sisters, Eleanor Sullivan and Shirley Vaughn, survive him and will miss his bright blue eyes and his truly remarkable wit. His niece, Kathy Swanson, will miss taking boat trips with Bob. Bob's niece, Sandy Sullivan, will miss her Paul Newman uncle and his world class smile. His nephews, Bill Sullivan and Bill Swanson, will have an empty spot in their foursome this spring. Carol Tromatola and Richie Vaughn always have enjoyed their visits to Uncle Bob . Steve Erwin, another nephew, was Bob's favorite kick returner when he played at Watervliet. The Swanson children -- Brooke, Chad and Brad, along with the Sullivans -- Scott (Kristin) and Sean (Jann), have spent their entire lives with Bob as both an example of hard work and good spirit. When Bob's best friends, Jack and Geri Hill, make their next Las Vegas trip, Bob will have to meet them there.
Those of us who lived with and loved Bob will miss him forever. Blue skies, green courses and a natural 21 will remind us of this marvelous man. Following a splendid football career at St. Johns, Bob enrolled in the Navy, and his good thoughts for his fellow veterans and those currently in harms way were with him to the end.
Bob was preceded in death by his son, Larry, and his loving wife, Audree (Gersonde) Erwin. His father, Frank; mother, Bessie; and brothers -- Wally and Don eagerly await Bob.
Gloria Gay Habel
BURLINGTON, Mich. -- Gloria Gay Habel, 46, of Burlington, Mich., formerly of Niles, died Jan. 30, 2004, at Battle Creek Health Systems.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. at the Putnam Funeral Home in Union City, Mich. Visitation is Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Burlington Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the family.
Mrs. Habel was born May 10, 1957, in Toledo, Ohio, to Robert D. and Christine (Haywood) Harwell. She married Thomas A. Habel, who survives. She was a homemaker and spent many years in the Niles area before moving to the Burlington area 26 years ago. Her family races snowmobiles, where she is the boss, and she loves crafts, especially crocheting.
Survivors are her husband, Tom; two daughters, Stephanie (Joe) Goodman of Union City and Rosanna (Heinz Zielke) Hable of Lundington; two sons, Thomas (Carrie) Habel Jr. of Burlington, and Joshua (Jackie) Habel of Union City; one step son, Scott Hable of Three Oaks; six grandchildren; her mother, Christine Bocanegra of Toledo; and 10 brothers and sisters.
She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Harwell; granddaughter, Hailey Zielke; and one brother, Alex Bocanegra.
Ralph A. Simons
ST. JOSEPH -- Ralph A. Simons Jr., 79, of St. Joseph, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2004, after a long illness.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the First Congregational Church in St. Joseph with the Rev. Dr. Bob Braman officiating. Burial will follow in Riverview Cemetery with military rites conducted by the American Legion Post 362 Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion, VFW Post 1137 of Benton Harbor, and VFW Post 6803 of Watervliet. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Dey-Florin Chapel of Florin Funeral Service in St. Joseph. Memorials may be given to Hospice at Home of Stevensville or the music department of the First Congregational Church in St. Joseph.
Born to Ralph and Lucile (Pearce) Simons on March 2, 1924, Ralph Jr. was raised in St. Joseph. The family briefly lived in Florida. The hurricanes of 1926 and 1928, as well as the depression, brought them back to St. Joseph. They moved into the Main Street home of steamship Capt. A.J. Simons, Ralph's grandfather, until things improved.
He graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1941 and attended Western Michigan University. He was in the Navy stationed in England, New Foundland and the South Pacific during World War II. He married Betty Morgenstern on Feb. 21, 1948, at the First Congregational Church in St. Joseph, of which he was a member. They raised three children together.
His favorite things were babies, children, telling stories, summer trips with his kids, coaching little league for his boys, annual trips to Mackinaw Island, a back-roads journey with his daughter, golf, playing bridge with friends, living for 21 years in California, family, retirement, travel and 55 years of marriage to Betty Ann.
He is survived by his wife, Betty; sons -- Chuck (Francesca) Simons of Sonora, Calif.; David (Mary Jean) Simons of St. Joseph; and daughter, Wendy (Chris) Buckleitner of St. Joseph; grandchildren -- Jennifer (Brian) Fosco, Drew (Arlene), Joshua, Neil, Kyle, and Ashley Simons; stepgrandchildren -- Dan, Eric, and Katie Buckleitner; and great-granddaughter, Morgen Simons.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters -- Mary Alice Kennedy, and Barbara Nash; and a great-granddaughter.
