All Obituaries

Lois Elaine Maxwell, 78, of Bangor, passed away Monday, December 17, 2018 at the Rose Arbor Hospice Center in Kalamazoo. She was born December 7, 1940 to Leo and Elaine (Hawks) Kohlhoff in St. Joseph, Michigan. Lois married Frank “Larry” Maxwell in South Haven. They shared 18 years in marriage before his passing in 2011. Lois worked as a secretary at Add Construction, Clark-Ross Insurance, and South Haven Insurance Agency before her eventual retirement. She loved gardening and...

Fred Michael Echelbarger, 95, of South Haven, passed away Sunday, December 16, 2018 at the Bronson Hospital in South Haven. He was born March 18, 1923 to Charles and Flora (Waters) Echelbarger in Shelby, Michigan. He honorably served his country in the United States Army Air Corps during World War Two. He later worked for Kroger Grocery for 16 years and Buy Low for an additional 16 years before his retirement in 1982. He married Erma Bucher on December 31, 1946. They shared 50 years in...

Robert J. “Big Luke” Luchies, 86, of South Haven, passed away Saturday, December 8, 2018 at his home under hospice care with his family at his side. He was born June 12, 1932 to Elmer and Ann (Schuiteman) Luchies in Fremont. Robert married Winifred DeGroot on September 14, 1956 at the Christian Reformed Church. They shared 54 years in marriage before her passing in 2010. Robert attended Alma College before being drafted into the Army for the Korean War. After returning from a...

Walter Wayne Strong, 67, of South Haven, passed away Saturday, December 8, 2018 at Bronson Hospital in South Haven. He was born June 17, 1951 to Velma and Willie James Strong in Gary, Indiana. Walter graduated from South Haven High School with the Class of 1970. Walter enjoyed singing and was known for his good voice. He was also a talented cook known for his famous potato salad. He was a champion on the Bohn Aluminum Bowling League. He was a former member of the Emmanuel Community...

  Edward “Ed” Gus Heinze, 71, of South Haven, passed away Friday, December 7, 2018 at his home. He was born October 17, 1947 to Edward and Ruth E. (Till) Heinze in South Haven.  Ed was a 1966 graduate of South Haven High School.  Ed married Dorothy Brinks on September 20, 1969 at First English Lutheran Church in South Haven.  He owned along with his father and grandfather, Heinze Farms where he enjoyed working his entire life.  Ed was a member of...

Sarah Marie Bray, 69, of Pullman, formerly of South Haven, passed away Thursday, December 6, 2018 in Charlevoix, Michigan. She was born April 22, 1949 to Paul and Isabelle (Wabinimkee) Kenwabikise on Beaver Island where she was raised. She lived in the South Haven area for many years where she drove bus for the South Haven, Fennville, and Bloomingdale school districts. She enjoyed camping, star gazing, and hunting. She is preceded in death along with her parents by siblings – Leonard,...

Eugene Keith Pensinger, 91, of South Haven, passed away Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at the Bronson Hospital in South Haven. He was born July 15, 1927 to Loren and Mary (Jensen) Pensinger in South Haven. Eugene honorably served his country in the United States Army during World War II. Eugene enjoyed nature walks, family dinners and fond memories of Jericho and Central Schools. He enjoyed growing zucchini and strawberries on the same family farm he was born on and resided on...

Sandra Lou Hale, 67, of Stevensville, passed away Saturday, December 1, 2018 at her home under Hospice care and her family by her side. She was born May 26, 1951 to John and Beatrice (Byers) Martin in Benton Harbor. Sandra married Larry Hale in November of 1989. They shared 29 years of marriage. She enjoyed playing on the computer and being at home spending time with her grandchildren. She especially enjoyed watching Hallmark Channel movies. She is preceded in death along with her parents...

Genaro Alcaraz Mejia, 50, of Bangor, passed away Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at the Bronson Hospital in South Haven. He was born December 1, 1967 in Michoacán, Mexico to Nicolas and Oliva Alcaraz. Genaro married Raquel Barajas. They shared 8 years of life together He is preceded in death along with his parents by a sister – Maria. Genaro is survived by his wife – Raquel of Bangor, children – Citlali “Cicy”, Roxana, and Marcos Alcaraz, siblings - Pilar,...

Gary David Wishon, 66, of South Haven, passed away Monday, November 26, 2018 at the Bronson Hospital in South Haven. He was born February 20, 1952 to Guy and Elsie (Felder) Wishon in War Eagle, Arkansas. Gary married Barbara Caldwell on December 24, 1979 in South Haven. They shared 33 years in marriage before her passing in 2012. Gary retired from the City of South Haven’s Streets Department after many years of service. He loved all types of music, collected model cars and marbles, and...