Obituaries

Local obituaries for Berrien Springs, MI and surrounding areas

Gail Vallieres

Gail Vallieres

May 12, 2025

J. Gail (Vanick) Vallieres (87), a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister-in-law, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2025, in Berrien Springs, MI. She was born on March 13, 1938, in Chicago, IL, to William and Grace (Boyd) Vanick. Gail was a tender, kind-hearted lady, and her memory will be cherished forever.

Gail was preceded in death by her parents,...

Eleanor Ruth Heminger

Eleanor Ruth Heminger

Apr 24, 2025

Eleanor Ruth Heminger, 98, of Berrien Center, a cherished matriarch and beacon of love, passed peacefully on April 24, 2025. She was born on January 9, 1927, in Dowagiac, Michigan, to a world that would be forever brightened by her presence.

Guided by her loving, kind, and courageous spirit, Eleanor built a life rich with family and service, touching countless hearts...

Pat Whitney

Pat Whitney

Apr 16, 2025

Mary Patricia Whitney, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2025, at the age of 98 in Buchanan, Michigan. Born on August 7, 1926, in Los Angeles, California, Pat’s life was a tapestry of cherished moments and enduring relationships.

Pat's journey began as the daughter of Dr. Clifford and Olive (Danielson) Andrews, and she grew up alongside her siblings, Danny and Bonnie....

Virginia Ardis Skibbe

Virginia Ardis Skibbe

Apr 14, 2025

Virginia Ardis (Franz) Skibbe, a beacon of love and selflessness, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2025, in Eau Claire, Michigan. Born on December 15, 1944, in Sodus, Michigan, Virginia's life was a testament to her unwavering kindness and dedication to others.

Virginia's early years were spent in the nurturing company of her parents, Stanley Franz and Alice (Truhn) Franz. She...

Russell Lynn Staples

Russell Lynn Staples

Apr 7, 2025

Russell Lynn Staples, a cherished patriarch, esteemed educator, and beacon of kindness, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2025, in Niles, Michigan, at the venerable age of 100. Born on November 4, 1924, in the picturesque town of Oudtshoorn, South Africa, Russell's journey was marked by a profound dedication to family, faith, and the pursuit of knowledge.

Russell's early years in...

Linda Diane Preston

Linda Diane Preston

Apr 7, 2025

Linda Diane Preston, a beacon of love and kindness, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on April 7, 2025, at Corewell Health in Saint Joseph, Michigan. Born on May 18, 1957, to Perry Dean Clark and Donna Mae (Neitzel) Clark, Linda's life was a testament to the power of selfless love and the joy of family.

Linda's journey began...

Bruce Wrenn

Bruce Wrenn

Mar 29, 2025

Bruce Wrenn was born Nov. 9, 1950, in Mobile, AL, the youngest child of Walter and Winona (Jeffrey) Wrenn. He passed to his rest on March 29, 2025, in Granger Indiana. He spent his early years in Bay Minette, AL and married his childhood sweetheart Jan Carmichael on June 12, 1971. He graduated Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in...

Barbara Lynn Schoene

Barbara Lynn Schoene

Mar 26, 2025

Barbara Was born August 2, 1938, to parents Donald and Ruth Grove, on the NW Side of Chicago. After graduation, she started working for American Airlines. It was there she met the love of her life Larry Schoene. They married had 3 Children and in 1973 moved to Sodus MI. It was there that Barbara took up many hobbies. From...

Julia Cristina Miranda

Julia Cristina Miranda

Mar 22, 2025

Julia Cristina Miranda (née Cáceres Thomann) age 81, of Berrien Springs, Michigan, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on the Sabbath, March 22, 2025. Julie, as she was affectionately known, was a beloved daughter, sister, friend, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Born in El Espejo, Chile on June 18, 1943, she immigrated to the United States as a young woman....

Diane Lynn Ford

Diane Lynn Ford

Mar 20, 2025

Diane Lynn Ford, a beacon of kindness, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2025, in Saint Joseph, Michigan. Born on October 13, 1953, in Columbus, Wisconsin, Diane's radiant smile and warm heart touched countless lives throughout her 71 years.

Diane, known for her boundless love and friendly demeanor, will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She was preceded in...

Elizabeth Jane Fleenor

Elizabeth Jane Fleenor

Mar 16, 2025

Elizabeth “Becky” (Norman) Fleenor a cherished mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home on March 16, 2025, in Berrien Springs, Michigan, at the age of 84. Born on August 10, 1940, in Jacksonville, Illinois, Becky’s life was a testament to her loving nature and faith-filled spirit.

Becky's journey through life was marked by her dedication to...

Jewel A Stemm

Jewel A Stemm

Mar 15, 2025

Jewel A Stemm, aged 95, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2025, in Hudson, FL. Born April 23, 1929, in Jonesboro, AR, she lived a long and fulfilling life characterized by her loving nature, kindness, and generosity. Jewel’s warmth of spirit and unwavering support left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew her, and her presence will...

Sonie Jean Paustian

Sonie Jean Paustian

Mar 2, 2025

Sonie Jean Paustian, aged 76, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2025, in Eau Claire, Michigan, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on December 1, 1948, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, Sonie was a beacon of joy and kindness to all who knew her.

Sonie spent over three decades serving her community as a dedicated waitress and cook, bringing smiles...

Benjamin Fredrick Blackiston

Benjamin Fredrick Blackiston

Feb 28, 2025

Benjamin Fredrick Blackiston was called home to be with his Lord on February 28, 2025. 

Born in the family farmhouse in New Albany, Indiana, Benjamin entered this world on May 4,1943 to Benjamin C. and Stella (Ramsier) Blackiston. He was a friendly, enthusiastic boy who loved to fish, play baseball, and find Native American arrowheads along the Ohio River. 

As he grew,...

Kris Roger Davis

Kris Roger Davis

Feb 25, 2025

Kris Roger Davis, a cherished husband, adored father, loving grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2025, in Berrien Springs, Michigan, at the age of 64. Born on April 19, 1960, in Saint Joseph, Michigan, Kris was a man whose life was defined by his unwavering love for his family, his passion for golfing and his infectious sense...

Maxine Ida-Mae Heim

Maxine Ida-Mae Heim

Feb 25, 2025

Maxine Ida-Mae (Squier) Heim, 95, passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, in Stevensville, Michigan, after a brief stay at the Hanson Hospice Center. 

Maxine was born on July 16, 1929, in Glendale, California, to the late Russell Grefe Squier (a general contractor) and Beatrice Maxine (Ogden) Squier (a nurse). 

Maxine was raised as a small child in Oregon and California and...

Stephanie Ann Dziekanowski

Stephanie Ann Dziekanowski

Feb 24, 2025

Stephanie Ann Dziekanowski, a beacon of love and generosity, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2025, in Dowagiac, Michigan, at the age of 34. Born on September 6, 1990, in Berrien Center, Michigan, Stephanie's vibrant spirit and infectious laughter brought joy to all who knew her.

 A proud graduate of Berrien Springs High School, Stephanie carried the same dedication and enthusiasm...

Rachel Lyda Kohles

Rachel Lyda Kohles

Feb 21, 2025

Rachel Lyda (Brittain) Kohles, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2025, in Niles, Michigan, at the age of 85. Born on April 14, 1939, in Morganton, North Carolina, Rachel's life was a testament to her loving, kind, and gentle spirit.

Rachel was the beloved wife of Harry Kohles, with whom she shared...

Michael Anthony Duffy

Michael Anthony Duffy

Feb 19, 2025

Michael Anthony Duffy, a cherished husband, father, and skilled tradesman, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2025, in Stevensville, MI at Hanson Hospice Center who took excellent care of him. Born on April 13, 1938, in Wauseon, Ohio, Michael's life was marked by his loving nature, kindness, and handy skills that he generously shared with all who knew him.

Michael's journey...

John James Mendel

John James Mendel

Feb 14, 2025

John James Mendel, a beacon of love and generosity, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2025, at the age of 95 in St. Joseph, Michigan. Born on December 28, 1929, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Henry A. Mendel and Cynthia A (Levy) Mendel, John's life was a testament to the power of education, the beauty of nature, and the strength...