Regarding obituaries: Abbreviated listings of area deaths are provided as a free service by FAN staff. Those wishing to have a full obituary printed may submit the complete obituary and $20. A photograph may be included with the obituary for an additional $5.00. If you know of someone who has inadvertently been omitted, please tell us.
Steven Michael Sarachman, a.k.a. “Beaver” passed away of natural causes on October 13, 2018 in Cancun, Mexico.
Steve was born December 9, 1955 in Grand Haven to Helen and Bohdan Sarachman, and lived in Fruitport, Spring Lake and Grand Haven during the first half of his adult life. He was a 1974 graduate of Fruitport High School, participated in athletics and played one year of football at Northern Michigan University. In his 50’s, he moved to the Lansing area, and then, to fulfill his dream of living in a warmer and less expensive place, he took up residence in Mexico in March of 2018.
Steve had many challenges in his life but was forever striving, with humor, determination and courage to be a better person. He had the help and support of a multitude of friends, especially those at the AA meetings he attended regularly in both the US and Mexico, as well as the loving assistance of family members. He was a member of the Bahá’í Faith. He was much loved by a wide diversity of people who will remember him for his crazy sense of humor, loving and generous heart, curiosity and thirst for knowledge, quest for spirituality, and his various services to others, including youth in sports activities, Mother Theresa Hospice, and others. He was preceded in death by parents, Helen and Bohdan Sarachman, and is survived by siblings Melanie Smith (David), Robert Sarachman (Sandra), Linda Pearson, Mary Knight (Mike), many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.
BRENT STEVEN WILLIAMS 1974-2017
Brent (“B-Dub,” “Brentley”) Williams, 43, died unexpectedly and peacefully at his home early on the morning of Wednesday, November 8, 2017, in Arlington, MA. Born on January 4, 1974, he grew up in Fruitport, MI, and was a graduate of Fruitport High School. Brent earned a BS in Chemistry and Biology at Hope College in Holland, MI, where he was a member of the Arcadian Fraternity. He later graduated with an MBA in Engineering Management at Tufts University in Medford, MA, after which he set out to become “the smartest man in the world.”
Brent is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Joy Fisher Williams, and his two greatest accomplishments, sons Fisher Eric and Ruben Thomas. Additionally, he is survived by parents Lana and Steve Williams and grandparents Joyce and Larry Williams, all of Sun City, AZ. Brent was preceded in death by his younger brother, Eric Jay Williams; grandparents Leona and Ruben Krentz; and Aunt Barbara Franklin. He is also survived by his parents-in-law, Kathy and Dave Fisher of Fruitport, MI; his brother-in-law, Jeff Fisher (children Isabel, Ellie, and Gavin) of Fruitport, MI; his sister-in-law, Jani and husband Dan Wilkens (children Anika and Eli) of Weldon Spring, MO. Lastly, he is survived by beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and colleagues.
Brent was employed by Northrop Grumman Corporation for 17 years, where he was a mission planning manager for NASA’s Chandra X-Ray Observatory (officially affording him the designation of “rocket scientist”). Previously, he was a chemist at W.R. Grace. He enjoyed riding his Harley, and he was a lover of all foods, scotch whiskey, and PBR. Brent also had a keen interest in DIY projects, firearms, and video games. Later in life, his passions included playing hockey and coaching his sons’ Arlington sports teams. Brent attended Grace Chapel in Lexington, MA, and was a member of the Belmont Life Community. He was a devoted son, husband, father, and friend. Brent did not live an average life; he was a Renaissance Man and self-proclaimed “Dura-Brent,” entertaining as well as challenging others with his good humor and knowledge of a range of topics. He will be sorely missed.
A celebration of life and memorial service took place in Massachusetts.
Sherry Lynn Yonkers
Sherry Lynn Yonkers (Rettinhouse) April 5, 1947-October 18, 2016
Sherry passed away unexpectedly Tuesday October 18, 2016. Sherry was born April 5, 1947 in Grand Haven, MI to Beatrice and Robert Rettinhouse. She was a lifelong resident of Fruitport Mi. She was a Fruitport graduate, class of 1965. After graduation she went on to work for Anderson Bolling, Spring Lake MI. & Howmet Muskegon, MI until she found her passion as a community servant and proudly served over 20 years as Fruitport Township Clerk, later retiring as Hudsonville City Clerk in Hudsonville MI. Sherry loved being a mother more than anything and is survived by her daughter Tamara A Yonkers and grand-doggies Grace Kelly and Danika. Sherry also loved gardening as she was a master gardener. She was a charter member of the Fruitport Lioness Club, a member of Fruitport Congregational UCC where she sang in the church choir for many years and was a member of the Woman’s Fellowship. She was a volunteer for Harbor Hospice and a lifelong member of Camp Paradise in Whitehall, MI. Sherry looked forward to gathering with her girls club every month which they have done since graduating in 1965. Sherry was preceded in death by her parents and her two brothers Sam Rettinhouse and Scott Johnson. She is survived by her daughter Tamara A Yonkers her two sisters; Pam (Mike) Williams & Robin (Grayling) VanderVelde, brother Larry Johnson, sister-in-law Christi Rettinhouse, her three loving exchange students Silverio, Maikka, and Javier and many beloved nieces and nephews. Sherry had many friends, her light, laughter, and beautiful smile will always be remembered. A memorial service will be held at Fruitport Congregational United Church of Christ at 9 S 8th Ave, Fruitport, MI 49415 Saturday October 22, 2016 at 11:00 am. A visitation with the family will be held an hour before the service at 10:00 am. A luncheon will be held after the memorial by the Woman’s Fellowship of Fruitport Congregational UCC. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Paws with a Cause, American Red Cross, Fruitport Lionesses, or Fruitport Congregational UCC.
Mr. Richard Lee Briggs
Mr. Richard Lee “Dick” Briggs, age 71, passed away Friday, September 30, 2016. He was born in Wyoming, Michigan on June 27, 1945 to Charles & Norma Briggs and married the former Rebekah Hulings on May 8, 1982. Mr. Briggs had been employed in Quality Control for Georgia Pacific for years until retiring. He was a Boy Scout and Cub Scout Master. Richard loved children and animals and enjoyed being a crossing guard for Beach School for 18 years.
SURVIVORS
Wife of 34 years, Rebekah; children, Cheryl (Jessee) Briggs-Symko, Richard Briggs Jr., Michael Briggs; Renee (Adam) Botbyl; 7 grandchildren & 1 great grandchild; brother, Charles (Joan) Briggs; sister, Carol Briggs; brother-in-law, Roger Raymor; countless nieces, nephews and his wife’s family who were close to his heart; his beloved dog Rocky. He was preceded in death by his parents, foster parents, Dick & Eva Dubois; sisters, Pat Daggett, Norma Raymor; brother, Howard (Dorothy) Jebb.
SERVICE
Saturday, October 8, 2016, Noon at Clock’s Sunset Celebrations with Rev. Carlos Ramos officiating.
VISITATION
Friday, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Saturday one hour prior to the service at Clock’s Sunset Celebrations. MEMORIAL: In lieu of flowers please consider giving to the Fruitport Education Foundation-Briggs Scholarship Fund. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.
Clock’s Sunset Celebrations
My father, Richard Lee “Dick” Briggs passed away last Friday, September 30th, 2016 at 11 pm at the age of 71. He was the crossing guard of Beach elementary school. When he retired, the FAN ran an article about his service of 18 years to the school district. Dad had always been involved in FCS, whether it was volunteering for school events or fundraisers. Dad was also a cub and boy scout master, giving his time to the organization and any child he could assist. He loved Fruitport completely and because of this, we are choosing to hold his visitation and funeral service at the Clock Sunset Celebrations location in Fruitport, MI. Visitation will be Friday from 6-8. The service will be at 12 on Saturday with visitation one hour prior and reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, we are asking people to consider donating to Fruitport Education Foundation – Briggs scholarship fund.
–Renee Botbyl
Mrs. Wanda Rettinhouse
Wanda Jean (Mullins) Rettinhouse, age 66, formerly of Fruitport, MI, passed away on Monday, October 20, 2014 at Minnequa Nursing Home in Pueblo, CO after battling a long illness. She is survived by her husband, Ronald Rettinhouse of 48 years, 3 Children; Amy (Theodore) Houston of Appleton, WI, Ronald (Diane) Rettinhouse of Muskegon, MI and Ricky (Dollie) Rettinhouse of Pueblo, CO, 8 Grandchildren; 4 Great Grandchildren; 1 Sister; Many Nieces and Nephews, and 1 Aunt. She was preceded in death by her Parents; Marjorie and Chester Ruthkowski and Brother, Donald Mullins.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2014 at 11:00 am at Anchor of Hope Church, 2815 W. Giles Road, North Muskegon, MI 49445 with Rev. Edward Wilder officiating. Visitation with the family will be 1 hour prior to the service.
Mrs. Ruth Bean
Mrs. Ruth Bean, age 89, of Muskegon, passed away December 11, 2013. She was born September 6, 1924 to Charles and Minnie Schmiedeknecht in Claybanks Township, Oceana County. She was a teacher in Fruitport. She married Delbert Bean in 1947. He preceded her in death.
Memorials: Our Redeemer Lutheran Church or the Activities Department at Lakewoods Nursing Center.
Mr. John Boukamp
Mr. John “Jack” Boukamp, age 83, of Fruitport, passed away Friday, December 6, 2013. He was born in Muskegon on September 12, 1930 to Tom and Hilda (Sorrenson) Boukamp. He married the former Martha Lohman in 1952. She preceded him in death.
Memorials: Pound Buddies Rescue or Faithful to Felines Rescue.
Mrs. Judith Brandow
Mrs. Judith K. Brandow, age 71, of Nunica, passed away Thursday, November 28, 2013. She was born in Muskegon on July 13, 1942 to Lawrence C. and Arlene V. (Loosemore). She was the widow of Jack Brandow.
Memorials: Hospice of North Ottawa.
Mr. Roger E. Breuker
Mr. Roger E. Breuker, age 81, of Muskegon, passed away Saturday, November 23, 2013. He was born in Muskegon on April 22, 1932 to Reverend John and Cornelia (Heemstra) Breuker. He was a member of Fruitport Christian Reformed Church. His wife, Marilyn survives him.
Memorials: Western Michigan Christian High School Gym or Covenant Christian School (Ludington).
Mr. Charles Dagen
Mr. Charles L.”Pat” Dagen, age 90, of Muskegon, passed away Sunday, November 10, 2013. He was born in Muskegon on March 17, 1923, to Charles and Christine (Jensen) Dagen and married the former Donna Hoover in 1947. She survives him. He was a member of the Fruitport Polar Bear Post V.F.W. # 3734.
Memorials: Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.
Mrs. Nina DeVries
Mrs. Nina Arlene DeVries, age 78, of Fruitport, passed away Sunday, November 17, 2013. She was born April 29, 1935 in Muskegon to Charles and Daisey (Haase) Fricke. She married Ronald M. DeVries in 1955. He passed away in 2004. She attended Trinity Baptist Church.
Memorials: Trinity Baptist Church.
Mr. Gordon Eggleton
Mr. Gordon H. Eggleton, age 91, of Fruitport, passed away Friday, October 11, 2013. He was born July 31, 1922 to Howard and Elsie (Turner) Eggleton, and married the former Beatrice Hansen, who preceded him in death. He later married Lucille Mergener, who survives him. He was a member of Dr. Martin Luther Lutheran Church.
Mr. David S. Fisher
Mr. David S. Fisher, age 62, of Fruitport, passed away Thursday, October 3, 2013. He was born in Grand Haven on October 5, 1950 to Harold and Joyce (McFall) Fisher. He married the former Karen L. Webster in 1998. She survives him.
Memorials: The Lake Effect Chapter of the Michigan Duck Hunters.
Mr. Gary Lee Flowers, Sr.
Mr. Gary Lee Flowers, Sr., age 67, of Muskegon, passed away Thursday, October 24, 2013. He was born in Muskegon on December 26, 1945 to Andrew “Jack” and June (Brown) Flowers. He is survived by his wife, Anita (Alsteen) Flowers.
Memorials: West Michigan Veterans, Inc.
Mr. Roby Hart
Mr. Roby Hart, age 57, of Kalkaska, died Friday, November 15, 2013. He was born in Muskegon on February 11, 1956 to Robert and Shirley (Baxter) Hart and married the former Donna Mitchell. She survives him.
Mr. Ferris Hering
Mr. Ferris Erwin Hering, age 100, of Muskegon, passed away Friday, November 15, 2013. He was born in Nunica on December 3, 1912 to Hunter and Mattie (Nehmer) Hering. He married the former Lois C. Seaver in 1941. She preceded him in death.
Memorials: Lake Harbor United Methodist Church or Poppen Hospice House.
Mr. Richard Huss
Mr. Richard “Rick” Huss, age 53, of North Muskegon, passed away Wednesday, November 6, 2013. He was born April 11, 1960 in Muskegon to Marvin and Edith (Cross) Huss and lived his early life in Fruitport. He married the former Roberta Garber in 2010. She survives him.
Mr. Robert S. Keyes
Mr. Robert S. Keyes, age 46, of Fruitport, passed away Friday, October 25, 2013. He was born in Muskegon on August 9, 1967, to Ralph and Lillian (Stebelton) Keyes, and married the former Carmen Lance, who survives him.
Memorial contributions to the family are appreciated.
Mr. Ronald Lampman
Mr. Ronald D. Lampman, age 77, of Nunica, passed away Friday, October 11, 2013. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean.
Mr. Mark Lee
Mr. Mark Virgil Lee, age 55, of Fruitport, passed away Monday, November 25, 2013. He was born on April 13, 1958 in Muskegon, and married the former Laura Ann Hamstra. She survives him. He was secretary of the Fruitport Township Planning Commission.
Memorials to his three daughters’ education fund c/o Fifth-Third Bank.
Mrs. Janice Marshall
Mrs. Janice M. Marshall, age 63, of Fruitport Township, passed away Thursday, November 28, 2013. She was born in Muskegon on February 2, 1950 to Carroll and Louise (Dewey) Conklin. Her husband, Rex, survives her.
Donations to the family are appreciated.
Mr. Thomas Martin
Mr. Thomas A. “Tom” Martin, age 75, of Muskegon, passed away Sunday, November 10, 2013. He was born February 18, 1938 to Thomas B. and Maxine (Pitts) Martin in Muskegon, and was raised in Nunica.
Memorials: Harbor Hospice.
Mr. Jay Mead
Mr. Jay “Frank” Mead, age 77, of Nunica, passed away Tuesday, November 26, 2013. He was born February 11, 1936 in Kalamazoo to Jay L. and Gertrude (Tyler) Mead.
Memorials: Hospice of North Ottawa.
Mr. Norman L. Murray
Mr. Norman L. Murray, age 66, of Fruitport, passed away Saturday, December 7, 2013. He was born in Muskegon on November 24, 1947 to James “Ed” and Agnes “Jewel” (Wilson) Murray.
Memorials: Harbor Hospice.
Mr. Carl Olson
Mr. Carl Olson, age 93, of Fruitport Township, passed away November 13, 2013. He was born in Muskegon on May 22, 1920 to Carl and Esther Olson. He married the former Nellie Smith in 1954. She survives him.
Memorials: Harbor Hospice.
Mr. Frank Pouch
Mr. Frank T. Pouch, 64, of Fruitport, passed away Friday, October 4, 2013. He was born January 22, 1949 in Cordova, AK to Vernon and Jean (Glasen) Pouch. He was a member of the Fruitport Eagles.
Memorials: American Cancer Society.
Mr. Lester Price
Mr. Lester L. “W8QAY” Price, age 76, of Muskegon, passed away Saturday, November 23, 2013. He was born January 11, 1937 in Benton Harbor to William and Esther G. (Lester) Price, and married the former Judy Coates, who survives him. He was an active member at Trinity Baptist Church.
Memorials: Trinity Baptist Church.
Mrs. Iva Simot
Mrs. Iva May Simot, age 85, of Muskegon, passed away Friday, November 22, 2013. She was born in Cedar Springs on April 27, 1928 to Gerald and Mertyl Spencer. She owned Simot’s Drive-In. Her husband, Edward, survives her.
Memorials: Harbor Hospice – Poppen Residence.
Mr. Bradley Smith
Mr. Bradley Norman Smith, age 66, of Sparta, passed away Wednesday, September 25, 2013. His wife, Karen, survives him.
Memorials: March of Dimes.
Ms. Dorsey Smith
Ms. Dorsey Smith, age 69, of Fruitport, passed away Sunday, December 8, 2013. She was born to Eugene and Verla Scott and had been an RN for the State of Michigan and Mercy-Health Partners.
Mr. George Webster
Mr. George E. Webster, age 59, of Fruitport, passed away November 30, 2013. He was born in Muskegon on December 2, 1954 to Jesse and Mary Webster. He is survived by his wife, Dee. He was a member of the Fruitport Eagles.
Memorials: DAV or Noah Project.
Mrs. Betty Weise
Mrs. Betty Weise, age 88, of Fruitport, passed away Monday, December 9, 2013. She was born in Fruitport on February 5, 1925 to John and Edna (Petersen) McManamey. She had been employed as a bus driver and Administrator of Transportation for Fruitport Public Schools.
Mr. Lowell Zimmer
Mr. Lowell Zimmer, age 88, of Nunica, passed away Monday, December 2, 2013. He was born June 7, 1925 in Grant, Michigan to Jesse and Herma (Cole) Zimmer. He married the former Ruth Wierenga on August 18, 1945 in Spring Lake, Michigan. He is survived by his wife, Ruth.
Memorials: Faith Hospice in Byron Center, Michigan.