| Key | value |
| Key | value |
indicates that the individual has a Lasting Memories online memorial website
| Conroy, Steven E. |
| Gloden, James Harlow |
| Guernsey, Wayne George |
| Kent, Mabel H. |
| Riker, Loren C. |
| Swanson, John "Jack" |
| Waldron, Colleen |
Steven E. Conroy age 61, of Trufant, passed away Friday, November 21, 2025 at Corewell Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. He was born August 17, 1964 in Grand Rapids. Steven spent his childhood on his family’s farm in Greenville. He later lived in his own home adjacent to the farm for the next 30 years. In his last decade he resided in Trufant. Born with an adventurous spirit and an instinctive reverence for nature, Steven felt most himself under an open sky. Whether he was hiking ridgelines at dawn, casting a line into quiet water, or building a fire that warmed both body and soul, he had a way of turning simple moments in the outdoors into lasting memories. Those who accompanied him on the trail remember not only his deep knowledge of the land but also his patience, humor, and quiet joy in sharing what he loved. Even though he enjoyed nature’s peaceful solitude, he also loved to socialize. Steven never walked into a room he couldn’t brighten, and he never left a gathering without making at least one new friend. Whether he was hosting impromptu get-togethers, cracking jokes that eased a heavy moment, or simply listening with genuine interest, he created spaces where people felt at home. A natural connector, Steven thrived on conversation, stories, laughter, and the small everyday exchanges that build strong communities. He was the person friends called when they needed advice, comfort, or simply someone to share a late-night meal with. His kindness was effortless, and his warmth left a mark on everyone fortunate enough to cross his path. Steven is survived by his son Dustin (Sarah) Young of Grand Ledge; two grandchildren Lincoln and Novah Young; brother Roger Conroy of Greenville; niece Amber Conroy of Hudsonville; great nephews Lucas and Logan; and his life partner Darla Lake of Trufant. He is preceded in death by his parents Roger & Shirley Conroy. A celebration of his life will be held 1 to 4 PM Saturday, December 6, 2025 at the Greenville Moose Lodge, where those who knew him are invited to gather, share stories, and honor a man who found peace and purpose in the great outdoors. Arrangements are by the Marshall Funeral Home, Greenville, www.marshallfuneralhomeinc.com for complete obituary and to leave a message of condolence for the family.
Age 73, of Crystal, passed away Friday November 28th, 2025, at Carson City Sparrow Hospital. The son of Harlow and Betty Gloden. He was born on April 27th, 1952, in Lansing, MI. On February 1st, 2014, in Crystal, he married Kathy Marie (Geselman) Gloden and together they helped raise their step-grandchildren and enjoyed 11 years of marriage. Jim worked at TRW in Lansing for 30 years and received full retirement. Jim also ran his guns and antique shop, JHG, for 40 years. During his free time Jim loved to explore the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. One year Jim even bagged the biggest buck in Michigan. Jim enjoyed camping and traveling. For the past five years Jim and his wife, Kathy, drove their motorhome south for the winter and explored the warmer states such as Florida, Louisiana, Georgia, Arizona, and all the states in between. Jim also liked visiting lighthouses and collecting rocks along the shores of the Great Lakes of Michigan. James Gloden was preceded in death by Harlow Gloden (father), Betty Gloden (mother), John Gloden (brother), Nancy Gloden (wife), Drew McCormick (step-grandson). Surviving are his wife Kathy Gloden, nephews Charles Gloden and David (Cyrinda) Gloden, step-son Craig (Clarissa) McCormick, step-daughter Jane Noffsinger, step-grandchildren Neil McCormick, Edette McCormick, and Caitlynn Noffsinger. Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 11 am the Lux and Schnepp Funeral Home, Crystal with Pastor Keith Mitchell officiating. Interment will follow in Ferris Center Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday from 10 am until time of service at the funeral home. To view Jim’s obituary or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.luxfuneralhomes.com.
Wayne George Guernsey, age 71, of Ionia, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 28, 2025. He was born on May 31, 1954, in Greenville, MI, the son of Max and Della (Wait) Guernsey. On July 30, 1988, he married the love of his life, the former Martha Smith.
Wayne had a huge love for Jesus; he found joy in spreading God’s word through his work with the Gideon's. He was a member at South Boston Bible Church where he served on the board as treasurer. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, hunting, fishing and practicing photography in nature. Wayne was known for being able to strike up a conversation with anyone he crossed paths with (due to his 46 years working with Meijer, meeting with and talking to customers) he considered everyone a friend. He was a very generous man and was known for showing many acts of kindness. Wayne and Martha loved taking trips throughout Michigan hunting for lighthouses.
Surviving Wayne is his wife, Martha, of Ionia, sons; Eric Guernsey of Grand Ledge, Ryan (Carey) Guernsey of Rockford, Kevin (Angie) Guernsey of Saranac, Adam (Abigail) Guernsey of Ionia and Sadie Guernsey of Ionia, Brothers, Dennis (Beth) Guernsey of Greenville and Jerry (Beverly) Guernsey of Greenville, in laws, Greg (Carmen) Smith of Ionia, Peter (Laurie) Smith of Ionia, Sarah (Karl) Jones of Saranac, and grandchildren; Eliza, Wyatt, Weston, Ethan, Ava, Paigelyn, Lane, Levi, Eden and Ezra.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Max and Della Guernsey, in laws, John and Alice Smith and grandson, Clay Guernsey.
A Funeral Service will be held at 1 PM Friday, December 5, 2025, at South Boston Bible Church. Visitation will be from 11AM-1PM at the South Boston Bible Church Fellowship Hall. Interment to follow at Saranac Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to the The Gideons International. Online Condolences can be made at www.lakefuneralhomes.com.
Mabel H. Kent age 91, of Lakeview, formerly of Coral, passed away Monday, November 24, 2025 at Lakeview Terrace Assisted Living. She was born December 20, 1933 in Trufant, the daughter of John & Irene (Peasley) Christophersen. She was a member of Sidney Christian Church and loved to sew, plant flowers, read books and spend time with her family. Mabel is survived by her husband of 70 years, Arley Jr. Also surviving are her two sons Clifford Kent of Coral and Bruce (Shelly) Kent of Kalamazoo; two daughters Sherry (Sid) Ehlert of Coral and Veronica (Warren) Ostrander of Lakeview; fifteen grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; one great great grandson; brother John (Lillian) Christophersen of Gowen, sisters in law Maxine Christophersen of Gowen, and Diane Kent of Greenville and lots of nieces and nephews in whom she loved dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents John & Irene Christophersen, three sisters and their husbands Elsie (Dutch) Tyler, Helen McMeeken and Dorothy (Ken) Hulliberger and her brother Gilbert Christophersen. Visitation will be 3 to 5 PM Sunday, November 30, 2025 and Monday, December 1, 2025 from 11 to 1 at Marshall Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be Monday, December 1, 2025 at 1pm with Pastor Bernard Loew officiating. Burial will take place in the spring at Little Denmark Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the family. Arrangements are by the Marshall Funeral Home, Greenville, with complete obituary online at www.marshallfuneralhomeinc.com where you can leave a message of condolence for the family.
Loren Cecil Riker, of Portland, passed away peacefully on November 30, 2025 at the age of 95. He was born in Saranac, Michigan on October 6, 1930, the son of Cecil and Hazel (Glick) Riker. Loren was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, serving his country for over 20 years. In his free time, he enjoyed motorcycles, playing and watching golfing and bowling, and reading. Throughout his life, Loren loved to travel, more recently he cherished spending his winters in the warmth of Arizona and Florida.
Preceding Loren in death are his parents; first wife, Beverly Riker; second wife, Carolyn Riker; brother, Larry Riker; and son, Kevin Buskirk. Surviving Loren are his children, Val (Denny) Keefer of Owosso, Michael Riker of Grayling, Tina (Craig) Pung of Portland, and Scott (Chastity) Buskirk of Lansing; grandchildren, Laura (John), Lacie (Erik), Michael, Patrick, Maranda, Carmella, Maria, Dakota (Kelbie), Lexie, Chloe, Jesse, Shana, and Austin (Nakia); great-grandchildren, Mackenzie, Jackson, Phoenix, Elizabeth, Kaiden, Josie, Archie, Lillith, Kenadie, and Kevin.
A special thank you to all of the staff at Country Living Assisted Living and Hospice of Ionia and Lansing Area for the wonderful care they took of Loren.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 from 4-7 p.m. at the Lehman Funeral Home, 210 E. Bridge Street, Portland.
The Funeral Service will be officiated by Rev. Greg Gladding at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at Lehman Funeral Home, Portland. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuenralhomes.com.
John Alfred “Jack” Swanson, age 85, of Belding, passed away at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Thursday, November 27, 2025. He was born on April 25, 1940, Manistee, Michigan, son of Harold and Lucille (Ferguson) Swanson, both of whom preceded him in death. Jack graduated from Manistee High School with the Class of 1958 and went on to complete a Bachelor’s Degree at Western Michigan University, majoring in Industrial Education with a Woodworking minor. He earned his Master’s Degree at Central
Michigan University. Jack served as a teacher with the Belding Area Schools for 32 years and taught driver education for 26 years, positively impacting and forming the lives and futures of countless students. He married the love of his life, Leona “Lee” Graczyk on September 2, 1961, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manistee, and they shared 64 years of marriage.
In addition to dedication to his profession, Jack was active in many volunteer capacities for his church and community. He served as a little league coach, Cub Scout Master, food pantry volunteer and Friends of the Library member. He was an active church member volunteering his time and talent in countless maintenance and improvement projects. Projects included installing new handrails, building special display cabinets, adding custom wood trim to the church and refinishing the wooden entrance church doors. Jack volunteered his time heading up the Belding High School Football Chain Gang, operating the down box for close to 50 years before being inducted into the Belding High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He performed in many of the Booster Variety Shows at the High School. He was an active member of the MEA and NEA. He and Lee belonged to the Belding Good Fellowship Club for many years. For relaxation, Jack enjoyed his hobbies of woodworking, stained glass, stamp collecting, and sports. He enjoyed watching sports events, both professional and local. Jack especially loved when the grandkids and great grandkids competed in basketball, swimming, football, little league, lacrosse, soccer and band events. He loved to travel with Lee visiting Italy, Sweden, England, Canada and many of the U.S. States. Jack had a deep love for, and devotion to, God. He prayed the Rosary daily and never missed Mass, whether he was at home or traveling.
In addition to his wife, Lee, Jack is survived by his children, Jeff (Kay) Swanson of Belding, Beth Bush of Novi, and John Swanson of Rockford; grandchildren Amy Jo (Ben) Scarino, Justin (Lindsay) Swanson, Ashley (Eric) Wolfe, Brian Bush, Aden Swanson, and Cole Swanson; great grandchildren Jackson, Maisie, Levi, Miles, and Westyn; his twin sister, Jean Anderson of Freesoil, brother-in-law, Chet Kaczmarek of Manistee, three sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents and in-laws, Jack was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Ann Kaczmarek, and son-in-law, Russ Bush.
Visitation for Jack will take place on Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Verdun Family Funeral Home, 303 S. Bridge Street, Belding, Michigan 48809. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Father Richard Bartoszek at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025, at St, Joseph Catholic Church, 403 S. Bridge Street, Belding, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to express sympathy are welcome to consider a memorial donation in Jack’s name to Belding Area Schools Industrial Arts or Athletic Programs, the St. Joseph Food Pantry or the IM Kids Third Meal Program. Donation envelopes may be obtained at the services or by contacting the funeral home. For additional information, please contact the funeral home by calling (616) 794-1300 or visit verdunfh.com.
Colleen L. Waldron went to be with her Lord on November 22, 2025. She was born on October 29, 1933, to Edwin and Ruth Nyquist and lived her life in Ferris Township. She attended Vestaburg Community Schools, where she earned a letter jacket in tennis, (Something her children didn’t know she played until she hauled out a tennis racket to take down a bat that got in the house.) She attended Ferris State for Business. She loved to go to the Crystal Roller Rink, where she was introduced to a dashing, young fella named George. They decided they liked each other well enough, and, eventually, eloped on June 13, 1951. It endured for 73 years. They had 4 children and built a house with one of the most treacherous driveways (especially in winter) in Montcalm County. She was mostly a stay-at-home domestic goddess, but there were times she also held a job as secretary, weighing potato trucks, and several years as the Ferris Township Treasurer. Colleen’s faith in God was so evident in her life. She was a Prayer Warrior, continually relying on God during the difficult times. She was self-effacing, always giving God the credit when anyone complimented her…on anything. Colleen passed her faith onto her children and many other people by teaching Sunday School, directing Vacation Bible School, and being active at Ferris Church of Christ. She was known as an Encourager to all with whom she came in contact, and her warm smile engendered friendships. She learned how to play the AutoHarp and loved participating in Jams. In later years, she and George hitched up a 5th Wheel and became Snowbirds during the winter months, where some of her happiest memories were playing shuffleboard…and winning! They found a couple of co-adventurers in their cousins, Jerry & Vonnie Johnston, heading out West to work on potato harvesters, and just going hither and yon together. Colleen was also known for her many kindnesses, cinnamon rolls, and making quilts that she loved sharing with others.
She is survived by her husband, George A. Waldron: her children: Darrell Jody (Karen) Waldron; Kim (David, deceased) Hannebohn; Roxann (Rick) Roslund; and Brian Waldron; grandchildren: Jill (Pat) Crandell; Amanda Waldron; Elizabeth Waldron; Ben Waldron; Larissa Hannebohn; Joshua (Kourtney) Hannebohn; George Hannebohn; Rich (Margaret) Roslund; and Victoria Roslund (James Pohl); as well as 9 great grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild.
Her siblings are: Carolyn (Mel) Harrell, both deceased; Marilyn, deceased (Bill) Horton; Keith (Verona) Nyquist.
Her in-laws are: Wendell, deceased (Iva) Waldron; Eldon/”Tex” (Maribeth) Waldron, both deceased; Marjory (Lawrence) Hansen, both deceased; Lois, deceased (Steve) Johnston; Harvey Kay (Helen) Waldron; and Carolyn (Dick) Fitzpatrick.
There are also many cousins, nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held Friday, December 5, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Ferris Church of Christ, 3443 N. Crystal Rd. Vestaburg, MI 48891. Interment will follow in Ferris Cemetery, Vestaburg. Visitation will be held Friday, December 5, 2025, 10:00 AM until the time of service at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Waldron Family.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Lux and Schnepp Funeral Home, Riverdale. To view Colleen's obituary online or to leave condolence for the family please visit www.luxfuneralhomes.com.
A special thanks to Advisa Care Hospice for their compassionate assistance and care.