THE GRAND RAPIDS PRESS
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2017
C3
POPMA, JOHN JAY 2/13/1955 - 1/30/2017 of Grand Rapids GR 2/12
MAY, CARL 11/4/1920 - 2/9/2017 Alpine Twp. Carl F. May, age 96, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 9, 2017. He was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Joan; daughter, Jeanne Klenk; son-in-law, Bill Klenk; parents, Oscar F. and Melena (Klein) May; his brother, Elmer May; brothersin-law, Jack Antor and Bill Antor; sisters-in-law, Donna May, Martha Raap, Donna Momber and Florence Antor; and great granddaughter, Riley Kay May. Carl is survived by his children, Patricia (Don) Szczepanski, James (Carole) May, Kathleen (Dan) Bolich, Robert (Cindy) May; his beloved dog and constant companion, Petie; sisters-in-law, June (Charles) Momber and Charlene (Richard) Alt; brothers-in-law, James Momber and James Raap; 11 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren, with a new one on the way, and many nieces and nephews. A lifelong resident of Fruit Ridge, Carl was more than a farmer. He was a devoted member of the local community. From his earliest days, Carl was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church
MULVIHILL, DONNA MAY KALAWERT 6/3/1926 - 2/3/2017 Donna May Kalawert Mulvihill peacefully passed away Friday, 2/3/17, at Clark Retirement Community in Grand Rapids MI. Preceding Donna in passing were her beloved husband James Mulvihill Jr, daughter Denice Mulvihill Verdon, sister Bonnie Kalawert Holleman, and parents Peter Cornelious Kalawert and Alice Vanden Burg Kalawert. Donna is survived by her children, Debby Mulvihill George, James (Paddy) Mulvihill III, Diane (Mark) Deremo, many nieces and nephews, and her dearly loved nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Donna was a very loving person, who was also loved in return by all. With a large family and group of friends she took great pleasure in her busy social life. Donna’s kitchen table was always an important hub for family and friends, and many great laughs and serious discussions took place in her kitchen. Donna was a lifetime resi-
in Wright Township. He was active in the Knights of Columbus Council 4004, and served also on the Kent County Soil Conservation District board. Carl volunteered as one of the original Alpine Township Volunteer firefighters. In their youth, Carl and his wife, Joan, were locally renowned for their lively polka dancing. Carl’s legacy will live on in his years of service to the community and in his beloved family. Carl’s family wishes to extend their profound thanks to home healthcare provider, Jeannette, and to Rachel, his hospice nurse who cared for Carl and Joan in their final months. Thank you to all of the caring staff at Faith Hospice at Trillium Woods for your support. The family extends a thank you also to Brent at Beuschel Funeral Home for his care and compassion in service to our family. The family will receive family and friends for visitation at the Beuschel Funeral Home, 5018 Alpine Avenue from 2 to 4 p.m., and 6 to 8 p.m., with the Rosary at 7:00 p.m., on Sunday, February 12, 2017 with Rev. Father Fredrick Brucker. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, February 13, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, with Rev. Father Fredrick Brucker and Rev. Fr. Dick Host as celebrants. Interment will be held in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. In memory of Carl, please consider contributions to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, or Faith Hospice, Trillium Woods.
dent of Grand Rapids. Donna graduated from Central High School and Kendall School of Design. Donna loved Michigan and especially this area. Donna would never have given up the beach and cottage at Grand Haven, her home in EGR that she lived in for over 60 years, the four seasons with Fall’s beautiful leaves and Winter’s first snow, to move anywhere else. Donna was extremely talented and willingly taught and passed on her skills to countless others. Whether it was her strong work ethic, humor, intelligence, spirituality, skill at playing games, or countless other abilities, Donna was always willing to teach and share her gifts with others. Many friends and family members learned how to swim, ski (snow and water), sew, knit, make jewelry, leather tooling, finger press instead of ironing, ice skate or even make an ice skating rink in wintertime, paint houses, put in and grow a tomato garden, fix just about anything, and most importantly how to live a good and productive life. Donna was famous for saying what needed to be said, in exact and easy to follow words, and her wisdom was always easy to follow. Simple and direct was Donna’s normal course of action and she was new age before there was new age, and a great life coach for all of the people who were in her life. There will be a small family life celebration for Donna later this summer at the family cottage on Lake Michigan.
NOWICKI, JANICE Age 68 of Grandville
MCNALLY, EDWARD “ED” 4/18/1925 - 1/29/2017 Grand Rapids Edward “Ed” D. McNally, 91, of Grand Rapids, died Sunday, January 29, 2017. He was born April 18, 1925 in Saginaw, Michigan, to Ephraim and Clara Ophelia (Pinkerton) McNally. Ed attended Saginaw High School where he met his beloved wife of 67 years, Joyce Nichols. After graduation in 1943, he joined the service and was an airplane armorer gunner in the U.S. Army Air Forces, 98th Bomber Squadron (Heavy), 11th Bomber Group, 7th Air Force and served in the Pacific Theater with the 337th Air Service Group in Okinawa. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant April 8, 1946. Following his discharge, Ed attended Michigan State University on the G.I. Bill. He married his high school sweetheart in 1949 and they made their home in Grand Rapids. Ed was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is fondly remembered for his annual vegetable garden, his rose bushes, his love of nature, and the long driving trips he and his family took while vacationing across the country. Ed was preceded in death by his sister, Phyllis (John) Westpheling. He is survived by his wife, Joyce, two daughters, Karen McNally and husband, Matt Korbeck, of Tempe, AZ, and Donna Milham; one son, Robert (Carol Van Houten) of Grandville; grandchildren Katherine, Melissa, Matthew, Michael, Marc, Miles, Mitchell, Mason, and MegAnne; eight greatgrandchildren; one niece, Patricia (Russ) Jones and one nephew, Michael (Jane Ann) Westpheling. Cremation has taken place and a private family Celebration of Life service will happen at a time and date to be determined. In honor of Edward and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Frederik Meijer Gardens. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcares.com
MORRIS, ELIZABETH M. Elizabeth M. Morris, aged 62 of Grand Rapids, passed away too soon on Friday, February 10, 2017. She was preceded in death by her mother, Renata Aulbach and brother-in-law, John Michel. She is survived by her father, Gordon Aulbach; sisters, Marguerite (Gary) Hansma, Angela (Tom) Morse, Kathryn Lund, Helene Michel, Louise (Fernando) Pfeiffer, Reny (Tom) Thrall; brothers, Philip Aulbach, Gordon (Laura) Aulbach, George (Sharon) Aulbach; numerous nieces and nephews; and very special friend, Sarah LaVoie. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 am at St. Stephen Catholic Church, 723 Rosewood Ave. SE, East Grand Rapids, with Fr. Scott Nolan presiding. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family on Tuesday from 4-7 pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4031 Clyde Park SW, Wyoming, and also at the church on Wednesday from 10-11 am prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to In The Image. Condolences may be sent online at www.mkdfuneralhome. com.
On Thursday, February 9, 2017, our dear mother, grandma and special friend to many, left us for a better place and to fulfill her heart. She was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Harry “Butch” Nowicki; son, Tyler Jon Nowicki; parents, John and Tressa Pepper; sister-in-law, Pamela Pepper; brother-in-law, Ron Sharp; and father-in-law, Harry Nowicki. She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Christa and Aaron VanderWall; her precious grandchildren, Hunter, Mackenna, and Cole Tomaszewski; granddaughter by heart, Marie Moore; brother, John Pepper; mother-in-law, Dorothy Nowicki; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Shirley Sharp, Pete and Sally Nowicki, David and Sheila Nowicki; many nieces and nephews, and her children by heart, John and Cheryl Naylor. Jan was a mother to many and Grandma Jan to many more. Funeral services will be held on Monday 11 am at Grandville United Methodist Church, 3140 Wilson Ave. SW, Grandville, with Pastor Rick VanderWall and Rev. Ryan Wieland officiating. Relatives and friends may meet the family Sunday from 2-4 and 6-9 pm at MatthysseKuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW and Monday from 1010:45 am, prior to the service, at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital - Mackenna’s Mission. Condolences may be sent online at www. mkdfuneralhome.com.
MULL, STEVEN
MCNAMARA, LOUIS MICHAEL Age 89 of Grand Rapids, was called from this world on Sunday, February 5, 2017, to join his parents, siblings and other loved ones. Born in 1927, he served in the U.S. Army and was an area tennis pro. He is survived by nieces, nephews and foster sons. A service is being planned for a later date.
Mr. Steven Harold Mull age 60 of Hastings, formerly of Grand Rapids passed away very unexpectedly on Thursday February 9, 2017. Surviving are his girlfriend of 24 years Tracy VanDenBrink and Tracy’s sons Joshua Roskamp, Casey Johnson (Barb Bennett), Cody (Michelle) VanDenBrink and eleven grandchildren whom he loved very much. Parents Jerry and Marilyn Mull, three sisters Tina Mull, Patricia Ganger, Janine (Terry) Goosen, five nephews and nieces Ryan, Kristina and William Ganger, Alex (Lindsey) Goosen and family, Jenna (Scott) Ware, aunts, uncles and cousins. Steve will be remembered for his genuine honesty and kind heart. He was an avid outdoorsman who spent many hours fishing for bluegill in his canoe. He loved to swim, golf and could tell a joke with lots of expression and enthusiasm. A Funeral and Committal will be celebrated Monday at 1:00 pm at the Arsulowicz Brothers Remembrance Mortuary, 3525 Remembrance Rd. His family will receive visitors Sunday 2-5 pm at the funeral home and Monday one hour prior. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to the American Heart Association.
PEEL, JERRY Byron Center, Michigan Jerry Peel, aged 77, was called to his heavenly home on Saturday, February 4, 2017. Jerry was the proud owner of Instaweld Inc., servicing throughout Michigan for 43 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Mary Peel. Surviving are his wife, Mary Ellen; daughters, Sherri (Clarence) Dashner, Brenda (Robert) LaCross, Linda Harper; six grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; and sister, Donna Lou Lloyd. A Memorial Service will be held 12 noon, Saturday, February 18, 2017 at First Cutlerville Christian Reformed Church, 1425 68th Street, SW; with Rev. Kenneth VanWyk officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Jerry may be made to First Cutlerville Christian Reformed Church. The family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday from 10 am to 12 noon prior to the service at the church.
John Jay Popma, age 61, passed away on Monday, January 30, 2017 after a long illness. Preceded in death by his father, John “Jack” Popma; sister, Carol Rae Lane Strickland, brothers, James Popma, Joseph (Ruth) Popma, and brother-in-law, Wayne Short. He is survived by his five daughters, Carol, Billi Jo, Jayelynn, Casey, and Randi Jo; 11 grandchildren; his mother, Maxine Veldman; sisters, Jan (Bill) Zomberg, Cathy Short (friend Jeff Rodriguez), Cathy Jo Lankerd, Lori Bracken; brothers, Jeff (Debbie) Popma, Robert (Julie) Veldman, Patrick Popma; and brotherin-law, Steve Strickland, and many other relatives and friends. Sincere apologies to the relatives and friends who missed John’s funeral service due to not having read Facebook (probably many of you), and finding out too late... May he rest in peace.
SANDERS, VERNA Verna Sanders passed away on February 4, 2017 at the age of 86 after a brave and strong fight against cancer. She was born April 25, 1930 in Grazier, Pennsylvania, a coal mining settlement. She was one of 8 children (Verna, Helen, Margie, Sue, Anne, Mary, John, and Mikey) of Andrew and Suzanna (Prokopovich) Semivan. Her father and mother immigrated to the United States in the early 1900’s from what became Czechoslovakia. After the early death of her mother when she was about 6 years old, she moved from Pennsylvania to live with her oldest sister in Detroit, MI. She lived in Detroit, MI until 1960 when she married Bill Sanders. Before moving to Grand Rapids, MI in 1967, the couple lived in St. John Woods (Berkley), MI and Ann Arbor, MI. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Grand Valley State University and a Master’s degree in Education from University of Michigan. In Grand Rapids, she was a homemaker, raised two sons, and worked as a school teacher in several public schools for more than 11 years. After retiring from teaching, she became an antique dealer, with booths in the Lowell area. She enjoyed traveling the world, visiting China, Europe, New Zealand, Russia, and Australia, and in later years, particularly enjoyed European river cruises. She also was a dedicated supporter of women’s causes. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, William Joe Sanders, her sons Robert A. and William H. Sanders, their respective wives Echo Hansen and Emily Sanders, four grandchildren Bryden Sanders, Elizabeth Sanders, Macy Sanders, and Zachary Sanders, her sister Susanna DePagter, and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at Fountain Street Church in Grand Rapids, MI at 11 a.m. on Monday February 27. Memorial gifts in Verna’s name may be given to the Fountain Street Church Choice Fund (www.fountainstreet.org/ choice-fund) or to the American Cancer Society (www. cancer.org/involved/donate/ memorial-giving.html). She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by all those she left behind.