Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel

Michael Ralph Best, 66, of Jones, died peacefully, Saturday morning, April 13, 2024 in the comfort of his home in his family's presence. His life began July 12, 1957 in Niles, Michigan born to Dave Best and Joan Kane. Mike loved riding his motorcycle. He was self-taught mechanic that could fix anything. From cars and trucks to lawnmowers and chainsaws; if it had a motor he could fix it. He enjoyed making his own beer and wine. He was very proud of his boys and their achievements. He lived life by his own rules and was a free bird. Mike will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by the love of his life, Tami Owen of Jones; three sons, Josh Best of Michigan, Jeremy...

Michael Best, 66, of Cassopolis, died Saturday, April 13, 2024. Arrangements are being made by Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, of Cassopolis.

Kevin Rettic, 73, of Cassopolis, died Thursday, April 11, 2024. Arrangements are being made by Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, of Cassopolis.

Lorna Edith Mourning, 98, a life-long resident of Cassopolis, died peacefully in the early morning of Friday, April 5, 2024. The life of this wonderful lady who loved family and friends and never met a stranger, began August 22, 1925 in Cassopolis, Michigan, the youngest of fourteen children born to Loda and Alma Haines. She recalled the many happy moments spent with family as she grew up on a working farm with twelve brothers and one sister. Her parents were very proud of their farm and being able to live off the land. They would often comment about how blessed they were, especially during the depression, to be able to care for their family, with pigs, chickens, cows, and even a mule,...

Lorna E. Mourning, 98, of Cassopolis, died Friday, April 05, 2024. Arrangements are being made by Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, of Cassopolis.

Richard A. Mays Sr., 75, of Cassopolis, died peacefully, Sunday morning, March 31, 2024. His life began October 13, 1948 in South Bend Indiana, the third of four children born to William Edwin and Velma Louise Mays. He married Namiko Hagiwara in Japan on May 28, 1970. He also enjoyed rope make, creating fancy knotwork, military history and tinkering with anything electronic. Richard was stationed in Atsugi Naval Base when he taught Japanese to new military arrivals. He started in the United States Airforce from 1968-1978 and served in the United States Navy from 1978-1988, retiring from the United States Navy in 1988. He also retired as a military contractor at the Fallon Naval Air...

Ronald H. (Corky) Pond, 78, of Dowagiac, died peacefully, Wednesday evening, March 27, 2024 in the comfort of his home with his family's presence. His life began July 30, 1945 in Dowagiac, the third of six children born to Dick and Bessie Pond. He married Leilani K. Fisher in Dowagiac on October 3, 1964. After thirty two years of marriage, she preceded him in death in 1996. Ronald graduated from Dowagiac High School in 1963. He owned and operated Schott Saw Company for forty-three years. He loved his work and looked forward to getting to the shop every day. He retired and closed his shop in 2023. In his leisure time he loved watching NASCAR and attended many races. He also enjoyed deer...

Ronald Pond, age 78, of Dowagiac, died Wednesday, March 27, 2024. Arrangements are pending at Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, Cassopolis.

Ralph Dazell, age 76, of Cassopolis, died peacefully Thursday, March 21, 2024. His life began March 14, 1948 in Niles, Michigan, the third of five children born to Wendell and Jean Dazell. Ralph loved riding his motorcycle and sky diving, logging over five hundred jumps. He was a member of the National Ski Patrol, Harley Davidson Association and United Parachute Association. He was a true freedom lover and adrenaline junkie. Latter in life he reoriented spending more time with his family and loved ones. Ralph will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his daughter Christy (Kevin Stage) Brekke of Cassopolis; grandchildren, Matthew Ashby of Constantine, Theodore...

Ralph Dazell, 76, of Cassopolis, died Thursday, March 21, 2024. Arrangements are being made by Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, of Cassopolis.

Marianne Joy Wiliams, 86, of Cassopolis, died peacefully, Wednesday March 13, 2024, in the comfort of her family's presence. Her life began November 14, 1937, in White Pigeon, Michigan, the second of three children born to Frank and Carolyn (Schiereck) Ogrin. Marianne was the quintessential mother and her family was her priority. She was a woman of faith and a servant of the Lord. She loved her church and was very active. She retired from Heritage Southwest ISD where she served as custodian. She enjoyed helping students and was meticulous in her cleaning. This hard-working ethic continued in everything she did. She is known for her kindness, gentleness and her unconditional love. She was...

Marianne J. Williams, age 86, of Cassopolis, died Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Arrangements are pending at Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, Cassopolis.

Vivian Eileen Purkhiser, 88, of Niles, formerly of Cassopolis, died peacefully in her residence, early Monday morning, March 4, 2024. Her life began May 11, 1935 in Richmond, Indiana, born to Harold and Edna Snyder. She married Edwin Dale Purkhiser August 21, 1960 in Richmond, Indiana. E. Dale and Vivian were blessed with three children from this union. After forty-one years of marriage, he preceded her in death in 2002. Vivian was well known in Cass County and surrounding areas for her artwork. Before graduating from Richmond High School, she was awarded a full four-year scholarship to Dayton Art Institute. While raising three children and assisting Dale with a busy farm, she was...

Jerry Vailliencourt, age 82, of Niles, died Monday, March 4, 2024. Arrangements are pending at Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, Cassopolis.

Vivian E. Purkhiser, 88, of Niles, died Monday, March 04, 2024. Arrangements are pending at Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis, Michigan.

Janet Coreen Filley, 79, of Cassopolis, died peacefully Friday, February 16, 2024. Her life began March 11, 1944 in Elkhart, Indiana, the youngest of four children born to Howard and Ruby Berger. She married Elmer Frank "Sonny" Filley April 8, 1967 in Muskegon, Michigan. After fifty-six years of marriage, he preceded her in death in October 2023. Janet cherished her family, especially her grandchildren. She was a graduate of Penn High School in 1962. She went on to become a hair stylist and owned a beauty shop for many years. She was an artistic lady. She was a painter and enjoyed sewing. In her younger years, Janet enjoyed boating, water skiing, and just being by the lake. In the...

Janet Filley, 79, of Niles, died Friday, February 16, 2024. Arrangements are being made by Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, of Cassopolis

Stefone Heir "Fono" Conner, 33, of Cassopolis, was taken from those who loved him suddenly and unexpectedly Saturday, February 10, 2024. His life began April 22, 1990 in South Bend, Indiana, the younger of two children born to Charles Conner and Janine VanCleave. Stefone, a man that truly loved his family, You knew when Stefone walked into a room, you would be greeted with the biggest hug, laughter that filled a room, and a beautiful infectious smile that would melt you heart, His three wonderful amazing children, his second heartbeat. Zariah his first born and first true love. When he looked at her he would get lost in her eye's and they would fill with happiness and joy. Zayden his only...

Doren A. Preston, age 72, of Cassopolis, died Saturday, February 10, 2024. Arrangements are pending at Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, Cassopolis.

Stefone H. Conner, age 33, of Cassopolis, died Saturday, February 10, 2024. Arrangements are pending at Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, Cassopolis.

Donna May Proctor,84, of Edwardsburg, died peacefully, Thursday February 8, 2024, in the comfort of her family's presence. Her life began January 24, 1940 in Mancelona, Michigan, the eighth of nine children born to Clarence and Irma (Rapson) Near. She married Earl Proctor in 1961 in Cassopolis Missionary Church. Donna loved her kids and grandkids and great grandkids. All of her favorite moments and biggest smiles came from being with family. She enjoyed sewing, making crafts and especially helping at Diamond Cove Missionary Church. Donna will be greatly missed by family and friends. She is survived by her husband of sixty-two years, Earl Proctor of Edwardsburg; one daughter, Lori...