Clark Chapel

Anne-Lore Luise (Adrian) Sachtler, 99, passed away peacefully from our world on January 12, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born on June 1, 1925, in Neu-Ulm, Germany. Anne-Lore was a skillful teacher and was held in high regard by her pupils. She lived by example, was honest, inspirational, respectful, always positive, and encouraged harmony within the family. It was an honor to know her and she will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Anne-Lore was the proud wife of her late husband Professor Wolfgang Sachtler; the beloved mother of Adriaan Sachtler and his wife Patricia, Heike (Sachtler) Zaman and her husband Niek, and Yvonne (Sachtler) Alton and her husband Craig;...

Thomas J. Lehrer, 86, of Niles, formerly of Dowagiac, passed away on Saturday afternoon, January 11, 2025, at Corewell Health Niles Hospital. He was born on December 18, 1938, in Appleton, WI, the son of the late Moritz R. and Anna E. (O'Brien) Lehrer. On January 14, 1961, he was united in marriage to the former Bernice "Jane" Kusterer. Tom was employed by F.W. Woolworth Co. for 46 years until their closing in 1996, where he retired as Vice President. Surviving are three children - Charles Lehrer of Texas; Joan (Jerry) Povalawski of Idaho and Patty (Brad) Hickerson of Niles; twelve grandchildren; Carolyn (Bob) Shay, Jessica (Matt) Powers, Megan (Michael) DeLaFuente, Kathy (Andy)...

Helen L. Leich, 95, of Dowagiac, passed away late Thursday evening, January 9, 2025, at Woodland Terrace of Paw Paw Lake, Coloma, Ml. She was born on October 20, 1929, in Dowagiac, the daughter of the late Earl and Odessa Keyser. On May 15, 1948, Helen was united in marriage to Dean G. Leich. She was employed by the Dowagiac Schools in the administration office for 34 years until her retirement in 1985. Surviving are two children - John Leich and Mary (Dale) First; two grandchildren - Chris (Jenny) Leich and Tim (Angie) First; and three great-grandchildren - Henry, Charlotte and Claire First. Preceding her in death were her husband of 59 years, Dean Leich; and three sisters, Vesta...

Margaret P. Hutchings, 93, of Dowagiac, passed away Thursday morning, December 26, 2024, at Miller's Assisted Living in Dowagiac. She was born on June 19, 1931, in Gobles, MI, the eldest of ten children to Hershel and Hazel (Smith) Lawrence. Margaret grew up in Decatur, MI and attended Decatur High School. She worked as a waitress in Decatur and for her step-father at McBride's Restaurant in Dowagiac. On October 6, 1950, she was united in marriage to Eugene Hutchings in Decatur. Together they ran Hutchings Adult Foster Care Home on M-62 West in Dowagiac for several years. Margaret was also employed as a Nursing Assistant at Lee Memorial Hospital in Dowagiac, including the maternity ward,...

James Allen Waldschmidt Jr., 44, of Dowagiac, passed away at home on Monday, December 23, 2024. James was born on October 17, 1980, in Niles, MI. James, known as "Jimmy" by close family, will be remembered for his infectious laughter, big smile with dimples, bear hugs, and quick wit. James could take over a room with his laughter and smile. James was a 2000 graduate of Dowagiac Union High School, and in 2019 he proved to be "the brains of the family" when he graduated valedictorian with his IT certification. James spent the last several years in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas. James loved to spend time with his large family and his "ride or die" dog, Gwen. He was an excellent...

Kathleen Ann Baker, 79, of Dowagiac, peacefully passed away Sunday, December 22, 2024, at Corewell Health Niles Hospital, Niles, MI, surrounded by her family. Kathy was born on May 31, 1945, the daughter of the late Sylvester and Betty (Janes) Farrell. She married Bradley on March 7, 1981, and just celebrated 43 wonderful years together. Kathy earned a master's degree from Indiana University. She was employed by Brandywine Public Schools for 36 years, including instructing driver's education, until her retirement. Kathy never fully retired as she continued her teaching at Brandywine Schools as a substitute teacher for the next 16 years. She was proud of the many tattoos she acquired...

Bonnie Lee McCarthy, 77, of Dowagiac, passed away on Monday, December 16, 2024 at her home in Dowagiac. Bonnie was born on August 2, 1947, in Dowagiac, the daughter of the late Floyd and Virginia (Soule) Edgerly. She married Charles on December 14, 1968, and just recently celebrated 56 years beautiful years together. She was a cosmetologist who owned and operated Cleopatra's Hair Hut in Cassopolis for over 40 years, closing in 2020. Throughout her life, Bonnie was known for her lifelong dedication to North Red Hill 4H, as a leader for 60 years. In addition, Bonnie was a lifelong member of the Eastern Star. Bonnie will be missed by her husband - Charles "Chuck" McCarthy; two sons,...

Stanley Bronek Klimczak, 85, of Dowagiac, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at his home in Dowagiac. The family will receive guests from 2pm-5pm, Sunday, December 15, 2024 at Clark Chapel, 405 Center St., Dowagiac. A celebration of Stan's life will be held at 12pm, Monday, December 16, 2024 at the funeral home, proceeding to Mission Hills Memorial Gardens, Niles, for committal. Memorial contributions may be given to the Dowagiac Athletic Boosters, 701 W. Prairie Ronde, Dowagiac, MI 49047. Those wishing to leave an online condolence for the family may do so at www.clarkch.com. Stan was born April 30, 1939 in Poland to Thomas and Josephine...

A celebration of life gathering will be held privately. Arrangements entrusted to Clark Chapel, Dowagiac. The full obituary may be viewed at www.clarkch.com.

Philip Henry Crawford, 83, of Dowagiac, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo. The family will celebrate Phil's life with a memorial service held at 11am, Sunday, December 1, 2024 at Glenwood Seventh-day Adventist Church, 51089 Glenwood Rd., Dowagiac, Pastor Harry Rogers officiating. Interment will be held privately. Memorial contributions may be given to the Glenwood SDA church. Arrangements entrusted to Clark Chapel, Dowagiac 269-782-2135. Those wishing to leave an online condolence for the family may do so at www.clarkch.com. Phil was born March 16, 1941 in Lawton, MI to William and Myrtle (Bakeman) Crawford. On May 20, 1962 he...

Arthur E. Middleton, 89, of Dowagiac, passed away on Tuesday evening, November 19, 2024, at Cass County Medical Care Facility in Cassopolis. He was born on July 26, 1935, in Harper, Kansas, the son of the late Arthur D. and Maude (Graves) Middleton. On July 23, 1955, Art was united in marriage to the former Joretta Barnum. He was employed by Clark Equipment for 31 years, until his retirement in 1989. Surviving are his four children - Bob (Melissa) Middleton, Karen Clark, Barb Etzel and Caryl Fogarty; seven grandchildren - Rhonda (Steve) Longley, Cynthia Ropp, Alexandria Maggert, Kimberly Middleton, Kaitlyn Middleton, Danielle Etzel and Jordan Pender; and eight great-grandchildren. A...

Bonnie Jean Verkinder, age 99, of Palos Park, Il, formerly of Sister Lakes, MI, and the South Chicago suburbs, passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024, at Peace Village, Palos Park, Il. Bonnie began her life on December 16,1924, in Chicago. She was the daughter of Walter and Nora (Walsh) Firth. She graduated from Fenger High School in Chicago and was united in marriage to George Verkinder on Jan. 9, 1945, in Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Chicago. Bonnie's surviving devoted family includes her three daughters - Jacquelyn and her husband, Joe Farrell of Cheshire, CT, Judith Molinaro of Chicago, and Deborah and her husband - Jim Albano of Valparaiso, IN; nine grandchildren - Lisa...

Nancy M. McKay, Dowagiac, MI - Nancy (Moffitt) McKay, 88, passed away on Wednesday, November 13 in Dowagiac with her family by her side. Nancy was born to Russell and Evangeline McCarthy Moffitt in 1936. Always a city girl at heart, Nancy grew up in Chicago, IL before attending the College of St. Teresa in Winona, MN where she studied applied mathematics. In 1956, Nancy and her roommate attended a Notre Dame football game where she met her future husband, Douglas McKay of Dowagiac, MI. Immediately following college, Nancy returned to Chicago where she worked for the government on one of their first ever computer systems. At the time, Douglas McKay worked in Cleveland, OH and the two...

Richard "Rick" Allen Worley Sr., age 60, passed away on Sunday, November 10, 2024, in Lexington, Kentucky. Rick was born on September 23, 1964, in Niles, Michigan, the son of Nancy Burge Lyons, and Fred Worley. He was the beloved husband of Ruby Beaty Worley, and the father of Renee Fox, April Worley, and Richard Worley, Jr. Rick grew up in Michigan, living in Niles, Berrien Springs, and Ann Arbor. In 1979, his family relocated to California, and then Glendale Arizona, where he graduated from Deer Valley High School. Rick lived a life of service to his family and his country. He cared for and led his family with all his heart. Rick served in the United States Army from 1984...

Marilyn (Carpenter) Newell, 99, passed away peacefully on Friday afternoon, November 8, 2024. She was born on Nov. 26,1943 in Ashland, Ohio to Lloyd and Mildred Carpenter. She was united in marriage to Edward Newell on Nov. 8,1964 in Nova, Ohio. Marilyn lived a life full of faithful service: raising small boys while Ed was deployed in the Navy; going back to work to support the family while Ed returned to college; service in church and at Grace Christian School; working more than 10 years at Little Child Nursery School; passing on her faith to her children, grandchildren and daughters-in-law; honoring and serving her own parents. Marilyn leaves behind her beloved husband of 60 years -...

June O. Stanton, 93, formerly of Dowagiac, passed away early Friday morning, November 1, 2024, at Cass County Medical Care Facility in Cassopolis, MI. She was born on June 14, 1931, in Decatur, MI to Floyd and Eva Smith. She graduated from Hartford High school and met her loving husband Harry at the Soda Fountain in town. They were married December 31, 1949, in Dowagiac and spent 37 years making memories, children, and joy together. June was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was an amazing baker, and her grandchildren always requested her cakes and rolls for birthdays and holidays. June rarely met a cookie that she did not like, as long as it was accompanied by a cup of...

Markam Ronald Alexander, 64, of Dowagiac, passed away on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at his home in Dowagiac. He was born July 24, 1960 in Port Huron, MI to Dale and Diane (Ownby) Alexander. The family will receive guests from 1pm until the time of funeral service at 2pm, Monday, November 4, 2024 at Clark Chapel, 405 Center St., Dowagiac. Those wishing to leave an online condolence for the family may do so at www.clarkch.com . Mark is survived by his children, Georgie (Aaron) Clark, and Robert (Paula) Lonero; his grandchildren, Benjamin and Evelyn Clark, and Anthony and Gianna Lonero; his father, Dale Alexander; his siblings, Dale Alexander, Kim Alexander, Wendy (J.D.) Glaser, Lazarus...

Dorothy L. Walker, 99, of Dowagiac, passed away on Tuesday morning, October 29, 2024, at Cass County Medical Care Facility in Cassopolis, MI. She was born on November 13, 1924, in Lawrence, MI, the daughter of the late Clarence and Florence (Walker) Watson. On June 23, 1946, Dorothy was united in marriage to DeVern "Dee" Walker in Lawrence, MI. They were married for 64 years, until his passing on July 21, 2010. Dorothy worked as a Home Economics teacher for Dowagiac Public Schools for over 35 years until her retirement. She enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, camping, going to the casino, and watching basketball and baseball. Mostly, she enjoyed spending time with her family and...

Donald Pye, 92, of Dowagiac, passed away Saturday afternoon, October 5, 2024, at The Timbers of Cass County. He was born on April 26, 1932, in Mapleton, Maine, the son of the late Thomas and Eva (Judkins) Pye. Don was a veteran of the United States Army serving during the Korean War. On June 7, 1975, Don was united in marriage to the former Reba Sue Kent in Dowagiac. Don worked for the City of Dowagiac Parks Department for 14 years until his retirement. He enjoyed his retirement by continuing to work park time at Hale's True Value for 12 years. He was an avid Boston Red Sox fan, but the Atlanta Braves came close behind. His hobbies included tinkering and repairing lawn mowers, among...

Glenn J. Schultz, 96, of Dowagiac, passed away early Sunday morning, September 29, 2024, at his home. He was born on September 18, 1928, in Three Rivers, Michigan, the only child of the late Glenn and Marjorie (Avery) Schultz. On June 28, 1948, Glenn was united in marriage to the former Mary Lou Keeley. In 1961, Glenn purchased Keeley's Liquor Store in Dowagiac, from his father-in-law, Lloyd Keeley. He was the owner / operator until his retirement in 1979. Glenn was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting. He also enjoyed woodworking and spent many years making clocks. Surviving are two children - David (Julianne) Schultz, and Debora (Dennis) Collett; five grandchildren - Toby...

Frances V. Moroz, 94, of Dowagiac, passed away on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Cass County Medical Care Facility. A celebration of life service will be held at noon on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at Clark Chapel, 405 Center St., Dowagiac, MI. Burial will follow in Crane Cemetery, Volinia, MI. A time of visitation will take place one hour prior, from 11-noon, also at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cass County Council on Aging. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.clarkch.com. Fran was born on January 1, 1930, to Dana and Eva (Hull) Gard in Volinia, MI. She attended Dowagiac Union High School and graduated from Sister Lakes Beauty...