Clark Chapel

For a complete obituary, service schedule, or to leave a memory online, please visit www.clarkch.com.

Chester Lee Tyrakowski Jr., 47, passed peacefully from this life to his eternal home on Friday, November 17th, 2023. Chester "Chet" was born in Niles, MI on March 31st, 1976, to Deborah (Krukowski) Merrill and the late Chester Tyrakowski Sr. Chet graduated from Dowagiac Union High School and continued his education studying logistics at Central Michigan University. He was a resident of Portage, MI and an extremely valued employee at Getman Corporation where he received regular recognition of and was rewarded for his strong work ethic. Chet was a man devoted to God and family. He never missed the chance to send good night texts expressing his love to his mother and siblings. He most enjoyed...

For updates on Chet's service schedule, to leave a memory online or to view a complete obituary, please visit www.clarkch.com.

David Wayne Freeman Burden, 73, of Niles, formerly of Dowagiac, passed away Thursday morning, November 16, 2023, at Corewell Health Niles Hospital in Niles, Michigan. Dave was born on April 3, 1950, in Shelbyville, IN and grew up in West Palm Beach, Florida. He graduated from John I. Leonard High School in 1968. His son Jeffrey was born shortly after graduating. Dave then moved to Michigan and worked at Hale's Hardware in Dowagiac where he met his future wife, Lisa. Immediately, Dave embraced and loved all 3 of his new children: Amber, Gary, and Danielle. He went on to have 3 additional children with Lisa: Victoria, Jacob, and Matthew. He was employed by Lee Memorial Hospital in Dowagiac...

Vickie L. Roden, 69, a lifelong resident of Dowagiac, passed away unexpectedly on Monday morning, November 13, 2023, at her home. She was born on September 22, 1954, in Dowagiac, the daughter of the late Ruby (Krager) Moore and Emerson Drake. Surviving are her husband - Ray Roden; brother - Richard Drake and several nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents; daughter - Shawn Drake; and three sisters - Cindi Carlock, Brenda Drake and Cheryl Nusbaum. Honoring Vickie's wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no public visitation or service. Arrangements were entrusted to Clark Chapel - Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, 405 Center St, Dowagiac....

Elizabeth Ann Buskirk, NEE Fricke, age 43, of Elkhart, IN, formerly of Dowagiac, passed away peacefully on November 10, 2023. She was born March 13, 1980, in Niles, Michigan. Elizabeth was a nurse who loved taking care of her patients. Her patients loved her truly loving care and her sense of humor. She was very charismatic with a wicked sense of humor. Elizabeth had many lifelong friends, many that she considered her sisters. To know her was to love her. She would do anything to help someone. She was especially proud of her children, especially her youngest, Isabella, age 4. One of her best memories was in September this year going to Disney World with her dad and his husband, her...

Sally Ann Carlock, 80, of Decatur, MI, passed away Saturday morning, November 4, 2023, at her home under hospice care surrounded by her family. She was born on April 11, 1943, in Gary, Indiana, the daughter of the late Harold and Florence (Conklin) Stock. Sally was a longtime bartender and fixture in the Dowagiac bar scene for over 40 years. When she wasn't keeping tabs at the bar, she spent time with her sisters, having fun traveling, visiting casinos and jewelry shops. She was also known to be in the kitchen making her famous peanut butter balls, fudge, cookies and jams for everyone she knew. In her younger years, Sally helped on the family farms. Though farming wasn't her passion, she...

Henry "Hank" A. Ziemke, 77, of Kalamazoo, formerly of Dowagiac, passed away Friday morning, November 3, 2023, at Rose Arbor Hospice from ALS and cancer. Hank was born on August 5, 1946, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, the son of the late Henry and Gertrude (Schreiber) Ziemke. Growing up in Sister Lakes, he was a 1964 graduate of Dowagiac Union High School. On August 26, 1967, Hank was united in marriage to Mary Palmer of Dowagiac. He continued his education at Central Michigan University where Hank earned his Bachelor's degree in accounting. Hank was employed as a CPA in finance and banking in Michigan, until his retirement. Surviving are his wife of 56 years - Mary Ziemke; two sons - Marc...

William Henry Schilling, 81, of Decatur, MI, passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, October 22, 2023, at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital after a brief illness. William was born On February 8, 1942 in Thornton, Illinois to the late Myrtle (Elsner) and Reverend William Carl Schilling. He graduated from New Haven High School in Michigan as a gifted athlete. William left home at an early age after meeting the love of his life Rita Kaye Moore. He went on to build, own and run three Schillings Auto Wash locations. As a successful, self-made businessman, his businesses were located in Dowagiac, Michigan, Niles, Michigan and South Bend, Indiana. William was a faithful Lutheran and an...

John Phillip Hess, 67, a lifelong resident of Dowagiac, passed away unexpectedly on Friday morning, October 20, 2023, at his home. John was born on February 12, 1956, in Dowagiac, the son of William Clayton Sr. and Phyllis Doris (Pfanmiller) Hess. John was a 1974 graduate of Dowagiac Union High School. On October 20, 1984, he was united in marriage to Cheryl Neumann. John worked as a heavy equipment operator for many years prior to starting an excavating business with his brother, Clayton. He returned to school and earned his Bachelor's degree in 2014, graduating with Honors from Bethel College. He then worked as a manager at Target in Mishawaka and Lowes in Benton Harbor. John retired in...

Jeffery S. "Jeff" Clark, 62, of Dowagiac, passed away on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at his home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, November 2, 2023, at 11:00AM, at Clark Chapel, 405 Center St. Dowagiac, with Pastor Mark Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Dowagiac. Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, from 5:00PM until 7:00PM at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in Jeff's name may be made to the Cass County Animal Shelter. Those wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www.clarkch.com. Jeff was born February 23, 1961, in Dowagiac, to Roy Clark, Sr. and Sharon (Starrett) Litton....

Bob Bernard Schuur, 84, of Dowagiac, passed away on Monday, October 10, 2023 after a brief illness. Bob was the oldest of eight children born to Mary Jane (Weiland) Schuur and George Bernard Schuur on May 18, 1939. He lived his entire life in the City of Dowagiac. Bob was well known around the Dowagiac community for his life of service. He was a long-time member of the Dowagiac Garden Club, a volunteer at the Dowagiac History Museum, and he served the community as the President of the City of Dowagiac's Cemetery Board. Many people knew Bob from his 55 years of employment at Dowagiac Lee Memorial Hospital. Most of that time he worked as an x-ray technician. Bob was the longest serving...

Timothy James Ketchum, 65, of Hopkins, MI, formerly of Woodstock, IL, made his final trucking journey on Thursday, September 21, 2023 at his sister's home, surrounded by his loving family. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 1:30 P.M. Sunday, October 8, 2023 at The Pokagon Band Community Center, 27043 Potawatomi Trail, Dowagiac, MI 49047. Private burial will take place at a later date at Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in King, Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, memorials donations in Tim's memory may be made to Ogitchedaw Pokagon Veterans. Arrangement have been entrusted to Clark Chapel, Dowagiac. Those wishing to sign Tim's Memory Book online may do so at www.clarkch.com....

Timothy James Ketchum, 65, of Hopkins, MI, formerly of Woodstock, IL, made his final trucking journey on Thursday, September 21, 2023 at his sister's home, surrounded by his loving family. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 1:30 P.M. Sunday, October 8, 2023 at The Pokagon Band Community Center, 27043 Potawatomi Trail, Dowagiac, MI 49047. Private burial will take place at a later date at Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in King, Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, memorials donations in Tim's memory may be made to Ogitchedaw Pokagon Veterans. Arrangement have been entrusted to Clark Chapel, Dowagiac. Those wishing to sign Tim's Memory Book online may do so at www.clarkch.com....

Glenn W. Duncan, 83, of Dowagiac, passed away late Monday afternoon, September 4, 2023 at his Michigan lake home that he loved so much surrounded by the people he loved. He was born on October 25, 1939 in Chicago, IL, the son of Glenn William and Marion F. (Hesek) Duncan. On October 3, 1959, Glenn was united in marriage to the love of his life, Mary Eileen Caden. They had three children. Glenn was selflessly devoted to his wife and children. He was an outstanding father and loving grandfather. Glenn was a tireless worker, who ironically passed away on Labor Day. Glenn was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed many outdoor activities; including golf, hunting, fishing, drag-racing and...

Flora M. Waters of Dowagiac was Born to Eternal Life on September 4, 2023 at the age of 100 years and 10 months, at Corewell Health Lakeland Medical Center in St. Joseph following a very brief illness. She was born November 4, 1922 in Hayti, MO to the late Dotson Bowie and Sarah Nash Owens. An 80-year resident of Dowagiac, she was the beloved wife of Joseph for 76 harmonious years, until his passing on May 9, 2014. She was the loving mother of Leroy (Yulonda Ward) of Benton Harbor and Larry (Adrienne) of Elm Grove, WI and the mother-in-law of Nancy of Muskegon and Joann of Lansing. Her memory will also be cherished by 12 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Flora will be lovingly...

Richard C. Flora, 85, of Niles, Michigan passed away on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at Riveridge of Niles. Richard was born on August 27, 1938, in Bowling Green, Kentucky, the seventh of seven children born to Nora (Pardue) and Jiles Flora. Richard grew up in Smiths Grove, Kentucky in his large and loving family. Growing up he had lots of friends and got into a lot of mischief. Richard graduated from North Warren High School in 1957 and Bowling Green College of Commerce (now part of Western Kentucky University) in 1961 with a teaching degree. After college, he moved to Michigan to be with two of his sisters and their families who had moved north. Richard met Ann Allerton in Dowagiac,...

Richard C. Flora, 85, of Niles, Michigan passed away on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at Riveridge of Niles. Richard was born on August 27, 1938, in Bowling Green, Kentucky, the seventh of seven children born to Nora (Pardue) and Jiles Flora. Richard grew up in Smiths Grove, Kentucky in his large and loving family. Growing up he had lots of friends and got into a lot of mischief. Richard graduated from North Warren High School in 1957 and Bowling Green College of Commerce (now part of Western Kentucky University) in 1961 with a teaching degree. After college, he moved to Michigan to be with two of his sisters and their families who had moved north. Richard met Ann Allerton in Dowagiac,...

Larry Clyde Bristol, 84, of Niles, formerly Buchanan, was reunited with his bride of 52 years on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at his home, with family by his side. A celebration of life service will be held at 5:30PM on Friday, September 1, 2023, at Swem Chapel, Buchanan. A gathering time will take place two hours prior, from 3:30-5:30, also at the funeral home. Burial will take place on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at 10:30AM at Oak Ridge Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Buchanan American Legion Post 51. Memorial contributions may be made to Caring Circle Hospice. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.swemchapel.com. Larry was born on July 31, 1939, to...

William L. "Bill" Taschereau, 56, of Benton Harbor, passed away Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at his home, surrounded by his family. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at Starks and Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd, St. Joseph. Friends may visit with the family from 12:00PM until 3:00PM on Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Lake Fork Church Cemetery in Atwood, Illinois at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Animal Aid of Southwest Michigan at www.animalaidswmi.org. Those wishing to write their sentiments on Bill's Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Bill was born on November...

Annabelle Boyd, 98, a lifelong resident of Dowagiac, passed away on Friday evening, August 11, 2023 at her home with her family by her side. She was born on November 11, 1924 in Dowagiac, the daughter of Logan and Anna (Fabian) Gillam. Surviving are three children - Ernestine Wares, James (Dana) Boyd and Bruce (Peggy) Boyd; thirteen grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her husband, Irving Boyd; son - Jack Boyd; twin daughters - Josephine Boyd (as an infant) and Maxine Edwards; four brothers - Arthur, Edward, Delmar and Richard Gillam; and three sisters - Marian Pompey, Edith Gillam-Conrad and Dorothy Shaw. A service to...