Newell Funeral Home

Bert D. Goens, 86, of Decatur, passed away on Friday, June 30, 2023 at his home in Decatur. He was born November 11, 1936 in Lawrence, MI to Howard and Dorothe (Woodford) Goens. The family will receive guests from 12pm until time of celebration of life service at 1pm, Saturday, July 15, 2023 at Newell Chapel, 83313 M-51, Decatur, MI. Interment will be held privately. Memorial contributions may be given to the Van Buren Intermediate School District, 490 South Paw Paw St., Lawrence, Michigan, MI 49064. Those wishing to leave an online condolence for the family may do so at www.newellchapel.com. Bert worked for many years in the educational system in Lawrence, serving the special needs...

Ren? Rangel, Jr., 58, lost his life tragically on Friday, March 3, 2023 while working in Lawrence, MI. He was born March 15, 1964 in San Juan, TX to Ren? Rangel, Sr. and Elida (Hernandez) Goens. The family will be having a Celebration of Life service at 12:00 pm on Monday, March 13, 2023 at the Decatur VFW, 560 N. Phelps St., Decatur, MI. Memorial contributions may be given to the Jordan Thomas Foundation, an organization helping kids get the prostheses they need to lead healthy and active lives, www.jordanthomasfoundation.org or 9005 Overlook Blvd, #742, Brentwood, TN 37027. You can also donate to Cass County Parks & Recreation - Lawless Park, 120 N. Broadway St., Ste 200, Cassopolis,...

Eugene Charles Homola, 86, of Decatur, MI, passed away at his residence on Wednesday, February 8, 2023. Arrangements have been entrusted to Newell Chapel, Decatur, MI. Eugene was born on November 19, 1936 in Whiting, IN to the late William and Helen (Sebatich) Homola. Eugene is survived by his wife, Cathy; children, Cynthia (Michael) Schultz of Decatur, Steven Homola of Jackson, Philip Homola of Decatur, Laura (Joe) Hillyer of Decatur, Joseph (Sandy) Homola of Paw Paw and Judy (Dan) Graham of Schoolcraft; 13 grandchildren; several great and great-great-grandchildren; brother, William (Jean Ann) Homola of Portage; and several nieces and nephews. Eugene enjoyed hunting and fishing, going...

Elaine A. Overley, 92, of Decatur, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at her home in Decatur. She was born July 29, 1930 in Kalamazoo, MI to Kenneth Springer and Alva Keeny and adopted by Edward and Elizabeth (Keeny) Vliek. The family will receive guests from 11am until time of celebration of life service at 1pm, Friday, January 6, 2023 at Newell Chapel, 83313 M51, Decatur. Burial to follow at Lakeside Cemetery, Decatur. Memorial contributions may be given to the VFW - Post 6248, 560 N. Phelps St., Decatur, MI 49045. Those wishing to leave an online condolence for the family may do so at www.newellchapel.com. Elaine was a family focused woman. After her marriage to Marvin...

Earl Jenkins, Jr., 86, of Decatur, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 3, 2022 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, MI. He was born January 29, 1936 in Princeton, WV to Paul Jenkins and Lorraine (Hartwell) Rodriguez. A graveside committal service will be held at 11am, Friday, November 11, 2022 at Hamilton Cemetery, Decatur. Those wishing to leave an online condolence for the family may do so at www.newellchapel.com. Earl was a devoted member of the Glenwood Seventh Day Adventist Church in Dowagaic, MI. He was also a proud Air Force veteran. Earl is survived by his brother, Nelson (Lora) Rodriguez; Marie Davidson; and many other extended family and friends. He is preceded...

Barbara A. Sandberg, 86, of Niles, MI passed away on Friday, June 17th, 2022, in her home with her family by her side. Barb was born in Chicago, IL on January 24th, 1936, to Michael Patrick Dineen and Ruth Alma Steele-Dineen. She loved her City of Chicago and held happy memories of growing up on the South Side. These memories she shared with her family and friends throughout her life. On February 25th, 1956, in Chicago, Barb married the love of her life, Raymond R. (Dick) Sandberg. Barb met Dick while in Decatur, MI where Barb spent her summers at her sister Peg's home. Decatur held a special place in Mom's heart. Barb and Dick loved to travel and were fortunate to visit numerous parts of...

Larry Eugene Macek, 81, of Decatur, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 16, 2022 at his home in Decatur. He was born April 17, 1941 in Decatur to Rudolph and Arlene Macek. A graveside will be held on at 2:30pm, Friday, July 8, 2022 at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Rd., Augusta, MI. Larry will be missed by his wife of 52 years, Janie Macek; his children, Christopher Gossett and Kenneth (Debra) Macek; his grandchildren, Kenneth Macek, and Lisa Macek; his brother, Charles (Jo) Macek; and his nephew, Chuck (Becky) Macek and their family.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Newell Chapel and Cremation Services.

James Allen McWilliams, born November 22, 1933, passed away on April 13, 2022, with his wife and family by his side. Jim lived a wonderful 88 years. He was born in Decatur, MI to the late Marvin and June McWilliams. He was preceded in death by his sister Mary in 1995. Jim graduated from Decatur High School in 1951. Served as Class President and enjoyed playing sports for the Raiders. After graduation, Jim enrolled at the University of Michigan, attended for a year but found his way back to Dowagiac and worked at Heddon's making fishing poles. A short time later, Jim joined the US Army for a couple of years and then enrolled at Western Michigan University where he graduated with a...

Raymond R. 'Dick' Sandberg of Niles, Michigan, passed away peacefully in his sleep in his home on January 11, 2022, days shy of his 89th birthday. Dick was born January 23rd, 1933, in Decatur, Michigan, to the late Raymond and Helen (Wegner) Sandberg. Born into a large family of 10 brothers and sisters, there was always hard work and good family times to be remembered. On February 25th, 1956, in Chicago, IL, Dick married Barbara Ann Dineen. They met while Barb visited her sister who had settled in Decatur, MI, continuing their courtship between Chicago, IL and Decatur, MI. Dick was employed for many years at Goerlich in Dowagiac, MI, and many more at Tyler Refrigeration in Niles, MI...

Sheri L. Notten, 61, of Decatur, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at Bronson Lakeview Hospital in Paw Paw. Sheri was born March 11, 1960 in Jackson, MI to Eugene and Dorothy (Rench) Lorencen. On October 4, 1980, she married Mark Notten in Jackson, MI. Sheri spent years donating her time and talents helping those in need, working with the Marcellus Area (Food) Assistance Program (MAAP). She gave hundreds of presentations on fetal alcohol syndrome throughout Southwest Michigan, and was a parent representative for special education. Along with her daughter, Amy and friend, Ronda Griner, she operated Santa's Express, buying and donating hundreds of presents annually so the...

George Skoropad, 77, of Decatur, passed away on Sunday, October 10, 2021 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. George was born in Prague, Czechoslovakia, immigrating to the USA as a child. He graduated from Tuley High School in Chicago, IL. After spending four years in the US Army, George made his working career in banking in Chicago and Kalamazoo. George was a former member of the Decatur Optimist Club, Friends of the Van Buren District Library, and the Decatur Romeo breakfast group. George also enjoyed gardening, sports, reading and living in Decatur. George is survived by his wife of 53 years, Florence Skoropad; his nieces and nephews; and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law in...

Wendell L. Reed, 81, of Decatur, passed away after a lengthy illness, surrounded by family at his home on Saturday, June 19, 2021. Wendell was born June 26, 1939 in Stannards, New York, to Harry and Phyllis Reed. He and his family moved to Michigan when he was a young child. He began his schooling at Lee School in Decatur and he graduated from Decatur High School, class of 1957. He served in the United States Army and he was honorably discharged in 1964. After his military service, he made a career in law enforcement, working for the Dowagiac Police Dept., Niles Township Police Dept., and Seven Trees Security until his retirement in 2011. He was an avid NASCAR fan, he loved hunting and...

Paul Steven Zelas, 63, of Kalamazoo, passed away Saturday, May 8, 2021 at Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo. The family will receive guests from 11:30am-12:30pm, Monday, May 17, 2021 at Newell Chapel, 83313 M51, Decatur, proceeding to Holy Family Catholic Church, 500 W. St. Marys St., Decatur for Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00pm. Burial to follow at Lakeside Cemetery, Decatur. Memorial contributions may be given to Holy Family Catholic Church or the American Heart Assn., www.heart.org. Those wishing to leave an online condolence for the family may do so at www.newellchapel.com. Paul was born April 13, 1958 in Chicago, IL to Eugene and Eugenia (Musial) Zelas. He graduated from Decatur...

Ruby Jean Frank, 64, of Decatur, passed away on Sunday, February 21, 2021 at her home in Decatur. The family will receive guests from 4-7pm, Friday, February 26, 2021 at Newell Chapel, 83313 M-51, Decatur. Visitation will resume from 10am until time of funeral service at 11am, Saturday, February 27, 2021 at Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church, 66325 M-152, Dowagiac (Sister Lakes). Burial to follow at Hamilton Township Cemetery, Decatur. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church. Those wishing to leave an online condolence for the family may do so at www.newellchapel.com. Ruby was born December 4, 1956 in Niles, MI to Melvin and Donna...

Fred Prak, 91, of Decatur, passed away on Monday, February 10, 2021 at Bronson Lakeview Hospital in Paw Paw. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at Decatur New Hope Community Church on Sunday, February 28, 2021 at 11:00 AM. Burial will take place at Harrison Cemetery. Refreshments will be provided following the service at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Newell Chapel, those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.newellchapel.com. Fred was born on July 14, 1929, in Decatur, to Harm & Margaret (Stam) Prak. On July 26, 1952, Fred married the love of his life, Joan Lutz, in Dowagiac. Fred was a truck driver for 35 years before retiring....

Nancy L. Ellsworth, 78, of Decatur, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 28, 2020, at Timbers of Cass County. A celebration of life service will be held at 2 pm on Thursday, December 31, 2020, at Newell Chapel, 83313 M-51, Decatur, MI. Burial will follow in Harrison Cemetery, Decatur. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service from 1-2 pm also at the funeral home. Due to COVID-19 and State regulation, masks and social distancing will be required. Memorial contributions in Nancy's name may be made to Riley's Hospital, Indianapolis. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.newellchapel.com. Nancy was born on November 5, 1942, in Decatur, MI. She worked for...

Larry Jim Queen, 65, of Decatur passed away in the comfort of his home on November 16, 2020. Larry was born on October 26, 1955. He was a long-time member of Carpenter's Union, Local 525. He was well known as a meticulous dry wall finisher that took tremendous pride in his work. Larry loved his family, the San Francisco 49ers, and watching birds at his bird feeders. Larry is survived by his wife of 33 years, Louanne (Rufo) Queen; his daughter, Maegen (Joshua) Richardson, and grandsons, Elijah and Ezra Richardson. He is also survived by Larry Queen, Amanda Queen, Brandon, Blake and Cameron. Per Larry's wishes, no services will be held. Memorial contributions may be given to the First Baptist...

Joan Nellie White, 85, passed away on Saturday, September 5, 2020, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. A private family Celebration of Life Service will be held. Friends may visit with the family for a graveside committal service on Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at 12:15 PM at Lakeside Cemetery in Decatur with Pastor Ron Coleman officiating. Out of respect for the family and guests in attendance mask will be required as well as social distancing. Memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel Church of God in Christ. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at https://www.starksfamilyfh.com/newell-chapel. Joan was born on October 15, 1934, in Decatur to Alba, Sr. &...

Joan Nellie White, 85, passed away on Saturday, September 5, 2020, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. A private family Celebration of Life Service will be held. Friends may visit with the family for a graveside committal service on Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at 12:15 PM at Lakeside Cemetery in Decatur with Pastor Ron Coleman officiating. Out of respect for the family and guests in attendance mask will be required as well as social distancing. Memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel Church of God in Christ. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at https://www.starksfamilyfh.com/newell-chapel. Joan was born on October 15, 1934, in Decatur to Alba, Sr. &...