Newell Funeral Home

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. &...

Helen Marie Rybarski, 99, of Traverse City, MI, passed away on Tuesday, August 18, 2020. Helen was born on June 18, 1921, in Hartford, MI, to Frank and Dora (Ottinger) Bigelow. Helen married William (Bill) Albert Rybarski on March 1, 1940, in Decatur, MI. Helen and Bill lived in Decatur and farmed until 1976, when she moved into town. In 1981, she moved to Traverse City. Helen enjoyed sewing and crocheting and was also known by her family as the "Yahtzee Queen." Helen loved to play games and cards with her family and friends. Helen is survived by her two daughters, Marsha (Michael) Knight of Traverse City, MI, and Kathleen (Richard) Pittman of Huntsville, TX; nine grandchildren, Michelle...

Wilbur (Bill or Willie) Mathews, Jr., 80, of Decatur, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 20, 2020 in Portage. He was born August 7, 1939 in Kalamazoo to Wilbur, Sr. and Neta (Cubitt) Mathews. Cremation has taken place. A graveside service will take place at 11:30am, Monday, July 27, 2020 at Lakeside Cemetery, Decatur. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the West Michigan Cancer Center & Institute for Blood Disorders. Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf, and the outdoors. He was a long time railroad man, working for New York Central, Penn Central, Conrail and the Northfolk Southern railroads for a total of 35 years. Bill retired in 1999 and thereafter...

Susan C. Polomcak, 76, of Cassopolis, passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2020, at her home. A celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2020, at 12PM, at Newell Chapel, 83313 M-51, Decatur, with Pastor James Abshagen officiating. Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, July 8, 2020, from 5PM until 7PM at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Decatur VFW Post #6248 Lady's Auxillary. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.newellchapel.com. Susan was born on August 30, 1943, in Portsmouth, VA, to Eujene & Helen (Pence) Lolmaugh. She graduated from Schertz Cibolo High School in Texas in 1961, she then continued her education...

Virginia Rose Stanek, 92, of Dowagiac, Michigan, passed away June 29, 2020, in Cassopolis, Michigan. She was born August 7, 1927, to Preston and Florence Scott in Chicago, Illinois. At the age of two her family relocated to the Spiceland, Indiana, area where she spent most of her early childhood years. They returned to Chicago for a while. As a teenager the family moved to Three Oaks, Michigan, for a couple years before locating to rural Dowagiac. In 1946 Rose met the love of her life, Frank Stanek, and they were married November 10 of that year. They moved into a home in Glenwood that Frank had purchased and started remodeling before entering the service. Frank preceded her in death...

Willie (Bill) D. Pasley passed away in his home on Monday, June 29, 2020. Willie was born August 31, 1942 at home in Harlan Co., Kentucky. He moved to Michigan as a young adult and finished high school in Dowagiac. Preceding him in death were his parents, Millie and Jack Pasley; sisters, Maggie Mercereau, Waverline Pasley and stepbrother, Algin Pasley. With his first wife, Delores Stiffler Nee Pucheloff, he had four children. He worked at Sundstrand in Dowagiac and in the mid 1970's, started his own excavation company specializing in driveways, septic systems, moving houses and installing basements on existing homes. On May 3, 2003, Willie married Dortha Benson. He loved roller skating,...

MACKELLAR, Wendell Bruce Age 82 of Lawton, Passed away Saturday, June 27, 2020 in the comfort of his home. Wendell was born August 28, 1937 in Lawton, the son of Carl and Marvel (Abbott) MacKellar. In early life, Wendell enjoyed farming and had many fond memories and stories of working with his Grandfather, Orville Abbott on the farm as he grew up. He attended the Shaw school near his home, and then finished his education at Decatur High School. He graduated in the class of 1955. He met the love of his life, Irene (Kay) Bowling of Dowagiac and they were married in December 13, 1958. Wendell joined the National Guard shortly after High School. He also worked for the Michigan Department...

Mary Cresence Graham, 82, of Decatur, MI, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, June 22, 2020, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, after a brief illness. Arrangements have been entrusted to Newell Chapel & Cremation Services. A private service with immediate family has taken place. Interment will be at Lakeside Cemetery in Decatur, MI, at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association - West Michigan, https://www2.heart.org/site/SPageNavigator/donatenowheart.html 3940 Peninsular Drive SE, Suite 180, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Mary was born on February 6, 1938, in Paw Paw, MI. She was raised by her parents, Henry & Margaret (Mihelich)...