Sturgis Journal

Jeffrey Nile Lindsay, 59, passed away unexpectedly on September 24, 2021. He was born on May 13, 1962, in Greenfield, IN to Robert and Evelyn (Dodd) Lindsay. Jeff attended ITT Tech, earning his Associates Degree in 1985. He worked in IT all his life for companies as Pfizer, Chase Bank, and Hewlett Packard. He enjoyed going out to eat and fishing. He enjoyed having a good time wherever he went and doing whatever came about. He was extremely intelligent and applied that knowledge to his work on computers and software programs. If anyone ever challenged him on history, he could always recall events, places, and people. He was also well versed on current events and could debate for...

Timothy C. Rambadt, 59 years old, was a proud United Airlines employee and a long-time resident of South Bend, IN. He passed unexpectedly Thursday, September 9, 2021 at Memorial Hospital in South Bend. Timothy is survived by his nieces, Randi Schlabach and Rikki Aikens; nephew, Preston Aikens; and his great nephews, whom he valued deeply, Zachary Royer, Bailey, Logan and Dillon Schlabach. Timothy was born August 29, 1962 in Sturgis, MI. He was the son of Sarah Rambadt, who precedes him in death. After 34 years, he joins his beloved sister, Tina (Rambadt) Aikens and his grandparents, Lavern and Ruth Rambadt. In accordance with his wishes, cremation is taking place and there will be no...

Robert Paul Outman passed away peacefully at home on August 1, 2021 in Allen, Texas at the age of 65. He was born September 13, 1955 to Leon and Margaret (Rich) Outman in Coldwater, Michigan.Bob was raised in Leonidas, Michigan and had an early passion for sports and his community. He attended Ferris University, playing football, and studying education. Later he earned a Master's degree from Texas A&M University. He then settled in Allen, Texas with his growing family. Bob worked tirelessly with the Allen community dedicating his time to various nonprofits. His ultimate passion in life was his children and later his seven grandchildren. Some of his favorite activities were enjoying...

CONSTANTINE, MI - Steven Earle Chrisman, 71, of Constantine passed away Sunday, July 11,2021, at his home. He was born June 7th,1950, in Three Rivers MI to Harry Harvey and June Evelyn (Parker) Chrisman. He was their only child. On August 27th, 2005, in Sturgis MI, he married Deborah A. (Parlin) Hall, who survives along with her daughter Kasey (Connor) Spearow. Also surviving is Steve's daughter Stephanie (Shane) Chrisman, several cousins, including Theresa, who kept him up to date on the family, nieces, a nephew, Matt Owens, who was his constant companion when shooting sports were going on, and his former partner Malinda Quirin and her sons Andy (Christina) Salisbury and Kevin (Trina)...

Norma J. Knautz, 92, became an angel on June 23, 2021. Born in Chicago on July 2, 1928, Norma Jeanne Johnson was an only child but was close to many of her cousins. After graduating from Roosevelt High School and spending time at the University of Illinois, she earned the nickname, "Stormy Normie". It was during this time when she met her future husband for 52 years, Donald Knautz. Married on June 7, 1952 they had four children over 15 years - three sons and a daughter. While Don built a successful career at WGN-TV, Norma raised the children and was always at Don's side. Raising their family was a challenge as each child had a different personality and different interests. ...

Judith Brockway Disney, 89, of Sturgis, MI passed away on Friday, February 26, 2021 at the American House in Charlevoix with her loved ones by her side. She was born on July 3, 1931 in Lakewood, OH, the daughter of Gerald F. and Elizabeth (Brockway) Disney. Judy graduated from Culver-Stockton University with a Bachelor's Degree in Education. She taught for several years in Illinois before moving to Sturgis, MI in 1967 where she also taught, and eventually became principal of the elementary school. She also sold real estate and worked at Vogt's Flower Shop before retiring. Her pride and joy was being the owner of the oldest standing brick mill in Michigan which she restored to working...

Charles Wesley Adams, 87, joined his son, Howard, who predeceased him December 5th, 2020. He was surrounded by his surviving sons Jeffrey and daughter in law, Trish; Christopher and daughter in law Carrie; daughter Theresa; grandchildren, Nicholas, Mikey, Ashlee, Avery, Riley, Annabelle, Joey, and Logan. 3 other grandchildren, Wes, Sophia, and Alex live in California. Charles (Chuck) Wesley Adams was born January 11, 1934 in Sturgis, Michigan to Howard and Freda Adams. Chuck graduated from Sturgis High School where he majored in track and football and enrolled at Western Michigan University. He was drafted by the US Army but because he was a member of the Naval Reserve served in the Navy...

MISHAWAKA- Mark Edward Harmon, 69, of Mishawaka, died Monday January 25, 2021 at Paul's Group Home on Portage Ave. in South Bend, IN. He was born March 21, 1951 in Sturgis, Michigan to Edward and Joan (Messner) Harmon. On August 17, 1974 in Battle Creek, Michigan he married Ranah Hoard. She survives along with 2 daughters, Amy (Shawn) Gillespie of Ontario, Canada, Kasey (Jeramy) St. Clair of Mishawaka, IN; 5 grandchildren, Libby, Blake, Nolan, Masen, and Lilly. Also surviving are 6 siblings, David (Leilani) Harmon of UT, Keith (Debbie) Harmon of IN, Dale (Beckie) Harmon, Tim Harmon both of MI, Pat (John) Iannotti of FL, Krystal Schwartz and Michael Lipp of MI and numerous nieces and...

Geraldine Mae Jordan, 89, of Chichester, NH; passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, January 9, 2021 with her family by her side. Born on May 25, 1931 in Ossineke, MI, she was the daughter of the late Theodore and Stella (Kaiser) Marek. Geraldine was the owner and operator of the Fireside Inn Restaurant in Sturgis, MI for 22 years until her retirement. She was an extraordinary baker and was known for her famous strawberry jam. She enjoyed gardening and bird watching and in earlier years, she enjoyed traveling with her husband David, especially to Las Vegas. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her first husband, Lloyd LaCross and also by her second husband, David Jordan; two...

Joe R. Shinn, 93 of Shipshewana, passed away holding his wife's hand on December 22, 2020. He was born in Sturgis, MI on December 20, 1927 to the late Clyde and Ester Shinn. Joe proudly joined the Navy during World War II and served in the Philippines when the war ended 6 weeks later. Joe worked in Sturgis at Harter Corporation where he showcased his artistic side with catalog illustrations, he then went on to Sturgis Paneling before retiring from Ross Laboratories in 1992. Joe had a passion for family and friends that included spending weekends in the family pool, golfing on several leagues, camping with grandchildren and hosting card club. He also loved to travel and was blessed to tour...

Thomas Hunter 2/3/1948 ~ 12/11/2020 Thomas, 72, of Colon, Michigan passed Friday December 11 in Kalamazoo. He was born in Desha, Arkansas on February 3, 1948 the son of Woodrow W. Hunter and Edna L. (Dawson) Hunter. Thomas was a School Teacher, working for over 30 years at Colon Elementary School in Colon, MI. He was a dedicated family man, always placing his family's needs before his own. Thomas had a deep love and dedication for teaching, and he never forgot his students, and often kept in touch with them thru out the years. From a very young age Thomas was an extreme history buff and he traveled extensively in pursuit of knowledge of the "yester" year Thomas is survived by his...

Royce L. Miller, 89. of South Bend, died Thursday December 10, 2020. Born in Constantine MI on July 20, 1931, son of (the late) Clyde and Nellie (Johnson) Miller. Royce graduated from Constantine High School with the Class of '48 and married Margaret (Timm) Miller; she preceded him in death in 2000 after 46 years of marriage. He later married Marilyn (Johnson) Miller and she survives. Royce was also preceded in death by his brother, Galen Miller and his stepson, Mark Johnson. He is survived by his wife Marilyn Miller; sons, Randy Miller, Scott (Chris) Miller and Wade Miller; daughters, Lori Walsh and Lisa (Matt) Litwiller; stepson, Mike (Lori) Johnson; stepdaughter, Debbie Johnson and his...

John H Bontrager, 90, passed away November 30, 2020 at the Hearth at Stones Crossing in Greenwood, IN. He was born December 22, 1929 in Topeka IN, where he lived until enlisting in the Army after high school. He proudly served in WWII as part of the rebuild Japan effort, then was in the first wave of troops sent to Korea where he was a Sargent in the Signal Corp. John lived in and near LaGrange County until 2017 when he moved to The Hearth. He is survived by his daughters Beverly (Ted) Hoffman of Greenwood IN and Barbara (Dean) Maystead of Sturgis MI, as well as grandchildren Mikel (Lauren) Hoffman of Santa Monica CA, Riley (Graham Summers) Hoffman of Carmel, IN, Derek (Amy) Maystead of...

Wilbur Rheo Lintz, Jr., age 72 of Akron, Ohio, died on November 10, 2020 in Akron General Hospital after complications from the Corona Virus. He was born on April 19, 1948 in Three Rivers, Michigan, the son of the late Wilbur Rheo and Helen (nee Eggleston) Lintz Sr. Wilbur was a graduate of White Pigeon High School in Michigan and he went on to obtain an Associates Degree in Business. He worked for the Metro Parks for 28 years in the maintenance division. He enjoyed fishing and watching football, especially the Cleveland Browns and watching the Cleveland Indians. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Wilbur was also an honorably discharged US...

CONSTANTINE-Jennifer L. Kathan, 59, passed away November 9, 2020 at her home in Constantine, MI. She was born January 27, 1961 in South Bend, IN to Louis & Nancy (Pierce) Vida. On December 29, 2015 she married Warren "Butch" Kathan; he preceded her in death on January 25, 2017. She was also preceded in death by her father and a nephew. Surviving is her mother, 2 daughters, April Wyatt-Bert, Terra Smith, 5 grandchildren, Lillian, Dalee, Jaxsin, Paytin and Journee. Also surviving are 5 siblings, LuAnne Dehner, Cindy (Joe) Sypniewski, Joan (Jeff) Peterson, Gary (Joanne) Vida, Robert Vida, numerous nieces and nephews and her dog, Teddy. Jennifer worked at several places...

Rosalie nee Potts, (Cook) Malott, of LaGrange, In. & St. Joseph, MI, passed away on Monday, September 7, 2020, at her home. She was born on June 15th 1936, in South Zanesville, OH, to Clifford & Leone Potts. Rosalie married David A. Cook on October 23rd 1954 who preceded her in death on January 7, 2002. On September 4th 2004 she married Herbert F. Malott. Rosalie was employed over 30 years at St. Joseph Savings & Loan where she retired as Vice President of the Mortgage & Loan Department. Her greatest joys were time spent with family and friends as well as cooking the most fantastic Sunday dinners. She will be deeply missed by all who have known her. Rosalie was a stranger to...

MANNING - Scott Lee Stevens, 63, husband of Debbie Dale Stevens, died Monday, August 10, 2020, at his residence. Born May 16, 1957, in Sturgis, MI, he was a son of Lelah Beers Palmer and the late Leonard Stevens. He loved riding his Harley Davidsons and was an avid fisherman and hunter. He loved spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife of 43 years; one daughter, Maranda Stevens-Drenth (Arnold) of Manning; three sisters, Patricia Rhodes (Robert) of Nashville, TN, Sandra VanEmon (Bruce) of Three Rivers, MI, and Michelle Rees of Sturgis, MI; a stepsister, Kelli Brooks (Joe) of Burr Oak, MI; and a number of nieces and nephews. In addition to his father, he was preceded in...

WHITE PIGEON-Carolyn Sue Comstock, 71, passed away March 6, 2020 at her home in white Pigeon. She was born June 13, 1948 in Anniston, Alabama. On June 28, 1986 she married Rickie Comstock; he survives along with her 2 children, Anthony (Angie) Montgomery, Belinda (John) Garrett, 3 stepchildren, Lisa, Kari and Troy. Also surviving are 16 grandchildren, 13-great grandchildren and 2 siblings, Donna (Don) Phillips and Tony Childers. She was preceded in death by her parents Carl Childers & Ruby (Hodge) Balde and 1 son, Billy Montgomery. Carolyn was a very loving, compassionate and caring women. She had a giving heart and would do anything for anyone. She was also a member of the...

SHIPSHEWANA-Larry Lee Shoppell, 64, passed away at his home in rural Shipshewana, March 4, 2020. He was born in Coldwater, MI, February 28, 1956 and had lived in the Michiana area most of his life except for 3 years he served in the U.S. Army in Colorado and Germany. He was last employed by Syndicate in Middlebury, IN. He loved music and was an accomplished drummer. He also loved camping, fishing, adventure and football. He will be sorely missed by his family and was a great aid and comfort to his elderly mom. In 2012 he married Kelly Rogers. He is survived by his loving wife, Kelly Shoppell, mother, Jan Shoppell of Sturgis, 2 brothers, Bob (Carol) Shoppell of Pasadena, TX, Gary...

Edwin Troyer, 75, Bristol, Visitation 2:00 - 7:00 pm on Wednesday, at Miller-Stewart, Middlebury. Funeral at 11:00 am Thursday at First United Methodist Church, Middlebury.

Ronald Lee Pairan, 68, of Sturgis, MI, died at 10:40 am, on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at his residence. He was born on September 21, 1951 in Angola to Archie and Marian L. (Starrett) Pairan. Surviving are son, Rodney L. Pairan of FL; two grandchildren; brother, Roger (Diane) Pairan of Shipshewana. He was preceded in death by his father, Archie Pairan and mother, Marian L. Neadstine; brother, Dallas Lee Pairan. He worked for several area companies including Modern Air, Weather Head and a mushroom factory in Orland. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. The family will hold services at a later date. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Orland. Online condolences may be offered at...