http://www.gordenfuneral.com/, http://Chappellfuneralhome.com/

Gorden Funeral Residence & Chappell Funeral Home, Allegan, MI (2026)

04/20/2026

𝟱 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗼 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴

There are probably as many ways to grieve the loss of a loved one as there are people grieving. But there are both healthy and unhealthy ways to grieve.

This brief article offers some useful advice on what you don’t want to do when your in a period of grieving: https://drjeffcaster.com/5-tips-coping-loss/

04/17/2026

𝗘𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22, raises awareness about protecting the environment and encourages action to preserve natural resources. Communities worldwide participate through cleanups, tree planting, education, and sustainability efforts that support cleaner air, safer water, healthier ecosystems, and responsible choices benefiting both people and the planet.

To learn more about Earth Day – it’s history and what you can do to celebrate - check out the following resources:

Earth Day (Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy): https://www.michigan.gov/egle/outreach/earth-day

52 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day (Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy): https://www.michigan.gov/egle/outreach/earth-day/celebrate

Earthday.org: https://www.earthday.org/

04/15/2026

Kathryn Mary Oberst
December 2, 1985 - April 15, 2026

In Loving Memory of Kathryn Mary Oberst

Kathryn (Katie) Mary Oberst, age 40, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away on April 15, 2026. Born December 1, 1985, Katie was a woman of remarkable strength and a creative spirit that resonated like the music she loved so dearly.

Though disabled since the age of one, Katie never let her circumstances define the boundaries of her world. She led a full and vibrant life driven by an enduring love for the fine arts and travel. Katie's life could be defined by her connection to song; whether she was singing in a choir or attending a concert, music was her greatest joy. When she wasn't singing, she was often found writing or lost in a book, fueled by a lifelong love of reading.

One of the most cherished highlights of Katie's life was a recent trip to Paris. Spending a week in the City of Light with her mother and sister was her ultimate wish--a dream fulfilled that served as a beautiful testament to her adventurous heart.

Katie's memory will be carried on by her father, Lawrence Oberst, and mother and stepfather, Kimberly and Frank Shelanskey. She is also survived by her older sister, Sara Oberst, and nephew, Elliot Erlbaum; her older brother, David Oberst, his wife Nicole, and niece, Claire Oberst; and her stepsister Jeanne Rietter, her husband John, and nephew Marshall Haskamp. She leaves behind a community of friends and extended family who will forever miss her voice, her resilience, and her kind heart.

Services will be held on Monday, April 20th at 11:00am at Ada Bible Church, 2045 68th Street SE, Caledonia. Visitation will precede the services at 10:00am.

Donations in Katie's honor can be made to Wings of Hope Hospice https://wingsofhopehospice.com/donate/ or the East Kentwood High School Drama Department:
https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/Xhw1pj-q7pel2850pILLRQ

04/14/2026

Dawn Marie Childress Hiscock

January 21, 1955 – April 4, 2026

Dawn Marie Childress Hiscock, 71, of Pullman, Michigan passed away on Saturday, April 4th, 2026, at her home. She was born on January 21st, 1955, to Arlene Kline.

Dawn grew up in West Olive but made Pullman her home in 1985 where she spent the remainder of her life. She enjoyed being the matriarch of her family, caring for her dog Izzy, and traveling, being outdoors, and crocheting.

Dawn will be remembered for her giving heart and deep love for her family.

She is survived by her husband, Terry Hiscock, siblings Robin Wilson, Jodi Hershberger, Tom Brower and Ted Barnes, her children Stacy Warren, Angie Bird, and Melvin Hoffman, Derek Wyatt, Christopher (Jen) Hiscock, Jermey (Kara) Hiscock, 18 grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

The family takes comfort knowing she has joined her late brother Curtis Owen and her daughter Shannon Huddleston in eternal peace with the Lord.

04/13/2026

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴

For many of us, the start of spring means getting outside and revitalizing our gardens. To help get you motivated, here’s a great podcast (with written transcript) from A Healthier Michigan offering valuable tips on how to get your garden ready for spring.

https://www.ahealthiermichigan.org/stories/diet-and-nutrition/how-to-get-your-garden-ready-for-spring

04/09/2026

Ottis Bernard "Bernie" Strother
April 15, 1941 - April 1, 2026

Ottis Bernard Strother, 84, of Holland, MI, passed away Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at Medilodge of Zeeland. Born April 15, 1941 in Somerdale, OH, he was the son of the late Ottis Denmark Strother and Evelyn Mary Strother. Bernie, as he was affectionately known, loved the Chicago Cubs, his flowers, watching Antiques Roadshow, doing crossword puzzles and spending time with his pet birds, Otto and Lucky. He had worked as a teacher and Director of Guidance at Covert Public Schools for thirty years, retiring in 1997. Bernie was the Pastor of Glenn United Methodist Church for twenty-five years, retiring in 1998. His calling as pastor and guidance counselor was his true passion in life. Bernie lived in South Haven for over thirty years before he moved to Holland in 1998. Bernie loved sharing his life stories and wisdom with everyone he encountered in his life; that’s just who he was. He will be truly missed by everyone that knew and loved him.

Bernie is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn Sue and Tom Brown of New Philadelphia, OH; twelve nieces and nephews; twenty-three great nieces and nephews; and close friends (adopted kids) Terry Van Kampen, Melody Steinberg, Melissa Rios and Ryder Rodriguez. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Walter Berry, Jr. of Ohio.

In accordance with Bernie’s wishes, cremation has taken place and services will take place privately.

04/09/2026

𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗳 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 – 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

“Our grief is as unique as our fingerprint. There is no single path or timeline. The heart
takes its own pace, finding meaning in its own way. Be patient. Healing is not forgetting, it’s remembering with less pain.” — David Kessler

“Grief turns out to be a place none of us know until we reach it. We expect it to be linear, but it isn’t. It is a shifting landscape of emotions – shock, anger, longing, denial, small moments of peace. What we discover is that grief is not a single feeling but a state of being, a season of the soul. There’s no ‘getting over’ a loss. There’s only learning to live with the shape of absence. Healing comes when we stop demanding that grief leave us and instead let it walk beside us until it grows gentle.” — Joan Didion

“The soul would have no rainbow if the eyes had no tears.” — Native American proverb

04/04/2026

𝟓 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐨 𝐈𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 – 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

Spring is here, so there’s no excuse. Time to get out the door and enjoy everything that Southwest Michigan has to offer. We know you have your favorites, but maybe there’s a few things you didn’t know about. That’s where we come in. Below are five activities you and your family can enjoy in Allegan and the surrounding area this month:

𝗠𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞 & 𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗟 𝗣𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗭𝗢𝗢 (𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗻)

Brought to you by the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra and the Allegan District Library. Bring the kids and enjoy a reading of The Color Monster accompanied by music and interactive learning by Symphony musicians.

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: April 6, 11:00 am-12:00 pm
𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Allegan District Library, 331 Hubbard St, Allegan
𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: https://kalamazoosymphony.com/event/storybook-spring-allegan/

𝗨𝗣 𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗘 & 𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗗 (𝗣𝘂𝗹𝗹𝗺𝗮𝗻)

Come on out to Pullman for an evening of learning all about the “wild world of Michigan’s mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds”. A naturalist from the Outdoor Discovery Center! treats you to an evening packed with live animals from our area. Sponsored by the ODC Network, this is great one for the whole family.

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: April 13, 5:30-6:30 pm
𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Pullman People Helping People, 925 56th St, Pullman
𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: https://outdoordiscovery.org/events/up-close-wild-at-pullman-people-helping-people/

𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗠𝗔𝗚𝗜𝗖 𝗛𝗜𝗞𝗘 (𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱)

Inspired by Leigh Ann Henion’s book Night Magic, this after dark hike will introduce you to the “ways in which wildlife depends on natural darkness and how artificial light can disrupt those natural processes.” Brought to you by the Radar Hill Hiking Club and the Outdoor Discovery Center!, this is another great free event and no registration is required.

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: April 16, 9:00-10:00 pm
𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Outdoor Discovery Center, 4214 56th St., Holland
𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: https://outdoordiscovery.org/events/night-magic-hike/

𝗠𝗜𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗔𝗡 𝗔𝗟𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗔 𝗙𝗘𝗦𝗧 (𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗻)

Now in its 28th year, the Michigan Alpaca Fest (formally the Michigan International Alpaca Festival) is a family-friendly event featuring alpaca shows, youth competitions, fleece judging, educational demonstrations, and artisan vendors celebrating alpacas and their fiber industry. Admission is free, but be sure to leave your dog at home.

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: April 18, 8:00 am-5:00 pm and April 19, 8:00 am-2:00 pm
𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 150 Allegan County Fair Drive, Allegan
𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: https://mialpacafest.com/

𝗞𝗜𝗗𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗖𝗔𝗡𝗩𝗔𝗦: 𝗦𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗕𝗜𝗥𝗗𝗦 𝗔𝗧 𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗛𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗟𝗜𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗥𝗬 (𝗥𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱)

Arts and crafts time, with 1-5 graders taking their brushes and painting “cheerful birds perched on a branch while learning simple canvas painting techniques.” This is a free activity. You’ll need to register ahead of time, though, which you can do on the webpage linked below.

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: April 23, 4:00-5:00 pm
𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Richland Community Library, 8951 Park St, Richland
𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: https://nowkalamazoo.org/event/kids-and-canvas-spring-birds-at-richland-library/

04/03/2026

Rosemary (Martin) Kuhl
June 3, 1938 - March 31, 2026

Rosemary (Martin) Kuhl, 87, of Wayland, MI passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at her home surrounded by her family. Born June 3, 1938 in Three Oaks, MI, she was the daughter of the late Samuel and Carrie (Mangold) Martin and was the wife of the late Edward Kuhl. Rose had worked for General Motors for a short time and had made baby clothes for Kessler’s. She and her husband, Ed, were founding members of Runaways of Michigan Car Club. Rose enjoyed quilting, jigsaw and crossword puzzles and diamond art. Most of all, though, she loved spending time with her family.

Rose is survived by her five daughters, Dodie (Bruce) Laube, Judy (Danny) Myers, Linda (Ron) Lannon, Janet (Ray) Bender and Terri Kuhl (Doug Berens); sister, Charlotte Stephens; brother, Danny (Maxine) Martin; seventeen grandchildren, forty-seven great-grandchildren and fourteen great-great-grandchildren. Along with her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by five siblings; her grandson, Mark Browne; and her newborn son, Jimmy.

The family will receive friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel, on Monday, April 6, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM with a funeral service beginning at 12:00 PM. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Wayland.

04/01/2026

Mari Katherine-Duwannette (Evans) Thomson
August 18, 1967 - March 25, 2026 (Age 58)

Mari Katherine-Duwannette (Evans) Thomson passed on March 24th, 2026, at Borgess Hospital surrounded by her children, family, and loved ones. Mari was born to her late parents Richard and Cheryl (Burchette) Evans on August 18, 1967, in Allegan, MI 49010. Mari will be loved and missed by her family and friends. She is survived by her children, Desiree Christman (Dana Haist) of Allegan and Mickey Christman, Teddy Evans and fiancé (Kyra Benham) Hudsonville, Donna Evans (Justin Towne) of Gobles and Brandon Veldhuis, Claudya Thomson (Charlie Worthington) Three Rivers, Crystal and Jason Davis of Allegan, and Billy Thomson of Allegan; siblings, Scott Evans of Allegan, Lisa Evans of Allegan, Rebecca Evans of Bangor, Lori Evans of Arkansas, cousin much like a brother Zhane Knight of Allegan; many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mari loved spending time with family the most. She was proud of her children and loved ones for succeeding in life. Mari is now watching over all of us with her parents Richard and Cheryl Evans of Allegan. Husband William Thomson of Allegan. Granddaughter Willow Thomas of Three Rivers and Brother Mark Evans of Georgia and Rick Evans of Traverse City, MI.

The moment that you left me, my heart split in two. One side filled with memories; the other side died with you. I often lay awake at night when the world falls fast asleep and take a walk down memory lane. With tears upon my cheek “Remembering” you is easy, I do it everyday but missing you is a heartache that never goes away. I hold you tightly within my heart and there you will remain. You see life has gone on without you but will never be the same.

We plan on doing a celebration of life for mom on June 13th, 2026, at Littlejohn Lake County Park at 3:00 PM located at 3540 113th Avenue, Allegan, MI 49010. All are welcome to come celebrate our mommy and remember all the good times with us.

04/01/2026

𝑬𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑬𝒈𝒈 𝑯𝒖𝒏𝒕 𝑻𝒊𝒎𝒆!

It’s a tradition. It’s fun for the whole family. It’s Easter egg hunt time! And there’s a lot of them to choose from in Allegan and the surrounding area this weekend. Here’s a look at just a few available.

Be sure to check the links for details.

𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝘄𝗶𝗺 & 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝗴𝗴 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝘁
When: Friday, April 3, 10:00 am
Where: Allegan Aquatic Center, Allegan High School, 1560 M-40, Allegan
Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1560-m-40-allegan-mi-united-states-michigan-49010/open-swim-easter-egg-hunt/1846141926066820

𝗞𝗮𝗹-𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗺’𝘀 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗘𝗴𝗴 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝘁
When: Saturday, April 4, 9:30 am
Where: Kal-Haven Outpost, 500 CR-687, South Haven
Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/500-cr-687-south-haven-mi-united-states-michigan-49090/free-egg-hunt-april-4th-930am/1324600509714636/

𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝗴𝗴 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽
When: Saturday, April 4, 10:30 am
Where: Hamilton Community Schools Practice Soccer Field, 3644 48th St, Hamilton
Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/hamilton-community-schools/easter-egg-drop/26180814768202198/

𝗩𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝗴𝗴 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
When: Saturday, April 4, 12:00 pm
Where: Vibrant Life Senior Living, 3700 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo
Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vibrant-life-senior-living-easter-egg-hunt-2026-tickets-1983991732680

𝗩𝗙𝗪 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝟲𝟮𝟱𝟮 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝗴𝗴 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸
When: Saturday, April 4, 10:30 am
Where: Merrill Park, 5845 Comstock Ave, Comstock
Link: https://nowkalamazoo.org/event/vfw-post-6252-easter-egg-hunt-at-merrill-park/

𝟮𝟯𝗿𝗱 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝗴𝗴 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝘁 @ 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸
When: Saturday, April 4, 9:00 am
Where: 4260 144th Ave, Holland
Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/4260-144th-ave-holland-mi-united-states-michigan-49424/23rd-annual-easter-egg-hunt-quincy-park/1227176392838422/

03/30/2026

Rebecca Ann Parisian
March 3, 1949 - March 29, 2026 (Age 77)

Rebecca Ann Parisian passed peacefully at the Wings Home in Allegan Michigan on the morning of March 29, 2026. A beach party celebration will be planned this summer at Oval Beach. Donations can be made to the joy of Rebecca’s life, her daughter Riley at https://gofund.me/f69837ec7

Gorden Funeral Residence & Chappell Funeral Home

04/20/2026

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