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

12/28/2025

𝟒 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫’𝐬 𝐄𝐯𝐞 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲

You don’t have to stay home to ring in the new year on December 31. There are lots of fun NYE events happening in and around Allegan. Here’s a look at four of the best:

𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐧

𝗡𝗬𝗘!𝟮𝟲 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿’𝘀 𝗘𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Free, family-friendly party featuring food trucks, hot beverages, massive firepits, ice skating, a silent disco, live music, and Michigan’s largest lighted ball drop. Sponsored by the City of Allegan and lots of local businesses.
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: 8:00 pm till 12:01 am
𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Allegan Riverfront State, 1 Riverfront Plaza, Downtown Allegan
𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: https://www.facebook.com/events/727427450400352/

𝐊𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐳𝐨𝐨

𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿’𝘀 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁
New Year’s Fest marks its 40th anniversary this year with this “all-ages” celebration. Expect plenty of performing artists including bands, comedians, jugglers, magicians, ventriloquists, and maybe even some princesses and super heroes. Admission is $10.
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: 6:00 pm till 12:00 am
𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Bronson Park, 200 W South St, Downtown Kalamazoo,
𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: https://www.newyearsfest.com/

𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐧

𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿'𝘀 𝗘𝘃𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽 & 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆
Ring in the new year in Downtown Muskegon with the annual NYE Ball Drop and Fireworks Display. Western Avenue will be closed down for the fun that includes live music by Flexadecibel, DJs, local food and beverages, and the ball drop and fireworks lighting up the lakeshore at midnight. Free of charge.
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: 8:00 pm till ?
𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 4th St. and W. Western Ave, Downtown Muskegon
𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: https://www.visitmuskegon.org/event/new-years-eve-ball-drop-%26-fireworks-display/11869/

𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧

𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿’𝘀 𝗘𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Downtown streets will be shut down for a “full-on block party celebration” with fireworks, music, food, and culminating with the annual 1000 Beach Ball Drop at midnight. There are plenty of other events and activities scheduled throughout the day and evening, so everyone can get in on the action.
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: Noon till 12:00 am
𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Downtown South Haven
𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: https://www.southhaven.org/events/festivals-celebrations/new-years-eve/

12/25/2025

𝑴𝒆𝒓𝒓𝒚 𝑪𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒎𝒂𝒔!

Gorden Funeral Residence and Chappell Funeral Home wish everyone peace, comfort, and joy on this Christmas Day. May the warmth of cherished memories bring light to your hearts.

𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗹𝘀 by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–1882)

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head;
“There is no peace on earth,” I said;
“For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men!”

12/22/2025

𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫

I was thinking about how most of us view the coming new year as a chance for new beginnings. But how do we find our way to those new beginnings when we have recently lost someone close to us and are grieving that loss?

I found these three articles online that might provide you with some insight into facing the new year with meaning and purpose as you continue to work through your loss.

𝙉𝙚𝙬 𝘽𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙏𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙂𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙛: 𝙉𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙜𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙉𝙚𝙬 𝙔𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝘼𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙇𝙤𝙨𝙨
Website: https://www.honoryou.com/new-beginnings-through-grief-navigative-new-year-after-loss

𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙄 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙉𝙚𝙬 𝙔𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝘼𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙂𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙛
Website: https://www.mounthopetopeka.com/blog/6241/newyeargrief

𝙂𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙛 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜: 𝙎𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙉𝙚𝙬 𝙔𝙚𝙖𝙧
Website: https://www.hospiceaustin.org/grief-and-healing-setting-your-intentions-for-the-new-year/

Please leave a comment if you found any of these articles helpful to you.

12/22/2025

Marta (Martha) Sanchez
June 6, 1958 - December 19, 2025

Marta Maria Sanchez, age 67, of Douglas, Michigan, formerly of Fennville, Michigan, passed away Friday, December 19, 2025 at Zeeland Hospital. Marta was born in Plainwell, Michigan and lived in the Fennville area for many years and spent most of her working years at Birds Eye Foods.

She loved and cherished the time she was able to spend with her first-born grandson Octavious in his younger years. Listening to music, snapping her fingers while dancing, tending to her flowers and reading newspapers. She spent hours crocheting and watching daytime soap operas, especially The Young & The Restless. She was an amazing cook and didn’t need to follow a recipe when preparing authentic Mexican foods. She was the type of person who would have helped you in any way possible or offered support when you needed it most. She enjoyed the times spent with family and friends and took great pleasure in making people laugh with her quick-witted sense of humor. She has left a lasting impression and will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elizandro & Maria Sanchez; her sister, Elia White; her brother, Cresencio Sanchez; and niece, Kelly Sanchez. Surviving is her daughter, Melinda Coleman; brothers & sisters, Elizandro Sanchez Jr. of Missouri, Elida Miles of Pullman, Florentino (Maria) Sanchez of Holland, Lorenso (Susan) Sanchez of Arkansas, Mariano Sanchez of Muskegon, Jubentino (Diane) Sanchez of Fennville, Roberto (Josefina) Sanchez of West Olive, Manuel (Kimberly) Sanchez of Fennville, Miguel (Chris) Sanchez of Holland and Alisia (Doug) Redder of Hamilton; seven grandchildren; one great grandchild; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Visitation is from 6 – 8 pm on Sunday, December 28, 2025, with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at the Chappell Funeral Home in Fennville. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 29, 2025 at the Chappell Funeral Home in Fennville with Deacon Joe Alfaro officiating. Burial will be in the Pearl Cemetery, Clyde Township Allegan County, MI, with a luncheon to follow at San Felipe de Jesus Church 5586 117th Ave, Fennville MI.

12/22/2025

JoAnn (Reitman) Smith
March 29, 1940 - December 18, 2025

JoAnn (Reitman) Smith, 85, of Hopkins, MI passed away peacefully Thursday, December 18, 2025 at her home surrounded by family. Born March 29, 1940 in Grand Rapids, Michigan she was the daughter of Joseph and Frances Reitman and was the wife of James Allen Smith. JoAnn had worked at the Monterey Center General Store for over thirty years and was a longtime, active member of the Dorr Women of the Moose where she loved to help organize parties for the children. Christmas was JoAnn’s favorite holiday and there was not a single thing about the season that did not bring her joy; from her Christmas Village to baking and making candy, to watching her Hallmark movies. She also enjoyed crocheting, sewing, crafting and going to the casino and relaxing at the window watching her birds and seeing the beautiful flowers in the spring and summer. Each year, JoAnn and James looked forward to taking a trip to somewhere new after the tourist season was over and children were back in school in the fall. She brought back a bell from each destination and had amassed quite an impressive collection over the years that will be cherished by her family.

In addition to James, her husband of over sixty-five years, JoAnn is survived by her children, Kimberly (Roger) Rich, Debbie Smith and Sue Snyder; sisters, Frannie DeKorte and Margie (Bob) Martin; grandchildren, Justin Smith, Cory Henry, Zack (Lisa) Smith, Jeremy (Alexa) Snyder and Samantha (Brad) Kopenski; and great-grandchildren, Zoey, Phoebe, Ollie, Nolan and Jack, several nieces and nephews. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Caroline Iteen.

The family will receive friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel, on Friday, December 26, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM and a funeral service will begin at 1:00 PM. JoAnn will be laid to rest following the funeral service at Poplar Hill Cemetery.

12/19/2025

Mary Jo (Kelly) Duffey
January 28, 1953 - December 17, 2025 (Age 72)

Mary Jo (Kelly) Duffey passed unexpectedly with family by her side on December 17, 2025. She was born to her late parents Leo and Mary (Anderson) Kelly on January 28, 1953, in Holland, MI. Mary shared 49 years of marriage with Dennis Duffey who passed in 2021. She helped found and operate Nature’s Market in Holland, MI, then went on to manage at Oosting Furniture until retiring. Outside of work, family was everything to her, especially quality time and watching movies with her two grandsons.

She is survived by her children Brian (Sarah Huber) Duffey and Rebecca (Ryan) Miller and Cheryl Fett, siblings Kathleen (James) Dettling, Larry (Olga) Kelly, Christine Kelly, Diane (Kim) Slayer, and Theresa (Dan) Heorig; grandchildren Tristan and Liam Duffey; cousin Rose Stuck, brother-in-law Mike Duffey and sister-in-law Diane Lewis.

She is preceded in death by her husband Dennis Duffey and parents Leo and Mary (Anderson) Kelly.

12/17/2025

Margaret Ann (Lemoin) Leber
May 16, 1936 - December 15, 2025

Margaret Ann (Lemoin) Leber, age 89, passed peacefully from this life surrounded by her family on December 15th at Briarwood Assisted Living in Allegan, Michigan. Margaret was born on May 16th, 1936 in Allegan to the late Miles and Louise (Davis) Lemoin and was the youngest of their two daughters, joining older sister Mary. She was known to classmates and family as “Nuggie”, a nickname from her beloved father who called her his little nugget of gold. Margaret graduated from Allegan High School in 1954 and enjoyed life-long relationships with classmates and had fun memories of playing clarinet in the high school marching band. She married Ron Leber in 1955 and began life on the Leber family farm in Monterey Township. Margaret worked for many years at the ARC of Allegan and enjoyed working with the developmentally disabled. She liked traveling with them on their annual field trips around the Midwest and was beloved by her charges, many of whom called her “Mom”. Margaret was the church secretary for decades at the First Presbyterian Church in Allegan and was a constant fixture at church events. She also worked at Alexanders in Allegan and several other gift shops. She was a prolific cook and baker, and was known for her cookies, pies, and especially her cakes. If you are of a certain age in Allegan, chances are you attended a wedding or graduation party that had one of her beautiful cakes. She was a talented counted cross stitcher who won ribbons at the Fair, ceramic artist and instructor, and creator of beautiful hand-made wreaths for the gift shop at her family’s Christmas tree farm. Margaret truly enjoyed talking with people, especially children, and took great delight in greeting everyone during tree sale season. She loved her children Rick, Stevie, and Theresa above all else, and had a special relationship with her granddaughter, Sara.

Margaret is survived by her children Rick Leber (Leslie), Theresa Ashley (Mark), granddaughter Sara, special friend Charlie Riess, and nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Ron, son Stevie, and sister Mary Gates.

The family will receive friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel on Saturday, December 20, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. A funeral service will begin at 11:00 AM with burial to follow at Poplar Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the ARC of Allegan, 219 Hubbard Street, Allegan, MI 49010.

12/17/2025

William Arthur Root
June 24, 1937 - December 15, 2025

William (Bill) Root, 88, of Allegan went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, December 15, 2025. He was born June 24, 1937 in Douglas, MI. Bill was the son of Charles Root and Marie Dubas Carlson, and brother to Elmer Jr. and Maxine. After graduating from Fennville High School, Bill joined the Navy and married the love of his life Joan Kwiatkowski. They have 2 daughters, Cynthia (Michael) Stone and Diana Root; 5 grandchildren, Nathan Root (deceased), Sarah (Jordan) Jonker, Hannah (Jordan) VanDyk, Alexander Root, and Matthew Stone; and 5 great-grandchildren, Kane Jonker, River Jonker, Noa Jonker, Baylor VanDyk, and Grant VanDyk.

Bill worked for many years at Rockwell International and was also the owner of the Putt Hutt Mini Golf in Otsego. He enjoyed traveling with Joan, wood working, fishing, good movies and reading. Bill was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church. He loved his faith, family and friends.

Bill's family will have visitation on Monday, December 22, 2025 from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM at Blessed Sacrament Church in Allegan. Mass will follow at 11:00 AM.

12/16/2025

Steven Jones Sr.
November 11, 1951 - December 15, 2025 (Age 74)

Steven Jones Sr. passed unexpectedly at home on December 15, 2025, in Fennville, MI. Steven was born to his late parents Cleaburn Sr. and Lula Bell (Mitts) Jones on November 11, 1951, in Wilson, Arkansas. Steven married Rebecca (Gann) Jones and shared over 25 years of marriage together. He retired after 32 years from Woodard FST out of Zeeland, MI, as a professional welder. Steven was an avid outdoorsman from hunting, fishing, or camping, he loved being outdoors making memories. He also enjoyed golfing with friends at local golf courses. Above all else, he loved his family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, spending intentional time with them whenever he could.

He is survived by his wife Rebecca (Gann) Jones; children Steve Jones Jr., Timothy (Lorraine) Jones, Zac (Ally) Jones, Steve (Jacklyn) Pate, Ryan (Melissa) Pate, Chris Gann, and Tim Schafer; siblings Troy Jones Sr., Patricia (Ken) Fisher, Peggy (Elmer) Taylor, Stanley Jones Sr., Rick (Kathy) Jones, Stacey (Kelly) Jones, and Bruce (Mary) Jones; 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents and brother Cleaburn Jones Jr.
Steven’s funeral will start at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, December 23, with an hour’s visitation beforehand at Chappell Funeral Home located on 637 West Main Street, Fennville, MI 49408. Procession to follow with graveside at East Saugatuck Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in Steven’s name to the American Heart Association P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, Texas 75284.

12/13/2025

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝!

December 13th marks the National Guard's birthday, commemorating 389 years of service. The National Guard holds the distinction of being the oldest military branch in the United States, tracing its origins back to 1636 and a Massachusetts Bay Colony militia law that established the first colonial militia regiments.

With over 400,000 currently-severing members, today’s National Guard is a dual state-federal force of citizen-soldiers. National Guard units respond to natural disasters, support community emergencies, and serve in overseas missions, providing flexible, skilled military support at home and abroad.

Happy Birthday to all the brave men and women of the National Guard.

12/11/2025

Mary Davis Obituary
Mary Ella (Marilyn) Davis of Fennville Michigan passed away December 2, 2025 peacefully while on Hospice care at Wings of Hope in Allegan Michigan. Mary Ella Davis of Chicago Illinois, was born April 15, 1942, to parents Willie Mae and James Davis. Marilyn settled into family life in Pullman Michigan with then husband Nathaniel Burchett Jr. In 1970

She was a stay-at-home mom before starting working at the Mighican Fruit Cannery, in Fennville Michigan. Marilyn was always an adventurous person. Learning to make her own wine and even taking on the task of growing a massive home garden. Looking for help from the kids, she aimed to make life on the farm fun for the entire family.

Her favorite color was royal blue, and favorite meal to cook being anything that was brought back from a hunting outing. She always told us it was chicken or livestock from the farm. But she wasn't fooling us, we knew it wasn't chicken, but always gave in anyway. She was always very hardworking and before retirement.

She was preceded in death by Sons Dell and Rodney Burchett both of Pullman Michigan, later ex-husband Nathaniel Burchett Jr., two grandsons Lance Thompson of Holland Michigan and Tristan Burchett of Wichita Kansas, brothers Samuel and Eugene Davis both from Chicago Illinois, and Sister Clara Kidd of Sothern California. Living Children include Denise Wright and Demetrice Worley-Burchett both of Wichita Kansas. Nathaniel Burchett of Muskegon Michigan. Nadine Burchett, Darlene Burchett, and Luigi Burchett all of Holland Michigan. Ms. Davis also has a living sister Laura Davis-Bell of Chicago Illinois.

Ms. Davis will leave behind 28 grandchildren as well as a host of great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. We would like for her to be remembered as the lady on 109th street. Always hosting a welcoming home, where everyone would like to come and visit during summer vacations.

Her famous words were "workers cannot hang with non-workers".

A funeral service for Mayella Davis will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Chappell Funeral Home, 637 W. Main St., Fennville, Michigan 49408. A public visitation will precede the service beginning at 12:00 PM.

12/11/2025

Lincoln "Linc" DeWitt Miller
April 18, 1963 - December 9, 2025 (Age 62)

Lincoln DeWitt Miller, 62, of Glenn, MI passed away on December 9th, 2025. Linc was born in Lansing on April 18th, 1963. After high school, Linc served 4 years in the United States Army as an Infantryman with the 25th Infantry Division and the 4th Infantry Division. After his honorable discharge, he was driven by the desire to serve his community and became a Michigan State Trooper (MSP). Prior to retirement in 2020, he proudly served with honor and distinction in the MSP for 30 years.

He is survived by his wife Molly Miller, father Joseph Miller, sister Lisa Harris (Rod), brother Jack Miller (Ellen), children: Kenton Miller (Mandy), Krystal Owens (Jase), and JR Kangas-Miller (Morgan), and grandchildren: Gabriel, Logan, Karishma, Landon and Olivia.

Linc is preceded in death by his mother, Christine Miller.

Linc’s Funeral will begin at 11:00 AM with an hour’s visitation beforehand on Sunday, December 14, at Chappell Funeral Home, 637 West Main Street, Fennville MI, 49408. Following the service, there will be a celebration of Lincoln’s life and legacy at the Glenn Community Center.

Gorden Funeral Residence & Chappell Funeral Home

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