Gorden Funeral Residence & Chappell Funeral Home

02/04/2026

Paul Marshall Brayman
January 15, 1940 - January 30, 2026

Paul Marshall Brayman, 86, passed away on January 30, 2026, surrounded by family at home in Fennville, Michigan. A criminal defense lawyer with a heart of gold, Paul was widely respected across the legal community for his smarts, skills, compassion, and humanity.

Paul was born in Portland, Oregon, on January 15, 1940, the son of Marshall Brayman and Salina Alice Curtis. He grew up with his brother, Fred, moving between Seattle, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, and Oak Park.

Paul had a challenging upbringing, but his parents loved him and encouraged him to get a quality education. Paul attended Stanford University, served as an Arabic interpreter in the U.S. Army in Eritrea, and went on to attend the University of Illinois College of Law. Paul never forgot how fortunate he was to have had those opportunities.

After law school, Paul became a public defender in Chicago, work that shaped his understanding of the law and his commitment to it. He believed that everyone—regardless of the accusation or whether the world had already decided their guilt—deserved a vigorous defense. In private practice, Paul focused primarily on federal criminal defense, but succeeded in winning acquittals in state cases, including the 1978 Pontiac Prison Riot capital murder trial and the NATO 3 terrorism trial in 2014.

In recent years, Paul found his greatest professional joy in practicing alongside his son, Jonathan Marshall Brayman, also a criminal defense attorney in Chicago.

Paul was a man of deep and eclectic enthusiasms. He loved stories—told in song, movies, plays, or books—that found humor in darkness and humanity in flawed people. He loved Chicago’s theatre scene and restaurants, road trips, golf, poker, bargains, and a good joke.

He is survived by his wife, Gail Merritt; his daughter, Corinne Evans (Andrew); his son, Jonathan Brayman (Robin); his stepchildren, Alison Gardner (Joseph), Niklas Terczak, and Mari Terczak (Erik Pennebaker); and his six grandchildren, Josh, Sam, Hazel, Annalise, Clark, and Grant (with whom Paul shared a birthday).

The family wishes to thank dedicated caregivers—Brandy, Tory, Elaine, and Hospice of Holland—who made it possible for him to die peacefully at home.

Paul had a long and full life. As he said, he got his money’s worth. He will be missed.

02/04/2026

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

Don’t let the winter blues get you down. There’s plenty to do in our area throughout February. You just have to do a bit of snooping around. To help you out, here are just a few activities going this month in and around Allegan County:

𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗧 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞𝗬𝗔𝗥𝗗 𝗕𝗜𝗥𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗧 (𝗙𝗲𝗻𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲)

Come be a part of this annual event that happens all across the country. In our area, you can participate on February 13 at West Side Park in Fennville, where you’ll observe and count local birds with your neighbors, enjoying a morning in nature and contributing to science. Everyone 10 years and older is welcome, and you don’t need any experience as a birdwatcher to participate.

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧: February 13, 9:00-10:30 am
𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: West Side Park, 2152 Lakeshore Dr., Fennville
𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: https://www.allegancounty.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/4279/780

𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗙𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔𝗧 𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗧𝗟𝗘𝗝𝗢𝗛𝗡 𝗟𝗔𝗞𝗘 (𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗻)

Be a part of this catch-and-release fishing day at Littlejohn Lake. All materials are provided (poles, tackle, bait) until 11:00 am, but you’re welcome to stay and fish as long as you’d like with your own equipment.

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧: February 14, 10:00 am
𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Littlejohn Lake Park, 3540 113th Ave., Allegan
𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: https://www.allegancounty.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/4281/780

𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗧𝗟𝗘𝗝𝗢𝗛𝗡 𝗟𝗘𝗚𝗔𝗖𝗬 𝗗𝗨𝗕𝗭 (𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗻)

You’re not seeing double. We have two separate events going on at Littlejohn Lake Park on the 14th. This disc golf doubles tournament (one round, bring your own partner, best shot doubles, stroke play event utilizing a shotgun start for the round) is a fundraising event for the Imagination Library of Allegan County.

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧: February 14, 9:00-9:45 am (check in/on-site registration); 10:00 am (tee off)
𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Littlejohn Lake Park, 3540 113th Ave., Allegan
𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: https://www.discgolfscene.com/tournament/Littlejohn_Legacy_Dubz_2026

𝗦𝗔𝗨𝗚𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗖𝗞 𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗗 𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘: 𝗔 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗗𝗜 𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗦 𝗣𝗨𝗕 𝗖𝗥𝗔𝗪𝗟 (𝗦𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗰𝗸)

This annual event benefiting the Red Horse Center invites you to walk or dance as part of the “second line” following behind a real brass band as it makes its way through Saugatuck visiting a number of favorite local pubs and watering holes. The procession ends up at The Southerner for a Mardi Gras Buffet and after-party featuring a post-dinner set by Great Lakes Brass.

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧: February 17, 3:00-9:00 pm
𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Starts at Wally’s Bar & Grill, 128 Hoffman St., Saugatuck
𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: https://redhorse.red/events/ssl/

𝗚𝗨𝗡 𝗟𝗔𝗞𝗘 𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 (𝗪𝗮𝘆𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱)

This annual event hosted by the Gun Lake Business Association celebrates the season with lots of outdoor activities including vendor tents, food trucks, live entertainment, kids crafts and games, contests and raffles, and more. And, for the more adventurous participants, there’s a polar dip.

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧: February 21, 11:00 am-3:00 pm (main activities)
𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Gun Lake Park, 2397 Patterson Rd., Wayland
𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
https://www.allegancounty.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/4158/780

02/03/2026

Joan Brenda (O'Reilly) Saintz
August 19, 1939 - February 2, 2026 (Age 86)

Joan Brenda (O’Reilly) Saintz Dr., passed peacefully at home into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 2, 2026. Joan was born to her late parents Louis and Elsie (Skeans) O’Reilly on August 19, 1939, in Boston, Massachusetts. Joan married her late husband Eugene Saintz, sharing over 50 years of marriage before his passing in 2009. She would attend school online and achieve her PHD in Nutrition, a doctoral degree focused on advancing scientific understanding of food, human health, and disease prevention through original research. With this degree, she would help hundreds of people get off medications, achieve better health and wellness through proper diets and life habits with her own business names Healthy Lifestyle and Nutrition. Above everything, she was a devout Catholic her entire life, full of faithful service, teaching, and volunteering with the Saint Margaret Mary Church in Allendale, MI. In 1967 Joan achieved the citizen of the year award for her dedication to serving her community. She loved serving for Jesus and was a light to all those around her.

She is survived by her children, Joseph Saintz, John Saintz, James (Lisa) Saintz, Janet (Michael) Brown, Julie (Ryan) Ver Hoeven; brother, Louis (Joan) O’Reilly; 20 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband, parents and siblings, James O’Reilly, Albert O’Reilly, Michael O’Reilly, and Sheila O’Reilly.

Joan’s visitation will be Friday, February 6, from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM and Mass of Christian Burial from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Saint Margaret Mary of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church located at 11352 Brown Ave, Allendale, MI 49401. Burial to follow at Douglas Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in Joan’s name to Saint Magaret Mary of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church poor fund (serve the poor to help thy neighbor).

02/03/2026

Ernie Morgan
July 8, 1946 - January 31, 2026

Ernie Morgan, 79, of Plainwell, MI passed away Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Beacon Plainwell Hospital. Born July 8, 1946 in Allegan, he was the son of the late Harold Morgan and Marguerite (Tourangeau) Hinkle and was the husband of Kathy Marie (Sharron) Morgan. Ernie had started driving semi-trucks at a very early age. He began by hauling railroad ties and logs. He then drove over the road, transitioned to local runs and also team drove with his wife. Throughout the course of his career, Ernie received numerous safe driving awards. In his younger years, he enjoyed mud running, camping, going to horse shows and taking trips to Silver Lake Dunes. Ernie was a member of the Otsego Moose Lodge where he liked to try his luck on the pull-tabs and scratch offs. He loved his dog, Anu, and was an animal lover in general. It seemed, in fact, that whenever Kathy brought home a dog or cat for herself it inevitably became Ernie’s instead.

In addition to Kathy, his wife of fifty-two years, Ernie is survived by his daughter, Dusty Lynn Morgan; grandchildren, Levi Webb and Chance Dell; siblings, Becky Smith, Laura Hunter, Harold Morgan and Alton Morgan; and many nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepson, Robert Webb; and his brother, Allen Morgan.

The family will receive friends at Gorden Funeral Residence on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and on Thursday, February 5, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. A funeral service will take place at the funeral home on Thursday at 12:00 PM. Ernie will be laid to rest immediately following in Hudson Corners Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the graveside service at the Moose Lodge in Otsego at 2:30 PM. Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the family.

02/01/2026

𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐲 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞

The Innocademy is a tuition-free, Michigan-based public charter school (PreK-8) focused on “whole-child education, individualized learning, and environmental, nature-enriched curriculum”.

It’s Allegan campus located in Fennville is holding an enrollment open house on Tuesday, February 3. The public is welcome to come tour the campus, meet with teachers, and discover if the school might be a good educational fit for your family.

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: February 3, 4:30 – 6:30 pm
𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Innocademy Allegan Campus, 2611 56th St, Fennville
𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: https://www.facebook.com/events/2611-56th-st-fennville-mi-united-states-michigan-49408/enrollment-open-house-event/860190386651181/

01/30/2026

Robert Joseph McGee
March 13, 1947 - January 29, 2026

Robert Joseph McGee, of Douglas, MI, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026, at the age of 78. Born on March 13, 1947, to the late Donald and Adelaide (McKellips) McGee, Robert's life was characterized by his unwavering kindness and his ever-present smile.
Robert's early years growing up in the Fennville area were filled with the love and companionship of his siblings. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Rosalie McGee, and his brother Leonard McGee. His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his surviving siblings, Donald Jr. (Barb) McGee, Bill (Joyce) McGee, and sister-in-law Donna McGee. Robert was a beloved uncle to his seven nieces and nephews: Adam (Heather) McGee, Jeff (Tammy) McGee, Paige (Todd) Strum, Jim (Angie) McGee, Angela (Brad) Smit, Jodie (Randy) McGee-Crum, and Mike (Julie) McGee. His many grand nieces, grand nephews, and cousins will also hold dear the joyful moments they shared with him.

Robert's professional life was marked by dedication and hard work. He spent 49 years at Heinz, where he was not only a valued employee but also a friend to many. After retirement, he continued to contribute to the community through his work at Barber Ford for 10 years. His colleagues will remember him as a man who brought warmth and friendliness to every interaction.

A true fan of the Detroit Lions and Tigers, Robert's enthusiasm for his teams was infectious. His love of classic cars was more than a hobby; it was a passion that he enjoyed sharing with others. Robert's sociable nature made him a fixture at local events, and he was often referred to as a "social butterfly" by those who knew him best.

Robert's legacy is one of friendliness and kindness. He had the rare ability to light up a room with his smile and make everyone feel welcome. His presence was a comfort and a joy to his friends and family, who will miss him dearly.

As we bid farewell to Robert Joseph McGee, we celebrate a life well-lived and a man well-loved. His spirit will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him, and his memory will be treasured forever.

Robert’s visitation will be on Friday, February 13, from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM with his funeral service starting at 1:00 PM all at Chappell Funeral Home, 637 West Main Street, Fennville, MI 49408. Graveside to follow at Taylor Cemetery.

01/30/2026

Joe Courtney's Memorial Service will be livestreamed through our website at 12:00 PM today. Please click the link below and scroll to the middle of his page to view the livestream.

View Joseph "Joe" Michael Courtney's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/29/2026

Bernie Moored
February 17, 1946 - January 26, 2026

It is with deep sorrow that we share that Bernie Moored, age 79, passed away at his home in Monterey Township on Monday, January 26, 2026, surrounded by his family after a brief illness.

Bernie was born in Allegan, Ml to Luvena and Ford Moored. Unfortunately, at the age of six, Bernie lost both of his parents in a tragic accident. In an effort to keep the children together, his Aunt Emma and Uncle Harold stepped in to raise Bernie and his siblings along with their own four children.

After 56 years of marriage, he is survived by his wife Elizabeth "Liz" Moored, his three sons and their families: Zach and Becky Moored (Kambria, Kash), Josh Moored and Stacy Erikson (Jace), and Dustin Moored and Autumn Anderson (Roxanne, Elliott), his cousins Sherwin and Cathy Moored and Ruth Gardner, sister-in-law Shirley Moored and Carol Moored, and countless nieces and nephews. While there are so many wonderful family members to mention, he did stay particularly close to his sister Alice's children after her passing and therefore is also survived by Bill and Teresa Creech, Matt and Andrea Creech, Mike and Carol Creech, and Laura and Travis Allison.

Bernie was drafted into the US Army to be deployed to Vietnam but instead spent his service time in Germany as Sergeant E5 where his side gig was as a baker. This skill became something that Bernie became known for as he always brought pies to family holiday parties. Last year, he passed his love of pie making and his secret crust recipe to the next generation.

Bernie retired from General Motors after more than forty years; he helped to close the Kalamazoo plant and then the Grand Rapids plant. In his spare time, Bernie and Liz had an 80-acre farm where they raised pigs, sheep, and a few cattle. Bernie taught 4H and woodworking with any local children that wanted to participate. While Dustin self-proclaimed that he was "too cool" for 4H at the time, Zach and Josh did participate with their dad.

Bernie made his children and his grandchildren the center of his world. Growing up, he taught his sons how to work on cars, how to fix and repair things around the house, and passed on his love for cooking and canning. As their family was blessed with grandchildren, Bernie loved camping and blended their family outings with Becky Moored's parents, as Becky was his "favorite daughter-in-law" (inside family joke). Their family took countless trips to Arizona, the Upper Peninsula, and loved Michigan living.

Bernie was the type of person who would give you the shirt off his back, all while telling you exactly how it was and he didn't mince words. He will be deeply missed by all that knew him.

Visitation will be from 11:00 am -12:00 pm on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Gorden Funeral Residence - Allegan Chapel (528 Trowbridge St. Allegan, Ml 49010) with a Memorial Service following at 12:00 pm. A celebration of life will be at 1:00 pm at the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Allegan (110 Chestnut St, Allegan, Ml 49010), which is also the location of Liz and Bernie's first (blind) date! The family asks that you join them for lunch and a toast of whiskey in Bernie's honor.

According to his wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be a private family burial at the Hudson Corners Cemetery at a later date where he will join the eternal resting place of his parents.

In lieu of flowers and in Bernie's memory and in honor of his friend, Chuck Setter, the family is requesting that any donations are sent to the Charles Setter Automotive Trade School Scholarship through the Allegan County Community Foundation. This scholarship is for any senior of Allegan High School that is pursuing a career in the automotive repair industry after graduation.

If you would like to donate to the scholarship, click this link: https://allegan.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=2551

If you would like to send a check, write Charles Setter/Moored in the memo, please use this address: Allegan County Community Foundation, 112 Locust Street, Allegan, Ml 49010

01/29/2026

Ardith Jean (Warner) Southwick
May 28th, 1935 - January 28, 2026 (Age 90)

Ardith Jean Southwick, nee Warner, age 90, passed away January 28, 2026, at home surrounded by her family. Ardie was born May 28th, 1935, in Allegan, to her loving parents, Edward and Cecil (Kaylor) Warner. She met the love of her life, Donald Southwick, at school and married soon after on August 30, 1950. They created a beautiful life together for 60 years until Don was called home, April 30, 2010. Ardie and Don lived most of their lives in Allegan, briefly leaving twice, but ultimately coming back where their family and fond childhood memories were made. They were both saved in 1970 when they accepted Jesus into their hearts as their personal savior, in their living room, after hearing the good news. After raising their family, she went back to school to earn her GED. She worked for over 10 years at Subway for her daughter where she enjoyed rousing her regular customers and working alongside many of her grandchildren. Her main source of joy and most time-consuming endeavor was keeping up with all the interest, hobbies, and activities of her 27 grandchildren and then her multiple great-grandchildren, who she affectionately got the nickname "Gardie".

She is survived by her 5 children; David Southwick, Vicki and Roger Lambert, Edward Southwick, Scott and Teresa Southwick, and Paul and Laurie, 27 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and her beloved dog, Rudy.

She is proceeded in death by her siblings; Wink, Mercedes, Donnie, Brad, Gerald and Dale.

Memorial donations may be made in Ardith’s name to the Congregational Kitchen 323 Cutler Street, Allegan MI, 49010.

Private services have taken place. Interment at Oakwood Cemetery, Allegan.

01/29/2026

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬

Flowers have long been a meaningful part of funeral and memorial traditions. They offer comfort, express sympathy, and serve as a quiet tribute to a life remembered. Each flower carries its own symbolism, helping families and friends honor their loved one in a thoughtful and personal way.

𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙤𝙣 𝙁𝙪𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙁𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙈𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨

𝗟𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 symbolize purity, innocence, and the peaceful rest of the soul and are among the most traditional funeral flowers.

𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘀 convey a range of sentiments depending on color: red express love and respect, white represent reverence and purity, pink convey grace and gratitude, and yellow symbolize friendship and remembrance.

𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 are often chosen for their lasting beauty. White represent pure love, pink symbolize remembrance, and red express admiration.

𝗖𝗵𝗿𝘆𝘀𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺𝘂𝗺𝘀 signify honor, loyalty, and devotion and are closely associated with mourning traditions in many cultures.

𝗚𝗹𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘀 represent strength of character, integrity, and moral courage.

𝗢𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗱𝘀 convey eternal love and lasting sympathy, offering an elegant expression of remembrance.

𝗛𝘆𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗮𝘀 symbolize heartfelt emotion and gratitude for compassion and understanding.

𝗜𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀 represent faith, hope, wisdom, and comfort during times of transition.

𝗧𝘂𝗹𝗶𝗽𝘀 symbolize perfect love and comfort, with white representing forgiveness and purple conveying dignity and respect.

𝗗𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗹𝘀 are associated with renewal and hope and are often used in celebration-of-life services.

𝙂𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙞𝙣 𝙁𝙪𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝘼𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨

Greenery adds meaning and balance to floral tributes. Ferns represent sincerity, ivy symbolizes fidelity and eternal life, and olive branches convey peace.

𝘾𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙁𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙨

While traditional symbolism can help guide flower selections, the most meaningful arrangements are often those that reflect the life, personality, or favorite flowers of the person being honored. Whether simple or elaborate, floral tributes are a thoughtful way to express sympathy, offer comfort, and honor a life well lived.

01/27/2026

𝑯𝒐𝒘 𝑳𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝑾𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝑮𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆?

If you’ve recently lost someone you love and you’re in the middle of your grief, you may be wondering how long you’ll be feeling this way. This thoughtful article tries to answer that question.

https://www.talkspace.com/blog/how-long-does-grief-last/

01/25/2026

Joseph "Joe" Michael Courtney
September 4, 1955 - January 23, 2026 (Age 70)

Joseph “Joe” Michael Courtney passed peacefully on January 23, 2026. He was born to his late parents Rolland and Shirley (Singleton) Courtney on September 4, 1955, in Allegan, Michigan. Joe was an active member at the Journey Family Church in Gobles, Michigan, volunteering or lending a helping hand to anyone that needed help. He loved to assist with the baptisms, youth group activities, and community events through the Church. In his younger days, Joe loved motorcycles, especially his Harley, taking his kids on rides or just cruising the countryside. When his children were growing up, Joe enjoyed going to all the sporting events, grilling out year-round, and just being a father. He was also an active military supporter, volunteering a lot of his time at military functions or events.

He is survived by his children, Shane (Krista) Courtney, Derek (Brittany) Courtney, Jayce (Lacey) Courtney, and Randi Alvarez; siblings, Gayle (Ken) Stermer, Shirley Boitnott, James Courtney, Tom Courtney, Scott (Deb) Courtney, Mark Courtney, and Judy (Roger) Harvey; and 18 wonderful grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Gregory Courtney; siblings Amelia Bigelow and Rolland Jr. “Sonny” Courtney.

Joe’s Memorial Service will be on Friday, January 30, from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM with 2 hours visitation beforehand from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, 528 Trowbridge Street, Allegan, MI, 49010.

Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675.