Gorden Funeral Residence & Chappell Funeral Home

11/17/2025

𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗳

Grief can feel overwhelming, leaving us isolated and drained. One way to cope is by giving back, which can create purpose, connection, and moments of relief. Helping others shifts focus from personal pain, reminding us that we can make a difference even in difficult times.

There are many ways to give back while grieving. Volunteering at a local food bank, animal shelter, or community center provides meaningful activity and social connection. Donating items, meals, or funds to causes you care about can honor the memory of a loved one. Even small gestures – like sending a thoughtful note, helping a neighbor, or supporting a friend – can foster a sense of purpose.

These acts of kindness can ease loneliness, release positive emotions, and restore a sense of hope. By giving back, grief can become a pathway to healing, connection, and renewed meaning in life.

11/17/2025

Carl 'Wayne" Mcfarland
August 25, 1954 - November 16, 2025 (Age 71)

If we try to list all the things he was to the people he knew and loved, we are bound to leave someone out. Wayne was the epitome of what it means to be a good neighbor. He was a self-proclaimed simple hillbilly (or hippie, depending on the decade), with a sarcastic sense of humor. If you knew him, you knew he had his own way of doing things and you loved him for it. He may not have known the answers to your problem, but he was always there to listen and lend a hand.

A few of the things he enjoyed were hunting, golfing, playing chess, working on his Ranchero, and tinkering around the pole barn. He had a soft spot for 4 legged companions and loved the outdoors. Wayne retired from the MSU Trevor Nichols farm and went back these last few years to help “keep him out of trouble.” We really don’t know if that worked or not, but it helped him stay busy.

There is no doubt that he will be deeply missed by many, but we take comfort in knowing that he was welcomed home by his parents James Robert “J.R” and Lenora Jean “Jo”, his brothers James Darrell “J.D” and Gary, and several other beloved family members and friends.

His memory will live on with Mary, his wife of 35 years, his kids Jeremy (Jessica) Payne, Michele Overweg and Michael Lynema, and his grandkids Alexandra, Jackson and Espen. His sisters Brenda (Mark) Dunavin and LaDonna McFarland, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. We would be remiss not to include the many people who had the specific type of joy that only Wayne could have brought to their lives, but there are so many, and you know who you are.

Wayne’s family will have an open visitation from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Friday, November 21, at Chappell Funeral Home, 637 West Main Street, Fennville, MI 49408.

“Dear Friends” ~ Queen
So dear friends your love is gone,
Only tears to dwell upon,
I dare not say as the wind must blow,
So a love is lost, a love is won,
Go to sleep and dream again,
Soon your hopes will rise and then
From all this gloom life can start anew,
And there'll be no crying soon.

11/17/2025

𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐫 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬

This holiday season, food pantries in Allegan and Fennville are working hard to ensure every family has a warm, nourishing meal. Whether you’re able to give food, funds, or a few minutes of your time, your generosity can make a real difference. Here are local food pantry resources that you can support or where you can receive help.

𝗜𝗻 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗻:

𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆
Address: 1313 Lincoln Rd
Phone: (269) 686-6369
Website: https://www.allegancountyfoodpantry.com/
Hours:
Tuesday: 2pm-6pm
Friday: 1pm-4pm
Donations: Monetary donations can be mailed or dropped off. Donations through PayPal can also be made. To donate food items, please contact the executive director to schedule drop-offs.

𝗕𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁/𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 (𝗕𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗵)
Address:110 North Cedar St
Phone: (269) 673-4455
Website: https://blessedsacrament-allegan.org/good-samaritans
Hours: Monday: 9:45am–10:30am
Donations: Monetary donations through the Online Giving page on the Blessed Sacrament website. Share baskets for non-perishable food donations are located in the church entry/vestibule.

𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 (𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗵𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵)
Address: 409 Trowbridge St
Phone: (269) 673-4236
Website: https://alleganumc.net/food/
Hours:
Tuesday: 9:00am–11:45am
Wednesday: 9:00am–11:45am & 5:00pm–7:00pm
Friday: 10:00am–11:45am
Donations: You can designate your donation to Hands of Grace on their donation page. Contact the pantry or stop by during operational hours to find out about food donations.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 (𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵)
Address: 3370 113th Ave
Phone: (269) 673-2329
Website: https://www.alleganccc.org/outreach-allegan
Hours:
Tuesday 4:00pm – 5:30pm
Thursday 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Donations: Call or visit during operational hours for information on monetary or food donations.

𝗜𝗻 𝗙𝗲𝗻𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲:

𝗟𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆
Address: 717 E. Main St
Phone: (269) 686-6456
Website: https://laddersofhopemi.org/
Hours:
Monday 10:00am – 2:00pm
Tuesday 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Thursday 3:00pm – 7:00pm
Donations: Food donations are accepted during distribution hours or you can call and make an appointment. Visit the website’s “Get Involved” page for information on monetary donations.

𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆:

There are lots of other pantries and organizations throughout Allegan County where you can make a donation or get help. For detailed information, check out the 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲: https://alleganfoundation.org/allegan-county-food-pantry-collaborative-2/

11/16/2025

𝐔𝐩𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞

This Thanksgiving season, give thanks by giving life. If you live in or around the Fennville area, please consider joining our community blood drive this November 24th and help save lives. Every donation counts. Be a hero in your own backyard!

11/16/2025

𝟓 𝐖𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐚 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐨’𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠

Supporting a friend who is grieving doesn’t require grand gestures. Simple acts of kindness and consistent presence can make a tremendous difference. Here are five ways to show care, offer comfort, and remind a friend that they’re not facing grief alone.

𝑱𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒏
Sometimes your friend doesn’t need advice. They just need someone to sit with them, hear their memories, or share a quiet moment. Being present matters more than words.

𝑳𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒂 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅
Everyday tasks can feel overwhelming during grief. Offer to cook, run errands, or help with household chores. Little gestures like these can take a huge weight off their shoulders.

𝑪𝒉𝒆𝒄𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝒐𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒏
A quick text, call, or visit shows you care. Even saying “I’m thinking of you” can make them feel less alone.

𝑹𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝒅𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔
Birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays can be tough. A small note, message, or gesture on those days shows you’re thinking of them and their loved one.

𝑮𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎 𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆
Everyone grieves differently, and there’s no timeline. Let them feel what they need to feel – without pressure – and reassure them you’ll be there no matter how long it takes.

11/12/2025

David Lyle Simpson
October 4, 1946 - November 9, 2025 (Age 79)

David Lyle Simpson passed on November 9, 2025, at Beacon Hospital in Kalamazoo, MI. David was born to his late parents Raymond and Arla (Taylor) Simpson on October 4, 1946, in Hopkins, MI. In high school David lettered in football every year and was a member of the National Honor Society. After high school David joined the ROTC at Western Michigan University and graduated with a bachelor’s in education. He would serve honorably in the Army as an Officer, achieving the rank of Captain. He fought with the 101st Airborne Division (502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment) overseas in Vietnam. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal “V” device, Silver Star, and multiple Purple Hearts (1st OLC) due to wounds sustained in combat. David would medically retire after Vietnam and settle in Grand Haven, MI where he was blessed with twins in 1974, earned double master’s degrees in history and reading for special needs kids and had a teaching career that spanned over 25 years. David lived in Washington State for a few years and then settled in Hopkins, MI where he met Peggy Pompey-Simpson and together they shared 10 years of marriage. Together they owned horses and loved horseback riding anywhere they could, from trotting across Michigan or in the Tennessee Mountains. David also enjoyed his John Deere tractor, doing work on their property or just driving around. He was driven, hardworking, and kind to all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife Peggy Pompey-Simpson; children John Simpson (Redmond, WA) and Angie (Andy) Litzinger (Woodinville, WA); siblings Mark (Connie) Simpson and Mary Susan McLean; grandchildren Ashley Litzinger, Ally Litzinger, Gabriel Pompey, and Graci Pompey; nephews Matt Simpson and Jeremy Simpson.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

David’s funeral service will start at 11:00 AM with an hour’s visitation before from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM on Tuesday, November 18, at Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel 208 West Main Street, Hopkins, MI 49328. Army military honors to follow the service at the Funeral Home. Cremation to take place following the service with a private burial of ashes in Maplewood cemetery later.

Memorial donations may be made to Hopkins Community Church for Cradles of Grace or the Benevolent fund with Rectify Church in Allegan.

11/11/2025

𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐭 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓! - 𝟏𝟏 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐭 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐈𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲

Celebrate Thanksgiving season with this fun and active tradition.

A turkey trot is a festive run or walk, usually held on or around Thanksgiving Day. Participants of all ages join in 5K (sometimes longer) or fun-run events celebrating health, gratitude, and community spirit. Many trots support local charities, making them a great way to give back before enjoying a holiday feast.

Below is a list of turkey trots happening in and around the Allegan County area over the next few weeks. So, lace up your shoes, give thanks, and start your holiday on a healthy note.

Just be sure to check registration deadlines right away!

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗳𝘁𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝘂𝗻
The official title of this event is the “Jon and John’s Tris4Health Grand Rapids Virgil and Louise Phelps Memorial Celebrity Leftovers Awareness Pro-Am Fun Run Race to End Hunger”. The Leftover Run features both a 5K run/walk and 1 mile family run/walk.

When: Saturday November 15, 9:00 am (5k Run/Walk), 9:15 am (1 Mile Family Run/Walk)
Where: Forest Hills Eastern High School, 2200 Pettis Ave NE, Ada
Registration Deadline: 10:00 am, November 15
Benefiting: North Kent Connect
For more information: https://www.theleftoverrun.com/

𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝘁 𝟱𝗞 𝗙𝘂𝗻 𝗥𝘂𝗻
This fun, non-competitive, non-timed 5k run features a route through downtown Saugatuck. Also available is a short kids sprint. Register ASAP as there are a limited number of spots left.

When: Saturday November 22, 10:45 am (Kids Turkey Sprint), 11:00 am (5k Run)
Where: Wicks Park Bar & Grill, 449 Water Street, Saugatuck
Registration Deadline: 4:59 pm, November 19
Benefiting: Christian Neighbors
For more information: https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Saugatuck/turkey5ksaugatuck

𝗪𝗠𝗨 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝘁
Along with a 5k run and 5k walk, this event offers a 5k virtual run/walk that you can do from your own neighborhood, local park or trail, or even your treadmill.

When: Saturday November 22, 8:30 am
Where: Student Recreation Center, 1903 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo
Registration Deadline: 11:59 pm, November 20
Benefiting: WMU Essential Needs
For more information: https://wmich.edu/rec/intramurals/turkeytrot

𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗚𝗩𝗦𝗨 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝘁
Returning for its 12th year, the GVSU Turkey Trot is a fun 5k walk/run that takes place on the Grand Valley State University Campus.

When: Saturday, November 22, 9:00 am
Where: 1 Campus Dr, Allendale
Registration Deadline: November 22
Benefiting: GVSU Run Club
For more information: https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Allendale/GVTurkeyTrot

𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝘁
Allegan’s own hometown turkey trot is a 5k run/jog/walk event. It’s also free of charge! Make a donation or bring a new toy for the Community Action Christmas Give Back and you’ll be entered in a raffle.

When: Thursday November 27, 9:00 am
Where: 101 Sherman St, Allegan
Registration Deadline: November 27
Benefiting: Community Action Allegan
For more information: https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Allegan/AlleganTurkeyTrot2024

𝗭𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝘁 𝟴𝗸
At 8k and timed, this one’s a little more serious. The route begins downtown and takes participants through several of Zeeland’s streets and neighborhoods.

When: Thursday November 27, 8:00 am
Where: Main Avenue between Church and Elm Street, Zeeland
Registration Deadline: 11:59 pm, November 24
Benefiting: City on a Hill
For more information: https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Zeeland/ZeelandTurkeyTrot

𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝘁 𝟱𝗸
This traditional 5k event welcoming runners, walkers, and families takes you through the heart of beautiful Holland. Always popular, be sure to register right away before it sells out.

When: Thursday, November 27, 8:00 am
Where: 2 E 8th Street, Holland
Registration Deadline: 9:00 am, November 27
Benefiting: Boys and Girls Club of Greater Holland
For more information: https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Holland/HollandTurkeyTrot5k

𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗶𝗲 𝟱𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝟭𝟱𝗸 𝗥𝘂𝗻/𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗸
For serious runners and casual participants alike. There’s also a free 1 mile kids run/walk. Designed to let you burn off some calories to make room for your Thanksgiving feast later in the day.

When: Thursday, November 27, 7:30 am (15k Run), 7:45 am (5k Run), 8:45 am (1 Mile Kids Run/Walk)
Where: Jamestown Lower Elementary, 2522 Greenly, Hudsonville
Registration Deadline: November 27
Benefiting: Servants Center
For more information: https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Hudsonville/JustifyThePie5Kand15K

𝗞𝗔𝗥 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝘁 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝘂𝗻
Sponsored by Kalamazoo Area Runners, this unique event in Portage features awards given to those participants who most closely predict their own finish times, no matter how fast or slow their pace.

When: Thursday, November 27, 9:00 am
Where: 7361 Moorsbridge Rd, Portage
Registration Deadline: 9:15 am, November 27
Benefiting: Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes
For more information: https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Portage/KalamazooAreaRunnersTurkeyTrot5KPredictionRun

𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗱𝘀 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝘁
Lots of ways to participate in this one, including a virtual run/walk option. Proceeds go to support GRPS athletics programs. Race winners receive pumpkin pies!

When: Thursday, November 27, 8:10 am (Mini Trot), 8:27 am (My Team Triumph 5k), 8:30 am (5k Run Walk)
Where: Van Andel Arena, 130 Fulton Street W, Grand Rapids
Registration Deadline: 11:00 am, November 27
Benefiting: Grand Rapids Public Schools Athletics
For more information: https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/GrandRapids/GRPSThanksgivingDayTurkeyTrot

𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗟𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗬𝗠𝗖𝗔 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝘁
Designed for participants of all ages and fitness levels. 2-mile and 4-mile options are available, with pumpkin pie awaiting you at the finish line. You’re encouraged to wear something fun in the turkey trot/Thanksgiving spirit.

When: Thursday, November 27, 9:00 am
Where: Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center, 6225 North 39th Street, Augusta
Registration Deadline: 9:00 am, November 27
Benefiting: Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center
For more information: https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Augusta/ShermanLakeYMCATurkeyTrot

11/11/2025

𝐈𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐕𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐕𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲

Today we honor the brave men and women who stood in service to our nation. The poem below hopefully expresses our gratitude for your service, your strength, and your heart.

𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝗮 𝗩𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻
Today is the day we honor,
the noble and the brave,
the men and women who dedicated their lives,
and the sacrifices that they have made.
When America had an urgent need,
they were the first to raise their hand,
without thinking twice about it,
they were proud to take a stand.
Some came back from war with battle scars,
others in flag-draped coffins,
even though their flesh may have left,
their spirits will never be forgotten.
They unselfishly and knowingly,
put their lives on the line,
so when you see a veteran, thank them,
cause without them, freedom would have died.
– Brittany Cuneo

11/09/2025

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙃𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙨𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜

I found this interesting article from History.com on the origins, traditions, and meanings of Thanksgiving and the Thanksgiving holiday.

https://www.history.com/articles/history-of-thanksgiving

Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared a feast in 1621.

11/09/2025

𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫

“Grief is the shadow love casts when it’s deprived of its object. It reshapes our world, asking us to hold joy and sorrow in the same hands. In time, we discover that love, even through loss, still shapes everything we are.” — Megan Devine

“When someone we love dies, we are forever changed. You will not ‘get over’ the loss, but you will learn to live with it. You will heal, and you will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered. You will be whole again, but you will never be the same. Nor should you be the same, nor would you want to. Grief is a journey with no true end. It transforms, it softens, and it teaches us what it means to love in the deepest way possible.” — Elisabeth Kübler-Ross & David Kessler

“The only cure for grief is to grieve.” — Earl Grollman

11/06/2025

Carl Heinz Avery
September 14, 1957 - November 4, 2025

Carl Heinz Avery, age 68, of Monterey Township, Michigan, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2025, with his beloved “Brother Del” at his side.

Carl is the son of the late Glenn R. Avery and the late Maria (Stadler) Avery. He was preceded in death by his half-brother, Louis Stadler and sister-in-law, Vicki Avery. Carl leaves behind his siblings: Tim Avery, Glenn (Patti) Avery, Rosamund (Michael) Homrich and Del (Karen) Avery, as well as his half sister-in-law Inge Stadler and several nieces, nephews and many beloved friends and neighbors.

Carl served in the US Army for three years, from 1977 to 1980, as truck driver (88M).

Carl lived a simple, quiet life, finding purpose in hard work and the peace of the countryside. He spent much of his life working on local farms, where his dedication, quirky-ways, and stubborn streaks were well known and well loved. Carl enjoyed a good back-and-forth, and when he finally agreed, he’d snap his fingers, pointed with a grin and exclaim, “Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about!” followed by a hearty laugh.

He didn’t have much, but he would give you everything he had. Carl could be a bit crotchety at times—set in his ways and not afraid to let you know it—but beneath that rough exterior was a heart of pure gold. He was the kind of man who’d grumble while helping you, but when asked, he’d still show up to help.

A member of Monterey United Methodist Church, Carl found strength and fellowship in his church family. He cherished the friendships, and deep conversations he built within the local community. He’ll be remembered for his thoughtfulness and brutal honesty towards others.

Carl’s life was hard, but one of faith, hard work, and good-hearted stubbornness. He made people laugh, lent a hand without hesitation, and left this world a little better than he found it. He will be greatly missed—and fondly remembered with a smile.

We give thanks to God for the life of our beloved sibling Carl, whose spirited and challenging ways taught us patience, forgiveness, and the depth of unconditional love.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 20th, at 10:00 a.m. at Monterey United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Monterey United Methodist Church in Carl’s memory.

11/06/2025

David Alan Emmons
January 8, 1982 - November 3, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of David Alan Emmons, age 43. David was a devoted husband, loving father, cherished son, brother, uncle, cousin and loyal friend to so many.

David is survived by his loving wife, Julie, whom he married in 2006. Their two beautiful children, Kylie and Conner, who were his greatest pride and joy. He is also survived by his parents, Kari and Ron Craton, Alan and Cheryl Emmons, Edward and Rose Zych; his sister Melissa Bickford, brother-in-law Michael; his sister-in-law Karrie Smith, brother-in-law Joshua. Also survived by his beloved nieces and nephews — Skyler, Shaylee, Wyatt, MaKinley, Maverick, and Mara — along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

David worked as a diesel mechanic for Schaendorf Farms, where he spent many hours working hard and sharing laughter and friendship with his coworkers. His dedication, skill, and strong work ethic earned the respect and admiration of those around him. He had goals of early retirement to spend more time with his family, enjoying their cabin up north.

David loved the outdoors and sought out any activity that offered adventure and excitement. Whether exploring nature, hunting, fishing or sharing time with family and friends, he embraced life with enthusiasm and joy. Above all, David lived for his family. He never missed an opportunity to boast about his wonderful daughter and son, and his love for them knew no bounds.

Though his life ended far too soon, David’s spirit will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. In true David fashion, we know he’ll find ways to remind us he’s still with us — showing up when we least expect it.

As we remember David, we are reminded to live life to the fullest and leave nothing on the table — just as he did every day.

The family will receive friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, on Monday, November 10, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM with a memorial service beginning at 1:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the Allegan High School All-Sports Booster Club.