Gorden Funeral Residence & Chappell Funeral Home

02/19/2026

Carolyn Mary Wheeler
April 9, 1946 - January 12, 2026 (Age 79)

Carolyn Mary Wheeler went to be with her Lord and Savior on January 12, 2026. Carol was born to her late parents Harry and Janette (Wheaton) Wheeler on April 9, 1946, in Allegan, Michigan. Carol loved her family and friends, spending time with them whenever she could. She also loved Jesus and was a bright light to those around her.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents and brother Leslie – all of Allegan.

Carol is survived by her brothers: Kenny (California), Elwin (Allegan), Clifford (Kalamazoo), Mike (Illinois) and Milo, and one sister, Harriette Bakker (Zeeland).

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life planned for a later time.

02/17/2026

Donald Jerry Dam
October 11, 1936 - February 11, 2026

Donald Jerry Dam, 89, of Allegan, MI passed away Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at Alamo Nursing Home in Kalamazoo. Born October 11, 1936 in Kalamazoo, he was the son of the late Albert and Mildred (Commans) Dam and was the husband of Sally Jo (Baas) Dam. Donald was a life member of First Reformed Church in Allegan. He had worked forty-four years for Delano Service, Inc. prior to retirement. Donald and Sally were also the owners and operators of D & S Cleaning. Together they had provided services in the form of commercial cleaning, snow plowing and lawn care to many buildings in Allegan throughout their forty years in business. Donald was a dedicated family man who worked hard to take care of his family but always made sure to stop to help someone in need as well. He would often hop out of the truck, snow shovel in hand, and clear the sidewalks of elderly friends and neighbors free of charge when he was out and about.

In addition to Sally, his wife of over sixty-four years, Donald is survived by his children, Lori (Neil) Ott, Steven Dam and Kevin (Khristy) Dam; grandchildren, Chelsea Baker, Abigail Martin, Olivia Ott, Mikaela Dam, Emilia Dam, Kiera Dam, Payton Dam, Parker Dam and Gavyn Tungate; and great-grandchildren, Ariana Miller, Oliver Baker, Boston Baker and Kaydin Tungate. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Joyce (Robert) Bradshaw.

In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of Donald’s life is being planned for a later date.

02/17/2026

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 (𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟬) 𝗶𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆

National Caregivers Day honors the millions of individuals who provide care to family members, friends, and loved ones who are aging, ill, or living with disabilities. It recognizes both professional and family caregivers for their compassion, dedication, and often unseen sacrifices.

Caregivers play a vital role in maintaining dignity and quality of life for those they serve. Being a caregiver means offering physical assistance, emotional support, advocacy, and companionship. It requires patience, resilience, empathy, and strength, often while balancing personal responsibilities.

National Caregivers Day reminds us of the hard and valuable work caregivers do every day of the year, and gives us the opportunity to express our gratitude and support for their invaluable contributions.

If you’re looking for ideas on how you can express your gratitude to a caregiver you know, this article can help: https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/emotional-health/ways-to-show-appreciation-to-caregivers.

If you are a caregiver, thank you. And be sure to check out this article from the National Institute on Aging with tips on taking care of yourself: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/caregiving/taking-care-yourself-tips-caregivers.

02/16/2026

Ricky Dale Young
April 28, 1961 - February 10, 2026

Ricky Dale Young, 64, of Allegan, MI passed away Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at Beacon Kalamazoo Hospital. Born April 28, 1961 in South Haven, he was the son of the late Robert Lee Young, Sr. and Dorothy Rose (Hoyt) Young and was the husband of Lisa Marie (Cox) Young. Ricky had served as a Sergeant in the United States Army and was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans. He was also a long time member of the Lions Club. Ricky was a jack of all trades who worked hard from the sunrise to sunset each day. He was a devoted employee of Tiara Yachts for twelve years where he had worked as a builder. Ricky was a man of God who loved the Lord. He was a dedicated husband, father, brother and son who loved his family.

In addition to Lisa, his wife of the last two and a half years, Ricky is survived by his children, Judy (David) Troup, Ricky Young, Jr., Molly Young and Shannon (Aaron) Wessler; siblings, Cheri (Roger) Higgs, Robert L. (Carla) Young, Jr., Larry (Peggy) Young, Cindy Getman and Judy (Frederick) Weaver; special nephew, Tommy Young and numerous additional nieces and nephews. He was also survived by his granddaughter, Gianna Ordiway, with whom he shared a special bond; as well as five other grandchildren. Along with his parents, Ricky was preceded in death by his first wife, Theresa Young; and his son, Chase Evans..

The family will receive friends at Chappell Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. A funeral service will begin at 1:00 PM. Ricky will be laid to rest in Fennville City Cemetery immediately following. Memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project or your local Lions Club

02/15/2026

𝙄𝙨 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙖 𝙍𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙒𝙖𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙂𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙫𝙚?

When we’re grieving deeply, especially if it is our first time experiencing it, we often wonder how long the grieving will last. We may also ask ourselves, “Is what I’m feeling normal?”

If you’re facing questions like these, you may find this article helpful.

https://www.empathy.com/grief/is-there-a-right-way-to-grieve

02/15/2026

Hazel Irene Polityka
September 13, 1926 - February 11, 2026

Hazel Irene Polityka, 99, of Allegan, MI passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Born September 13, 1926 and raised on her family’s dairy farm in Monterey Center, she was the daughter of the late Harry and Irene (Beck) Commons. After graduating high school, Hazel worked at the Allegan Phone Company as an operator and a supervisor for many years. She met and eventually married Henry “Hank” Polityka and they spent more than sixty years together before his passing on June 15, 2015. Hazel and Hank raised two girls together. As a then stay at home Mom she found a unique work from home job tinting photographs for Van Melle Studios in downtown Allegan. As the girls got older, Hazel went to work for Flashes Publishing in the front office where she stayed for many years before retiring. Still needing something to keep her busy after retiring, she took on a part time office job downtown. Hazel also donated her time to the election board assisting at the Allegan Township voting polls. Hazel was an avid golfer and bowler, playing in many leagues in both sports throughout the years with her husband Hank. Hazel was a skilled quilter and gardener who produced beautiful quilts and wall hangings along with colorful perennial gardens year after year. Hazel and Hank loved spending time together traveling throughout the country. They especially enjoyed their trips out east and to Hawaii.

Hazel is survived by her daughters, Karen (Don) Henning of Las Cruces, NM and Lisa (Gus) Wilhelm of Grand Rapids, MI.

In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. Memorial services will take place privately.

Memorial donations may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice, 530 Linn Street, Allegan, MI 49010.

02/12/2026

Segundo Almazan's funeral service will be livestreamed today at 12:00 PM. Please click the link below and scroll down to the middle of his obituary page. Thank you.

View Segundo Almazan Aguirre's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/12/2026

𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆

When practically anything you might want to know is available with a few keystrokes on your laptop or taps on your smart phone, local libraries remain as vital to their communities as they’ve ever been.

Libraries provide free access to information, technology, and educational programs while helping bridge the digital divide. They also promote media literacy, preserve local history, and offer welcoming spaces for learning, connection, and community support.

So, if it’s been a while, make it a point to visit your local library soon. And be sure to take the kids. You’ll be glad you did.

Here are links to the events calendars for our public libraries in Allegan and Fennville. You’ll likely find more than a few things happening to interest you.

𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆: https://www.alleganlibrary.org/calendar.php
𝗙𝗲𝗻𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆: https://www.fennvilledl.michlibrary.org/news-events/calendar-1

02/10/2026

Segundo Almazan Aguirre
June 1, 1953 - February 6, 2026 (Age 72)

Segundo Almazán Aguirre, 72, of Fennville, Michigan, passed away on Friday, February 6, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born on June 1, 1953, in Ciudad Altamirano, Guerrero, Mexico, to Maria Felix Aguirre Orrostieta and Rodrigo Almazán Molina. Segundo was known for his deep commitment to his family and the strong work ethic that guided his life.

At the age of 20, Segundo came to the United States. In 1978, he met his beloved wife, Otilia. Together they married and began building their life and family in Marshall, Texas. After spending several years in Dallas, they moved to Holland, Michigan in 1996. In 2002, the family moved to Fennville, a small town that became their home.

Segundo enjoyed a long and successful career at Haworth, where coworkers became close friends. After 25 faithful years of service, he retired and was remembered for his dedication, kindness, and reliability. He was respected by colleagues who admired both his work ethic and his character.

Above all else, Segundo was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who cherished time spent with his family. Summers were filled with cookouts and endless birthday parties, while cooler months brought the family together to enjoy watching football games and celebrating the holidays. His family will forever remember his warm laughter, positive outlook, and the example of faith he lived by every day. His steady presence was always felt and deeply appreciated by his children and grandchildren, who treasured him immensely. His legacy is one of love, faith, and family. His absence leaves a void no one can fill.

Segundo is survived by his wife of 45 years, Otilia; his children, Estela (Domingo) Hernandez of Bangor, MI, Maria Felix Almazán Gaona of Dallas, TX, Lucila (Cristino) Gonzalez of Fennville, MI, Segundo Almazán Jr. of Fennville, MI, Eriberto (Maria Luz) Almazán of Zeeland, MI, and Juan Carlos (Adriana) Almazán of Holland, MI; his grandchildren, Jacqueline C., Daniel G., Robert H., Angelica Maria G., Vincent A., Jovita G., Dallas A., Marsha G., Elena T., Davion A., Maya A., Elena D., Charlotte A., George D. Jr., Jose A., Nina A., Jordyn A., Segundo A. III, America Z, Jayden G., Leia A., Elisa A., Lian A., Cristian G., Lily G., Gabriel A., Andrew A., and Jesse A.; his seventeen precious great-grandchildren; and his siblings, Concepcion (Imelda) Almazán Aguirre of Iguala, Guerrero, Mexico, Feliciano (Leonor) Almazán Aguirre of Iguala, Guerrero, Mexico, Angel (Juana) Almazán Aguirre of Greenwood, South Carolina, Alvaro (Victoria) Almazán Aguirre of Jupiter, Florida, Silvestre Almazán Aguirre of North Carolina, Ana Maria Almazán Aguirre of Ciudad Altamirano, Guerrero, Mexico, Fortunato (Rose) Almazán Aguirre of Fennville, MI, Lucia (Gilberto) Nuñez Almazán of Ciudad Altamirano, Guerrero, Mexico, and Jesus Almazán Aguirre of Fennville, MI.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Baldomero Almazán Aguirre.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. with 2 hours of visitation beforehand at Chappell Funeral Home 637 West Main Street, Fennville, Michigan.

Flowers may be sent to Chappell Funeral Home in memory of Segundo.

Your steady presence lives on in our hearts, in shared meals, in memories we hold close, in faith quietly lived. Though you are no longer beside us, your love remains within us, guiding us, until we see you again. Love you, Papi.

Segundo Almazán Aguirre, de 72 años, residente de Fennville, Michigan, falleció el viernes 6 de febrero, rodeado del amor de su familia, después de una valiente lucha contra el cáncer.

Nació el 1 de junio de 1953 en Ciudad Altamirano, Guerrero, México, hijo de María Félix Aguirre Orrostieta y Rodrigo Almazán Molina. Segundo fue conocido por su profundo compromiso con su familia y por la fuerte ética de trabajo que guio su vida.

A la edad de 20 años, Segundo emigró a los Estados Unidos. En 1978 conoció a su amada esposa, Otilia. Juntos contrajeron matrimonio y comenzaron a formar su vida y su familia en Marshall, Texas. Después de vivir varios años en Dallas, se mudaron a Holland, Michigan, en 1996. En 2002, la familia se estableció en Fennville, un pequeño pueblo que se convirtió en su hogar.

Segundo disfrutó de una larga y exitosa carrera en Haworth, donde sus compañeros de trabajo se convirtieron en grandes amigos. Tras 25 años de servicio fiel, se jubiló y fue recordado por su dedicación, su amabilidad y su responsabilidad. Fue respetado por sus colegas, quienes admiraban tanto su ética de trabajo como su calidad humana.

Por encima de todo, Segundo fue un esposo, padre y abuelo dedicado, que valoraba profundamente el tiempo compartido con su familia. Los veranos estaban llenos de reuniones, asados y fiestas de cumpleaños sin fin, mientras que en los meses más frescos la familia se reunía para disfrutar de los partidos de fútbol y celebrar las fiestas. Su familia siempre recordará su risa cálida, su actitud positiva y el ejemplo de fe que vivió día a día. Su presencia firme siempre se sentía y era profundamente apreciada por sus hijos y nietos, quienes lo atesoraban inmensamente. Su legado es de amor, fe y familia. Su ausencia deja un vacío que nadie podrá llenar.

Le sobreviven su esposa de 45 años de matrimonio, Otilia; sus hijos, Estela (Domingo) Hernández de Bangor, MI; María Félix Almazán Gaona de Dallas, TX; Lucila (Cristino) González de Fennville, MI; Segundo Almazán Jr. de Fennville, MI; Eriberto (María Luz) Almazán de Zeeland, MI; y Juan Carlos (Adriana) Almazán de Holland, MI; sus nietos, Jacqueline C., Daniel G., Robert H., Angélica María G., Vincent A., Jovita G., Dallas A., Marsha G., Elena T., Davion A., Maya A., Elena D., Charlotte A., George D. Jr., José A., Nina A., Jordyn A., Segundo A. III, América Z., Jayden G., Leia A., Elisa A., Lian A., Cristian G., Lily G., Gabriel A., Andrew A. y Jesse A.; sus diecisiete preciosos bisnietos; y sus hermanos, Concepción (Imelda) Almazán Aguirre de Iguala, Guerrero, México; Feliciano (Leonor) Almazán Aguirre de Iguala, Guerrero, México; Ángel (Juana) Almazán Aguirre de Greenwood, Carolina del Sur; Álvaro (Victoria) Almazán Aguirre de Jupiter, Florida; Silvestre Almazán Aguirre de Carolina del Norte; Ana María Almazán Aguirre de Ciudad Altamirano, Guerrero, México; Fortunato (Rose) Almazán Aguirre de Fennville, MI; Lucía (Gilberto) Núñez Almazán de Ciudad Altamirano, Guerrero, México; y Jesús Almazán Aguirre de Fennville, MI.

Le precedieron en la muerte sus padres y su hermano, Baldomero Almazán Aguirre.

El servicio funerario se llevará a cabo el jueves 12 de febrero de 2026 a las 12:00 p.m. y habra una visita de dos horas antes del funeral en Chappell Funeral Home en Fennville, Michigan.

Las flores pueden enviarse a Chappell Funeral Home en memoria de Segundo.

Tu presencia firme vive en nuestros corazones, en las comidas compartidas, en los recuerdos que guardamos cerca, en la fe vivida en silencio. Aunque ya no estás a nuestro lado, tu amor permanece— dentro de nosotros, guiándonos, hasta que te volvamos a ver. Te amamos, Papi.

02/09/2026

Harold Norman Johnson
October 29, 1927 - February 8, 2026

Harold Norman Johnson, a cherished patriarch, devoted husband, and community stalwart, passed away peacefully at the age of 98 on February 8, 2026. Harold was born on October 29, 1927, in the small community of Pearl, Michigan, to parents Andrew and Jenny (Erickson) Johnson.
Harold's life was a testament to his robust spirit and his commitment to his family, country, and community. As a young man, he proudly served his nation in the United States Navy during the latter part of World War II. Returning from the service, Harold channeled his dedication and work ethic into building a life for his family. He founded Saugatuck Yacht Service, a fixture in the boating community, where his reputation for quality workmanship and integrity became the foundation of his successful entrepreneurship.
The love story of Harold and his wife Jacqueline (Collins) Johnson, who predeceased him, is one that spanned 73 years of marriage, a monumental milestone that showcased their unwavering dedication to one another. His devotion extended to his family, including his predeceased son Stephen, and 6 of his siblings. Harold is survived by his children: Jeffrey Johnson, Joel (Maribel) Johnson, Lurah (Robert) Decker, Roberta Johnson, and Amy Johnson. Harold was the proud patriarch of a family that included 10 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom benefited from his wisdom, kindness, and love.
Beyond his family, Harold was deeply committed to his faith as a lifelong member of the Ganges Baptist Church. His involvement with the church spanned decades, providing a strong moral compass that guided him throughout his life and that he shared with his children and grandchildren.
Not one to sit still, Harold embraced life with zest. He and his beloved Jacquelin were well-known as snowbirds, enjoying their winters in Florida and making friends wherever they went. His love for travel was matched only by his passion for collecting antique tractors, a hobby that connected him to his farming roots and the joy of restoring something of historical significance.
Harold's legacy is not just in the businesses he built or the possessions he gathered but in the profound impact he had on the lives of those around him. His life's story is one of enduring love, service to others, and a commitment to the principles he held dear. As we say goodbye to Harold Norman Johnson, we celebrate a life well-lived, filled with purpose, love, and an endless capacity to give to others.
As we honor his memory, we take comfort in knowing that his was a life filled with joy, adventure, and a deep-seated belief in the goodness of people. Harold Norman Johnson will be greatly missed, but his spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who were privileged to know him.

A celebration of life will be held in the Spring

02/09/2026

𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

To weep is to make less the depth of grief.”
— William Shakespeare

“Grief is love turned inside out. It is the raw space between what was and what will never be again. Healing does not mean forgetting. It means remembering with more love than pain. The process is not linear; some days will feel like progress, others like collapse. But healing comes quietly, almost imperceptibly, in the moments when you find yourself laughing again, or sleeping through the night, or feeling grateful for the time you had. Every tear is proof of your capacity to love deeply. In that way, grief is not your enemy, it’s your teacher.”
— Unknown

“Healing begins when we stop running from grief. It comes when we sit beside it, listen, and allow it to speak. In time, we realize grief is love with nowhere to go. And love always finds a way to move again.”
— Donna Ashworth

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.