Obituaries

Feb 15, 2025

Robert (Bob) Nelson, Jr, 74, of Battle Creek, MI, passed away peacefully at home on February 15, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. A devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he leaves a legacy of kindness, strength, and unwavering love. Born April 16, 1950, in Chicago, IL, Bob grew up with a passion for life, faith, family,...

Feb 13, 2025

Ralph L. Pernice passed away dreaming of his beloved home on Stony Lake on February 13, 2025, the age of 94. Ralph was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on May 16, 1930, to Marion L., Jr. and Dora (Rehbach) Pernice. As a toddler, his family relocated to Indiana, first to Indianapolis, and later to Greenfield. While born in Ohio, Ralph always...

Feb 13, 2025

Robert Joseph “Bob” Motzell of Kalamazoo and formerly of Gull Lake passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 13, 2025 at home surrounded by family. He was born in Battle Creek on May 27, 1930, the son of Marion G. and Phoebe “Irene” (Large) Motzell. He faithfully served his country as a member of the United States Navy and retired from...

Feb 12, 2025

Leo Francis Palmer, 78, of Battle Creek, Michigan died peacefully at home on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.

Leo was born November 26, 1946, in Battle Creek, Michigan to James Lester and Albertine C. (Smith) Palmer. He was a 1964 graduate of St. Philip Catholic Central, attended Kellogg Community College, completing the Principles of Electricity and Electronics and receiving an associate’s degree...

Feb 9, 2025

Jacqueline “Jackie” (Dogwill) Murray, 67, of Harrison, Michigan passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 9th at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo, Michigan surrounded by love.

Jackie is survived by her husband of 40 years Gary Murray, son Vince (Katy) Murray, daughter Sarah (Carlin) Murray, sister Terry (Daniel) Kearney, and loving nieces, nephews and great nephews. Jackie will also be missed by...

Feb 9, 2025

Rolland K. Bostwick, 92, of Battle Creek, died February 9, 2025 at home, surrounded by his loving family. Rolland was born October 16, 1932 in Battle Creek to Lawrence and Oneita (Pease) Bostwick. He graduated from Kellogg High School and went on to work at the Eaton Company. He was the youngest employee to retire from Eaton, at age 48....

Feb 8, 2025

David James Robnolt, 84, passed away Saturday, February 8, 2025. 

David was born March 25, 1940 in Battle Creek to John and Vera (Smith) Robnolt. He was a 1958 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School and served in the Army for three years. He went on to work as an engineer for Union Pump Company until his retirement. He enjoyed...

Feb 8, 2025

Brian Kieth Sommers, age 58, passed away suddenly at his residence on Saturday, February 8, 2025. He was born on August 8, 1966 as one of two sons to his parents Sandra and Reuben Sommers and would go on to become a proud Navy Veteran. Brian will be dearly missed by his mother, Sandra Sommers; brother, Reuben (skip) Sommers Jr.;...

Feb 8, 2025

George Allen Moore, age 96, of Battle Creek passed away Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Legacy at The Oaks, Battle Creek. He was born in Battle Creek on April 4, 1928, the loving son of George H. and Myrtle (Rambow) Moore. George faithfully served his country as a member of the United States Navy for 4 years aboard the U.S.S....

Feb 5, 2025

Amanda Kay Hagist, (Bacca), 35 of Battle Creek, MI passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday February 5th, 2025. She was born to Pamela and Todd Hagist in Battle Creek, on May 10, 1989.

Amanda lived in Battle Creek all her life, never married, and did not have any children. However, she did have her Fur baby Batman, whom she loved with all...

Feb 2, 2025

Michael Allen Franklin, age72 of Richland, passed away in his home on February 2, 2025. He was born January 1, 1953. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lillian and Stan Majewski. He is survived by his life partner, Joy Gouin; children, Andrew (Jennifer) Woodruff and Matthew (Jessica) Woodruff; brother, Gary (Kelly) Majewski; several grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Michael...

Feb 1, 2025

Kelley Ann Chapman, age 58 of Marshall passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, February 1, 2025. She was born in Battle Creek on September 12, 1966 the daughter of Kenneth and Mary Lou (Snyder) Walker and graduated from Pennfield High School. 

On July 23, 1994, Kelley married Kevin Scott Chapman in Marshall; he sadly preceded her in death on...

Jan 31, 2025

Susan Marie (Thurston) Hallaxs, 84 of Battle Creek, MI, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, 31January 2025. She was born in Battle Creek, MI, to Helen Della (Summers) Thurston and Martin (Fritz) R. Thurston. Sue married the love of her life and sweet heart David L. Hallaxs Sr. (Navy veteran) husband of 63 years. Susan...

Jan 31, 2025

Patricia Ann Rabbitt, 94, of Mason, MI and formerly of Battle Creek, peacefully entered Heaven to meet her Lord, on Friday, January 31, 2025, at Safe Haven Assisted Living of Mason, MI.

Patricia was born July 4, 1930, in Marshall, MI, the daughter of Joseph Jackson and Winifred Ernestine (Walkinshaw) Clay. She grew up in Bellevue, MI, and graduated from Bellevue...

Jan 29, 2025

Lilleana Chastity Bottom, 45 of Battle Creek, MI passed away at her home on January 29th, 2025. 'Chat' was the first daughter of Lanetta Katherine Cochran (Bottom) and Samuel Lee Cochran. She devoted many years to caring for her parents and enjoyed doing so, she was a staple to the family and a hard-working woman. Chat attended Battle Creek Central...

Jan 29, 2025

Robert Dean Stewart, 63, of Battle Creek, died January 29, 2025. Dean was born October 7, 1961 in Battle Creek to Robert and Katherine (Seltenright) Stewart. He graduated from Bellevue High School and went on to work in the trucking industry, working mostly routes in Michigan. Dean enjoyed golfing in his younger years. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR and online...

Jan 28, 2025

Leonard James "Jim" Hampton, age 79 of Battle Creek, Michigan, passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. In his youth, he faithfully served the Army for six years. According to his wishes there will be a private burial and personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.

Jan 27, 2025

Albert Henry “Al” Haefner, 88, of Battle Creek, Michigan died at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital on Monday, January 27, 2025. 

Al was born April 20, 1936, in the Bronx, New York, the son of Henry and Mathilda (Lurz) Haefner. He grew up in the Bronx and graduated from St. John Academy in 1954. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Fordham University...

Jan 27, 2025

Jan 26, 2025

Gary J. Jones died on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at home at the age of 71. He was preceded in death by his mother, Marilyn Jones in 2018. He is survived by his father, Des Jones of Augusta; brother Mike (Sharon) Jones of Delton; and sister Kris (Ted) Jenkins of Battle Creek. His nieces and nephews include Andrew (Bridget) Olsen,...