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Obituaries

Heath Dorian Papp

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Heath Dorian Papp, 51, of Bellaire, Michigan, formerly of Palm Desert, California, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, February 27, 2023, in Presque Isle, Michigan. He was born on July 4, 1971, in Frankfort, Indiana, the son of Randall and Janice (Innis) Papp.

Heath graduated from Elk Rapids High School and went on to attend the University of Michigan. He taught for many years in the Palm Springs Unified School District in California.

Heath enjoyed watching sports, especially the Michigan Wolverines, as well as the Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors. He also liked to listen to jam bands such as the Grateful Dead and Phish. Heath spent much of his time outdoors; he could often be found hiking the mountains of California or enjoying the blue waters of Torch Lake. To know Heath was to know a friend…he will be deeply missed by those who knew him.

Heath is survived by his son, Brycen Papp of Bellaire, Michigan; his mother, Jan Papp of Bellaire, Michigan; his sister-in-law, Kathi Papp of Yucca Valley, California; his aunt and uncle, Jim (Lynette) Cromwell of Alger, Michigan; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his two dogs, Noka and Cali.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Tammy (Hubbell) Papp; his father, Randy Papp; his brother, Rick Papp; and two dogs, Durango and Solee.

No services are planned at this time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, 28 West 44th Street, Suite 609, New York, NY 10036 or online at: https://give.bcrf.org/give/302920/?_ga=2.107600066.1537799102.1678209804-563437918.1678209803#!/donation/checkout
Arrangements are in the care of the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com


Scott Owen Wheeler

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Scott Owen Wheeler, 58, of Williamsburg, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on March 2, 2023, at Munson Medical Center.
He was born July 21, 1964, in Traverse City, Michigan, to Jack and Gloria Jean (Miller) Wheeler. He graduated from Elk Rapids High School in 1982 where he received the Industrial Arts Award. Like his Grandmother and Mother, he graduated with perfect attendance.

Scott worked for Aunt Millie’s, delivering bread for 31 plus years, before he retired in 2018.

He was devoted to his family and loved attending his children’s and grandchildren’s events. He enjoyed trips to the casino, watching NASCAR, and going to car shows. His favorite holiday was the 4th of July, where he enjoyed gathering with family and setting off a large display of fireworks for everyone to enjoy.

Scott is survived by his Mother, Gloria Jean Wheeler; Brother, Darren (Martha)Wheeler; Daughter, Jennifer (Jesse) Anderson; Sons, Brian Wheeler, Michael and, Jason (Michelle) Koon; Granddaughters: Allie and Avery Anderson; and Azaliah Koon; Grandsons, Talon Anderson, Taylor (Taylor) Koon and Trevor Koon; and Austin Anloague; and three Great Grandchildren; Uncle Robert Wheeler, Niece Lesly Wheeler, Nephew Christian Wheeler.

He was preceded in death by his Father, Jack Owen Wheeler.
Celebration of Life services will be held at a later date and will be announced.
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Memorial contributions may be directed in his name to Lighthouse Rehabilitation Center, 4040 Beacon Street, Kingsley, MI 49649.
Beacon Cremation & Cremation Services, Covell-Elk Rapids Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. www.beaconfh.com


Paulina A. Savage

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Paulina A. Savage, 89, of Williamsburg, Michigan, died Sunday, March 5, 2023, at Munson Medical Center. She was born April 28, 1933, in Yuba, Michigan, the daughter of Russell and Violet (Sutter) Hughes.

Paulina graduated from Traverse City Central High School in 1952 and worked at a bank for two years. She married Emery Savage upon his return home from the Marines Corps on March 26, 1955. Together they raised three boys: Mike, Mark, and Brian. Paulina helped in her husband’s building business and land developments
Paulina is survived by her sons, Mike, Mark (Suzanne), and Brian (Linda); and grandchildren, Maggie, Sam, Jennifer, Nicole, Braden, and Trey. Also surviving are several great-grandchildren and a sister-in-law, Hartha (Arnold) Hughes.

Paulina was preceded in death by her husband Emery on July 27, 2015; her parents; brother, Leonard Hughes; and sister, Shirl Lewis.
Private graveside services will be held in Circle Hill Cemetery, in Williamsburg, in the spring.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Elk Rapids Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. www.beaconfh.com


Donald Wayne Stibbs

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Donald Wayne Stibbs, of Kewadin, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at 96 years old.

Don was born in Detroit, Michigan on September 14, 1926, to the late Stanley W. and Blanche Stibbs. He was preceded in death by his high school sweetheart and wife of 71 years, Joyce (Morley) Stibbs.

Don took over the family business, the Stibbs’ 5¢ to $1 store, in Buchanan, Michigan, and with Joyce`s help added a second store in Three Oaks, Michigan, which they ran until retirement in 1984.
Although Don worked six days a week, he found time to play just about every sport with his boys, their neighbors, and friends. He especially liked baseball, but basketball, football, hockey, sailing, skiing, and golf were also on the list. Along with athletics, Don was an avid card player. He enjoyed playing bridge with friends, and he and Joyce engaged in daily cribbage games.

Over the years spent in Buchanan, Don was active in many groups including The Lions Club, Poker Club, Rotisserie Baseball League, Orchard Hills Country Club, and the Coffee Club. He and Joyce also spent many years as delivery drivers for the local Meals on Wheels chapter.

Once retired, Don and Joyce were able to travel, taking trips to New Zealand, Australia, England, Africa, and Nepal. They endeavored to hike the trails in the places they visited, in order to get a closer look at the countryside. They always seemed to return with new friends that they would keep in contact with for years.

Don and Joyce moved north from Buchanan to Kewadin, in 2014 to be closer to their son, Bob, and their grandchildren. 

They were grateful for the friends they made in their Fairway Court neighborhood and looked forward to Thursday evening cocktail hour. They were also welcomed as members of the Kewadin United Methodist church, and appreciated the love and support of the congregation.
Don is survived by hi
s sons, Robert W. (Julie) Stibbs of Williamsburg, Michigan and James W. (Juliann) Stibbs of Anaconda, Montana; grandchildren, Ryan W. Stibbs, and Carey (Issac) Tafelsky; and great grandchildren, Trudy Stibbs, Alexander Tafelsky, and Maddox Tafelsky.
A memorial service will take place on Wednesday, March 15, at 11:00 a.m., at the Kewadin United Methodist Church. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. A luncheon in the church hall will immediately follow the service; all are welcome. The family is being served by Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home


Death Notices

David C. White

David C. White passed away February 27, 2023. A memorial service will be held June 3, 2023 at 12 p.m. at AMVETS Post 114, Elk Rapids. A full obituary will be published at a later date.

Rev. Daniel Herlein

Rev. Daniel Herlein, 80, died peacefully in his home in Bradenton, Florida on March 5, 2023. He served Williamsburg United Methodist Church (1985-1991) and First Presbyterian Church of Elk Rapids (1991-2009) as Pastor Dan until his retirement in 2009. He leaves wife, Carol Jean; daughters, Cathi Yates and Terri Christensen; stepsons, Robert and William VanKampen; eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Elk Rapids News
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P.O. Box 176
Elk Rapids, Michigan  49629
231-264-6670 Phone

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