Page 6 — Thursday, April 21, 2022 — The Hastings Banner
Area Obituaries
James Breitner, 93 years old, of Hastings,
MI, passed away on Saturday, April 16, 2022,
at home surrounded by his loving family.
James was born to Richard Breitner and
Ruth (Burrows) Breitner on November 9,
1928, in Toledo, Ohio.
He worked in the sawmill at the family busi-
ness as a young man. Then James joined the
US Navy. Later he worked for the railroad,
moving on to Consumer’s Power as a lineman
or troubleshooter for 32 years, retiring in 1991.
James married the love of his life, Sandra
(Tuttle) Breitner June 18, 1977, and they
enjoyed 44 years together. James’ hobbies
were reading, hunting, and spending time
with family, loved ones and friends.
James is survived by his wife Sandral chil-
dren, Vicki (Frank Vining) Breitner, Janice
(Ron) Parsons, Allan Lynd, Warren (Christi-
na) Smith, Brian (Rose) Smith, Brenda Smith,
adopted children Sophia Smith, Brenda Hoff-
man, Tim Roscoe and Lisa Morales; 18
grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren, and
brother, Frank Breitner.
James was preceded in death by his par-
ents; daughters, Maryann Forester, Susan
Gentry, and Vicky Root; son, Martin Breitner,
granddaughter, Sandra Smith, and a brother,
Robert Breitner.
Visitation will be held Friday, April 22,
2022, at Noon with a service to follow at 1
p.m. Interment at Hastings Township Ceme-
tery followed by a luncheon at American
Legion Post 45, 2160 S. M-37, Hastings, MI
49058, who will be providing military honors.
Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home.
To leave an online condolence, visit http://www.
girrbachfuneralhome.net.
Jay William Porteous was born on June 28,
1968, in Santa Clara County, CA. He was
raised in Michigan and eventually established
his family in Lakeport, CA. Jay graduated
from Thornapple-Kellogg High School in
1986, prior to attending Michigan State Uni-
versity.
Jay would go on to begin his career as a
merchant mariner, a job he enjoyed for over
three decades. Although he cheated death on
numerous occasions, Jay ultimately passed
away on February 25, 2022, in Woodland, CA.
Jay was preceded in death by his parents,
Patricia (Stager) Porteous and William Porte-
ous; and sister, Lisa Porteous.
He leaves behind sisters, Lori (Crews) and
Jennifer (Reynolds); fiancé, Julianna; and
daughter, Annabelle.
Jay lived a blessed life with many great
adventures, and in turn many great stories. He
had a brilliant, contagious smile which bright-
ened the world. He often shared the warmest
all-encompassing hugs. Jay was generous
with his time and energy. Jay touched count-
less lives all over the world. There is an empty
space where his smile and voice once were.
Jay was loved and leaves behind memories
of a too-short life well-led.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m.,
Saturday, April 23, 2022, at Beeler-Gores
Funeral Home in Middleville. A Celebration
of Life will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Caledonia
in Family Tavern.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made
to the TK Alumni Association. Please visit
http://www.beelergoresfuneral.com to share a
memory or to leave a condolence message for
Jay’s family.Merle G. Barton, age 84, of Newport, TN,
a former Nashville and Hastings resident,
passed away Tuesday, March 22, 2022.
He was born on November 7, 1937 in
Hastings, MI, the son of Robert C. and Donna
M. (Hammond) Barton. He was raised in the
Hastings and Nashville area. He graduated
from Nashville High School in 1955.
A memorial service was held in Newport,
TN. A celebration of life is being planned for
June 4, 2022 at 3:30 p.m. at Hidden Valley
Community Building on Woodlawn Ave.,
Hastings.
Survivors are Vernard and Sue McClel-
land; stepdaughter, Shirley; granddaughter,
Leslie and family; brother, Robert (Rachel)
Barton; sister, Charlene Service (Harold Puff-
paff); several nieces, nephews, cousins and
grandchildren.Wanda Marie (Cappon) Golden, passed
away on April 14, 2022, at Meijer Heart Center
in Grand Rapids, MI.
Wanda was born on February 3, 1935 in Cas-
tleton Township, MI, the daughter of Cornelius
and Nora (Adrainson) Cappon. Wanda was
raised by her stepmother Viola (Kingsbury)
Cappon. She was a 1953 graduate of Woodland
High School. Wanda married Russel Golden on
July 24, 1954, at her family home in Woodland.
Together they have enjoyed the past 67 years.
In her early years, Wanda worked in both
the office and factory at the Hastings Piston
Ring and The Windstorm Company (now
Hasting Mutual) where she taught key punch
operators. Wanda worked the majority of her
career (35 years) at Hastings Mutual Insurance
in both the Data Processing Department and
Filing Department.
Wanda enjoyed painting, sewing, cooking,
baking, gardening and yard work. She loved the
outdoors. Wanda also enjoyed clothes shopping,
going to auctions and garage sales and loved
walking her beloved dog, Tommy. Wanda’s
greatest joy was her children and grandchildren
and was closely involved in their lives.
Wanda was preceded in death by her par-
ents, Cornelius and Nora Cappon; stepmother,
Viola Cappon; siblings, Winnie Conrad, Wilma
Spaeth, William Cappon, Robert Cappon, and
Arlita Travis.
She is survived by her husband, Russel
Golden; daughters, Deb (Ray) Girrbach, Linda
(Jim) Hathaway; brother Marshall, also known
as Dutch (Vonda) Cappon; six grandchildren,
Heather (Matt) Schultz, Chad (Courtney) Girr-
bach, Haley Girrbach, Chris Hathaway (Mat-
thew Russ), Nick Hathaway (Matt Halber-
stadt), Katie (Scott) Howard; 10 great-grand-
children as well as many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Wanda were held on
Tuesday, April 19, at Girrbach Funeral Home
in Hastings. Pastor Carla Smith, officiating.
Burial took place at Cedar Creek Cemetery
immediately following the funeral service,
followed by a light luncheon at Hope Town-
ship Hall.
Memorial contributions may be made to the
Barry County Humane Society or a Charity of
One’s Choice.
Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home.
To leave an online condolence or memory for
the family, visit http://www.girrbachfuneralhome.netRoy Allen Stadel, age 61, of Hastings, MI
passed away on April 18, 2022. Roy was
born on April 29, 1960, in Hastings, MI, the
son of Charles and Betty (Rule) Stadel.
Roy grew up on a farm in Carolton Town-
ship. He graduated from Lakewood High
School. Roy enjoyed building things with
Legos and was a member of Thornapple Val-
ley Church.
Roy was preceded in death by his parents,
and his sister Pat Stadel.
He is survived by his brothers Robert,
Richard and Norman Stadel.
Funeral service will be held on Thursday,
April 21, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Girrbach Funeral
Home, 328 S Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058,
Rev. Peter Adams of Christ the King Church
officiating. Interment at Fuller Cemetery.
Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home.
To leave an online condolence, visit http://www.
girrbachfuneralhome.net.Howard LeRoy Eichenauer, age 83 of Mid-
dleville, MI, passed away on April 16, 2022.
Howard was born on July 24, 1938 in Prai-
rieville, the son of Ernest and Virginia (Hay-
ward) Eichenauer. Howard worked at Viking
Corporation for many years. His faith played
an important role in his life. Howard was a
longtime member of First Baptist Church of
Middleville, and also attended Peace Church.
He was active in the men’s prayer group and
went on many retreats.
Howard was proud to own a 1952 Chevy
pickup and a Farmall tractor.
Surviving is his daughter, Debbra (Kent)
Finkbeiner; five grandchildren; nine great
grandchildren; siblings, Marilyn (Nick)
Pestun, John (Sandra) Eichenauer, Jerry
Eichenauer, Joanne DeRuyscher, Elayne Not-
tingham; several nieces and nephews.
Howard was preceded in death by his wife,
Delores Eichenauer; son, Rusty Eichenauer;
and his parents.
Howard’s family will receive friends on
Friday, April 22, 2022 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the
Beeler-Gores Funeral Home. A graveside ser-
vice will follow the visitation at 3:15 p.m. at
Mt. Hope Cemetery. Please visit http://www.beeler-
goresfuneral.com to share a memory or leave a
condolence message for Howard’s family.James Richard Breitner Jay William Porteous Merle G. BartonWanda Marie GoldenHoward LeRoy Eichenauer Roy Allen StadelElaine Garlock
Good Friday services were held April
15 at Central United Methodist Church
with pastors from local churches partic-
ipating. The Rev. Paul Reissmann was
the host pastor who gave a welcome to
the congregants. Marilyn Noffke was
the organist. Pastor Rebecca Ebb-Seese
gave the invocation. She is pastor at
Zion Lutheran Church in Woodland
Township. Rev. Marilyn Danielson of
First Congregational Church gave the
offertory prayer and spoke briefly about
the work of an organization that pro-
vides assistance to needy families in the
form of rent and utilities assistance
throughout the year.
Each of the three scripture readings
was followed by a homily from pastors
Kathy Smith of Woodland United
Methodist Church, the host pastor, and
Rev. Laurie Koivula of Sunfield United
Methodist Church. The choir anthem
directed by Jackie Spagnuola was sung
by members of the Lutheran Congrega-
tion and Methodist churches, singing
“Were You There?” A large wooden
cross draped with black fabric was in
the background of the choir loft. A sin-
gle candle was lit by an acolyte at the
start of the service.
Last week’s daily papers carried the
news that death had come to at least
two former residents. One reported the
death of 88-year-old James Mulvaney
of Mason who was the agricultural
teacher at Lake Odessa High School fortwo years in the late 1950s. Another
daily had the obituary of Jean Leasure
who lived on Johnson Street for the six
years her husband, Rev. James Leasure,
was pastor of Lakewood Baptist Church
on M-50 across the highway from the
new high school.
Easter services at Central United
Methodist Church were in a beautiful
setting with clusters of lily plants on
either side of the altar rail. A large
wooden cross that had been in the sanc-
tuary during Lent had been moved
from one side to the alcove behind the
choir loft and was draped in white
sheer fabric. The altar arrangement was
of small rocks, and the cross was sur-
rounded by many candles of varied
heights and colors to represent the
array of mankind. The Rev. Paul Reiss-
mann presided at the service. Monday
evening, he officiated at the baptism of
two children and renewal of vows by
their mother.
First Congregational Church has had
unique messages in its large bulletin
board which stands at the front edge of
the parking lot.
Village trucks will soon again be
making the rounds to pick up branches
and other yard debris from streetside,
using a chipper attachment on the truck.
Meantime residents’ lawns have been
accumulating a lot of branches knocked
down by strong winds in recent weeks.
A few garage sales have already
taken place.1699 W. M43 Highway,
Hastings, MI 49058.945-1351 North M-43 Hwy.
Hastings
945-1301 W. Green St.
Hastings
945-This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches
and these local businesses:HASTINGS FREE
METHODIST CHURCH
"We Exist To Be An
Expression Of Who Jesus Is
To The World Around Us".
2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box
8, Hastings. Telephone 269-
945-9121. Email hastfmc@
gmail.com. Website: http://www.
hastingsfreemethodist.com.
Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant
Pastor Emma Miller, Worship
Director, Martha Stoetzel.
Sunday Morning Worship:
9:45 a.m. Kids Church and
Nursery are available. Our
worship center is set up for
social distancing. Aftermath
Student Ministries: Sunday 6
p.m.SOLID ROCK BIBLE
CHURCH OF DELTON
7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765,
(corner of Milo Rd. & S. M-
43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor
Roger Claypool, (517) 204-- Sunday Worship Service
10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and
Children’s Ministry. Wednesday
night Bible study and prayer
time 6:30 to 7:30 pm.
ST. ROSE OF LIMA
CATHOLIC CHURCH
805 S. Jefferson. 269-945-
4246 Pastor Father Stephan
Philip. Mass 4:30 p.m.
Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.m.
Sunday.HASTINGS
BAPTIST CHURCH
309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings.
Matt Moser, Lead Pastor.
Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m.
Sunday School for all ages;
10:30 a.m. Worship Service;
Senior High Youth Group 6-
p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m.
Wednesday, Family Night
6:30-8 p.m., Kids 4 Truth
(Children Kindergarten-5th
Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle
School Youth Group; 6:
p.m. Bible Study and Prayer.
Call Church Office 948-
for information.CHRIST THE KING
PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH (PCA)
328 N. Jefferson Street.
Worship 10 a.m. Nursery
provided. Pastor Peter Adams,
contact 616-690-8609.WOODGROVE
BRETHREN
CHRISTIAN PARISH
4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor
Randall Bertrand. Wheel-
chair accessible and elevator.
Sunday School 9:30 a.m.
Worship Time 10:30 a.m.
Youth activities: call for
information.LIFEGATE
COMMUNITY CHURCH
301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273,
Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor
Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-- Website: http://www.lifegatecc.
com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m.
Wednesday Life Group 6:
p.m.
PLEASANTVIEW
FAMILY CHURCH
2601 Lacey Road, Dowling,
MI 49050. Pastor, Steve
Olmstead. (269) 758-
church phone. Sunday
Service: 10 a.m.WELCOME CORNERS
UNITED METHODIST
CHURCH
3185 N. Broadway, Hastings,
MI 49058. Phone 945-2654.
Worship Services: Sunday, 9
a.m.Worship
Together
...at the church of your choice ~
Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches
available for your convenience...
Fiberglass
ProductsThursday, April 21 – Novel Ideas Book Club discusses “Golden Girl” by Elin Hilderbrand,
1 p.m.; Movie Memories group watches 1939 film based on the book “Beau Geste” by Percival
Christopher Wren, 5 p.m.
Friday, April 22 – Earth Day movie “Youth v Gov” follows 21 young Americans suing the
world’s most powerful government to protect their Constitutional rights to a stable climate. If
they win, they will change the future, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 23 – book launch, Maggie Murphy launches “Sara Dippity” 10:30 a.m., book
talk at 11.
Monday, April 25 – Crafting Passions group meets, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Tuesday, April 26 – chess club, 5:30-8; mahjong, 5:30-8 p.m.
Wednesday, April 27 – book launch, Samantha Abbott launches “The Last of the Moon Light
Pack,” 5 p.m.
More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269-945-
4263, or checking its Facebook events.HASTINGS PUBLIC
LIBRARY SCHEDULE