Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes

03/20/2026

The Life Story of Kim Gerow

Kim Gerow was a devoted father, grandfather, Army veteran, and hardworking tradesman who loved the outdoors and sharing good times with friends and family. Known for his humor, loyalty, and big personality, he wholeheartedly supported his children and grandchildren. He truly made everyone feel like family, often showing his love through jokes, stories, and time spent together. Kim led with his heart in all things and embraced each day as a gift. In doing so, he proved to be a powerful role model for living a full and happy life. Cherished by many, Kim will long be remembered and dearly missed.

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03/19/2026

The Life Story of Chester Grays

Chester Grays was a hard worker, provider, loving, and full of laughter. He lived a life rich in family and friends. He was a true family man who relished providing for his loved ones. Bright and generous, his friends would describe him as funny and laid back, but don’t get it twisted, he’ll put you in your place. A man who faced life's challenges with determination and confidence, Chester embodied his belief while speaking with his oldest son "When life knocks you down, you get back up, and you keep going." An inspiration to all who knew him, Chester will long be remembered and missed by those he so dearly loved.

Continue reading at https://betzlerlifestory.com/obituaries/chester-chet-grays.151427

03/18/2026

The Life Story of Grant Johnson

From drag racing to travelling the world, Grant Johnson lived a life fueled by fast cars, hockey, humor, and, most of all, family. Grant's contagious humor inspired much fun for anyone who spent time with him. He struck up conversations with everyone, and if he couldn't remember a person's name, he'd give them a nickname. Leading with his heart in all things, Grant's compassion and kindness were evident in how everyone fondly called him "Fluff." A devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Grant will long be remembered and deeply missed by those he so dearly loved.

Continue reading at https://betzlerlifestory.com/obituaries/grant-johnson.151408

03/18/2026

The Life Story of Bob Hayes

Robert “Bob” Hayes was born into a pioneering family. His grandfather “Doc” Hayes took a commission as the Northern Lumber Company’s physician in the wilderness of the Upper Peninsula. Doc’s son Eden married the sawmill owner’s daughter Florence Carey and along came Bob in 1937, then Dennis, Sharon, and Harry. The blizzard of 1938 brought snow drifts to the top of the telephone poles and every summer lumberjacks fought the mosquitos and sweat that made up Sagola, Bob’s home tome. Sagola and nearby Channing, literally grew from railroad spurs that pumped the white pine and the oak to build Model T’s, factories and homes of Chicago, Detroit, and beyond.

Continue reading at https://betzlerlifestory.com/obituaries/bob-hayes.151431

03/17/2026

The Life Story of Mary Pratt

Mary Pratt was the kind of person you felt right away in her presence. She had a spark and usually a little sparkle about her. Fiercely independent, determined, and never afraid to speak her mind, Mary worked hard, cared deeply for the people she loved, and found joy in life’s everyday moments. Whether it was spending time together, sharing a home-cooked meal, cheering on her grandkids at soccer games, or simply enjoying random moments with family, those were the things that meant the most to her.

Continue reading at https://betzlerlifestory.com/obituaries/mary-pratt.151413

03/11/2026

The Life Story of Scott Anderson

Throughout a journey that spanned times of conflict and peace, plenty and want, loss and unspeakable joy, Scott Anderson never lost sight of what mattered most. He was a constant source of strength and encouragement, and he was always willing to go above and beyond to serve anyone and everyone. A dedicated family man, Scott could always be counted on to be there for his girls. His love for his people was limitless, and there was nothing he would not do for his friends, family, and employees. Already so dearly missed, Scott will be forever loved by those that knew him best.

Continue reading at https://betzlerlifestory.com/obituaries/scott-anderson.151409

03/11/2026

The Life Story of Debbie Eckstrand

With a warm, welcoming smile and genuine kindness, Debbie Eckstrand lived a life defined by curiosity, generosity, and unwavering faith. Debbie embodied the principles of her faith, leading with her heart in all things and never hesitating to serve others in need. Whether hosting a gathering, working on a project, digging into her family history, or cheering on her sons and husband, Debbie lived each moment to the fullest. An inspiration to all who were blessed to share time with her, Debbie will long be remembered and deeply missed.

Continue reading at https://betzlerlifestory.com/obituaries/debbie-eckstrand.151388

03/06/2026

The Life Story of James "Jim" Hammond

James Bernard Hammond, age 80, died February 26, 2026. James Hammond lived a life rich in faith, family, and friends. A man who embodied the principles of his faith, Jim treasured his family and welcomed every opportunity to learn, teach, and care for others. He always said medicine was there to serve those in need, and he was often a voice that raised it with others, inspiring many to accept this call. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, practitioner, educator, and friend, Jim will long be remembered by those he so dearly loved and served.

Continue reading at https://betzlerlifestory.com/obituaries/jim-hammond.151348

03/03/2026

The Life Story of Sandra Glista

Leading with her heart and unwavering determination, Sandra Glista lived a life rich in family, friends, and service. Sandy possessed a warm heart for people, animals, and nature, and she valued communication in all its forms. As a lifelong leader in Western Michigan University's Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences department, Sandy's teaching and mentorship shaped generations of students and enriched patients' lives. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, practitioner, advocate, and friend, Sandy will long be remembered by those she so dearly loved.

Continue reading at https://betzlerlifestory.com/obituaries/sandy-glista.151142

03/03/2026

The Life Story of Marvin McGrew

As family and friends gather to reflect on the life and legacy of Marvin McGrew, it is easy to see both his unwavering strength and his unconditional love for those who were special to him. He was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others in whatever ways he could. There was nothing that brought Marvin greater joy than spending time with his loved ones, and no matter how simple or brief the moments, each one was cherished. His smiles were a valuable gift that made the world a little brighter, and he was a powerful role model of faith and generosity for all who looked up to him. Already greatly missed, Marvin will be forever loved and remembered.

Continue reading at https://betzlerlifestory.com/obituaries/marvin-mcgrew.151296

03/02/2026

https://betzlerlifestory.com/obituaries/anne-sykes.151315

Anne Sykes was born August 30, 1942 in Leicestershire, England; a time when the world was at war and blackout curtains covered the windows at night. Despite those uncertain days, her

03/02/2026

https://betzlerlifestory.com/obituaries/jenny-hartman.151330

Jenny Hartman of Kalamazoo, age 82, passed away on February 24, 2026. Born on June 4, 1943, in Kalamazoo to James and Marjory (Love) Phelps, Jenny was the oldest of six children and