Sturgis Michigan

Bowman, Wallace R., Sr. – Obituary

Wallace R. Bowman, Sr., 73, of Sturgis, Indiana, passed away on August 20, 1988, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Fort Wayne. Born on July 19, 1915, he married Marion Schrader in 1943 and later wed Nancy Hunt in 1983. He operated the B W Tavern for 42 years and was active in numerous veteran and community organizations. He is survived by his wife, a son, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a sister. Services will be held at the Rosenberg-Schipper Funeral Home.

Biography of William N. Smelser

William N. Smelser, a prominent lawyer in Emporia for twenty-five years, has established a commendable reputation through diligent work and integrity. Born in Sturgis, Michigan, in 1870, he moved to Emporia as a teenager, where his family has deep roots. After completing his education and gaining experience in law, he was admitted to the bar in 1891 and has since built a successful practice. Smelser has also served as police judge and on the local school board, and he is active in several professional and civic organizations. He is married with three children.

Bowman, Edson Ross – Obituary

Edson R. Bowman, 64, passed away from a heart attack on August 7, 1944, while attempting to control a grass fire on his farm near Sturgis. Despite efforts to contain the blaze with the help of his wife, the situation escalated, leading him to seek fire assistance. He collapsed shortly thereafter. Born in Hartford City, Indiana, he had lived in Sturgis for 40 years and worked at Scovill Manufacturing Company for 33 years. He is survived by his wife, four daughters, a son, and extended family.

Bowman, Frank Athol – Obituary

Frank Athol Bowman, aged 65, passed away on March 25, 1951, at Sturgis Memorial Hospital after a prolonged illness. Born on April 3, 1885, in Hartford City, Indiana, he worked as a tool and die maker for local manufacturing companies. He is survived by his wife, Carrie; a son, Wallace; a daughter, Geraldine Wolfe; two grandsons; a brother; and a sister. Funeral services will take place at Kubasiak Funeral Home with burial at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis.

Bowman, William Levi – Obituary

William Levi Bowman, aged 28, passed away after a long-term injury sustained in 1927 during his service in the U.S. Army. He enlisted in 1920 and served until 1923, re-enlisting in 1925. The injury occurred when he fell while washing windows at Fort Sheridan, resulting in a fractured skull and ankle injury. He had been home as an incurable patient for two months prior to his death. He is survived by his parents and six siblings. Funeral services will be held on Friday, with burial at Oaklawn Cemetery.

Bowman, Dorcas Tabitha Simonton – Obituary

Mrs. Dorcas Bowman, aged 83, passed away at her daughter’s home in Sturgis after a seven-week illness. Born on August 3, 1856, in LaGro, Indiana, she married Sylvester Bowman in 1876. A long-time resident of Sturgis and a member of the Gospel Hall, she is survived by her husband, five sons, one daughter, 22 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren. Services will take place at Moon Funeral Home, with interment at Oak Lawn Cemetery.

Purkes, Lena Floy Tozer Bowman – Obituary

Mrs. Lena F. Purkes, aged 92, passed away on January 25, 1973, at Fairview Medical Facility in Centerville. Born on July 26, 1880, in LeRoy, Michigan, she married Edson R. Bowman in 1902, and later Thomas Purkes in 1951. A member of the First Baptist Church, she is survived by a son, three daughters, 11 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. Visitation is scheduled at Foglesong Funeral Home, with services on January 29, 1973, followed by interment at Oak Lawn Cemetery.

Falkenstein, Ida Edith Waterstraut – Obituary

Ida Edith Waterstraut Falkenstein, 72, a lifelong Sturgis resident, passed away suddenly from a heart attack at her home on May 26, 1939. Born on October 7, 1867, she was the daughter of Charles and Caroline Waterstraut. Ida was married twice, first to Henry Lampe and later to Frank Falkenstein. She is survived by four daughters, a son, a brother, 14 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and other family members. Services will be held at her home, followed by burial in Oak Lawn Cemetery.

Falkenstein, Frank – Obituary

Frank Falkenstein, 70, a lifelong resident of Sturgis, passed away at home on March 21, 1936, after five years of declining health. Born on March 14, 1866, in Sturgis Township, he married Ida Waterstraut Lampe in 1904 and worked as a farmer before joining the C.A. Miller Company for 15 years. He is survived by his widow, one son, four stepdaughters, two sisters, one brother, and 13 grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday at 2:30 PM, with burial at Oakland Cemetery.

Bowman, Carrie Lampe – Obituary

Carrie (Lampe) Bowman, aged 91, passed away on September 3, 1984, at Froh Community Home in Sturgis after a prolonged illness. Born on November 3, 1892, in Burr Oak Township, she married Frank Athol Bowman in 1912. A resident of Bronson since 1931, she worked at the Sturgis Journal and Wright-Patterson during WWII before retiring from Bronson Reel Co. She is survived by a daughter, a son, and several grandchildren. Services will be held at Kubasiak-Kolcz Funeral Home, with burial at Oak Lawn Cemetery.