Joan Bunn shown here with her husband of 65 years, Marv.
ROCKFORD MOURNS A TRAGIC LOSS TO THE COMMUNITY
Joan "Jo" Bunn of Rockford, Michigan, age 83, passed away peacefully on the morning of Friday, March 18, 2016.
Joan was born to Clyde and Lillian (Caulkin) Barber in Sparta, Michigan, on May 1, 1932, and graduated Creston High School in 1950. Joan will always be remembered as significant and integral part of her community she cherished and loved the area she lived in and gave her best efforts to make Rockford a better place.
For many years, Joan was the owner and operator of Joan & Associates, an estate sale business. Joan and Marvin were also founding members of the Rockford Area Museum and Historical Society; and Joan was affectionately known as the "Butter Lady," churning for many years at the Fallasburg Fall Festival. She was a very outgoing person and her "gift of gab" will truly be missed. Joan is survived by her husband of sixty-five years, Marvin Bunn; children Bruce (Barbara) Bunn and Marcia (Jeff) Brewer; grandchildren David Bunn, Hillery Brewer, John Brewer, Russ (fiance Caitlin Brown), and Kate Brewer; great grandchildren Brennen and Seth Bunn; and many special friends. A memorial gathering with family and friends was held on Wednesday, March 23, 2016, at the Rockford Community Cabin.
Joan had expressed adamantly, that in lieu of flowers, those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy are encouraged to make a memorial contribution to North Kent Community Services, 10075 Northland Drive NE, Rockford, MI 49341; or to the Rockford Area Museum and Historical Society, P.O. Box 781, Rockford, MI 49341.
Not only was Michael Young an effective and successful leader as Rockford's City Manager for 20 years, he was also a very special friend of the Rockford Area Historical Society and the Rockford Area Museum.
Without his leadership and support at City Hall for this huge project, the new RAM would not exist today.
While we mourn his loss, we take pride in recognizing that his actions on behalf of the museum has created a gift to the Rockford area that will be felt and appreciated for many generations to come.
The RAM is just one of the many ways in which the City of Rockford has benefitted from his vision and leadership.
Michael Young, age 48, of Rockford, and formerly of Grand Haven,
died unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 27.
Anyone wishing to honor Michael's memory is encouraged to consider donating to the causes that he championed: The Rockford Area Community Endowment, 7 S. Monroe Street NE, Rockford, MI 49341; and the Michael F. Young, 90', 94' Memorial Endowment Scholarship, University Development, Grand Valley State University, L.V. Eberhard Center, 9th Floor, P.O. Box 1945, Grand Rapids, MI 49501-1945.
Bob Boyer (July 5,1918 - June 20, 2015) was a long time member of the Rockford Area Historical Society (RAHS). Until May of 2015 he served as an active member of the Society's Board of Directors.
LOIS ARMSTRONG, long time Rockford resident, Historical Society member, and friend to many of us, passed away on September 3, 2015.
Mr. Michael Fred Farmer of Rockford, Michigan, age 83, passed away on the morning of Wednesday, September 23, 2015.
