Obits

Obituary: Donald William Alfred, 74, of Manistee

December 5, 2025

Donald William Alfred, 74, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Wednesday December 3, 2025 doing what he loved most, helping others in need. Don was the son of Edwin and Helen Alfred and was born in Manistee Nov. 27, 1951. He was the brother of Brenda, Prescilla, and Laura. Donald was a prominent and successful residential builder in the Manistee…

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Obituary: Debora Kay Maglothin, 69, of Ludington

December 3, 2025

Debora Kay (Pierce) Maglothin, 69, of Ludington, died Tuesday November 25, 2025, at Corewell Health Ludington Hospital, where her loving husband held her hand. “A lady always knows when it is time to leave.” Debora was born to William R. Pierce and Lillian M. (Bryant) Pierce on October 14, 1956, in Ludington where she lived her life. She graduated from…

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Obituary: Richard ‘Richie’ Papes, 68, of Free Soil

December 2, 2025

Richard “Richie” George Papes, 68, of Free Soil, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 28, 2025, surrounded by the family he cherished above all else. Born on July 28, 1957, in Manistee to James and Marie (Fend) Papes, Richie was raised on the family farm where he learned early that life’s deepest lessons come from hard work, possessing a humble…

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Obituary: Katie (Murphy) Copenhaver, 44, of Muskegon, formerly of Ludington

December 1, 2025

Katie Lynn (Murphy) Copenhaver, 44, of Muskegon, formerly of Ludington, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday. November 27, 2025, due to complications from blood clots following a recent foot surgery. Her passing leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of all who loved her. Born on April 23, 1981, in Ludington, Katie was the first daughter of Thomas and Beverly Murphy.…

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Obituary: Joan Frances Edwards, 84, of Custer

December 1, 2025

Joan Frances Edwards, 84, of Custer passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, November 29, 2025 with her family by her side.  Joan was born on September 29, 1941 in Ludington, the daughter of Harry and Mary (Wing) Whitaker and graduated from Mason County Eastern High School with the class of 1959.  On July 11, 1959 she married the love of…

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