1Bn/246 Armor Michigan National Guard

1Bn/246 Armor Michigan National Guard

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This page is for former members of the 1Bn/246 Armor, family and friends who wish to honor those who served. Share memories, reconnect with each other.

A common interest page for those members, past and present and their families, who have been enlisted in, served with, or are a retired member of the 1 BN/246 Armor, now the 126th Cavalry. This distinct group of people were first located in Dowagiac, Michigan. If you would like to join, participate, or just honor those who have served our area in the Michigan National Guard click the button and enjoy.

04/28/2026

Combat Support has lost another member with many years service, Richard Worldman,

Richard Wordelman Jr., 75

April 27, 2026
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Richard Ned Wordelman Jr., known to many simply as Richard, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026, in Kalamazoo, at the age of 75.

Richard was born on September 30, 1950 in Three Rivers, and he lived a life marked by devotion, hard work, and a deep love for the people and places that shaped him. He was a true Michigan man through and through, proud of his roots and grateful for the simple joys that made life meaningful. Those who knew him will remember him as a loving, generous, and spirited man whose presence brought warmth and steadiness to his family and friends.

On March 20, 1970, Richard married the love of his life, Linda Wordelman, and together they shared 56 wonderful years of marriage. Their partnership was built on love, loyalty, and a lifetime of memories. Richard was a great father and a devoted family man who took pride in caring for those he loved. He is survived by his wife, Linda; his children, Rich (Gina) Wordelman III, Mark Wordelman, and Todd (Stacey) Wordelman; and his grandchildren, Chandler Lawler, Samantha (Blain) Young, Sierra (Cameron) Rickel, Gabbie Mackinnon, Kennedy (Jace) Wordelman, Rainnen Wordelman, Taylor Wordelman, Ella Wordelman, Lucas Wordelman, Richard Wordelman IV, and Trey Wordelman. He was also blessed with two great-grandchildren Raymond and Roni Young.

Richard is also survived by his siblings, Sandra Morningstar, Douglas (Cathy) Wordelman, and Pamela (Nick) Pavkov. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Barbara Wordelman Sr., and by his brother-in-law, Robert Morningstar, along with many remarkable aunts and uncles who were part of his life and memories.

Richard was a hard worker and a great provider, and he carried that same dependable spirit into every part of his life. For more than 30 years, he coached youth sports and remained deeply involved in youth athletics. He gave generously of his time, his encouragement, and his steady guidance to countless young people and families. His impact reached far beyond the field or court, as he helped shape character, confidence, and community through his example and commitment.

He enjoyed life’s pleasures with enthusiasm and good humor. Richard loved bowling, NASCAR, and attending many races over the years. He was known as the official nachos tester at every restaurant, a title he wore with pride and a smile. He followed freighters as they passed through the Soo Locks, enjoyed the views of the Mackinac Bridge, and treasured his time at the Keyhole Bar with his margaritas. He was also an avid golfer and especially enjoyed spending time at his favorite course, St. Joe Valley. These favorite pastimes reflected the easygoing spirit and appreciation for life that he shared with those around him.

Richard’s life was one of devotion, laughter, and lasting influence. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his love for his family, his commitment to youth sports, and the many ways he made ordinary moments special. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services for Richard will be held at 11:00 on Friday, May 1, 2026 at the Farrand Funeral Home, 300 N. Kalamazoo St., White Pigeon, MI 49099.

Richard’s family will greet relatives and friends from 5:00 to 7:00 on Thursday, April 30, 2026 and from 10:00 am until the time of services on Friday, all at the funeral home.

A private family interment will take place at a later date.
RIP brother thank you for your service.

04/04/2026

I just want to wish all of you, a very 🙏🏻HAPPY EASTER.🙏🏻 Take care, be safe, and don't eat too much ham. 😎👍

Obituary of Wesley Gordon Wares 03/26/2026

Wesley Wares obituary. Rest in peace and Thank you for your Service.

Obituary of Wesley Gordon Wares Wesley G. Wares, 75, of Dowagiac, passed away Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at his home with his family by his side. Friends may visit with the family from 11 to 1pm on Tuesday, March 24, at Clark Chapel – Starks Family Funeral Home, 405 Center St., Dowagiac, where his Celebration of Life Service wil...

03/26/2026

I have been told that we lost another Comrade ....Wesley Wares, from BN Maint. He passed away March 18 and was buried on March 24. R.I.P., Wesley. 🙏🏻Our most sincere condolences to his family and friends.

03/16/2026

Keep our North in your prayers. Many without power and lots of snow and ice.

Photos from Chief of the National Guard Bureau's post 03/10/2026

Nice honor. Thank you Sir for you Service.

03/06/2026

Former Co. B Tankers out of Three Rivers has lost another comrade Paul Judsen served with Co B from 1961 to 1967 at the time he was a SP5. Paul passed away monday March 2nd 2026, he also was involved in the community with many businesses, of which he owned and operated the former A&W on US131 in Three Rivers, of which he was my first employer back around 1967-68, whom I worked for during the summers. his long time buiness up until his passing was Warsaw Chemical. RIP Paul you will be missed.

Paul Judsen, 87

March 5, 2026

Paul Kenneth Judsen, age 87, of Three Rivers, passed away Monday, March 2, 2026 at his home surrounded by loving family.

He was born August 7, 1938 in Chicago, was adopted by Nils A. and Clara M. (Ekle) Judsen. Paul grew up in Three Rivers and graduated from Three Rivers High School with the Class of 1956.

On November 30, 1961 he married Sandra Franklin, whom he met while working at the “Snack Cottage” at Corey Lake. Paul and Sandy built a life together centered around family, hard work, and community.

He proudly served his country in the Army National Guard for more than six years as a tank gunner. He was activated twice during his service and was honorably discharged as an E-5 Specialist (SP5) in 1967.

Paul was a lifelong entrepreneur whose many business ventures became well known in the Three Rivers area. Over the years he owned or operated The Point, A&W, Hilltop Restaurant, The Rainbow Restaurant, PJ’s, Cliff’s Pizza, Pablo’s B***o, Dimmick’s Shell, and Warsaw Chemical, where he was honored as Salesman of the Year twice.

Paul devoted much of his life to serving his community through the Three Rivers Lions Club, where he had just entered his 59th year of membership. He was instrumental in the building of the Lions Service Center, held many local offices and district committee roles, chaired the Ox Roast for 45 years, and helped establish the club’s holiday Nut Sales and Rose Day fundraisers. Among his many honors were Lion of the Year, the Melvin Jones Fellowship, and the Bruce C. Snook Citizen of the Year award. He was also especially proud of recruiting more than 50 new members to the club over the years.

Paul and Sandy were active members of St. John’s Lutheran Church, where he served on the property, finance, stewardship, and endowment committees. Paul was also a member of the American Legion and the Elks.

In his free time, Paul enjoyed fishing, splitting wood, and sitting on his deck enjoying the peaceful view of the St Joseph River. He also loved entertaining the neighborhood in his man-cave.

Remaining to cherish his memory are his wife, Sandy Judsen; sons, Steve (Kelly) Judsen, Tim (Jamie) Judsen, and Knute Judsen; grandchildren, Josh (Casey), Libby, and Aidan Judsen; great-grandchildren, Bradley and Liam Judsen; and a special cousin, Elaine Breseman.

His family will receive friends Thursday, March 12, 2026 beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers. A memorial service will follow at 1:00 with Pastor Vicky Blough officiating.

Donations in Paul’s memory may be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church of Three Rivers, Three Rivers Lions Club or the Three Rivers Elks. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

The M103 and M60 Tanks At The Dowagiac, Michigan, National Guard Armory - Cold War Armor 01/16/2026

I stumbled across this article from 2021. Tap on the words below here "The M103 and M60 Tanks..." and the link opens up. Then tap "YES" that you are 18 years old.
Kelly ~ Admin

The M103 and M60 Tanks At The Dowagiac, Michigan, National Guard Armory - Cold War Armor My wife and I like driving around and war memorials, VFW displays, and military tributes are always likely to cause us to stop, read and take pictures. Dowagiac, MI, is about 45 minutes from where we live and one fine summer day we decided to stop at the National Guard Armory there and take pictures...

01/16/2026

Shared by Michael Moran South Haven, MI. 27 Aug 1994

01/16/2026

Shared by Michael Moran Benton Harbor, MI 6 Nov 1958

01/16/2026

Shared by Michael Moran. St Joseph, MI. 21 March 1959

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