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Fallen Plainwell Soldier Returns To West Michigan

Posted at 6:35 PM, Feb 04, 2013
and last updated 2013-02-04 18:48:21-05

OTSEGO, Mich. — The remains of Sgt. Mark Schoonhoven are back with his family, three weeks after he died as a result of an IED attack in Afghanistan.

Dozens of people lined the street outside Winkel Funeral Home in Otsego Monday evening as a procession from the Kalamazoo-Battle Creek International Airport transported the remains back.

American flags are lining M-89 as drivers enter town.

30-40 members of Schoonhoven’s family met the casket carrying their loved one’s remains around 3:30 Monday afternoon, including his parents – Harry and Deb – along with Schoonhoven’s widow and their six children.

Earlier in the afternoon, Gov. Rick Snyder ordered that all flags at state buildings, grounds, and facilities be lowered to half-staff on Thursday in honor of Schoonhoven’s service.

Visitations for Sgt. Schoonhoven will be held Wednesday at Winkel Funeral Home from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Funeral services will be at St. Margaret’s’ in Otsego on Thursday at 11 a.m.