Dion K. Kerbuski's Obituary
Dion R. Kerbuski, age 57, passed away in Muskegon MI on June 22, 2018 with his daughters by his side, after a hard-fought battle to ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) along with mild dementia. He was born on February 21, 1961 to Jack and Mary (Smith) Kerbuski. He graduated from Reeths-Puffer high school in 1979 and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Navy. During his time in the Navy he traveled all over, from Germany to Thailand to Brazil. He enjoyed his time in the Navy as it gave him the ability to see the world in which he loved. He will be remembered by family and friends as brave, courageous, kind, generous beyond means, and self-less as he always put others before his own wants and needs.
He loved Detroit sports no matter what, especially his Red Wings and Lions. Thanks to his daughters, he was able to catch a Lions game for the first time during their 2017-2018 season and a few Tigers games also in 2017. His passion for sports did not stop with Detroit sports, he also enjoyed watching the Michigan Wolverines both football and basketball. He loved his grandchildren and children dearly and enjoyed their company. Dion enjoyed playing poker with family and friends, coaching his daughters’ softball teams in their younger years, and doing anything that involved being in the great outdoors. Above all he simply enjoyed just being around his daughters whom he loved and always made time for.
Sadly, in 2015 he was given the diagnosis of ALS and was told he had 3 months, maybe less, to live. His positivity paired with a great support network helped make this possible. He decided to be joyful about having had a full life, rather than be sad for the battle to come. Through it all he never gave up hope, he never felt bad for himself, rather he stood up to it and fought courageously never complaining. He maintained a positive outlook never letting go of hope. Even through the worst of times he maintained a smile and continued to inspire others. Amazingly, this outlook worked for him, his determination to prove doctors wrong worked, he lived (not just survived) 3 years longer than doctors anticipated. His infectious smile and personality will be greatly missed by so many as he was truly an inspiration to those who had the pleasure of meeting him.
SURVIVORS include 3 children, Diana (Justin) Hulett, Angela Kerbuski, Dionn (Jamie) Forward; 10 grandchildren, Emily, Olivia, Alexander, Tripp, Ethan, Tristan, Lukas, Aria, Maxwell, and Legacy; siblings, Debbie Vanderlaan, Dina Kerbuski, Darla (Kevin) Simonelli, Darryl Kerbuski and Dawn Achterhoff. Preceded in death by his daughter, Elizabeth Loomis and father Jack Kerbuski.
Family, friends and caregivers are invited to a celebration of life to be held on Sunday July 22, 2018 from 2-6 PM at Park Meadows community hall located at 210 Giles Rd Muskegon, MI 49445. In addition the family would also like to invite friends to the ALS walkathon being held on September 9th 2018 at the 6th street bridge for more information and to sign up visit http://web.alsa.org/goto/teamdion or you can email akerbuski88@gmail.com with any questions.
MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, donations and contributions can be made directly to Angela Kerbuski during the celebration of life gathering or on the gofundme page. Proceeds will go to support ALS research, assist the needs of families and patients currently living with ALS and be used to organize a local support group here in Muskegon for families and patients living with ALS.
A special thanks to the staff at Life Circles, particularly Tami L, Dr. Young, Dr Ted, Lindsey, Jessica Major, Roger, Cheryl, Heidi, Joni, Brandon, Lisa, the therapy girls, and so many more. You guys made his last wishes possible and I (Angela) am forever grateful for that. You guys all hold a special place in my heart just as you did in his. Additionally, a big thank you to Julie Snelling and Jim at Susan Mast ALS Fund for your constant support and ability to deliver much needed equipment and supplies on demand. The homecare team members who never gave up on him, Liona, Amber C, Zach, and Theresa.
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