Russell A. Kitchen's Obituary
Mr. Russell A. Kitchen, age 85, passed away September 29, 2011 at Providence Health Care in Zeeland. He was born August 18, 1926 to Alvah and Angeline (Fayton) Kitchen in Muskegon where he remained a life-long resident. After serving his country proudly in the U.S. Navy during WWII, he met and married Doris D. Koplen from Aberdeen, SD. Together they lovingly raised their only daughter, Carol A. (Rubley). Following his retirement as a toolmaker machinist at Auto Matic Spring in Grand Haven, he and Doris wintered for a number of years in Texas. Russ belonged to VFW Post #3734 in Fruitport, loved hunting, repairing firearms, and traveling. He impressed many with his skill at waterskiing, shared the rewards of his love of gardening with neighbors and friends, and supplied a joke with almost everyone he encountered for hope of putting a smile upon someone’s face. At the time of his death he was survived by: daughter, Carol (Kent) Rubley of Grand Haven; 2 grandchildren, Beth (Rodney) Lloyd of Fenton, MI and Sara (Barry) Miller of Chesterfield, MI; four great-grandchildren, Max, Jack, Chase and Miranda. Russ was preceded in death by his spouse, Doris, his brother Emery and two sisters, Elaine Matuszek and Maxine Folk. Russ and Doris’ daughter, Carol Rubley joined them in Heaven on November 23, 2011. Russ was a much loved uncle by many nieces and nephews and a friend to many, he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. A memorial service to celebrate the lives of both Russ and Carol will be held at: The Lee Chapel, Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc., 6291 S. Harvey St., 231-798-1100, 11:00 A.M., Saturday, December 10, 2011, Rev. William Uetricht officiating. Memorial Contributions: Love Inc. or American Cancer Society. Visitation: one hour prior.
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