Kevin S. Kole

Patient, quiet, generous, and kind, Kevin S. Kole lived a life rich in family and friends. Never one to demand the spotlight, Kevin would do anything for anybody. Though he wouldn't offer or tell anyone that, when he knew someone was in need, he'd be the first to offer assistance. Kevin willingly gave his support and steadfast companionship to his family and friends, cherishing every moment he was given. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Kevin will long be remembered and ever so missed.

Ronald and Virginia (Prince) Kole welcomed their son Kevin to their family on February 6, 1957, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The second oldest of the five Kole kids, Kevin enjoyed the good company of his brothers and sister. He spent a lot of time with his grandparents and cousins in Holland, Michigan, and began his schooling in Flint. When he was in sixth grade, the family moved to Port Huron. Moving from an inner-city school to what Kevin would describe as a school in a "pasture" eventually proved a positive change. Many wonderful memories were made on Lake Huron, where the family lived, including having campfires on the beach. A natural athlete, Kevin was an amazing water skier who excelled at slalom skiing and truly loved the water. He also played basketball and football and picked up hunting while in high school. A popular kid, Kevin enjoyed an active social life with many friends. Throughout his high school years, he earned the nickname "Stork" due to his height.

Kevin worked a paper route with his older brother during middle school and high school and began working for a landscaping company when he was in high school. Upon his graduation from high school, Kevin attended Western Michigan University where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He was proud to be a Bronco and followed their athletic teams closely.

While growing up, Kevin loved attending Detroit Lions' games. His love for the game grew into a passion he would carry throughout his life. Through his love of sports and sports history, he would also gain a love of trivia, helping him answer nearly every question correctly while watching Jeopardy.

Though Kevin met his wife, Cindy, in sixth grade, they didn't date until Kevin asked her to prom their senior year. The date was a success and the beginning of their life together. Opposites attract; while Kevin possessed a quiet, gentle demeanor, Cindy was more outgoing. Acting as the social butterfly to Kevin’s cool nature. Kevin and Cindy were blessed to welcome two children to their family. Marcus and Ali , who quickly became the center of their worlds. As a father, Kevin never raised his voice.

Family was Kevin’s greatest love. He relished fatherhood and connecting with his kids. He shared a love for sports with Marcus, often coaching Marcus’ sports teams. Kevin bonded with Ali over a mutual love of animals. Ali inherited Kevin's curly hair, and he would make it a tradition to do her hair before school every morning. Kevin loved cats and dogs and always had a pet around during not only his childhood, but also for his children's childhoods. Once, he called Ali to share that he'd found a kitten on the road for her. She found four more kittens, and together, they rescued them all. When one bit him, he promptly named it "Cindy".

He was extremely proud of the adults Marcus and Ali became and loved each of their spouses as his own children. Chris, Ali’s husband, and Kevin often enjoyed the family cabin together and Alyssa, Marcus’ wife, enjoyed a mutual love of reading. His nieces and nephews all held a special place in Kevin’s heart, and they adored Uncle Kevin because of his loving and gentle nature.

Kevin was a hard worker and spent forty years working in the transportation industry as a logistics manager. A man known for being cheap, Kevin made it his personal hobby to call Comcast and complain. He'd patiently sit on the phone for hours waiting to hear from the company and always got a deal regarding their services simply because the person on the other end wanted him off the phone. Kevin never understood why people would waste money buying jeans with holes in them. All that knew him, knew he was proud to be a penny pincher. Kevin thought to this day that you could buy a pair of Levi’s for $19.00. He always drove his vehicles until they died, well over 200,000 miles on each.

He was the slowest eater ever, a trait passed down to his granddaughter Evie. Often, everyone else would be done and dishes cleaned up while he was still sitting there eating.

Being a Grampy was one of the brightest things in Kevin’s life. Liam and Evie were the center of his world. Liam recently told his mom that when he stayed at Grampy and Mimi’s house overnight, Grampy would let him stay up late watching TV and they would both eat ice cream on the couch next to each other right before going to bed.

Kevin enjoyed going up north to Luther, Michigan, to the family cabin. Every year, he would go deer hunting with his hunting buddies. He hunted for more than forty years and simply enjoyed being out and one with nature. He also enjoyed riding the trails on his four-wheelers up at the cabin. Closer to home, Kevin found a core group of guys to golf with every day. A member at Angels Crossing in Vicksburg, the Olde Mill and the Kalamazoo Country Club, he also enjoyed golfing up north at various courses. Kevin never passed up the chance to play a game of golf with his friends.

A voracious reader, Kevin read everything. He loved knowing what was going on in the world and knew the news inside and out. He followed politics closely and sports even more so, always having his finger on the pulse of new stats, sports history, and trivia.

Though our days with him were far too few, every moment spent with Kevin is a gift we will long treasure. May we find much comfort in our many fond memories and in the honor of carrying Kevin's legacy forward. As we cheer on the Detroit Lions, go hunting with friends, spend time outdoors, quietly offer assistance, and share our love for animals with others, we celebrate the countless ways Kevin made life better for those he so dearly loved.

Kevin Kole of Vicksburg, age 67, died on October 7, 2024. Kevin was preceded in death by his parents; Ronald and Virginia Kole, siblings: Ronnie Kole, Shawn Kole, and Kendra Kole, and brother in-law Bill Rome. Surviving is his wife, Cynthia (Cindy); children: Marcus (Alyssa) Kole and Ali (Chris) Schwartz; grandchildren: Liam and Evelyn; siblings: Kerry Kole, sister-in-law Erin Kole; mother-in-law, Donna Rome Swegles; brothers and sisters-in-law: Jerry and Darlene Rome, Becky and Terry Harrington, Jane and John Hampton, Don and Karen Rome, and Kelly VanderPloeg; and many very special nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to neighbor and friend Dan Zonyk for all his help during this difficult time.

Please join us at a Life Story Service on Tuesday, October 15 at 11 AM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A reception will follow in the Life Story Center, where food, drinks, and stories can be shared. Please wear your finest Lions' gear or blue and silver colors in honor of Kevin's favorite team! Celebrate Kevin's life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to SPCA of Kalamazoo.