Calvin Stratton

From the moment he entered the world, Calvin Stratton brought energy, humor, and heart into every room he walked into. He was quick with a joke, generous with his time, and always ready to lend a hand. Calvin didn’t just live life; he charged into it with open arms and a fearless grin. Whether it was supporting his loved ones through hard times or finding joy in the simple pleasures of everyday life, Calvin was a steady, joyful presence who made the world a little brighter for those around him.

The late 1980s were certainly exciting years to be alive in the United States. The Cold War was finally winding down. Musical artists such as Madonna and Michael Jackson took the world by storm while kids were entertained by Garfield and Inspector Gadget on TV. It was during this influential time that Calvin was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on March 18, 1988.

Growing up, Calvin was a typical young man of his generation in many ways. He was raised alongside his brother, Scott, until high school. Calvin’s mother, Lisa, supported them by working in accounting. He attended local schools, and during middle school, he played football and basketball.

As a teenager in Plainwell, Calvin was known to get into his share of mischief. However, he had a way of getting out of tickets thanks to his mother’s partner at the time who was a volunteer firefighter. Calvin graduated from high school in 2006.

Several members of Calvin’s family, including his grandfather and his great-grandfather, had served in the military, so it was no surprise when Calvin chose to follow in their footsteps. During his junior year of high school, Calvin enlisted in the U.S. Army. He believed it was an honorable thing to do, and it allowed him to discover his own path in life. Calvin’s son, Robbie, was born during his senior year of high school. As challenging as it was becoming a new father while also beginning his service to our country, Calvin embraced his role with Robbie and treasured his family above all else. After his service, the first thing he bought for himself was a PlayStation 3!

Calvin was fortunate to find love with a remarkable woman named Linnea Wallace. The two were first introduced through Calvin’s brother, Scott, and his partner, Kayla. Gunnar and The Grizzly Boys concerts became a favorite date night event, and they also enjoyed relaxing at Oasis Hot Tubs, the thrills of Cedar Point, and adventuring to Gulf Shores in Alabama, and Lakeland, Florida.

Throughout his life, Calvin loved to be surrounded by his friends and family. He remained close with his brother, Scott, and would often go fishing with him and Robbie. Once, they were fishing with Scott’s sister, and Calvin decided to put a snapping turtle in their bucket to stop her from throwing back their fish. Needless to say, she never put her hand in the bucket again! Calvin had many friends, and he played horseshoes with a group every single Wednesday. No one was a stranger to Calvin for long.

Calvin worked hard to provide for himself and those who depended on him. He didn’t like the idea of working a 9-5 job, so he made his career on the road, driving trucks for medical distributors. Calvin also worked doing sanitization installations for hospitals with his son, Robbie. He was known for singing whatever song was stuck in his head while he worked, which annoyed Robbie to no end. When he wasn’t working, Calvin enjoyed boating and fishing. He often played video games in his free time. He had a knack for quoting Quentin Tarantino movies. Though he was the first to describe himself as a redneck, he was outgoing, friendly, and always ready to welcome anyone and everyone with open arms.

All who knew Calvin Stratton can surely attest that he made the most of every moment he was given. He was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others, and when he saw a need, he did his best to help in whatever ways he could. A devoted and loving father, brother, and partner, Calvin considered time spent with his friends and family to be time well spent. He faced every challenge with fierce determination, and through all the ups and downs of life, he always held his loved ones close. Though he will be greatly missed, Calvin leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that those he loved will always keep close.

Calvin Stratton of Bloomingdale, age 37, died on May 14, 2025. He was preceded in death by his uncles: Ronald Jr. “Skip” Stratton and Robert Stratton. Surviving are his son, Robbie Stratton; life partner, Linnea Wallace; grandparents; Ronald and Diane Stratton; parents: Nick Mion and Lisa Stratton; brother, Scott Voss; half-sister, Alaina Mion; and Robbie’s mother, Kelsey Bardocz.

A Life Story Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 21, from 10 AM - 11 AM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A Life Story Service will begin at 11 AM. Casual attire is encouraged. Lunch will follow at the Otsego Moose Lodge. Burial at a later date. Celebrate Calvin’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900.