//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/01b/132819/132819-00.jpgMass of Christian Burial
Thursday, September 17, 2020
11:00 AM EDT
St Monica Catholic Church
4408 S Westnedge Ave
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 345-4389
Map
Web Site
Contributions
At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.
St. Monica Catholic Church
4408 S Westnedge Ave
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 345-4389
Web Site
Huntington's Michigan Chapter
P.O. Box 1091
Birmingham, MI 48012
(989) 832-4170
Web Site
Flowers
Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.
Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site
//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/01b/132819/132819-00.jpgLife Story / Obituary
Age 94, died peacefully in his sleep on September 5, 2020 from Huntington’s disease. Chet was born January 13, 1926 in Kalamazoo, the son of Chester and Marie (Gosen) Taylor. A veteran of WWII, Chet showed incredible courage and skill as a scout sniper in the Marine Corps. He was wounded in battle in Okinawa. He was also part of the first unit to enter Nagasaki after the nuclear bomb was detonated.
Shortly after being honorably discharged, he was introduced to a young woman, Patricia Oliverius. The pair went on a blind date that turned into a romance lasting over 72 years. He accepted a position with Sutherland Paper Company where he remained for the next 40 years through many changes, retiring from James River Corporation.
Nothing brought him more joy than being with his family, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In his free time, Chet was an avid hunter and fisherman. Over the years he shared his love of fishing with his kids and grandkids. His dog, Casey, also brought a twinkle to Chet’s eye and a smile to his face.
Chet was preceded in death by his daughter, Barbara McGraw; and grandsons: Steven McGraw, Brian McGraw, and Matthew Gray. Surviving are his wife of 72 wonderful years, Patricia; daughters: Carol (Gary) Gray and Diane (Dirk) Wellington; grandchildren: Nicole (Kris) Nelson, Angela (Erik) Hindenach, Heather (Ryan) Horvath, Julene Gray, Jason (Stacey) McGraw, and Patricia McGraw; and 8 great-grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM on Thursday (SEP 17) at St. Monica Catholic Church, 4408 S Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo. A private burial for the family will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery with military honors. Visit Chet’s personal webpage at www.BetzlerLifeStory.com where you may archive a favorite memory or photo, and sign his online guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to Huntington’s Disease Society of America – Michigan Chapter or St Monica Catholic Church. Arrangements by Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo 269-375-2900.