Service
Sunday, November 18, 2007
2:00 PM EST
Vicksburg Bible Church
11988 Sprinkle Road
Vicksburg, MI 49097
Followed by refreshments at the church hall.
Visitation
Sunday, November 18, 2007
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM EST
Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes
Kalamazoo Location
6080 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(269) 375-2900
Driving Directions
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.
To the Family c/o Deb Sleeman
6080 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
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
Life Story / Obituary
Sometimes the people with the biggest hearts are the ones who appear to have the toughest shells. Kevin Sleeman could be counted among them. His stubborn streak sometimes made him appear arrogant and narrow-minded, but his love for his family was obvious, unconditional, and immeasurable. His sense of humor and outgoing nature made him fun to be around, and his grandchildren were among his biggest fans.
The cultural shift of the 1960s turned the nation upside down as America wrestled with Civil Rights issues, the threat and reality of war, and the assassination of a president. In the midst of all of this, Vernon and Barbara (Diller) Sleeman were doing their best to raise their family, and in the spring of 1966 they learned that they were expecting their fourth child. Little Kevin arrived on November 18 at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, blissfully unaware of the turmoil in the world, although if he had been old enough, he probably would have appreciated the swagger and showmanship of arguably the greatest boxer ever who was growing in popularity at the time, Muhammad Ali. Kevin was soon following his siblings around, pestering and being pestered like brothers and sisters do. Although children who are the babies in their families have a reputation of seeking attention, Kevin didn’t look for that. He was something of a loner, even at a young age. At the age of 9 while riding his bicycle, Kevin heard the sirens of a fire engine. He located the engine and peddled as fast as he could to chase the truck. Unfortunately, he rode his bike into a parked car and was seriously injured.
When Kevin woke up on Sunday, May 12, 1985, it didn’t seem like it was going to be different from any other breezy, warm spring day. What Kevin didn’t know was that something wonderful was about to happen that would change his life forever. He went to the park in Schoolcraft and it was there that he met a lovely seventeen-year-old girl named Deb. They got along well and began seeing each other, eventually falling in love. The two of them decided to strike out into new territory and traveled to Las Vegas where Kevin landed a job at a boat marina. At first, Vegas seemed like it would be an adventure, but the crowds and traffic began to wear on them. After a few months, they decided to move back to Kalamazoo.
Kevin and Deb were married on August 15, 1987, at Kevin’s Uncle David’s home in Climax. Kevin was thrilled when Deb gave birth to their first daughter, Crystal, later that year. He didn’t know he could love anyone as much as he loved that tiny person, but when Ashley was born in 1989, he realized that his heart was “one size fits all” and he cherished both of his little girls.
Despite the fact that he didn’t like school, Kevin worked through it and graduated from Comstock in 1988. His father was enrolled in the GM Comstock program and they were both proud that they graduated at the same time. Kevin went on to take some courses at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. He provided for the family by working for several different plastics companies followed by odd jobs here and there. He ended up working as a dishwasher at LaRue’s Family Restaurant and did well there, staying for four years.
His family considered Kevin a computer nerd and he got a lot of enjoyment out of his video games. His favorites included Spyro and Guitar Hero on his PlayStation® 2 where he could “Bark at the Moon” like Ozzy. Although he favored hard rock like AC/DC, Kevin appreciated the roots of the genre, particularly the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis, and even a little country now and again. He got a kick out of big time wrestling on TV and it was even better if he had a Dew and a burger to go with it.
In 2004, the family endured a difficult time when Kevin’s health became an issue and he underwent a triple bypass. It was nerve wracking for everyone and they all breathed a sigh of relief when Kevin began to regain his strength. After the surgery, Kevin appreciated those precious, fleeting moments with those he loved and he enjoyed staying home and spending time with his grandchildren.
Though Kevin’s years were few in number, he had experienced much heartache and loss and had learned some valuable lessons about what really mattered in life. He never took one second with his grandchildren for granted, especially those adorable moments like an unexpected hug, a wet kiss on the cheek, or four-year-old Lexis calling him “Butthead” or “Dork” in her little girl voice. Even though Skyler and Tyler were young, only three and two, they knew Pa Pa loved them and the feeling was completely mutual. His family will miss him more than words can say, but Kevin did not leave them empty-handed. He gave them the example of his strength, the comfort of his humor, and the assurance of his love, things that will never pass away.
Kevin died on Wednesday, November 14, 2007, in Kalamazoo. He was preceded in death by his sister, Robin, a brother, Joseph, and by a granddaughter, Nataliee Cheyenne Perkkio. Members of his family include his wife, Deb Sleeman of Kalamazoo; two daughters: Crystal (Justin) Krueger and Ashley (Randy) Gates, both of Kalamazoo; three grandchildren: Lexis, Skyler and Tyler; his parents, Vern and Barb Sleeman of Kalamazoo; a brother, Jimmy (Gladys) Sleeman of Kalamazoo; father-in-law, Ted (Molly) Reitz of Seattle, Washington, Step mother-in-law, Darlene Reitz of Kalamazoo; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and a nephew; and special friends: Kyle and Kayla Jordan, Larry and Jill Jordan, Ashley Cagle, Lisa and Terry Payne and Dave Hunsburger and Heather Randol.
A special niece Angel Schoephoerstes is coming in from Red Stone, Alabama to attend her uncles funeral and her fathers burial.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, November 18, at 2:00 p.m. at the Vicksburg Bible Church. Learn more about Kevin, view his Life Story film, and visit with his family and friends on Sunday from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Betzler Life Story Funeral Home in Kalamazoo. Burial will take place Wednesday, November 21, at 1:00 p.m. at Mt. EverRest Cemetery. Please visit Kevin’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a favorite memory or photo of Kevin, sign his online guest book, or learn how to make memorial contributions to his wife, Deb Sleeman.