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Michael J. Rabbers

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Western Michigan University

Michael Rabbers Obituary

Michael J. Rabbers Prairieville Twp. Michael J. Rabbers, age 64, of Prairieville Twp., passed away Tuesday peacefully in the loving arms and thoughts of family and friends. He courageously fought cancer for the past two and a half years. Mike retired in 2007 from FabriKal, after 34 years of service. Prior to that, he was employed at General Motors. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1966-68 and was a Vietnam veteran. He earned his BS in Psychology from WMU after attending Olivet College. Mike was a 1963 graduate of Richland High School. He spent a good portion of his life near and around Gull Lake, and found true contentment at his home in the woods. He was a motorcycle enthusiast, and kept a map that chronicled 36 years of his two-wheeled, open-road adventures. Mike lived his life with honor and integrity. He was a noted athlete, and in his 6'2" sturdy frame, he also embodied loyalty, humor, precision, kindness, and most of all, pure goodness. He was preceded in death by his father, Albert J. Rabbers, and is survived by his mother, Frances (nee Hageman, Portage), sister Dianne (Richland), sister Jan and her partner Jane Thompson (Minneapolis), and by his special love, Jerie (Doyle) Rabbers. Mike is also a brother by choice to so many more. Pic, Jackson, Kurt and Bill especially will carry him with them on all their future rides. A memorial service is being planned for late spring. Semper Fi. Ride on! Donations may be made in Mike's name to the Society to Prevent Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) of Southwest Michigan, P.O. Box 2676, Portage, MI 49081-2676, 269.344.1474 http://www.spcaswmich.org/ or to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Augusta Post, 13540 W M-96, Augusta. (269) 731-5670 Cards of condolences may be sent to the family in care of Redmond Funeral Home, 2300 East G Avenue, Parchment, MI 49004.

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Published by Battle Creek Enquirer on Feb. 22, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Rabbers

18 Entries

Todd Noble

March 8, 2009

I had lost touch with Mike since moving to Montana, and was saddened to hear of his illness and passing.
I spent quite a bit of time with Mike when wiring his house in the woods, and always considered him a friend.
Godspeed Rabbers

Josh Hartman

February 25, 2009

Mike,
You were a brother to my father (Jack) and an Uncle to me, Erich and Bridget. I will miss the days when Jack would ditch work and we would sneak in a quick round of golf followed by a few beers. You were a true friend who will be dearly missed.
Josh

larry kunselman

February 25, 2009

I worked with mike at fabri-kal for many years, he was a good friend and a real stand up guy. he will be missed by all who knew him

Marty Mason Jennings

February 24, 2009

As a classmate of “Rabby’s,” I have fond memories of him from the three years he was on campus. He and Dan Speaker kept us entertained – they were just funny – all the time! Mike was a member of Phi Alpha Pi; I know that his “Phi Alpha brothers” and “Soronian sisters” share those fond memories and are so saddened to hear of his passing. Even though I only saw or talked to Mike a few times over the last few years, it was always good to reconnect with him – a great guy. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Mike. Marty Mason Jennings, alumni director at Olivet College.

Dave Caley

February 23, 2009

To the Rabbers Family. I hadn't seen
Mike for many years,but I always remember him as a great guy and gifted athlete
He will be missed

Dave Caley Indiana

Doris Miller

February 23, 2009

Mike and I worked together at Fabri-Kal for 20yrs; I've been gone for 4yrs now and lost touch but was shocked to hear of his passing; I was always in awe of how 'in shape' he was, even as he matured. Mike was such an inspiring man, his stories of the road and building of his house, the knowledge he shared, and the positive energy he had on others was uplifting. You will be missed Mike.

Erich Hartman

February 23, 2009

Mike,
You have touched alot of people during your time here, Some more than others. I have vivid memories of you and my father(Jack) breaking me out of Pre-School to go to the motocross track, as well as countless times on Harleys riding all over the countryside in Michigan. You and my father are the main reason for my deep passion for motorcycles. You were a great friend to my father as well as like an uncle to me. You will be greatly missed and always in our thoughts, and hearts. Godspeed.

Jerry Orum

February 23, 2009

Being a part-time Gull Lake enthusiast, I was fortunate to meet Mike through mutual biking/golfing friends. I was even more fortunate to join him and "the biking gang" on a road trip around Lake Michigan in 2006 and also a cross country to Red Lodge, Montana in 2007. On both trips, Mike made a CD Video with music and pictures of the trip and gave each rider a copy. These are real treasures. They were professionally done by a 1st class citizen. Thanks for the special memories, Mike.

jack hartman

February 23, 2009

Mike
It goes without saying we truely were brothers. We grew together out of the Vietnam war, and were there for each other for the highs and the lows life presented us. No one could seperate our bond and no one or anything will break this bond into the future. You will always be a part of me Michael and as we learned from the war, "we will not forget".

Susie Herbert Petrilli

February 22, 2009

Fran, Diane, and Jan,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. All the wonderful childhood memories come flooding back...two families so intertwined with love and good times...tag for hours under the raft, the "bounce", playing basketball behind the garage, walking together to the corner day after day to catch the school bus, all the walks around the park, and so many adventures with Mike as we all grew to adulthood together. Love,

Dan Wallace

February 22, 2009

Thanks for all the Great memories, Mike. Golfing at the beach, golfing with John and Charles, flying lessons, just hanging out and talking. My deepest sympathies to your family and friends. You were truly a Great Man and Great friend.

Larry Israels

February 22, 2009

Mike, sorry we didn’t keep in touch. The good times at work and the many road trips together, include your friendship and humor in my memory. Your honesty and integrity did, and will serve you well on any journey.

Carol Diemert

February 22, 2009

Jan and family,
Have been thinking of all of you and sending healing energy in your grief. We extend our sincere condolences at this difficult time. We hope the memories sustain you all. Love, Carol and Steve

Carl Bagley

February 20, 2009

I worked with Mike as his assistant supervisor at Fabri-Kal, Kalamazoo. Also worked together in Greenville. He was a good friend and teacher. He taught me a lot about dealing with people. He and I had a good many discussions about every thing under the sun. I have not talked to Mike for a number of years, as I moved on to other employment in Indiana. I will miss Mike, and hope for comfort for his family and friends. Semper Fi, Mike.

Bridget Hartman

February 20, 2009

I have known Mike for 30 plus years. He was the best friend and more importantly the brother my father Jack never had. There is not a time in my life that I do not remember Mike being around. He will be missed very much by all who knew him. Peace.

Marie Pechek

February 20, 2009

Jan and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Bettye Shogren

February 20, 2009

Dear Jan, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so glad that you were able to be with your family at this time. I'm sure having you home is helping your mom and sister. Bettye

Charles Shupe

February 20, 2009

Semperfi, Mike. I am remembering the good days we had at FK-Greenville, especially the golf outings that you, John, Dan and I had.

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