Calvin R. Fleser

1925 - 2014

Calvin R. Fleser, 89, of Zeeland, went home to be his Lord on 4 December at his home in Lithia, Florida. A United States Navy aviation veteran of World War II, Cal earned the American Campaign Medal for his service. He was a graduate of Hudsonville High School, Taylor University, the University of Michigan, and University of New Hampshire. A lifelong educator, Cal taught chemistry at Shelby, Hudsonville, and Zeeland High Schools, and retired after 20 years at Grand Rapids Junior College, where he also served as assistant basketball coach. Selected for the J. William Fullbright Educational Scholarship program, and spent 1972 with his family teaching in Australia. Cal enjoyed golf, ice fishing, trout fishing the Little Manistee River, travel, Cubs baseball, and UM sports. He spent several years as a volunteer for Wycliffe Bible Translators, and served for 20 years as a volunteer for Hospice of Holland, MI. Cal and Betty attended Central Wesleyan Church of Holland for many years.
He was preceded in death by daughter, Lynne; two sisters; and three brothers. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Betty; his son and daughter-in-law, Lieut. Colonel (ret) William and Kathleen; grandchildren, Cori Lynne and Benjamin; brothers, Dr. Arthur and Ivan; sister-in-laws, Doris and Wilda; brother-in-law, Dr. Wayne Shoemaker; nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held in the summer. Memorial contributions may be made to Wycliffe Bible Ministries or Hospice of Holland.