Michael Gary Kiser

Michael G. Kiser passed away Thursday, December 2nd with his wife, son, and daughter by his side. He was an extraordinary husband, father, proud papa, brother, friend, and citizen who will be missed and remembered by those who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Pat; children, Joe (Nina) Kiser and Kelly Kiser; granddaughter, Ava Kiser; brother, Bob (Sue) Kiser; sister, Patty Kurtz; sisters-in-law, Linda and Pam Bosma, and a large family of beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers-in-law Curt and Mike Bosma, and sister-in-law Sug Timmerman.

Mike Kiser was born May 6, 1948, in Kalamazoo, MI to Harold and Edythe Kiser. He was a lifelong area resident, making his home in Plainwell. He attended Portage schools where he nurtured a love for baseball and created an incredible number of decades-long, treasured friendships. After high school he was drafted by the United States Army to serve in Vietnam. While fulfilling his duties to his country, he served alongside several childhood friends and voluntarily served two tours of duty before returning home. He remained a very patriotic American and strong advocate for veterans throughout his lifetime.

On May 18, 1973, Mike married the love of his life, Pat. Their marriage would last 48 beautiful years and provided the foundation for a lifetime of unforgettable memories and happiness. Mike went to work at the Upjohn Company as a member of its fabled grounds crew. There, he showcased a work ethic and stoic dependability that was second to none. He navigated numerous changes at the company and fulfilled many roles before retiring after 31 years. One of his favorite activities in retirement became delivering meals to seniors for Meals on Wheels with Pat, an activity they did as one for 12 years.

Mike and Pat spent their lives together loving and encouraging their two children, Joe, and Kelly, who could not have asked for a better father and role model. He taught them the importance of helping others, the significance of reliability and trustworthiness, and the meaning of unconditional love. When his first and only granddaughter Ava was born in 2012, he became "Papa", a role that he cherished perhaps most of all.

Mike was an avid golfer, playing as often as the weather would allow. He was humble about his golf game too and would never tell you that even at age 73, he still consistently outdrove his son. He had a passion and remarkable talent for landscaping. His yard was an immaculate showpiece of the highest order, a master class study in backyard perfection. The Detroit Tigers or Tiger Woods himself would've been honored to play on such a pristine field.

Above all else, Mike Kiser was kind. If the greatest measure of a man is his kindness, Mike Kiser stood 100 feet tall. He possessed a quiet confidence and calm demeanor that naturally put those around him at ease. He was friendly, loving, caring, genuine, and selfless. He was a shining example of what a human can be. We love you. Go Blue.

A memorial gathering with food and fellowship will be held from 12pm to 3pm Wednesday, December 8th at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 S. 9th St, Kalamazoo MI 49009. Private interment services with military honors will be held in Ft. Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please consider a gift to Milestone Senior Services - Meals on Wheels or to the USO. To view Michael's personalized web page, please visit https://www.langelands.com.