Tyler C. Hearst

Tyler Clifford Hearst, age 40 of Portage, died suddenly on August 28, 2024. He was born on August 13, 1984, in Monroe, Michigan, the son of Stephen and Marilyn (Bert) Hearst. Tyler was a 2003 graduate of Bedford High School, where he played soccer, football and basketball. He then received his Bachelor’s Degree in business from Western Michigan University. For several years, he worked at PNC Bank in treasury management. Currently, he was a regional account manager for Epredia. While interning at Wings Stadium during college, Tyler met Emily Potratz. They fell in love and were married on July 6, 2013. They were best friends who loved each other to the moon and back. They have two daughters, Amelia and Abigail. Tyler was a wonderful, fun-loving father who most enjoyed playing with his girls. The family liked to travel and go to Disney World, Hawaii, & countless cruises from Caribbean to Mexico. They spent hours swimming and having parties at their pool and everyone knew Tyler did the best cannonballs. He was a huge sports fan and especially liked to cheer on the University of Michigan, University of Iowa, Detroit Tigers, and the Lions. Tyler collected Comic Books and looked forward to the yearly trip to Comic Con in Chicago. He was a movie buff and especially liked to watch 80’s flicks and any Marvel movies. He liked to go to garage sales and bought a backyard-full of toys for Amelia and Abigail. He was an avid collector of movie and sports paraphernalia. He enjoyed time spent golfing and cooking and grilling for his family. He was a man with a huge heart who was kind to everyone. A lifelong dog lover, Tyler always enjoyed having a canine companion. 

His family includes his wife, Emily Potratz; his beloved daughters: Amelia (6) and Abigail (2); his parents, Stephen and Marilyn Hearst; his sister Jill (Stephen) Ferrucci; his father-in-law Jerry (Louise) Potratz; his special aunt Patty Potratz; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Robert and Dorothy Bert.

Friends may visit with his family on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, from 5:00-8:00 PM, with memory sharing starting at 6:00 PM, at the : Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial and Cremation Services, 3926 S 9th St, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49009. 

In memory of Tyler, in lieu of flowers, contributions to support Amelia and Abigail’s future education would be deeply appreciated. Your kindness will help ensure a bright future for Tyler’s girls. To make a tax-deductible donation, go to ugift529.com, use the ugift 6-digit code of A4CK8G and follow the prompts.

Please share memories of Tyler with his family at www.langelands.com. They would love to hear from you.