Lonnie Kyle Nutting of Kalamazoo, formerly of Bangor, was born on July 2, 1953 in Coloma, the son of Darold and Eileen (Kass) Nutting, both of whom precede him in passing.
Lonnie passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, at the age of 70, at Vibrant Life Senior Living in Kalamazoo.
On Dec. 4, 1976 Lonnie and Deborah Kuczynski were united in marriage at the chapel on Michigan State University campus. They resided in the Hartford/Bangor area for 44 years. Lon was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and neighbor. He was always willing to lend a helping hand wherever it was needed. Lon was a strong supporter of the 4-H program and spent many hours helping out at the Van Buren County Fair during the years Charlie and A.J. participated and also volunteered at the livestock auction as well. As a young man he participated yearly in the Fair’s Demolition Derby.
He held a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture from Michigan State University and was an avid MSU football and basketball fan. His degree served him well as he often helped out with his grandfather’s and father’s farms. He held many jobs in the agriculture field. He sold trees for Hilltop Farms, did field work at DeGroot’s in Dahlias and Daylillies, and assisted farmers at the USDA ASCS office and as a consultant to them when he left that position. He ended his work career as greeter at Meijer. He took pleasure in being able to help customers and colleagues alike.
His greatest joy was helping and watching his children grow and succeed with their lives. He was always encouraging, supportive and loving. He cheered them on at the activities they participated in. He was very proud as he watched Charlie graduate from the U.S. Air Force Academy and A.J. graduate from Western Michigan University. He also took great pleasure in doing the same things for his grandchildren. This attitude extended to his nieces and nephews as well.
He was very pleased to have been able to help Miriam, their exchange student from Germany, get her driver’s license while staying with them. One of his greatest pleasures was spending a week in Germany with her and her family and attending her wedding at a German castle. He even got to travel on the famous Autobahn.
Enjoying time with his family at holiday gatherings, fun outings or exciting vacations was most important to him. Lon was truly a great and loving family man.
Lonnie leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife Deborah, a daughter, A.J. George and son Carter; a son, Charlie (Rebecca) Nutting and their children, Arya and Kase; and two sisters, Jacqueline (Duane) Lerdal and Linda (David) Poland. He also leaves behind his nieces and nephews Christopher, Kenneth, Beth, Monica, Vanessa, Eric, Kody, Cooper, and numerous great nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Lonnie’s life will be held at the Van Buren Sportsmen’s Club, 54030 CR 687, Hartford, from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday Sept. 23, 2023 with Robbie Vassar speaking at noon. Following the service everyone is invited to stay and eat and tell their favorite story about Lonnie. The family has asked that everyone come in Michigan State or Hawaiian attire.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Michigan State University in memory of Lonnie Nutting allocated to the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and mailed to Michigan State University, 535 Chestnut Road, Room 300, East Lansing, Michigan 48824 or on line at givingto.msu.edu/gift/.
The Calvin Funeral Home in Hartford is assisting the family with arrangements. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at www.calvin-leonardfh.com.
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