Donald R. Warnicke

WARNICKE, Donald R.
Age 84
of Kalamazoo Don passed away peacefully at home on October 6, 2011 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 28, 1926 in Holland, Michigan to Bernhardt and Bertha Whitney Warnicke. Don grew up and went to school in South Haven, Michigan. At the age of 16, he moved to Kalamazoo to work in a war plant supporting the Navy and later began working for Ruud Manufacturing. He served in the United States Army during World War II and in 1951 reenlisted and served during the Korean War. While in service, he received the Combat Infantry Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, United Nations Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal w/4 Bronze Stars, Korean Service Ribbon w/4 Bronze Stars, and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal. Don was very proud to serve his country and was honorably discharged in 1953 as Sgt. 1st Class. Upon returning from service, he worked over 26 years for Ruud-Rheem Company. He also worked for 23 years with Kalamazoo Manufacturing and Root Spring Scraper before retiring in 2002. On February 25, 1961, he was united in marriage to the former Arlene Rasmussen. Don was a member of the Comstock V.F.W. Post #6252, Fraternal Order of Eagles Golden Eagle Aerie #526, and the Portage American Legion Post #207. He was a caring and loving father who volunteered much of his time as coach and umpire in the Parchment Little League, the city of Kalamazoo women's and men's softball teams, and was also very active in the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Don enjoyed sports, was an avid bowler and deer hunter and devoted fan to the Detroit Tigers, Lions, and Red Wings. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Maurice, Charles and Norman and one sister, Betty Joyce. Surviving are his wife of 50 years, Arlene Warnicke, 4 children, Laurie Glen Hankins, Steve fiancé, Tammy Scheff Warnicke, Duane Trish Warnicke, Linda Dave Giese; 8 grandchildren, Amberley John Fredericks, Ashlee Andy Billheimer, Craig Carr-Warnicke, Sarah Warnicke, Dakotah Warnicke, Ashley Lint, Tyler Fuhrman and Hailey Scheff; and 3 great-grandchildren, J.P., Maddie and Dallas; 3 brothers, Bernard, Roland, and Kenneth Margaret Warnicke and many nieces and nephews. Friends may visit with the family from 3-5 PM on both Sunday and Monday at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick Street. Funeral services for Don will be at 11:30 AM on Tuesday at Trinity Lutheran Church, 504 S. Westnedge Avenue, with Pastor Kenneth Johnson officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church.