Eugene 'EJ' Jack Rykse

Rykse, Eugene "EJ" Jack
of Kalamazoo Passed away suddenly on Saturday, November 24, 2012. Age 87 years. Gene was born on October 2, 1925 in Grand Rapids, the son of the late Anthony and Elsie Smant Rykse. He served with the United States Army/Air Force during World War II in the 2nd Air Command of the 155th Liaison. He worked as a Corporate Affairs manager for Michigan Bell Telephone Company, retiring after 40 years of service and was the founder of Rykse's Restaurant in Kalamazoo. He is a member of Hope Reformed Church and served in leadership roles in previous churches. He served as President of the Kalamazoo Christian School Board and belonged to the Downtown Kalamazoo Kiwanis Club and the Downtown Kalamazoo Rotary Club. Gene was a devoted family man who loved to spend time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed spending time outdoors working in his yard. He was married to Helen I. DeHaan Rykse in 1949; she survives him. Also surviving are five children, Gwendolyn R. Leonard Bosma of Mattawan, Gregory J. Carolyn Rykse of Lake Zurich, IL, Mary R. Todd L. Bower of Portage, Mark A. Diane Rykse of Mattawan and Nathan F. Mary J. Rykse of Kalamazoo; 15 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Frances Fennema; and two brothers, Gerald and Willard Rykse. Friends may visit with the family from 2:00 - 4:00 & 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th St. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 28, 2012 at Hope Reformed Church, 910 Jenks Blvd., where friends may visit with the family from 10:00 a.m. until time of funeral service. Rev. Kent Frens will officiate. Interment will take place later in Ft. Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission or Kalamazoo Christian Schools.