Harold R. Kiser

KISER, Harold R. Of Portage, MI Died October 15, 2009 at Rose Arbor Hospice Residence. Harold was born December 29, 1913 in Plainwell, MI, the son of Robert and Florence Kelso Kiser and was a lifelong resident of the Kalamazoo area. He was a graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School, Class of 1934 after which he served in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II. Prior to his retirement, Harold was a chef at the Columbia Hotel and later worked for over 30 years at the Upjohn Company as a manager of the food service department. He was a former member of the Milwood United Methodist Church. Harold was actively involved in the community and volunteered for the American Red Cross as a Care-A-Van driver and was a member of the Disaster Relief and Blood Transfer Team. He was a member of the Portage Chamber of Commerce and past president of the Portage Optimist Club. He volunteered with Senior Services delivering Meals on Wheels. Harold enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing poker with his "poker buddies" and was a Detroit Tiger fan. But his family was his true love in life as a loving husband, father and grandfather. On April 6, 1940 he was married to Edythe Daugherty, who preceded him in death in 2000. Surviving are 2 sons and 1 daughter, Robert and Susan Kiser of Kalamazoo, Michael and Pat Kiser of Plainwell and Patricia Kurtz of Portage; 6 grandchildren, Barrie, Lindsey, Joe and Kelly Kiser and Stephanie and Todd Kurtz. Services will be held at 11:00 o'clock Tuesday at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th St. with Pastor Jerry Duggins of the Westminster Presbyterian Church officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Mt. Ever-Rest Cemetery. Friends may meet the family on Monday from 5-8 pm at the funeral home. The family suggests that memorial contributions in Harold's memory be made to the American Red Cross, Meals on Wheels or Hospice Care of S.W. Michigan. Please visit www.langelands.com to sign the online register book, leave a condolence to the family and view the video tribute.