Jack B. Riegel

RIEGEL, Jack B.
Of Kalamazoo Passed away Saturday May 26, 2007. Jack was born October 30, 1915 in Three Rivers, Michigan, the son of Jesse and Francella Brown Riegel. Growing up he was an active member of the Boy Scouts and Sea Scouts. Moving to Kalamazoo when he was a teen, he graduated from Central High School in 1933 and from Western State Teachers College in 1937. Jack attended the University of Michigan for one year and went to work as a chemist with Hercules Powder Co. in Wilmington, DE during WW II. In 1942 he married Barbara Brown who survives. After being transferred back to Kalamazoo he went to work for 30 years at the Brundage Co. in production and inventory control, retiring in 1978. Jack was an active member of the Portage Senior Center, volunteering in many jobs. He was a longtime member of the Portage First United Methodist Church and was currently a member of Westwood United Methodist Church. When his sons were growing up he was a Boy Scout and 4-H leader. Later was a member of the Gem & Mineral Society and an avid rock hound. Surviving in addition to his wife Barbara are two sons, James Riegel of Kalamazoo and David Pat Riegel of Plainwell; a grandson, Mason Julie Riegel of Hudsonville; three great-grandchildren, Macie, Kenzie and Caden; a sister, Margery Batterson of Kalamazoo and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Richard Riegel. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 5-7 pm at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 am Wednesday at Westwood United Methodist Church 538 Nichols Rd. with Rev. Eric Beck officiating. A private interment will be held in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. Memorials in Jack?s memory may be directed to the Westwood United Methodist Church, the Portage Senior Center, or the Friends Fund at Friendship Village.