Jon Willis Diller

DILLER, Jon W.
of Kalamazoo "Big" Jon Willis Diller, Age 78. Born August, 31st, 1933 at Bronson Hospital, Kalamazoo, MI. Jon was a gentle giant standing 7' tall, an unusual height-especially in the 50's. Jon's dad was Willis S. Diller a local Realtor, his beloved mother was Thelma Ness Diller from N. Dakota. She went to Normal State teachers College WMU where they met. Jon was the middle of three children, older sister Margret Anne Peggy and younger brother C. William Allen Cap. Jon loved nature and was a real Michigan out-of-doors-man. He hunted, fished, and successfully worked fur trap lines for money, which amazingly, as a child, purchased a family car! All was welcome as America was struggling in the depression with rationing stamps. Educated at South Burdick Street School near Cork & Burdick K-8th & Kalamazoo High class of 1952. He had different jobs, his favorite being a park ranger at Grand Haven State Park. He married Mildred Jean on 2/28/55, she had sons Laneth, Richard, Bobbie, all preceding them in death. Together they had Rebecca Ann Mark Doorlag, of Richland. He began selling Real Estate in 1956 and was busy doing that until the day of his death. He became born again and loved Jesus. He was baptized by two huge Covenant Pastors named Anderson in freezing Lake Michigan, October 1970. He hungered for and read his green Living Bible off & on till passing. He loved singing hymns in his big booming deep voice. He loved planting and sharing anything that grew. Where ever he lived there were beautiful flowers and vegetables. On this earth he most loved his wife and family. He loved time and storytelling spent with Grandchildren, Nate Candice Doorlag, Grace Eric Jones, Jonathan Sarah Doorlag, Joy Doorlag, Brian Julie Ladkrood, and others, great-grandchildren, several nieces & nephews. The Lord blessed him, he had many friends. He was independent, driving his truck, living where he wanted, owning the home his father built, on the creek he enjoyed, until his sudden passing November 1st, 2011. Greatly loved, he will be greatly missed. His memorial service will be at his home, 2008 Greenbriar, Portage MI 49024 on Sunday, November 6th at 4 p.m. with luncheon immediately following. Arrangements by Langeland Family Funeral Homes.