Justin Vliek

VLIEK, Justin "Judd"
Of Kalamazoo, MI Judd passed away Monday afternoon September 7, 2009 at Park Place Living Center. He was born December 12, 1908, near South Boardman, Michigan, the son of Lubert and Reka Sjoerdsma Vliek and has resided most of his life in the Kalamazoo area. During WW II, from 1943-45 he served as a mechanic in the U.S. Army 148th AAA Battery Gun Battalion and was discharged as a Sergeant. For over 35 years Judd was employed with Firestone Tire & Rubber, serving as plant manager for 26 years until his retirement January 1, 1974. He was a longtime member of the Second Reformed Church. On February 25, 1939, he was united in marriage to the former Kathryn "Kay" Adduci, who preceded him in death on May 6, 1995. He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Andrew, William, Everett, John, Sylvia "Sip" and Joanna "Jose". Surviving are two brothers, Gerald Virginia Vliek of Decatur and Raymond Marjorie Vliek of Vicksburg; several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 5-7 PM at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick Street. A Graveside Service with full military honors will be held 10:00 AM Friday at Lakeside Cemetery in Decatur, MI, followed by a 12:30 PM Memorial Service on Friday at Second Reformed Church 2121 Stadium Drive with Rev. Donald DeYoung and Rev. Kevin Hart officiating. Memorials in Judd's memory may be directed to Second Reformed Church Memorial Fund, Hospice Care of SW Michigan, or a charity of your choice. For online guestbook or memories/condolences for the family please visit www.langelands.com