Terri E. Mellinger

Mellinger, Terri E.
of Kalamazoo, Michigan Charter Township of Kalamazoo Supervisor, The Honorable Terri E. Mellinger, passed away on June 21, 2012 in the presence of her family after battling complications of a long illness. She was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on September 30, 1953 to Patricia and Timothy Deboer II while she was stationed at the naval base at Pearl Harbor. Terri grew up in Grand Rapids and was the oldest of 5 children. She graduated from Forrest Hills High School, attended both Grand Rapids Community College and Western Michigan University. She graduated from the Michigan Township Academy in 2010. He career included several years of service in high end restaurants, manager of Bradford West Apartments when it was hit by the Tornado in 1980; as well as 911 Dispatcher with the Township of Kalamazoo. She was dedicated to public service and served Kalamazoo as Secretary of the KTPOA, Evidence Officer, and Process Server. After adoption of her two children, she accepted the position of Assistant to the Supervisor where she served for 15 years under 3 Supervisors. Elected as Township Supervisor in Kalamazoo in 2008, she was instrumental in unifying the 4 fire department units, the consolidation of area building departments, expansion of the police department services and numerous other cost saving projects. Her leadership helped to provide Kalamazoo Township with a voice in county and state legislatures on matters that impacted all townships in Michigan by serving on several statewide boards and commissions. She was a tireless advocate for the people of Kalamazoo and believed that government should be transparent and remain true to its mission to "Serve" the people. She was preceded in death by her father, Timothy Deboer. She is survived by her loving husband, Randy, and her children, Jacob and Brianna Mellinger. Her loss is mourned by her mother, Pat Lewis Crame and siblings, Timothy Kelley Deboer, Patricia Michael Moll, Thomas Karen Kremers Deboer, Denise Mark Pray, many aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins and dear friends. Memorial service will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 28, 2012 at Langeland Family Funeral Home, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th St. Friends may visit with the family from 1:00 p.m. until time of service. Rev. Msgr. Michael Hazard will officiate with interment of cremated remains in Grand Prairie Cemetery immediately after the memorial service. Donations instead of flowers are requested to Rose Arbor Hospice, Hospice of Southwest Michigan or the Gukumatz Martial Arts Association, 2339 Lake St., Kalamazoo, MI 49048.