Stephen M. Velkoff

VELKOFF, Stephen M.
of Kalamazoo, MI and Tucson, AZ Passed away August 5, 2011 in Kalamazoo. He was born June 21, 1921 in Cleveland, OH to the late Milan and Sava Mladanov Velkoff. He married Barbara Woods on September 4, 1948, Barbara survives. He was graduate of Bowling Green State University in 1948 and attended the University of Michigan. He earned a Masters degree from Wayne State University. During WWII, he served honorably in the U.S. Army. As an educator, he passionately taught physics and chemistry at Andover High School in Bloomfield Hills, MI. He also taught in England on a Fulbright scholarship. His many travels included China, Costa Rica, Russia, and Nepal, as well as extensive travel throughout the United States and Europe. He loved being with his family and telling stories. Einstein and the cosmos were two of his favorite, insatiable passions. On his 90th birthday, he was honored by his family, friends, and former students. Also surviving Stephen are his children, Christopher Dee Velkoff of Kalamazoo, MI, Nicholas Cindy Velkoff of Traverse City, MI and Victoria Robert Sachs Velkoff of Alexandria, VA; 6 grandchildren, Alexander, Nicholas, Milo, and Sava Velkoff and Jenna and Kara Wiechert; nephews, Edward and Michael Velkoff; and George and Betty Woods of Rossford, OH, Marian Fox and Judy Cox of Perrysburg, OH. Also preceding Stephen in death were, a daughter, Michele Velkoff; brothers, Thomas Velkoff and Chris Mitkoff; and sister, Persa Pavloff. A memorial service will take place Friday, 11:00 am in the Kiva at Friendship Village, 1400 N. Drake Rd. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, 151 S. Rose St., Ste. 332, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 for a scholarship fund to be created in Stephen's name. Arrangements by the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. Please see www.langelands.com for online obituary, register book and condolences. 269-343-1508