This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: WHL44 Surnames: STAMM, VISSCHER, ELLIS Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.michigan.counties.kalamazoo/22685/mb.ashx Message Board Post: STAMM, John Jr. Of Portage Passed away Saturday afternoon, April 12, 2008 at Tendercare of Portage. John was born May 9, 1918 in Kalamazoo the son of John and Stella Stamm. He was a graduate of Kalamazoo Central H.S. and served in the U.S. Army during World War II with the 361st Infantry which was part of the 91st Infantry Division committed to action at Anzio and participated in 208 days of combat in the Italian Theater. John received three Bronze Stars and various other awards for his service to his country. John worked at the Gilmore Department Store for 10 years and then went to work at the Upjohn Company for 31 years until his retirement. He was a longtime member of the Portage First United Methodist Church, enjoyed gardening; working in his yard; traveling with Betty; the outdoors; and birds and animals of all kinds. On August 28, 1948 John was united in marriage to his loving wife of nearly 60 years, the former Betty Visscher, who survives. Also surviving are his son, Timothy Stamm; daughter, ! Carol Stamm; brother-in-law, Robert Ellis of Mequon, WI; sister-in-law, Miriam Stamm of Kalamazoo; several nieces and nephews; and many friends. John was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; and three sisters. A graveside service will be held 11:30 AM Wednesday in the chapel at Mt. Ever-Rest Cemetery followed by a memorial service to celebrate John's life at 1:00 PM at the Portage First United Methodist Church, 8740 S. Westnedge with Pastor Greg Wood and Pastor John Moore officiating. Friends may meet the family this evening from 5-8 PM at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre. Memorials may be directed to the Hospice Services of Southwest Michigan, the Portage First United Methodist Church, or the charity of your choice. www.langelands.com Published in the Kalamazoo Gazette on 4/15/2008. (Posted by a VOLUNTEER-NO family connection) Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.