John Pick Sr., 93

John T. Pick, Sr., 93, of Kalamazoo, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011 at Bronson Methodist Hospital with his family by his side.

John was born in Kalamazoo on May 22, 1918, the son of the late Tjapko and Hendrika (Bosma) Pick. After graduating from Kalamazoo Central, he was drafted and became a pilot for the Army Air Corps and served his country until being honorably discharged on Oct. 1, 1945. April 11, 1941, married the love of his life, Betty Pick, who preceded him in passing on Nov. 22, 2011. Together they settled down in Southwest Michigan, and began a family.

John was a hard and dedicated worker who was employed by the Upjohn Company for more than 35 years. John was proud of his family, and nothing pleased him more than spending time with his children and grandchildren. John was also very active and enjoyed being outdoors. He loved the thrill of fishing, and made trips to Canada, Florida, and to several local lakes in Michigan. He was also an excellent craftsman who enjoyed working with wood, and could fix just about anything. He and Betty also loved to be on the go, and traveled all over America, and across Europe. John loved life and lived it to the fullest.

John leaves to cherish his memory a son, Tom (Nancy) Pick; two daughters, Kathy (John) Garner and Becky (Robert) Zoerner; eight grandchildren; eigh great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends. A service to celebrate his life will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 1 p.m., with a visitation one hour prior to the service, with Pastor Jim Dyke officiating. Interment in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park with full military honors to follow.

Memorials may be made to A.R.F. of St. Joe County, or Up-Cycled Pets c/o the funeral home.

JOLDERSMA & KLEIN

917 S. Burdick

Kalamazoo, MI 49001

343-2628