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Kevin Mark Gillette, age 63, of Sturgis, passed away on December 21, 2021 at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital due to to complication of COVID-19.
He was born January 14, 1958 in Bryan, Ohio son of Clyde and JoAnn (Collins) Gillette.
Kevin was a lifelong Sturgis resident and a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class or 1976.
In 1978 he married Melanie Trine. This marriage ended in divorce. On May 10, 2003 he married Kathy (Morrison) Atkins at Camp Fort Hill in Sturgis.
He had been employed by Formed Tubes, Sturgis Public Schools Middle School, Sturgis Iron & Metal and Abbott Industries all in Sturgis and Stealth Construction in Battle Creek.
Kevin loved talking and watching sports with anyone, but especially with his son, Kevin, II, from NASCAR memories at MIS to Notre Dame, U of M and the Saints and he loved watching his grandkids play soccer.
He cherished all the many wrestling memories and was a loyal fan and mentor to all high school and middle school wrestlers. He loved his fishing and golf days with old friends Rob Radtke, Dallas Peterson and Joe Gest. Kevin’s best times were spent with his family, especially his grandkids, earning him the name, “Naughty Grandpa”. Kevin loved music and being a “groupie” following the 16th Avenue Band and Phins Up.
He is survived by his wife: Kathy; his children: Kevin (Lindsey) Gillette II, Kourtney (Cary) Matuschka and Erin (Chad) Mobley; daughter-in-law: Madeleine Atkins; grandchildren: Austin, Alexis, Alicia, Alex, Brayden, Brycen, Jon and Amaryllis (her mother Alexandra Haiat); mother: JoAnn Berna; sister: Gloria (David) Badiner and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father and step-mother: Clyde and Collette Gillette; step-father: Leldon “Pete” Berna; granddaughter: Tatiana; brother: Martin Gillette and sisters: Karen Stevens and Lori Crapo.
In accordance with Kevin’s wishes cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. Thursday, Jan. 6th at the Rosenberg Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 807 E. Chicago Rd. in Sturgis. Private burial and a celebration of life will take place at a later date.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Kevin’s memory consider Camp Fort Hill, c/o: Sturgis Area Community Foundation, 310 N. Franks Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091.
Relatives and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
