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Martin Floyd Schug, 81, passed away on September 11, 2025, in Kalamazoo. Born on August 10, 1944, in Three Rivers, Martin lived a life marked by travel, adventure, and helping others.
Growing up he was active in the Boy Scouts of America and became a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster. He attended many summer and winter campouts and Jamborees at Camp Rota-Kiwan near Kalamazoo and other camps, and the 50th Anniversary Jubilee National Jamboree in Colorado Springs in 1960. When on campouts, he did a lot of the cooking. He graduated from Three Rivers High School with the class of 1962.
Martin attended Ferris State University in Big Rapids, and earned his bachelor’s degree in Business from Western Michigan University, in Kalamazoo. He went on to build a meaningful career in production planning at Borroughs where he was recognized for his service to the professional society in production planning. After retirement, Martin found fulfillment working as a sitter at Borgess Hospital, a role that allowed him to offer comfort and companionship to those in need. His compassionate care did not go unnoticed as he was named Employee of the Month for the kindness and attentiveness he showed to patients.
Martin always looked forward to riding the ferry across the Straits and spending vacations at his parents’ cabin on Dodge Lake, north of Manistique, Michigan. He loved the Upper Peninsula, recently saying it felt like home. Over Labor Day he participated in his 12th Bridge Walk across the Mackinac Bridge. He also loved watching the ships at the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, and visiting Mackinac Island.
Martin found joy in travel and good food. He had been all over the world including to Russia in 2010. His last trip was to Australia and New Zealand in 2024.
Martin was known as a helper, always ready to lend a hand to neighbors, family, or his church community. He was often busy helping the residents at Westland Meadows Apartments where he lived after downsizing.
His faith was central to his life. He grew up in the First Baptist Church of Newberg, “Poe’s Corners”, Jones, Michigan, where he will be interred beside his parents at a later date. He was a long-time member of Phoenix Community Church in Kalamazoo, where he served faithfully as the church treasurer for many years and took pride in maintaining the church grounds. He participated in Bible studies and educational classes aimed at deepening his understanding of scripture, a reflection of both his spiritual devotion and lifelong love of learning.
He is survived by his brother Bruce Warren Schug and his wife Kathie (Kathleen Louise) Brady Schug of Greenville, South Carolina.
Martin was preceded in death by his father, Warren Leroy Schug (1911-2001), and mother, Lillian (E.) Butler Schug (1910-1990) of Three Rivers.
He was most proud of his nephews and niece and their families: Greg Schug, his wife, Judy Schug, their children, Adam, Ryan, and Connor Schug of Hixson, Tennessee; Brett Warren Schug and his wife, Nicola Kay (Nikki) Graves, of Avondale Estates, Georgia, and Jamie Kay (Schug) Hatmaker and her husband Timothy Ray (Tim) Hatmaker, their children, William Gibson (Will) and Emma Noelle Hatmaker, of Charlotte, North Carolina.
A memorial service celebrating Martin’s life will be held at Phoenix Community Church, United Church of Christ, 345 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49007 at 3:00PM, Saturday, September 27, with the Rev. Ken Arthur officiating. Visitation will follow the service.
Memorials may be made to Phoenix Community Church or Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 7 Shannon Drive, Greenville, SC 29615.
