Karl Stevens, 69

Karl Allen Stevens, 69, of Three Rivers, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 25, 2014, at home, after a long battle with cancer.

He was born Feb. 1, 1945 to the late John and Virginia (Smith) Stevens in Three Rivers. Karl married Karleen Philips on Nov. 25, 1967. He was a loving husband, devoted father, grandfather and brother. Karl graduated from Constantine High School in1963 and was a member of the U.S. Air Force serving in Vietnam. He worked in Kalamazoo and Lansing for General Motors before retiring after 34 years. Karl also worked at Cole Motors until 2014. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends at Silver Lake, muscle cars, drag racing and going to the casino. He loved animals, especially cats, and rescued many over the years.

Karl is survived by his wife, Karleen; daughter, Kristen (Matt) Post; grandchildren, Avery Grace and Sawyer Allen; sister, Sharon Zakrzewski; nephew, AJ (Kate) Hartman; niece, Samantha Hartman; and many extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by a brother, Jim Stevens; and niece, Kay Hartman.

Family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 11 at the Langeland Family Funeral Home’s Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th Street. A memorial service will take place Monday, Jan. 12 at 2 p.m. at the Westside Chapel and family will greet friends from 1:30-2 p.m. prior to the memorial service. A gathering will immediately follow the service in the reception hall. Burial will be Tuesday, Jan. 13, 11 a.m. at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, Augusta. Those wishing to attend should arrive 15 minutes prior to the committal in the funeral assembly area at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to West Michigan Cancer Center in Kalamazoo or any animal rescue of your choice. For obituary and condolences, please see Karl’s personalized page at www.langelands.com.