Claudine Liesinger

With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Claudine Liesinger made a significant impact in the world around her. She was a generous, selfless, and compassionate woman who focused much of her life on being an advocate for positive change in the lives of those in need of help both within her community and throughout her state. Although she was active in her passions, Claudine’s family was first and foremost in her life as she took her roles as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother to heart. Her courage, strength, and determination that were all rooted in a gracious spirit were truly unmatched. Although Claudine will be deeply missed, the timeless footprint she leaves behind will continue to bless those too numerous to count.

The 1930s were some of the most trying days we have faced as a nation as the entire decade was cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression. Amidst these challenging days was a time of great celebration in the lives of a young couple from Southwest Michigan as they announced the birth of their healthy baby girl on July 29, 1938, in Delton. Claudine Juanita Jones was one of six children born to her parents, Harry and Erlene (Crosby) Jones, and she was raised in the countryside of Delton alongside her sisters, Carol and Connie, and her brothers, Harry, Clancy, and Mickie. In many ways Claudine experienced an upbringing that was a reflection of the times. As a child, she enjoyed staying with her Grandma Roy and activities such as choir, bowling and volleyball.

After graduating from Kalamazoo Central High School, Claudine continued her education. She took a variety of classes at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, and Michigan State University over the years as she was a firm believer in education.

New and exciting changes were in store for Claudine when she met the young man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was Walter Liesinger, and they met through her sister, Connie. They began dating, and over time they fell deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together Claudine and Walter were married in September of 1956. They were two sides of the same coin, so they complemented each other. She would do anything for him and he would do anything for her. They spent their lives proving it to anyone who had the pleasure of being nearby.

Together they were blessed to welcome three children, Penni, Walter “Beezer” Jr., and John, into their hearts and home. She was a parent who devoted her life to the betterment of her children. Claudine and Wally raised their family in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and she was active in the church. Because Beezer had special needs, Claudine discovered that finding resources and advocates for her situation proved to be difficult. This impossible challenge gave Claudine the empowerment to volunteer her time to numerous boards that helped handicapped individuals.

Through the years Claudine’s volunteer efforts were extensive. Much of her work was with the Association of Retarded Children (ARC) as she was the chair in Coldwater for four years and on their state board for 20 years. Claudine opened and was CEO of KHU, a non-profit organization that taught employment skills to people of various disabilities. Through this affiliation she successfully placed 38 individuals over the years. In addition, Claudine was on the State Residential Board to push community housing development, on the Human Rights National Board, and part of legal action to close institutions in order to place people back in the community where they can be close to their families. Similarly, she was part of legal action to close nursing homes for the developmentally disabled. Claudine was elected to the Kalamazoo CMH/Consolidated Education Board where she was also the chairwoman. While part of the board she was instrumental in successfully making the transition from four separate boards into one unified board. Additionally, Claudine was elected to the MICMH Executive Board where she served for 17 years. Eager to reach others, she authored and published six books for the National Literacy Foundation. Claudine’s life of service to others didn’t go unnoticed as she was nominated and won a 2003 Gazette Star Award for her numerous contributions, and she also received the Kalamazoo County Treasurer’s Award. Most importantly, however, was Claudine’s devotion to caring for Beezer as she was able to keep him at home until his death in 2009.

Claudine loved to travel. Over the years, she went on an expedition to research genealogy with her cousin, went whitewater rafting with her husband and even hiked the Big Horn Mountain while in college! She recently took up quilting and was also a member of the Civil Air Patrol! Claudine loved to read and learn and spend time with her grandchildren. She always checked up on them, and spent time with them every morning before school, even when they were in college. She was always interested in what others were doing. Nothing made her prouder than the accomplishments of her family. She shared in the excitement and joy of everyone's triumphs. She was most joyful when those around her were at their happiest. She had a way of making everyone feel special, because she genuinely loved everyone. She was positive and compassionate, and it resonated with everyone she came in contact with. Her favorite quote was, "love you to the moon and back", and she meant it!

A selfless, pure, strong, empowered, passionate and loving woman, Claudine Liesinger lived life to the fullest each day while holding her loved ones near. She wasn’t afraid to try nearly impossible things and to take on new and exciting ventures. With unending love for her husband and children, Claudine was filled with unspeakable joy to witness her family tree blossom to include the grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were her greatest source of pride and joy. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know and love her.

Claudine J. Liesinger, of Portage, died on November 17, 2014. Claudine’s family includes her husband, Walter Sr.; children, Penni Liesinger and John Liesinger; grandchildren, Candace (Mike) Laughead, James (Val) Best, Allen (Jennifer) TenBusschen, & Craig TenBusschen; great-grandchildren, Eva, Penelope, Edie, Posey and Naomi; sister, Connie Klein; brothers, Harry (Lynn) Jones, Clancy (Connie) Jones, and Mickie (Rhonda) Jones as well as many other relatives. Claudine was preceded in death by her son, Walter “Beezer” Liesinger, Jr. in 2009 and her baby sister, Carol Holler (who passed away on the same day 14 years ago). Visit with her family on Friday, November 21, 2014, from 11:00 a.m - 1:00 p.m. at Life Story Funeral Homes, Portage; 5975 Lovers Lane (344-5600) where a funeral service will be held immediately following at 1:00 p.m. Please visit Claudine’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com to read her complete life story, leave a memory and sign her guestbook. Those who wish may make a memorial contribution to Residential Opportunities Inc.