Alvin Predum

With a journey that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Alvin Predum lived a life of purpose while holding his loved ones near. He was a simple and hardworking man who was someone others knew they could count on. Alvin was blessed to share the majority of his life’s journey with his true love, and together they experienced so many of the best things life has to offer. A longtime resident of the community he loved, he will be forever missed by all who were blessed to know and love him.

Life during the 1930s was anything but easy as the entire decade was covered by the blanket of the Great Depression. Jobs were scarce, the unemployment rate soared, and things only become more dire when a drought covered our nation’s heartland for nearly two years during this time. Despite the trials around them, Henry and Edith (Lowery) Predum welcomed the year 1938 with great anticipation as they were awaiting the birth of their new baby. The big day finally arrived on January 3rd when the baby boy they named Alvin drew his first breath in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was the fifth of ten children as he was joined in his family by his siblings, Adelia, Treva, Russell, Roland, Dan Jo, Mike, Becky, Bonnie, and Clare. Raised in the family home in Plainwell, Alvin attended local schools. His father worked at the paper mill and also as a farmer and laborer while his mother had more than enough to keep her busy at home. While attending Plainwell High School, Alvin also worked at Pearson’s Garage after school in addition to holding down his studies.

As a young man, Alvin was eager for all that life had in store. He worked at Sutherland Paper Mill for a time but later took a job with Angle Steele in Plainwell where he made a career for 38 years. Alvin never had to drive to work during those 38 years as he lived right across the road.

There was never anything of greater significance in Alvin’s life than his loved ones. New and exciting changes were in store for Alvin when he met the woman of his dreams. Her name was Charlotte, and they met in Kalamazoo. Sparks flew, and they began dating. About three years later, the sweethearts were married, marking a new chapter in a love story that would span nearly 50 years. Alvin was also blessed to be a father to two amazing sons, Rob and Tony. Alvin loved dogs, and over the years there were several dogs that were important members of their family.

Throughout his life Alvin was a man of many interests. He loved doing yard work, but when relaxing he enjoyed watching Walker, Texas Ranger on television. During his younger years Alvin enjoyed hunting, and he also bowled and played softball. Although he didn’t travel much, he did go to the Tennessee Smokey Mountains with Tony. He made amazing peanut butter fudge, and since he grew up in a family of 10 children he learned to like any kind of food. Alvin enjoyed listening to country music at times, and he also played Bingo for years and also enjoyed going to the casino. Later in life Alvin was thrilled to become a grandfather, and he was very involved with his grandchildren’s activities and sports.

All who knew Alvin Predum would agree that he was one of the kindest people around. He was honest and humble with a soft and genuine heart. Blessed to spend nearly 50 years of his life with his true love, Alvin was so proud of the family they shared together. Life will never be the same without him here, but he leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

Alvin Predum, of Plainwell, passed away on December 10, 2017 at Borgess. Alvin’s family includes his wife Charlotte; children, Rob Cronen and Tony (Amy) Predum; seven siblings: Treva, Russell, Roland, Dan Jo, Mike, Bonnie, Clare; one grandson Trever; as well as several nieces and nephews. Alvin was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: Adelia and Becky. A graveside service will be held on Friday, December 15 at 1:00 at Hillside Cemetery in Gun Plain Township. There will be a gathering at Gun Plain Township Hall following the graveside service where you can visit with family and friends. Please visit Alvin’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo and sign his memory book online.