John Tinklenberg

John Tinklenberg, 95, of Kalamazoo, MI passed away suddenly Friday morning at his home. John was born in Lismore, Minn. on July 26, 1922 to Leonard and Gertrude (DeKoekkoek) Tinklenberg. His mother died when he was 2 and he moved to Michigan at age 5, where he attended Kalamazoo schools. He was married to Alice Stillman in December, 1940, who preceded him in death. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II as a tail gunner. Later, he worked at Koopsen's Paint and Wallpaper and then as a self-employed painting contractor, retiring in 1992. John was a talented artist and enjoyed painting the works of Impressionists. He loved his family, his dogs, watching Michigan football, Tiger baseball, and movies, and matching wits with Jeopardy! John is survived by his son Ronald (Elizabeth) Tinklenberg; daughters Jayne (David) Leonard and Karen Tinklenberg; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and seven half-siblings. Memorial service to be held on November 11 at 4 p.m. at People's Church, Oshtemo. Donations may be made to SPCA of Southwest Michigan.