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Kim Lathwell

May 3, 2022
Frankford, MI

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Kim Lathwell, son of Clarence and June Lathwell left this earth Tuesday May 3, 2022. He was born and raised in Benzie County Michigan. The second oldest of six children, he grew up on Lathwell Farms raising beef cattle and harvesting cherries from the orchard. He graduated from Benzie Central Schools in 1966, where he excelled in athletics. He achieved all conference and all state recognition in Football and Basketball Anyone who knew Kim understood his top three values, faith, family and friendship. Kim graduated from Central Michigan University in 1971 majoring in education. He began his career in Lowell, however spent most of his teaching career at Vicksburg High School where he taught business subjects and led many students to compete at DECA nationals throughout the country. Kim was a firm, fair, and friendly teacher who loved his students. After receiving his master's degree from Western Michigan University, he became principal at Schoolcraft High School and finished his career as principal at Portage Northern High School. He loved helping new teachers learn and become better and encouraged his teaching staff to be creative, as well as give input into the educational process. He felt a team approach to learning was better, and he had a passion for trying to get the best out of everyone and loved being a mentor. He was known for his humor, and could find a way to make you laugh with his one liners (Squirrel Bait, Out to lunch Susquehanna sasquatch, and many others) He coached basketball, football and even tried his hand at women's little league softball. His true love of sports was basketball, and he loved the time he spent coaching at Vicksburg. He shared this love with his daughters and always enjoyed talking about NCAA tournament and game outcomes with all three of his girls. Kim and Jo loved to travel and had the opportunity to go many places. Their favorite trip was to Australia/New Zealand in 2007. They loved the history of the countries they visited and meeting the people. In 2007 they began traveling to Avon Park, Florida for the winter months, where they purchased a small home at Highlands Ridge. He was a member and president of the HR MGA, HR Choral and even called Bingo a time or two! He volunteered in many activities in Highlands Ridge and worked on the Paradise Pride group. Kim loved to golf and to garden and spent many hours doing both. Friday couples golf was always fun, and he enjoyed golfing with friends. He loved working outdoors and playing hard! The serenity garden at Blaine Church was of particular pride to him. He spent hours trimming, weeding and just being out there. Kim loved to sing, and was a member of the Vicksburg UM Choir, the Blaine Christian Choir and the Highlands Ridge Choral in Avon Park Florida. In his retirement he also enjoyed helping his brothers harvest cherries and teaching his great-nephews how to drive the tractors in the orchard. Kim leaves behind his wife of 52 years, JoEllen, who was also his high school sweetheart and three daughters: Amy (Chuck) Kositzke of Commerce Township, MI, Kristi (J.R.) Belmore of Battle Creek, MI and Kari (Dan) Martin of Mount Pleasant, MI, and nine grandchildren: Elizabeth, Michael and Matthew Kositzke, Mason, Madalyn and Katelyn Belmore and Brendan, Kyle and Collin Martin. Kim taught all nine of his grandchildren how to tie their shoes and how to drive a car in the orchard. Watching them grow and participate in athletics and academics were his pride and joy. He is also survived by his siblings Gary (Mary) Lathwell, Larry (Deanna) Lathwell, Melanie (Wayne) Brock, BJ (Kathy Lathwell) and Julie (Rick) Zych as well as many beloved nephews, nieces and great nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Kim's Life will be held at 2:00 PM, Sunday, May 15, 2022, at Blaine Christian Church with Pastor Bob Larimer officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until time of services. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Benzie County Central Schools Educational Foundation or to the Kalamazoo Foundation for either the Vicksburg Schools, Schoolcraft Schools or Portage Schools Educational Foundations. The Bennett-Barz Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.bennett-barzfuneralhome.com