Michael Bland

Mike left us to be with his Lord and Savior, Monday night, June 17, 2024, following an extended period of health challenges. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dottie and Cecil and brother, Jeff.

Dottie and Cecil Bland married in 1950 and moved from West Virginia to Michigan to begin their new life. On November 7, 1951, Michael became their first-born and although he suffered the mild effects of a difficult birth, with the nurturing of family and friends, he overcame many obstacles to become an independent man with a sharp sense of humor.

With the companionship of his siblings Rob, Sue and Jeff, along with other family and friends, Mike learned the ropes of kickin' around his neighborhood near Parchment and enjoyed a childhood of the 1950s & 60s. He graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1970 and went on to learn skills for work in the service sector. He worked for the Johnson family at their Kalamazoo locations of Coral Gables and Topper's, the Kalamazoo Center (now the Radisson) and later at various restaurants. Mike adored animals and although he had several cats over his lifetime, General was always his very favorite.

Mike is survived by his brother, Rob (Carla); sister, Susan (Frank Cook); nephews, Robbie (Tracy), Kyle (Holly); niece, Kelly (Bryan); as well as several grandnephews & nieces.

Final arrangements are being handled by Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial and Cremation Services, 622 S Burdick St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007.

The family asks for prayers of comfort as they hold a private burial.

If you care to make a contribution in Michael's memory, please consider Centrica Care Navigators or SPCA of SW Michigan, both located in Kalamazoo, MI.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family visit https://www.langelands.com.