Charles La Vene

Passed away Thursday morning, January 4, 2018 at his home. Charles was born April 10, 1927 in Kalamazoo, MI the son of the late Max and Ruth (Pullen) LaVene and had been a lifelong resident in the Kalamazoo area. Charles was a graduate of the University of Kansas and was a member of Sigma Nu. He was a veteran, serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Prior to his retirement, he was the owner and operator of LaVene Business Interiors Inc. for 43 years with locations in Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, and Lansing. He was a member of the Dealer Advisory Counsel for Herman Miller for a number of years; and also a member of the Kalamazoo Rotary, the Gull Lake Country Club, and Ducks Unlimited. Charles enjoyed hunting, fishing, reading, sailing and swimming. In 1960, Charles was united in marriage to his loving wife of 57 years, Phyllis (Cox) LaVene, who survives. Also surviving is his sister-in-law, Marilyn Scanlon; and 8 nieces and nephews. Charles was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Pat Bode, and Lillian Sofen. Services will be held at 11:00am Wednesday, January 10 at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick. Friends may meet the family from 10:00-11:00am prior to the service at the funeral home. Private interment will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the charity of your choice. To view Charles' personalized guestbook please visit www.langelands.com.