Dean Manni

Dean Stuart Manni, of Kalamazoo, MI, went to be with his Lord and Savior at the age of 88 on April 5, 2018. He was born to H. Willard and Frances Manni on May 30, 1929. He was preceded in death by his son, Kenneth. Surviving are his wife Esther, his sister Marilyn Heeren, and his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren: Carol and Ted Huizinga (Thomas and Sharon Huzinga, Cole, Cadence, Charlie, and Chase; Michael and Hiromi Huizinga, Sean and Kent), Cathy and Dale Vanderwal (Ben and Lynnett Vanderwal, Elaina and Brynlee; Brian Vanderwal, Kathryn Vanderwal), Kelvin and Karen Manni (Paula, Jonathan, and Gregory), Richard and Rayline Manni (Jordan and Ashlen). Dean grew up in Grand Rapids, MI, attended Creston High School, and received a degree in biology from Calvin College in 1954. Following his marriage to Esther on August 20 of that same year, he was drafted into the Army's Medical Corps in Landstuhl, Germany. Upon his return to the US, he worked in the laboratory at Blodgett Hospital and furthered his studies in medical technology at Wayne State University. Dean then worked at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo, MI, moving his family there in 1964 before starting a 30-year career at The Upjohn Company. His love of the outdoors was evidenced by camping adventures with his family, hunting, and fishing. He was an avid gardener, producing superb vegetables and fruits. For many years, he enjoyed spending summers with his family in Ludington. Dean served on the Board of the Kalamazoo Christian School Association. He was also member of Heritage Christian Reformed Church where he served on Council. The family wishes to thank the staff of Oakwood Terrace at Park Village Pines for the faithful care they provided to Dean. A funeral service is planned for 11 a.m. on Monday, April 9th at Heritage Christian Reformed Church, 2857 S. 11th Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49009, officiated by Rev. Simon Tuin. Dean's family will greet relatives and friends at the church one hour prior to the service. A private family graveside service will take place in Grand Prairie Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan or Kalamazoo Christian School Association. Arrangements by Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel. Please visit Dean's personalized web page at www.langelands.com to sign the on line guest book or leave a message for the family.