John M. VanSweden

Age 89, passed away September 26, 2018, at Bronson Hospital surrounded by his loving family. John was born December 30, 1928, in Kalamazoo to Peter and Minnie (Vendeville) Van Sweden. John graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School and then joined the US Marines. He later graduated from Bradley University School of Horology as a Watchmaker and worked for Morrison's Jewelers. John and Marie started Van Sweden Jewelers in 1974 in the basement of the ISB building and later moved onto the downtown mall. John loved golf, playing in weekly leagues throughout his life. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Robert (Dutch) Van Sweden. He is survived by Marie (VanNus) his wife of 63 years; his four children: Paul Van Sweden of Kalamazoo; Rebekah Van Sweden of Boulder, CO; Elizabeth (Ron) Bloomfield of Ridgeland, MS; and Daniel (Sally) Van Sweden of Kalamazoo, as well as his grandchildren: Hillary and Allison Bloomfield; Adrianna, Joshua, and Aneka Van Hansen; and Lillian, Nora, Lucas, and Ava Van Sweden, many friends and relatives including Julie Wood, a special niece. There will be two visitationsone at Langeland Family Funeral Home, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Sunday, September 30, 2018, and another at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 247 W. Lovell St., Kalamazoo on Monday, October 1, from 3:00 to 4:00 pm. The funeral will begin at 4:00 pm at St. Luke's and immediately following a reception in the church hall. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Salvation Army or a charity of your choice. Please visit John's personalized guest book at www.langelands.com