Michael E. Koutz

(Age 68) Passed away Tuesday, July 17, 2019 at Rose Arbor after battling health issues for several years and doing so with courage and dignity. Micheal was born in Owosso, MI on January 13, 1951 to Rev. Leonard and Evaline (Potter) Koutz. Micheal graduated from Hastings High School and attended Central Michigan University and Travel School in Kansas City. He worked at Adventure Travel in Kalamazoo for 22 years, 15 of which was as manager of its branch in the Eaton Corporation in Galesburg. In 1994, he and his partner, Mike LoPresto, opened Experts Travel in Kalamazoo which has operated for 25 years. Fueled by his passion for travel, Micheal literally flew around the world on his first international trip at age 21. Over many years, he traveled to six of the seven continents. Special travel experiences included mainland China before it was opened to the Western world, a camera safari in Africa, and visits to extended family relatives in Italy and Sicily. Pine Lake was a very special place to Micheal. He was most delighted as tour guide and captain of the pontoon as it hugged the shoreline of the four lakes. Relaxing on the deck with friends and neighbors afterward was the usual weekend custom. Micheal is survived by his husband and partner of 39 years, Mike LoPresto, sister Cheryl (Jim) House of Grand Rapids, brother Ron (Glenda) Koutz of Hastings, nephews Paul (Jody) Koutz of Sparta, David (Caroline) Koutz of Indianapolis, Daniel Koutz of Chicago, and niece Molly (Isaiah) Bosworth of Sunfield, four great nephews, and one great niece. In addition to his parents, Micheal was preceded in death by brother Timothy Koutz. Gratitude is extended to special friend, Michael Somerlott, for his support, to the staff of Ascension Borgess-Pipp Hospital and to the extraordinary Dr. Mustafa and his staff at Advanced Cardiac and Vascular Center in Grand Rapids. A celebration of Micheal's life will be held 1:30PM Saturday, July 27th at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 S 9th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the service at the chapel. Private burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Micheal's name may be directed to Residential Opportunities Incorporated (ROI), 1100 S. Rose Street, Kalamazoo MI 49001 or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, 222 N. Kalamazoo Mall, Suite 100, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Please visit Micheal's personalized webpage for directions, online guestbook, or to leave a condolence. www.langelands.com.