Peter Dame

Age 86, passed away quietly on May 4, 2026. Pete was born on April 4, 1940, in Grant, Michigan, the second of four sons to Theodore and Wilhelmina (Karp) Dame. He attended Grant Christian School through the ninth grade and graduated from Grant High School in 1958, where he excelled in academics, basketball, track, and baseball. His high school chemistry teacher challenged him to enroll at Michigan Technological University (then Michigan College of Mining and Technology), where he graduated with a chemistry degree in 1962. Pete began a long career at the Upjohn Company (now Pfizer) where he worked as a chemist for more than 40 years. While with Upjohn, he joined the company fastpitch softball team and continued his love of the sport for 40 more years as a player and then a coach. Over the years, Pete played for and coached several teams that won local, regional, and multiple state championships. He also enjoyed fishing, reading, and studying all kinds of history, numismatics, and watching Fox Business News. Pete was an avid Detroit Tigers fan and enjoyed watching their games. He also served as president of the Kalamazoo Numismatic Club in 1970 & 1971 and earned the lifetime achievement award. Pete was a faithful member of Milwood Christian Reformed Church, where he served as a deacon. He later joined Heritage Christian Reformed Church. He was a strong supporter of his children and grandchildren's academic, musical, and athletic involvement. Pete is survived by his wife of 64 years, Rose A. (Heiss) Dame; his children, Peter (Kristen) Dame and Anne Dame; grandchildren, Kelsey, Brian, and Shannon; step grandchildren, Amber and Michael Nevin; his brother, Bill Dame and sisters in-law, Marilyn Heiss and Mary Lou Dame; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Cornelius and Roger; and a brother in-law, Jerry Heiss. A funeral service will take place on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 4:00 PM at Heritage Christian Reformed Church, 2857 South 11th St., Kalamazoo, MI 49009, with Pastor Simon Tuin officiating. Visitation will be held at the church prior to the service, beginning at 2:00 PM. Private interment will be at Hillside Cemetery in Grant, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries or the Grant Christian School. Arrangements are being handled by Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 411 East Centre Ave., Portage, MI 49002 – 269-343-1508 – www.langelands.com