Rushford Hotchkiss

Rushford M. Hotchkiss, age 94, of Kalamazoo, MI passed away on Tuesday, January 09, 2018. Rod was born in Kalamazoo on March 16, 1923, the son of the late Josiah and Marie (VanSwellen) Hotchkiss. He served his country honorably during WWII in the U.S. Army. Rod graduated from Western Michigan University with a bachelor's degree and retired from National Water Lift. He was a life-time member of the Red Arrow VFW Post 1527 and enjoyed golfing and bowling. On October 16, 1947, he was united in marriage to the former Barbara A. Gildea, who preceded him in death on June 28, 2013. Rod was also preceded in death by his children, Mary Jo and Michael Hotchkiss; as well as four siblings. Survivors include his sons, William (Judy), John and Joseph Hotchkiss; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 12, 2018 at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home at 1:00 PM. Burial with full military honors will follow at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, c/o the funeral home.