Fred Toxopeus

Fred went to be with his Lord on December 10, 2014. Fred leaves his lovely wife and soul mate of 54 years, Harriett, Flanery Toxopeus. He leaves his three children, Susan Ann Salamun (Patrick), Sandra Andena-Toxopeus Glasser (Boyfriend Mike Nock), and David Alan Toxopeus. He leaves his seven grandchildren, Devin Toxopeus (Kayla), Douglas Rockett, Mykal Toxopeus, Bryce Glasser, Andena Glasser, Sean Salamun, and Greta Salamun. He leaves his two great grandchildren, Liam Toxopeus and Archer Toxopeus. He leaves his sisters Carolyn Toxopeus Sturrus, (Peter) and Judith Toxopeus Kleeves, (the late John Kleeves). He leaves his sister-in-law Margaret Toxopeus and late brother Alan Toxopeus. He leaves his former office partner and best friend Natalie Patchal (Chris). He leaves behind his beloved Rex the wonder dog. Fred graduated from Muskegon Senior High School, Muskegon Community College, Michigan State University and Western Michigan University. Fred taught Mathematics for 50 years and enjoyed every minute of it. He first taught at Muskegon Heights High School for 3 years. He then taught 5 years at Mona Shores High School and was department chairman and pioneer faculty member. He then moved to Kalamazoo Valley community College in 1968 when they first opened up. He was the first faculty member hired at KVCC and was department chairman for many years. He was involved in the establishment of the KVCC Faculty Association. As a member of the very first KVCC faculty Fred was considered a " pioneer faculty member" and he proudly used the expression. Fred worked as a part-time financial advisor for MEA Financial Services. He worked with many local Kalamazoo county schoolteachers on their investments. He put on several retirement seminars over the last 40 years regarding investments and the Michigan Retirement system for teachers. Fred was auditor for Drop Anchor Senior Mobile Home Park in Goodland, FL. He was a board member for the Apollo Condo Association in Marco Island, Fl. He volunteered to work at Kalamazoo festivals, various charities and the Red Arrow Golf Course. Fred was an avid supporter of MSU football and basketball. Go green, Go White! He attended many of the home football games and enjoyed tailgating. He also loved to participate in sports. Fred was player-coach for KVCC coed softball team for several years and brought the team to many city championships. He also played senior softball in Marco Island for 9 years and was on the championship team. He played tennis and pickle ball in Marco Island and Kalamazoo. He was a true sportsman. He was a member of the Portage Peddlers. He loved to ski and organized several ski trips out west for he and Harriett and many KVCC colleagues during their spring break. Fred loved driving motorcycles. He took several cross-country trips around theUSA and Canada with his good friend, the late Virgil Hillsted. He also liked to drive dirt bike motorcycles and snowmobiles with his friends and grandchildren up north at Fred's Shed near Hardy Dam. Fred and Harriett were members of Calvary Reformed Church. He served as church elder and also taught adult Sunday school. Fred was a lifetime Christian. He grew up in Muskegon in a conservative Dutch Christian Reformed loving family. Fred loved life and people. He loved his family and spent much time vacationing with them. He loved working with young people in high school and college. Fred was a great storyteller. He would speak at KVCC celebrations telling stories of their early years. He also spoke at High School reunions in Muskegon and Muskegon Heights about growing up and teaching in the fifties and sixties. He wrote three books for his children and grandchildren about his childhood and young adult years. In place of flowers, contributions can be given to Calvary Reformed Church or KVCC Foundation.