John Nathaniel Karnemaat

John Nathaniel Karnemaat, age 87, devoted husband, father, and grandfather passed away peacefully during a beautiful sunrise on Monday, May 5, 2014, in his home surrounded by his loving family. John was born on the family farm in Fremont, MI, son of Koos and Etta Karnemaat. He attended a one room schoolhouse, graduated from Fremont High School and Western Michigan University, then continued his education with graduate work at the University of Cincinnati. His professional career began at the Upjohn Company and Perrigo. As a scientist he was involved in many creative endeavors as founder and partner in the BioClinical Laboratory, KAR Laboratories and Interfibe Corporation. In 1952 John married the love of his life Mildred Arlene Thomas and together they raised four children during their 62 years of marriage. He was extremely proud of his family and enjoyed spending happy hours together at home and at their cottage at Gun Lake. John had a passion for music. He played the violin and shared his fine tenor voice in the church choir and in local choral groups. For over 60 years, John was a member of First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo. He and Millie loved to travel and made many lasting friendships and memories on their adventures around the world. John's keen and creative mind was never at rest, solving problems and working on projects through his final days. Family and friends will always remember his dry sense of humor, quiet chuckle, calm and humble disposition, generosity and love of Sweetwater's donuts. John was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Meredith Gilbert, and son-in-law, Charlie Manos. He is survived by his wife, Millie, four children and eight grandchildren, Janet Manos and her children Lydia and Jacob; Richard (Deb) Karnemaat and their sons Ryan and Nathan; Paul (Chrissie) Karnemaat; Julie Turner (Derek Turner) and children Hannah, Ian, Abe, and Samantha. He is also survived by an extended family of in-laws, nieces and nephews. A memorial service is planned on Thursday, May 8, 2014 at First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo or a charity of your choice.