Michael Anderson

Michael Severn Anderson, age 83, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, passed away at home after a lengthy illness in the company of his wife and daughters on Thursday, January 2, 2025. Mr. Anderson was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on January 8, 1941 to Lawrence S. Anderson and Evelyn Leone (Briley) Anderson. On May 16, 1967 Michael married Anne (Pahl) Anderson in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The marriage of 25 years produced two daughters, Andrea N. Anderson and Caroline N. Anderson-Kerney. After the end of his marriage to Anne, Michael married Catherine (Atkinson) Anderson who died on May 14, 1998. After Catherine’s death Michael married Christine (Hickok) Anderson on May 18, 2002 and was married to her at the time of his death.

In 2000, Michael retired from the James River Corp after a lengthy sales management career in the paper/products industry.

Michael was very proud of the fact that he had served his country honorably in the United States Navy. He felt a special sense of comradery and if he saw a vet with a hat that showed his military service, he always took a moment to thank the veteran, and it often led to a short exchange of where and when each served.

Mr. Anderson was very active in his Catholic faith. He established a Catholic men’s organization in the Diocese of Kalamazoo, Catholic Men’s Fellowship (CMF). At the time of his death there were over 30 CMF parish based groups in the diocese. He also developed an annual Kalamazoo Catholic Men’s Conference that attracted several hundred Catholic men each year for a day of Mass, Reconciliation and guest speakers. Michael also started the first Michigan chapter of Benedictine Oblates in the Kalamazoo Diocese for men who wanted to deepen their Catholic faith. He also initiated the first diocesan wide Lenten Day of Reflection for each of the seven deaneries in the Kalamazoo Diocese. Mike also introduced to the Diocese an annual Catholic men’s retreat weekend called “Into The Wild”. 

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife Christine “Deena” Anderson; his two daughters Andrea Anderson and Caroline N. (Eric) Anderson-Kerney; his step-sister Susan (Mattes) Coash; his two half-brothers; Bruce Fulbright and David Fulbright; his two step-sons Matthew (Betsy) Hickok and Ross (Erica) Hickok; his grandchildren Tove Kerney, Matthew and Liberty Hickok, Justin and Jacob Souza; and many nieces and nephews. 

Preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence S. Anderson and Evelyn Leone (Briley) Fulbright; his sister Barbara J. (Anderson) Gobel, his step-parents Marion Millhouse Mattes and James D. Fulbright, and his step-brother Charles Millhouse Mattes. 

Memorials made in Mike’s memory may be directed to the St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 from 4:00-7:00 PM, at Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home in Portage, MI. There will be a rosary on Tuesday beginning at 6:30 PM at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial for Michael will be Wednesday, January 8 at 11:00 AM with a time for visiting beginning at 10:00 AM at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, 5855 W Ave E, Vicksburg, MI 49097. Michael will be laid to rest at Ft. Custer National Cemetery on a later date.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Michael’s guestbook and/or share a memory with his family.

The Anderson family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002. 269-344-5600