Theodore Kenneth Doscher

Theodore "Ted" Kenneth Doscher passed to his eternal life on September 6, 2016 following a full, long life. Aged 97, Ted was born on August 9, 1919 to Peter A. and Katharina Doscher, the youngest of six siblings. Ted spent his early life growing up on Long Island, New York, graduating from Valley Stream High School in 1936. During World War II, he was in the Army Corps of Engineers serving in the China, Burma, India theatre. Ted was married to the late Jane Baxter Maxwell for 61 years. They were blessed with a son, William Charles. A daughter, Susan, only graced their lives briefly. They became adoptive parents to Gail Kathrine. Ted and Jane raised their family in Hagaman, New York. Interest in automobiles occupied his work years, spending ten years with auto dealers and then the next thirty-two in the auto repair business. Ted and Jane moved to Kalamazoo to be near Gail and their Grandchildren Sarah and Aaron Thompson. Being a strong believer in Jesus Christ, he was active in churches wherever he resided and served as deacon and elder in the Presbyterian and Reformed faiths. His current affiliation is with (Trinity Reformed Church) Westnedge Hill Community Church. Active, too in Boy Scouts and a 30 year member, he served as scoutmaster of Troops 116 and 160 in Valley Stream, NY and Troop 29 in Amsterdam, NY. He enjoyed the reminiscence writing group at the Portage Senior Center for over 20 years and was a prolific writer offering stories and letters to family and friends. Following the passing of Jane, Ted joined the Thompson household and shared life with his children and grandchildren. He moved to Park Village Pines assisted living in 2015 where his soul continued to thrive as he shared his faith, good cheer and writing with an ever-increasing group of people. Ted was blessed earlier in 2016 with visits of distant family: Fred and Margee Doscher, David Debroskey, and Bill and Karen Debroskey, and enjoyed the family tradition of playing the game of Caroms. Ted was preceded in death by his wife Jane; his siblings: Fredrick C., John Adolph, William Christian Doscher; Dorothy Ursula Hasterlik and Alma Ruth Debroskey and his daughter, Susan Abby Doscher. He is survived by his son, William C. (and Christine) Blanche-Doscher; his daughter, Gail K. (and David) Doscher-Thompson; grandchildren, Sarah and Aaron Thompson. Memorial contributions may be made to: Park Village Pines Assisted Living Center (2920 Crystal Lane, Kalamazoo MI 49009) or Westnedge Hill Community Church, or the organization of your choice. Cremation has taken place, arranged by Avink Funeral Home (www.avinkcremation.com) A Christian service in celebration and dedication of his life will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2016 at 1:00 pm at Westnedge Hill Community Church, 326 W. Cork Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49001