Wayne York

Wayne York, 90, formerly of Schoolcraft, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 13, 2025 at Heritage Community of Kalamazoo, Michigan.

He was born on December 13, 1934, in Chicago, IL, to Robert and Maxine York, who preceded him in death. Wayne graduated from Vicksburg High School in the Class of 1954, where he was active in track, baseball, and the Future Farmers of America (FFA). He lived and worked on his aunt and uncle’s farm, Rex and Fanny Weinberg’s, cultivating a lifelong love of farming, living off the land, and nature—a passion that shaped his life’s journey.

In June 1954, Wayne enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He was stationed at Treasure Island, San Francisco, CA, and honorably discharged in June 1957. During his service, he earned distinctions as an Expert Rifleman, Expert Pistol, and was awarded the National Defense Medal and a Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal.

Wayne met the love of his life, Joan Kiel, on a blind date in his 20s. Their romance blossomed through roller-skating, movies, and other shared adventures before they married on October 25, 1958. Together, they built a loving family, raising three children: Scott, Vicki, and Kelli.

In 1964, Wayne moved his young family from Schoolcraft to Fishers Lake in Three Rivers, Michigan, where they lived until 1977 before returning to Schoolcraft. He remained there until much later in life.

Wayne was an avid gardener, tending both vegetable and flower gardens, and shared his love of nature with his children by teaching them to fish and swim. His annual fishing trips to Mudd Lake with his brother-in-law, John, and nephew, Tim, became cherished traditions. Wayne loved working with his hands, whether fixing things, tinkering with model trains, reloading and shooting guns, or crafting in his garage or basement. Known for his generous spirit, he was always willing to lend a hand to those around him. His John Deere tractor was a source of joy, and he often mowed lawns for neighbors in the summer and plowed snow for the church and community in the winter.

He was a dedicated leader of Boy Scouts of America Troop 114, guiding scouts on many summer adventures at Camp Rota-Kiwan in Kalamazoo. Wayne was also a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 475 in Schoolcraft, a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Schoolcraft, and a volunteer firefighter.

Wayne spent most of his career as a truck driver, working for Continental Can, The Upjohn Company, Schneider International, Biewer’s Lumber, Schoolcraft Auto Auction, and finally, Vicksburg Chrysler Dodge.

Family was Wayne’s greatest joy. He adored his grandchildren and often took them to watch planes at the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport or see fighter jets and air shows in Virginia Beach. He loved feeding ducks at the park and creating playful memories with trains in his home. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, whose life revolved around time with Joan and his family.

In his later years, Wayne was a resident at Hawthorn Landing, where he received loving care. The York family expresses deep gratitude to the staff and caregivers, especially during his final week, and to Centrica Hospice, with special thanks to his nurse, Matt.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Maxine York; his beloved wife of 56 years, Joan York; his brother, Kenneth York; and his sisters, Sharon Holmquist, Carol Collins, and Gloria Armstrong.

Surviving are his three children: Scott (Shelley) York of Virginia Beach, VA; Vicki York of Fort Wayne, IN; and Kelli (Bill Fouch) Mein of Vicksburg, MI. He leaves behind four grandchildren: Justin (Courtney) York and Courtney “Sis” York of Virginia Beach, VA; Jared (Kaley Sytsma) Mein of Vicksburg, MI; and Kaiti (Jake Lang) Mein of Schoolcraft, MI. Wayne also has three great-grandchildren: Isla York of Virginia Beach, VA; Bryson Lang of Schoolcraft, MI; with another great-grandchild, Sawyer Grace Lang, on the way. He is also survived by many special nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Centrica Care Navigators—Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, Centrica Rose Arbor Place in Kalamazoo, MI.

In accordance with the family’s wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church, 224 East Cass Street, Schoolcraft, MI. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a service celebrating Wayne’s life at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Schoolcraft Township Cemetery. The family warmly invites friends and loved ones to join them in honoring Wayne’s memory.

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

The York family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 409 South Main Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097. 269-649-1697.