Albert Cornelius "Al" Kleinhuizen

Albert C. Kleinhuizen of Battle Creek, MI

Al, age 95, died Monday morning, January 2, 2017 at Bronson at Home Hospice Residence, Battle Creek with his loving family at his side.

Al, the son of Charles J. and Elizabeth (Van Zanten) Kleinhuizen, was born in Roseland, IL on December 2, 1921 and moved to Michigan in 1931. He was a 1939 graduate of Three Rivers High School; attended Argubright Business College; the University of Wisconsin and Hillsdale College. Al began working early in his youth and was employed as a laborer, security guard, elevator operator, on a dairy farm, a store clerk, a dishwasher, bus boy and a janitor. Al served his Country honorably and nobly in the United States Army in the South Pacific Theater with the 164th Infantry as a Sergeant Major in campaigns at Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Philippines and ending up in Japan. Al was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and a Bronze Battle Star for bravery beyond the call of duty. On February 17, 1984, after 42 years of faithful service, Al retired from the shipping department at the Kellogg Company in a management position. Al was a member of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, the National Management Association, the Kellogg 25 Year Club and the 164th Infantry Association. Al also attended the Lakeview Baptist Church. Al was an avid reader, enjoyed working on the computer, researching genealogy, working in his yard, family activities and he volunteered regularly at the hospital as a Red Cross volunteer and the Salvation Army.

Al was united in marriage to Celia M. House in Battle Creek on May 2, 1942. She preceded him in death on July 24, 2001. Al was also preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Charles Kleinhuizen II and his sister, Betty Brauker. Surviving are three daughters, Diane Schuemann of Holland, MI, Ann Spalding of Lansing, MI and Kay (Gordon) McKinney of Ceresco, MI; his son, Albert C. (Randi) Kleinhuizen, Jr. of Gaylord, MI; eleven grandchildren, Carl, Wendell, Vance, Tony, Tina, Brett, Matthew, Jordan, Sarah, Cary, and Erica; twenty six great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and their families. Al is also survived by his dear friend, Patricia DeVoll.

The Funeral Service to celebrate Al's life will be held on Wednesday, January 18th at 11:00 a.m. at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek with Rev. Chad M. Parmalee, Pastor of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will follow at the Memorial Park Cemetery, Battle Creek with the United States Army Honor Guard bestowing military honors. Al's family will greet friends on Tuesday, January 17th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the American Red Cross; the Alzheimer's Association, the Salvation Army, the Haven of Rest or Bronson @ Home Hospice Residence.

Al's family wishes to thank the entire staff at Bronson Hospice Residence for their compassionate care of their Dad during his final days.