Jean Kiel

Following a courageous battle with brain cancer Jean passed away, at the age of 89, on Monday afternoon, July 15, 2024. She was surrounded by her loving family. Jean was born in Kalamazoo on September 26, 1934, the daughter of Neal and Gertrude (VanderRoest) Oorbeck. Jean graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1952. She worked for 22 years at the University Bookstore at WMU as Assistant Manager, retiring in 1996. She made many friends there and was a motherlike figure to the students who worked with her at the store. Following her retirement, she went back to work as a receptionist for Dr. Thomas Owen. Jean was a huge University of Michigan football fan. She and her son, Alan were season ticket holders. Jean was also a NASCAR fan and liked going to races with family. She also liked road trips with her sister, family reunions and going on adventures. Nothing was more important to her than family. She loved each of her children, grandchildren, and all of her extended family and will be greatly missed. Jean is survived by her daughters, Pam (Rick) Reeves, Penny (Kelly) Blank and Peggy (William) Timmerman; daughter in law, Diane Kiel; ten grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; many special nieces and nephews; and countless friends. Jean was preceded in death by her son, Alan Kiel; brother, Thomas (Jean) Oorbeck; sister, Beatrice (James) DeLoof; stepbrother, Robert (Betty) Nanninga; stepsister, Lois (William) Van Dalson. A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home, 917 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo. Jean will be laid to rest privately at Riverside Cemetery, Kalamazoo. Jean's family would like to thank Anna, her home hospice nurse, and the caregiving staff at Rose Arbor Hospice for the outstanding care given to her during her last days. Memorial contributions may be made to Centrica Care Navigators, in c/o the funeral home. Friends may leave a condolence message for the family at www.joldersma-klein.com.