Scott Warner

Although his life was filled with numerous experiences, there were none that were as near and dear to the heart of Scott Warner as becoming a father. He was a hardworking and devoted family man who loved life to the fullest. Scott was a man of faith who was mindful of others in everything he did. As his friends and family can attest, he could be meticulous about certain things, especially when it came to his lawn. His journey ended much too soon, but the memories he leaves behind will remain lasting treasures for years to come.

The 1960s were an eventful time in American history. This was the decade that Martin Luther King, Jr. brought civil rights to the forefront in a peaceful and effective way. As a nation we elected the young John F. Kennedy as our 35th President of the United States while young servicemen were being sent overseas to Vietnam. It was during this unprecedented time that a young couple from Saginaw, Michigan, was filled with great anticipation as they awaited the birth of their baby. Their wait was over on August 28, 1965, when the baby boy they named Scott M. made his arrival. He was the oldest of two children born to his parents, Ronald and Sharon (Ballentine) Warner, and he was raised in the family home alongside his sister, Sallie. Both of his parents worked and retired from General Motors.

In many ways Scott experienced an upbringing that was reflective of the times. He attended Bridgeport High School where he was a basketball star and broke several records. Scott also excelled at track, but his love for the game of basketball never diminished, as he carried it into adulthood. He went on to graduate from high school in 1983.

Not to be forgotten during his years in high school was Scott’s introduction to the woman who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Linda Krutsch, and they met during Scott’s junior year (even though Linda was a senior). Scott mustered up enough courage to ask her out in the halls at school, and from that moment on, they were together for 31 years! After graduating, Linda went off to Western Michigan University, and he followed the next year after his own graduation. Deeply in love, the couple was married on December 10, 1988, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Kalamazoo. Scott was so proud to have just celebrated their 25 wedding Anniversary!

Together Scott and Linda were blessed to welcome two children into their hearts and home: Tyler and Lauren. As a father he was an active part of his children’s lives, and he was protective, passionate, and devoted when it came to his children and family. For 19 years Scott served the community of Otsego as a Police Officer – the job he was born to do.

Rarely one to be idle, Scott kept busy with several things. He was a member of St. Margaret’s Catholic Church, and he also coached their boys basketball team for a time. Toward the end of his life, Scott also helped troubled teens in Allegan County. Known for being particular about things (like his yard!) his car was also something, which he was passionate about! Every year, the family vacationed at the Grand Hotel on Mackinaw Island. Scott loved everything about “The Grand” and looked forward to it every year! As someone who loved the sun, Scott also enjoyed going to Florida. Scott was a huge Notre Dame Football fan and additionally followed Western Michigan basketball. It has also been said that Scott thought he could golf, but that was certainly up for debate.

A stranger to none and a friend to all, Scott was very social and seemed to know everyone. He was outgoing and talkative with a great sense of humor to boot! Life was not without times of trial for Scott though, health issues plagued him for 20 years, but the death of his son, Tyler in 2011, was his biggest heartache. That being said, Scott faced everyday with sheer determination to make it count – and “make it count” he did! With grace, love and always a GREAT BIG SMILE!!! The heartbeat of wherever he was, Scott will be deeply missed but NEVER forgotten.

Scott M. Warner, of Plainwell, died on Saturday, May 3, 2014. Scott’s family includes his wife, Linda; daughter: Lauren Grace Warner, of Plainwell; parents: Ronnie Warner, of Bridgeport; Sharon (Larry) Dorey, of Freeland; sister: Sallie (Roger) Warner-Mejia, of Saginaw; mother-in-law: Jacqueline “Jac” Krutsch, of Charlevoix; brother-in-law: James (Joelyn), of IN. Neices and Nephews :Brandon, Colleen, Kevin, Joshua, and Brianna. Scott was preceded in death by his son, Tyler, and father-in-law, Harold Krutsch.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 8th from 4 to 8 p.m., with a rosary at 7:30 p.m., Life Story Funeral Home, 120 S. Woodhams, Plainwell (269-685-5881). A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday at 11am at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church. Burial Hillside Cemetery.

Please visit Scott’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign his guestbook, and share a memory. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Tyler Warner Scholarship or the American Diabetes Association.