Tyler Warner

Everyone in Tyler Warner’s life was captivated by his dynamic personality. He was happy and outgoing, always the “life of the party” and made people laugh. Tyler knew without a doubt what life was all about – living, laughing and helping other people to do the same. He may have been granted a short time on earth, but he was able to fill every day with energy, life and love.

In the early 1990s, American pop culture was undergoing its latest change. As the World Wide Web increased its following, CDs outsold cassette tapes and Beanie Babies flew off store shelves in record numbers. Meanwhile, Scott and Linda (Krutsch) Warner of Otsego, Michigan was anxiously awaiting the birth of their first child. On January 26, 1993, the couple delighted in holding their healthy baby boy in their arms for the first time. They named him Tyler, and from that moment on, he was newest and most energetic member of the Warner family. Eventually, Tyler became a big brother when his sister, Lauren Grace, was born. He doted on his little sister, who he affectionately called “Babie.” His mom could hear him yelling all over the house for her - " Babie!!!!!”

Tyler grew up in Otsego as well as Plainwell. His father was a retired Otsego police officer, while his mother worked as a pharmaceutical sales representative. Tyler was baptized at St. Catherine’s of Siena in Portage, but had his first communion and confirmation at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church in Otsego. He attended St. Margaret’s Catholic School through the 4th grade and then completed his education in the Plainwell area schools. He played baseball up until his senior year at Plainwell High, and found a bright spot in his day when he met his girlfriend, Kayla, in a mixed choir class. Always a risk taker, Tyler loved to snowboard and skateboard, and he wanted to pursue a career that tapped into his adventurous spirit. So, after graduating from Plainwell High School in June, 2011, he was planning to attend Kalamazoo Valley Community College in the fall to study Business. His ultimate goal was to be a sales representative for an extreme sports company.

Although Tyler was a vibrant, fun-loving and happy-go-lucky guy, he also bore the mark of a typical teenager. Music, shopping for shoes and his gas scooter were some of his favorite things. Tyler absolutely loved his red Grand Prix GT, so much so it looked like he lived in it. He also had a soft spot for cats, especially Ryder, who he rescued from the rain on the side of the road. To earn money, Tyler worked three summers at the Lake Doster Golf Course and was the head cashier at the Salvation Army Store. For some fun, the Warners enjoyed vacationing at the Grand Hotel on Mackinaw Island every year, as well as other unforgettable trips to Disney World in Florida and the Wisconsin Dells.

It was said that the mirror was Tyler’s best friend. A bit proud, he would walk around the house in his boxer shorts flexing his muscles, inviting people to the “gun show.” Tyler had just got his braces off too, which only made his smile even more contagious. Funny, Tyler would say “Mom, how’d you get such a good looking kid?” Everyone always knew when Tyler was around since he was the life of the party no matter where he was or what was going on around him. His absence will be deeply felt, his bright light extinguished much too soon.

Tyler Warner, age 18, passed away on Tuesday, November 22, 2011. Visit with his family and friends, and view his life story film on Monday, November 28, from 4 to 8 p.m. with a Rosary being said at 6 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell; 120 Woodhams Street; (685-5881). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 29, at 11 a.m. at St. Margaret’s Church, 766 S. Farmer Street, Otsego.

Tyler leaves behind his parents, Scott and Linda Warner; his sister, Lauren “Babie” Warner; his uncle, Jimmy (Joelyn) Krutsch; his aunt, Sallie (Roger) Mejia; cousins: Brandon, Colleen, Kevin, Josh, and Brianna; his grandparents: Jacqueline “Ninni” Krutsch, Sharon and Larry “Papa” Dorey, and Ronald “Papa” Warner. He also leaves behind his girlfriend, Kayla. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Harold “Papa” Krutsch. Please visit Tyler’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you may share a memory, upload a photo and sign his online guest book before coming to funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to Juvenile Diabetes or the Allegan County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition.