Claude Franklin VanBruggen

Claude Franklin VanBruggen Passed away peacefully Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at home surrounded by his family and friends. Claude, the oldest of 3 brothers, was born at his family home in Kalamazoo on September 27, 1936, son of the late George and Irene (Miller) VanBruggen. Claude was a man known for following a simple but profound code for his life. He loved his family, friends and neighbors to the best of his abilities. He taught his daughters this as well. He was an instigator of many fun times; with a sparkle in his eye and that smile, you knew he was up to something. As a child and after the war broke out, he and his family moved to the Detroit area and lived in the projects by River Rouge. They later returned to the Comstock area and Claude attended St. Augustine's through graduation. On November 19, 1955, Claude married the love of his life, Janet Mae Seybert and they started their married life in Kalamazoo where after having 2 little girls they decided to settle down in Parchment in 1959. There they had 4 more little girls. Claude loved his wife and girls dearly. They added another "adopted daughter" from the foreign exchange program at school, Silvana Passarin Correa from São Paulo Brazil. They attended St. Ambrose Church in Parchment most of their lives. Claude loved to fish, hunt, golf and camp at Sandy Pines. He enjoyed round and square dancing and spending time at their condo in Panama City Beach, FL. Claude had worked for KVP from 1954 until 1966 when he went to General Motors until his retirement in 1992 when the plant closed. Surviving is his wife Janet; 5 daughters, Kathy (Gary) Brown of Paw Paw, Lori (Dan) Stersic of Kalamazoo, Linda (Tod) Odell of Bloomingdale, Jeanne (Curtis) Meaders of Mt. Ida AR, Karol (Dan) Chopp of Kalamazoo; brother, Don (Sherrie) VanBruggen; 12 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren; his best friend / golf and fishing buddy since they were 18 years old, Dick Green; special people in his life, John (Patty) Vesey, Ron (Mona) Smith, Floyd (Lynn) Shook; many cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by, his parents; daughter, Connie Lynn; great-grandchildren, Jaedyn Noel Jasso and Magnolia Jean Hallgren; brother and sister in law, Del (Sharon) VanBruggen. Following his wishes cremation has taken place. The family will meet friends on Tuesday, September 3rd from 11am until time of memorial service at noon at Journey Family Church, Gobles, Pastor and Grandson Josh Odell officiating. Private inurnment will take place in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Kalamazoo. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Journey Family Church, in loving memory of Claude VanBruggen. Arrangements entrusted to the Bloomingdale Chapel, D. L. Miller Funeral Home, www.dlmillerfuneralhome.com.

Claude Franklin VanBruggen

September 27, 1936 - August 27, 2024