Bruce W. Kolhoff passed away Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo, Michigan, at the age of 90.
Mr. Kolhoff was born September 30, 1933 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Cyril and Lillie (Cross) Kolhoff.
He was a resident of Allegan most of his life. After graduating from Allegan High School, he went into the U.S. Army in June of 1952 until March of 1954, serving in Germany.
Bruce married the love of his life, Stella (Thompson) in 1957, who preceded him in death in 2017 as did his six siblings, Joe, Earl, Gorden, John, David, and his sister, Agnes Stevens.
Mr. Kolhoff was a semi-driver and construction worker, but mainly worked at Rockwell International until its closing. Bruce then went on to be a maintenance worker for Allegan Public Schools until retirement. Other than his unwavering dedication to his family, he enjoyed flying his small plane around the countryside whenever possible. Bruce is best known for his huge heart, helping everyone in any way possible. He and Stella were unconditionally committed to improving the lives of an enormous number of foster children, of which they adopted eleven over the years, making a total of seventeen, Allen, Vickie Miller, Dawn Snyder (deceased), David (Barb), Tim (Mel), Tony (Lynne), Richard, Robert, Peggy Walkley, Nina, Paul, MaryAnn Maddix, Julie Moyer (deceased), Susanne (deceased), Lucy Chepy (deceased), Tiffany (Deceased) Malinda Frank (deceased); grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren too numerous to mention.
As he wished, Bruce has been cremated. Friends may meet with the family on Sunday, November 26, 2023, at Christ Community Church (3370 113th Ave., Allegan, MI 49010) from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm, with the Celebration of Life beginning at 4:00 pm, Associate Pastor Karen Ehrich officiating. Memorial donations may be made in Bruce’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org), 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.