Michael Reverski

All who knew Michael Reverski would agree that their lives were greatly enriched for having known him. He was vibrant and fun-loving with a zest for life that was contagious. Known for his strong work ethic, Mike was never someone who did things halfway—whole-heartedly throwing himself into whatever task was at hand just came naturally to him. A more dedicated husband, father, and grandfather would be hard to find as his family was his greatest source of pride and joy. Rarely seen without a cup of coffee in his hand, Mike had a dry sense of humor that always brought a smile to others. Life will never be the same in his absence, but his timeless legacy of integrity, strength, and unconditional love will remain forever near and dear to the hearts of those he leaves behind.

By the dawn of 1942, our nation was deeply entrenched in the throes of WWII overseas. Rationing on common goods such as rubber, tin, coffee, and sugar was in place for those who remained stateside; and victory gardens were planted in order to lessen the strain on the nation’s food supply. While holding on to hope for the safe return of their men, women stepped into the jobs vacated by the deployed. It was during this same year that there was much to celebrate in one young family from Battle Creek, Michigan. They were pleased to announce the birth of two healthy babies on July 25th. Michael and his twin, Pat, were welcomed into the world by their loving parents, Harold and Pauline (Newhall) Reverski, as the two youngest children of six in their family. Michael’s father was a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force while his mother devoted her time to her six children and also found occasions to do some volunteer work. Due to his father’s career in the military, Mike was raised on military bases for most of his childhood. He fondly remembered his stay in the Philippines and in French Morocco.

Like young boys so often do, Mike got himself into his fair share of trouble at times, but only because he loved to have fun. He liked to hang out at the pool hall on Burdick and was quite the dancer. In fact, it was his dance moves that attracted a certain young woman with whom he would share a lifetime of love. Her name was Diane Crose, and they first met at the corner store located at Vine Street and Westnedge. Shortly thereafter, they shared their first dance at the Canteen Dance at the local armory. That fateful night was the beginning of an enduring love story that would span more than 40 years. Eager to build a life together, Mike and Diane became husband and wife on June 26, 1965, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Kalamazoo.

Throughout his life, Mike worked hard in whatever he did. He attended local schools and went on to earn an associate’s degree in computer programming from Davenport University. Mike also served in the Air Force from 1961 through 1981, retiring as a master sergeant. While in the service, Mike was a B-52 aircraft mechanic who served during the Vietnam War and the Cuban Missile Crisis. As a civilian, he worked as a chemical engineer at Pharmacia Upjohn where he enjoyed his work and was the consummate professional.

Life truly began for Mike when he became a father, fulfilling his deepest desire. Together, he and Diane were blessed with four children: Michael James, Jr., Rhonda Renee, Katherine “Katie” Pauline, and Christina “Chrissy” Lynn. Mike viewed being a good parent as both his highest calling and his greatest blessing. Although his military career took him away from the family at times, his wife and children were forever close to his heart. Keeping all of his children’s names straight was always a challenge; and sometimes, he would run through the whole list of names before he got it right. He was also known to run a few of the names together; for instance, Katie and Chrissy became “Cratie.” As adults, his children affectionately became known as Mick, Daughter #1, Daughter #2, and Daughter #3!

Mike’s family never questioned his love for them. He was known to buy Diane flowers for special occasions, although he would never admit to buying them and even inquired about the “weeds” on the table. He and Diane enjoyed a memorable trip to Alaska including an unforgettable helicopter ride to the top of a glacier. As a family, they will always remember their trip to New Jersey, complete with jug handles! It always meant so much to his children that their father took time out of his busy day to attend their various sporting events. The only thing better than becoming a father was perhaps becoming a grandfather or a “Jagie,” as he was lovingly called by his grandchildren. The family was always gathering for one reason or another. One of the family’s favorite pastimes was gathering for a swim during the summer months at Grandma and Jagie’s house.

Although much of his time was focused on his family, Mike enjoyed other things as well. He was an avid bowler who was quite good, too, having won a car in a tournament on one occasion. Mike liked playing card games like pinochle, poker, cribbage, and tonk, although he was known to make up the rules and change them just a bit each time he played! When it came to his favorite foods, Mike liked bananas, Jordan almonds, peanuts, and would say that cotton candy shared with his grandchildren was simply the best.

Because he was truly one of a kind, Michael Reverski’s loveable attributes are innumerable. He was spirited, fun, dependable, and filled with unconditional love and support for his family. Mike never took one day for granted and counted several days as the greatest days of his life, including the day he enlisted in the military, the days he met and married his true love, and each day a child or grandchild entered the world. Mike modeled for his children and grandchildren what it meant to really live and in doing so, leaves behind a deeply embedded footprint that will remain for generations to come.

At age 68, Mike died on May 7, 2011 in Kalamazoo. Cremation will take place. Learn more about Mike, view his Life Story file, and share in some refreshments with his family and friends on Thursday, May 12 from 5:00-8:00 PM at the Life Story funeral Home, Betzler – Kalamazoo; 6080 Stadium Drive (269-375-2900). Graveside services will be held Friday, May 13 at 10:00 AM at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Mike was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Adrian; and 2 siblings: Harold “Skip” Reverski and Dorothy King. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Diane; 4 children: Michael Jr. (Jody) Reverski, Rhonda (Timm) Sturgeon, Katherine (Santos) Fotis and Christina Reverski; 11 grandchildren; 3 siblings: Betty (Tom) Rodgers, Robert (Patsy) Reverski and Patricia (Mike) McKie; and many nieces and nephews. Please visit Mike’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo of him, and sign his online guest book before coming to the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the West Michigan Cancer Center or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.