Louis C Remynse
August 20, 1939 – March 29, 2020
A small, invitation only, gathering will take place Friday, April 3rd. Due to the difficult circumstances, a memorial service and celebration of life will take place at a later date that is to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Disease, The Salvation Army, The Kalamazoo Gospel Mission and Grace Harbor Church in Kalamazoo, c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Louis C. Remynse, 80, a longtime Kalamazoo resident, died peacefully in his home on Sunday, March 29, 2020 surrounded by loved ones. He met Jesus embraced by those he loves most with his favorite song Amazing Grace, playing in the background. As the song ended dear Louis took his final earthly breath. Louis Clarence Remynse was born on August 20, 1939 in Kalamazoo, MI, the adopted son of Louis and Magdelena (Pifer) Remynse. He was a 1957 graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School. Continuing his education, Louis received his Pharmacy Degree from Ferris Institute (Ferris State University) on June 10, 1962. In 1969, after moving back to Kalamazoo, Louis met the love of his life, the former Melanie Murray while working as a pharmacist at Walgreens. After dating for a couple of years, Louis proposed to Melanie. Louis and Melanie were married on July 3, 1971 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Kalamazoo. Louis and Melanie lived in Port Huron, MI, Lansing, MI, Omaha, NE, Portage, MI, and Kalamazoo, MI. Each move offered a new adventure in Louis’ diversified careers. Louis worked at a variety of pharmacies as a pharmacist, the state of Michigan in healthcare fraud, Upjohn Healthcare, and Battle Creek Healthcare Systems. Louis was a brilliant entrepreneur. He created and managed joint venture programs, consulted for various doctor offices, and developed multiple nutritional and wellness products. Louis coupled his passion for entrepreneurship and his incredible love for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to develop Raising America, a Christian foundation supporting today’s public educators. Louis will always be remembered for his brilliant mind, strong work ethic, and ongoing creative entrepreneurship. Louis was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who cherished time with his family. Louis and Melanie loved hosting large family gatherings and creating lifelong memories and traditions. Louis is survived by his wife of 48½ years, Melanie; his six children Louis (Susie) Remynse of Mt Vernon, IL, Shawn Remynse of Kalamazoo, MI, Michelle Helfer of Armand, MI, Michael Remynse, Melanie (Andy) Pepper of Kalamazoo, MI, and Malena(Glenn) Schrauben of Kalamazoo, MI; 18 grandchildren, Andrea, Maggie, Mimi, Sara, Louie, Mark, Guy, Aubry, Isaiah, Maxim, Seth, Morgan, Genevieve, Killian, Declan, Makai, Marek and Marea-Joy; and four great grandchildren, Cierra, Landon, Brantley, and McKenna. We are so very thankful for the incredibly compassionate, loving and attentive care displayed by Ascension Borgess Hospital, Bronson LakeView Hospital and Crystal Woods (Park Village Pines). As a family we are forever grateful for the many staff who touched our lives and eased the transition of our dear Lou from his earthly home to his eternal life in heaven.
I am sending all my love and prayers to the family. He was a great man and you showed him so much love all through it. May God bless everyone of you!
Send prayers to all in the family at this time of need to comfort and settle your hearts… He was a great man and I am great full I had a chance to meet him in life. I can see his strong will and determination in you all.. carry on what he taught you all. Hugs to all
I first met Mr. R a few years ago when he & Mrs. R were building their new home. My first thought was wow here’s a gentle giant … and that proved to be true over the next several months. I could see the love he had for Mrs. R & his family just by the “twinkle” in his eyes & the gentle words he spoke of his family. My heart is breaking right now for you Mrs. R & the rest of your family. Sending nothing but hugs & prayers during this extremely difficult time.
I am so sorry to hear the news this morning of Lou’s death. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this moment, and will continue to be in the days ahead. May you experience peace, calm, and comfort as you face all the transitions of life in the days to come. I am sorry that you have to deal with this very difficult loss in a time of extraordinary circumstances. Blessings and care. Deb
I first met Lou and his friend Bob Woodward when they visited my church to tell me about their non-profit organization Raising America. We spent many enjoyable hours together discussing the needs of our country and how the church in America might be mobilized to meet those needs. A fast and enduring friendship developed between us. Lou was a man of vision and brilliant; he saw what was taking place and had a vision from God to see things change. I truly loved him as a friend and fellow believer in Christ. The seeds he planted throughout our region will surely bear abundant fruit for the Kingdom of God. I had the honor of getting to know two of the closest women in his life- his lovely wife Melanie and his daughter Shawn. Both are women of strong faith. What a heritage this family brings to the earth for the Lord Jesus Christ! I will always be thankful for all of them. God bless you, Lou; I’ll see you again when I get home!
Glenn, Malena & family, So sorry to hear about the loss of your dad, father-in-law, & grandpa. Just know you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Hugs to you all! Love, Mitch and Roxanne
I am so sorry for your family’s loss. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers!! (Lisa from Uncle Ernie’s)
Dear Melanie you are in our prayers. Love Barb Akright and family
Praying for you during this time and so sorry for your loss. Always loved seeing all of you at Grace Harbor and having your Genevieve in the nursery.
Your family has been very special to our family. Mom adored Lou. The first memory I have of Lou is of him working at Walgreen’s on the Kalamazoo Mall, as a pharmacist. I also remember him with his mom , my aunt Maddie. Lou was very generous. I will cherish my last visit with Lou and Melanie, so glad I had followed through with God’s urging. It is so important that if God tells you something you do it. Melanie you and Lou have such a beautiful love story. Sending much love and hugs and prayers to you to your entire family.
Sending condolences and love. Marcia Miazga
I knew Lou in the late 60’s as we worked together in the pharmacy at Walgreen’s. I was so fortunate to know Lou as he was always kind to everyone. I also was fortunate to witness the love story of Lou and Melanie unfold. All of us in the pharmacy group teased Lou about Melanie going to be his wife someday, Lou always blushed but never committed and finally Lou and Melanie were married. They were a lovely couple. Lou, you were a great man and I never forgot your caring ways. You taught me so much during my years at Walgreen’s and I thank you. May you rest in Heaven Louis. God Speed.