Kent Osbeck

Kent Osbeck, age 88, of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born on February 12, 1936 to the late Robert and Alice (Calkins) Osbeck. Kent is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Linda (Spoelstra) Osbeck, children Tom Osbeck, Todd (Paula R Tibbe) Osbeck, and Kerri (Patrick) Dunneback, grandchildren, Heather Osbeck, Christopher (Becky) Osbeck, Aubrey Osbeck, Matthew (Lauren) Osbeck, Kevin (Jenn) Osbeck, Clara (Nathan Yu) Osbeck, Kelsey Dunneback, Kaitlyn (Ethan) Flikkema, Chase Dunneback, and Nicole Dunneback, and great grandchildren, Hailey, Jesse, Abbey, Kasen, Oliver, Phoebe, Reese, and Charlotte, and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sister, Beth (Karl) Lundeen, sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Bonnie Osbeck, Jan Dyksterhouse, and Sue and Bruce Steketee. He was also proceeded in death by his son and daughter-in-law, Tim and Janice Osbeck, grandson, Chad Osbeck, sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Larry Kuzee, and brother, Blaine Osbeck.

Kent served in the Army National Guard after graduating from Union High School. He worked in the service department of Michigan Consolidated Gas Company for over 35 years. He earned extra income on nights and weekends driving for Veterans Cab in Grand Rapids. Each fall he looked forward to working a week in his friend John Johnson’s popcorn wagon at the Hillsdale County Fair.

He was a dedicated supporter of his children’s and grandchildren’s school activities never missing a sporting event, choir, band, or orchestra concert, play performance, or dance recital. For many years, he was the volunteer announcer for Kenowa Hills High School football and basketball games. He also enthusiastically volunteered for the Kenowa Hills Athletic Boosters where he served as president. He could usually be found on Monday nights at Kenowa Hills Board of Education meetings for which he eventually served as a board member.

After retiring, Kent spent his mornings having coffee with his friends at Mr. Burger and his afternoons on the golf course. He enjoyed annual winter vacations in Clearwater Beach and spending summer holidays at Loon Lake. Kent always had a smile on his face while attending his grandchildren’s birthdays and other family holiday parties.

Funeral services for Kent will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home-Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Grand Rapids, MI 49504. Interment at Rosedale Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family beginning at 10:00 am prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to MD Anderson Cancer Center or the Children’s Healing Center.