Jeffrey Scott Birtles, age 63, died Saturday, April 20, after days of heartache following a traumatic event Sunday, April 14.
Jeff was born and raised in Wyoming, Mich., and spent much of his young life at the family farm in the Hilliards area. He his wife, Lisa, at his 18th birthday party during his senior year of high school at Wyoming Rogers. They married the following October in 1980 and spent the last 44 years together.
Jeff worked vigorously at everything he did, going above and beyond any expectations at work and in his home life. Jeff was an avid golfer and antique tractor puller. He was also a loyal fan of the Detroit Lions, Tigers, Red Wings, and the Michigan Wolverines. His guilty pleasures were the casino and lottery tickets.
He took pride in maintaining his home, vehicles, lawn and relationships. He loved Crown Royal, classic rock, deer hunting, card games (especially cribbage), new trucks, sunshine, and above all, family.
Surviving are his “Queen,” wife of 44 years, Lisa; children Blake and Alaina; daughter-in-law, Melissa; son-in-law, Brandon; grandsons, Wyatt and Colt; grandpups Whiskey and Rocky; best friend and brother, Mark, and sister-in-law Rhonda; brother, Joe and sister-in-law Lisa; mother-in-law, Hope Golembiewski; and many family members and friends.
Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Pat Birtles; father-in-law, George “G Man” Golembiewski; grandparents; and favorite uncle, Butch Batog.
Visitation will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday, April 26, at Cook Funeral Home in Byron Center, 2067 84th St. SW. Services will be held at 4 p.m. following the visitation.
The family has requested that the visitation and service be attended by adults only.