Allen Wycoff, age 83, died Tuesday, July 29, surrounded by his family.
Al was born in New Salem, to Ethel and Lilton Wycoff on April 4, 1942. He attended Saint Mary’s Catholic School where he established his faith and met his future bride, Mary Jo.
He attended Wayland High School, married Mary Jo, and designed and built their house where they began their family. His career in lithography began at Fred F. Johnson Map Company and ended after 40 years, retiring from Modern Litho Imaging, before he landed his dream job as a security guard at Gerald R. Ford International Airport.
Also known as “Big Al” by his family and friends, he was a wonderful artist from a young age, and he still drew amazing barns even through his years battling Parkinson’s.
He loved to hunt, fish, and chop wood, especially with his dad, travel the country with his wife, and had a tool for everything. He was passionate about history; from his family history to local parish history, Michigan and American history. He loved to learn about the past, and was easily distracted by airplanes. He also became a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 14642.
Al is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary Jo (Schaendorf) Wycoff; children Brenda Jo (Bob) Halloran, Tim (Connie) Wycoff, and Kimberly Jo (Jason) French. The lucky ones who called him “Grandpa Al” include Evan (Haylie) Halloran, Emily (Ryan) Irwin, Eryn (Tylor) Stancell, Justin (Holly) Bartz, Trevor (Jenna) Bartz, Chris (Ashley) Bartz, Kalie Bartz, Zak (Alexa) Wycoff, Aiden French, and Audrey Jo French. His great-grandchildren include Graham, Wyatt, Tess, Tristan, Teegan, Hudson, Ruby, Jax, Brooklyn, Lee, Madeline Jo, Payton, and Scottie Jo. He is also survived by his brother, Ron (Kathy) Wycoff; sisters Diane (Mick) Schaendorf, and Barb Weber; sister-in-law, Margaret (Schaendorf) Barsch; brother-in-law, Jack Schaendorf; and many nieces and nephews.
He was was preceded in death by his parents Lilton and Ethel Wycoff; parents-in-law Les and Marion Schaendorf; granddaughter, Colby Caitlin; great-grandson, Greyson Halloran; and brothers-in-law Mike Weber and John Barsch.
Visitation will be held from 3-7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3, with a Rosary at 7 p.m., at Kubiak-Cook Funeral Home – Dorr Chapel. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 4, at St. Mary’s Visitation Catholic Parish, 2459 146th Ave. SW, Byron Center. A private family graveside service will be held at Resurrection Cemetery to lay Allen to rest.
In memory of Allen and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice.
