William Eugene Collick, age 91 of Kalamazoo, passed away on May 16, 2022. Gene was born on January 11, 1931 in Allegan, the son of William and Edith (Adams) Collick. Gene proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He was a 1948 graduate of Allegan High School, attended trade school at Pine Lake and earned his BA from Western Michigan University in 1955. Gene was employed as an electrical engineer for the federal government for 38 years and then the last seven years at FEMA. He had the privilege to do lots of traveling for work during many important milestones in the country. He enjoyed bowling and was an excellent roller skater, which is how he met his wife, Betty. Together, they traveled to Bartow, Florida and wintered there for 15 years. Most importantly, he loved spending time with his family and attending his grandkids’ sporting events. Gene will be remembered as a joke teller and a person that was easy to talk to and make friends. Gene is survived by his wife, Betty (Schoolman) Collick; children: Rick (Laura) Collick, Brenda (Rod) Aukerman; grandchildren: Danielle (Cody) Boughton, Kelsey Collick, Aaron, Nick, Trevor, Karlee Aukerman, Eli, Marisa, Alayna; great grandchildren: Owen, Emma Boughton; and several nieces and nephews. Gene was preceded in death by his parents; son, Jody Ross; and sister, Rosalene Collick. A celebration of life will take place on Sunday, June 5, 2022, 2:00 to 5:00 PM at the Weatherstone Clubhouse, 5210 Marsh Arbor Trail, Kalamazoo, MI 49004. Memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Hospital will be appreciated. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral.com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for Gene’s family.
