Joseph William Bogart

Joseph William Bogart, of Kalamazoo, passed away Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at the Rose Arbor Residence.

Joe's life began June 27, 1926, in Sturgis, Michigan, one of three sons born to the late Henry Bogart and Arlene (Perk) Bogart. Following high school, He obtained his undergrad and Master's degree from Michigan State University and was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) fraternity. He then enlisted in the Army where he served two years as a medical technician.

He absolutely loved sports and loved to play and coach football, basketball and track. He coached at Gaylord and Lakeview schools, as well as Kalamazoo College, with his dear friend, Rolla Anderson. While coaching at Kalamazoo College, he was introduced to the Saga Corporation (now Sodexo). He was transferred to South Bend where he contracted the food service at Saint Mary's College and Notre Dame. While working for the college food service, he first met his wife, Joan, who was a dietician at Saint Mary's College. On December 30, 1960, at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at Notre Dame, he married Florence Joan (Crady) Bogart who survives. They spent over 60 wonderful years together and loved cheering on the Fighting Irish. Joe and Joan moved to Kalamazoo where they raised their four beautiful children.

Following his 40-year career with Sodexo, Joe and Joan enjoyed antiquing in their retirement. They eventually turned their hobby into a business and formed "The Bogart Collection". They traveled all over the state of Michigan to antique shows. Being an avid sports fan, Joe continued to play tennis until he was 92!

His Catholic faith was always very important to him. He started out as an altar boy and was a current parishioner of Saint Thomas More Catholic Church at the time of his death.

He is survived by his wife, Florence Joan (Crady) Bogart, his children, Joseph Bogart of Phoenix, AZ, Maria (Emilio) Dacoba of Scotts, MI, David (Erin) Bogart of Reno, NV, Jeannine (Bob Silis) Bogart of Evanston, IL, six grandchildren; Isabella Dacoba, Emma, Joseph, JJ, Jameson, and Maggie Bogart and one sister; Roseanne.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers; John and Jim.

Cremation has taken place. There will be a memorial mass held on Friday, November 17, 2023 at 11am at Saint Thomas More Catholic Church, 421 Monroe Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49006, so that all family members can attend. He will be laid to rest at Fort Custer in Battle Creek.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of the Holy Cross in Notre Dame, 100 Lourdes Hall, Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame, IN 46556. or www.cscsister.org