Connie Utrecht

UTRECHT, Connie of Portage, Michigan Passed away Monday, February 24, 2014 at her residence. Connie was born October 1, 1937 in New Albany, IN to the late William and Evelyn Lawless Volz. She had been a church musician all of her life, most recently at the First Congregational Church of Kalamazoo where she played the organ and directed a children's choir. She spent several years as the music director at First Presbyterian Church in Three Rivers, and as an accompanist for the Kalamazoo Male Chorus. Connie was a member of the American Guild of Organists; and was a volunteer for the Kalamazoo Literacy Council. Connie enjoyed gardening, traveling and most of all, spending time with her granddaughters. She is survived by her children, Lisa Craig Rogers, Mark Utrecht, and Beth Utrecht; three granddaughters, Andrea and Becky VanLaan, and Claire Utrecht; a brother, Barry Kathy Volz; and a niece Jennifer Matt Garrett and nephew Jamie Volz. A service to celebrate Connie's life will be held at 11 am Saturday at the First Congregational Church, 345 West Michigan Ave. Friends may meet the family Friday from 2 to 4 pm or 6 to 8 pm at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick. Memorials may be directed to The Humane Society, the Alzheimer's Foundation, or the Literacy Council.