Obituary of Kevin Matthew Gilstorff

Kevin was a kind and caring man, who gave the best hugs and had the most contagious laugh. He would welcome guests into his home, always having a cold drink and a story to tell. It was guaranteed the radio would be on when you arrived, and he wasn’t shy about his love for music.  Kevin could always be counted on for words of encouragement. When in his presence others felt loved and lighter after spending time with him. Even if you didn’t see him all the time, he made sure to let you know that he was thinking about you with his “have a great day” texts. 

Kevin Matthew Gilstorff passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, July 29, 2024, at the age of 50 from a short, hard battle with lung cancer.  He was born on April 13th, 1974, to Larry and Judith (Pluff) Gilstorff. Kevin was the 5th of six children that came from their union. He was a fun-loving child who enjoyed playing with his best friend and twin brother Keith and the two of them were inseparable, though he loved all of his siblings unconditionally. He was a huge family man, and nothing meant more to him. Kevin grew up in Maybee, Michigan and attended Monroe High School. After high school Kevin worked as a plumber. He was also a huge staple in the fire service community having volunteered his time with numerous departments including London Maybee Raisinville, Berlin, and Frenchtown where he made lifelong friendships and had an even bigger positive impact on his community. Kevin always had time for people, whether you needed help with your sink, or your car was on the side of the road he was a jack of all trades who was always there to lend a hand, teach you, and make sure you were good to go but not without fixing something else on his way out. Kevin was a firm believer in Christ and always took the opportunity to share his light with others. 

In 2002, Kevin became a father to a beautiful little girl, Jade. In 2020, he met and fell in love with Kasi, Kevin never hesitated to step up for her five girls and took on the fathering role for them right away. Kevin and Kasi were married in 2024. Kevin took pride in his family and was a loving family man, always making time for his wife and girls, and held his favorite title Pupa to his grandchildren, which he took very seriously. Kevin loved the outdoors and always looked forward to his trips to St. Helen where his family had property. 

Kevin was preceded in death by his father, Larry, and his mother, Judith, but leaves to cherish his memory his wife: Kasi; his daughter: Jade, his step-daughters: Breanna Miller, Sarah (Brandon) Keween, Emily Miller, Rebekah Schuyler, Darcelle Musgrave, and Elizabeth Musgrave (Zachary Kopka); mother-in-law: Diana Bruck; a former son-in- law: Wayne Schuyler; his brothers: Fred (Elena), Ed (Brandie), Keith (Marian Rod) Gilstorff; his sisters: KelliAnn (Mark) Hume and Stacy Tennyson; a brother and sister-in-law: Mark and Denise Miller; his grandchildren: Aryonnah Keween, Jasiah Schuyler, Hadley Schuyler, and Kallen Schuyler.  Kevin also leaves several nieces and nephews and to them he was Uncle Bubba, his closest cousins and best friends: Jill Lands and Brian Pluff; a very special friend: Bridget Fetterly, several aunts, uncles, cousins and an abundance of friends. He will be greatly missed but the love he shared and the imprint he left on so many will continue to live on in their memories forever.

Friends may gather on Saturday; August 3, 2024, at the London Maybee Raisinville Fire Station, 8755 Baldwin Road, Monroe, Michigan 48162.  Guests will line up at 1:00pm at the fire station for a ceremonial procession through the town of Maybee.  They will then return to the fire station for a Celebration of Kevin’s Life at 1:30pm.  A memorial luncheon will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Gilstorff Family to assist with funeral arrangements.  Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.