A Battle Creek businessman, philanthropist and former mayor has now died.

According to the obituary, Preston “Pres” Kool passed away at the age of 86 on Friday, January 5, after a struggle with dementia. Kool was born in Holland, and moved to Battle Creek in the 50’s after marrying Marjorie DeNooyer; he worked at DeNooyer Chevrolet, which he eventually bought, along with several other car dealerships throughout Southwest Michigan and beyond.

Kool served as Battle Creek’s Mayor from 1967 to 69, and later co-chaired the merger between Battle Creek Township and the City of Battle Creek in 1982. He had a long history of philanthropy, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for various causes, and supporting groups like the Brass Band of Battle Creek and the former Burnham Brook, which is now named the Kool Family Center in his family's honor.

Visitation for Pres Kool will be Tuesday from 1-3 and 5-7, at Covenant Hope Church, with a Memorial Service scheduled for Wednesday at 1:30, at that same church.

Photo Provided By The Battle Creek Community Foundation
Photo Provided By The Battle Creek Community Foundation
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The Battle Creek Community Foundation asks that residents wear a white and red ribbon this week, to honor Pres Kool's leadership and service to the community.

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