2019
Pacifique “Paci” Nzaronka was born January 1, 2005 in the Democratic Republic of Congo to parents Innocent Mahirgwe and Aimee Nyamahoro. His sisters were Jolie Nyiwaninka, Merci Aimablee, and Grace Mutoni. He has been welcomed by many families in his life. He spent years in Nairobi, Kenya with Gaston and Olive Munezero and eventually moved to Ravenna, Michigan with Mark and Julie Badgerow in July 2017. In July 2018 he moved to Bailey, MI with current foster family Greg and Lorraine VanLoon. It was here where he eventually lost his long fight with cancer on July 14, 2019 at the age of 14. He is survived by his foster parents, affectionately referred to as Mom and Mr. Rocky, their children Chanda (Chad) Galvin, Vanessa (Ben) Knauf, and Kevin (Kelsy) VanLoon, Grandma Charlene Bonter, Grandma and Grandpa Joy and Carl VanLoon, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and many friends including special friend and caseworker Alicia Gass. He was loved dearly by his family and community. He attended Ravenna Middle School and most recently completed the 7th grade as a five star student. He was passionate about his faith and actively involved in Ravenna Baptist Church youth group. Secondary only to his faith was his love for soccer. He strove to be the best in every way, whether winning championship games or encouraging his teammates to always do their best. He was a young man of strength and wisdom beyond his years that loved to laugh and spend time with those he loved. Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 17 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at Ravenna Baptist Church, 3186 Blackmer Road, Ravenna, MI 49451. A funeral service will be held Thursday, July 18 at 11am also at Ravenna Baptist Church. Paci will be buried at Seaman Cemetery on Canada Road, Bailey, MI. In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted by Fields-McKinley Funeral Home toward funeral and burial expenses. Thank you to all who loved Paci so well. We will miss him dearly but we are thankful he is resting in the arms of his Heavenly Father.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Pacifique Paci Nzaronka 2019.
Death notice for the town of: Grant, state: Michigan