Rena Brand

Rena Brand, Kalamazoo, went to be with Jesus on Tuesday, October 21, 2014. She was 94 years young. Rena was born in Kalamazoo on December 22, 1919, the daughter of the late Harm and Elizabeth (Dornbos) Brondyke. She was married to Neil Brand for 62 years, who preceded her in death in 2003, and loved to travel with him. She was a high spirited and lively lady, who loved her grandkids, playing bridge with friends, golfing and crafts. Rena loved the Lord and her church, where she was a member for over 50 years. Rena will be dearly missed by her survivors, four children, Linda Brand of Clearwater, FL, Jon and Marianne Brand of Matthews, N.C., Jill and Gary Ferdig of Rockford, MI and Michael and Sue Brand of Kalamazoo; 14 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; one sister, Bernice Comer of California; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Kevin VanZanten; and her siblings, Jake, Gertrude, Christine, Wilhelmina and Emerson. Friends may visit with the family from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, October 24, 2014 at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2014 at Hope Reformed Church, 910 Jenks Blvd., Kalamazoo, MI 49006. Rev. Kent Frens will officiate with private interment in Grand Prairie Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hope Reformed Church, Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.