Arthur Meints

Arthur H. Meints, age 91, of Kalamazoo, MI passed away, peacefully, at home on June 27, 2016. Art was born a middle child of nine to Herman and Nellie (Jager) Meints on May 1, 1925. After watching three older brothers leave for World War II, Art was given an exemption in order to work the family's celery farm. Several years later, as a teenager in Comstock, he set his eyes on Eleanor Bushouse, with whom he recently celebrated 70 years of marriage. Together they raised four strong children: Janet (John) Scholten, Linda (Steve) French, Artie (deceased, 7/4/2012), and Gayle (Tim) Van Mouwerik. His love of flowers eventually led Art to turn the family celery farm into greenhouses, which is why he became a founding member of the Kalamazoo Plant Grower's Co-op. Not only did his own yard benefit from his green thumb, but, along with many other responsibilities at Comstock Christian Reformed Church, he tended the church's flowerbeds for many decades. His purpose in life was to provide his family with a fundamental faith in Christ while modeling an intense work ethic for the community. This dedication was evident in many facets of his life; however, it was clearly seen in the constant care that Art gave his son, Artie, who was born with cerebral palsy and lived a full, active, and happy life. In addition to his wife and daughters, Art is survived by his sister, Bettie (John) Shaap, sisters-in-law, June Meints and Trudy Bushouse, and brother-in-law, Ron (Nancy) Bushouse. He was also a dedicated grandfather to his grandchildren, Sandra (Rob) Katje, Stephen French, Thien (Shannon) Duong, Kim (Kurt) Kowalski, Scott (Joanna) French, Thao Duong, Heather Van Mouwerik, and Kristin (Grayson) Lyles, and his sixteen great-grandchildren. The celebration of his life will include a visitation at Langeland Family Funeral Home, Comstock Chapel (6121 King Hwy) on Wednesday, July 6 from 3:00-6:00pm. Rev. Rich Hamstra will lead a memorial service at Comstock Christian Reformed Church (5300 Comstock Ave) the next day, Thursday, July 7 at 11:00am, which will be followed by a luncheon at noon. Extended family are welcome to participate in his internment at Maple Grove Cemetery later that afternoon. Memorial contributions can be made to the Comstock Christian Reformed Church Building Fund or to Park Village Pines.