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Bernice Nagelkirk

March 30, 2018
Kalamazoo, MI

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On March 30, 2018, Bernice Joan Nagelkirk of Kalamazoo, Michigan went joyfully to Heaven. Bea was a Christian educator with a deep faith and life-long love of learning. She taught 4th grade, 6th grade and junior high English in the West Michigan Christian Schools and junior high English in the Kalamazoo Christian Schools. Bea believed all children would learn if teachers inspired self-esteem, discipline and pride. Her craftsmanship was recognized with KVISD Excellence in Education awards in 1991, 1996 and 1997. Bea was born in Chicago, IL. She attained a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1963 from Calvin College where she met her trumpet player, Robert Nagelkirk. Bea enjoyed many activities, including serving in the Christian Reformed church. She was a lover of crosswords, books and jigsaw puzzles. She enjoyed in-depth conversations, time with friends and taking road trips. Bea was preceded in death by her husband, Bob after 48 years of marriage. Their family includes three children: Susan (Bill) Roth; Patricia Nagelkirk (Gerard Dehner, Jr.); Paul (Stephanie) Nagelkirk; six grandchildren: Christopher Roth (deceased), Calyn (Adam) Autry, Selena (Stephen) Ingram and Dustin Roth, Jack and Ella Nagelkirk; and one great-granddaughter, Selah Autry. Bea has two brothers, Kenneth (Elaine) Schipper and Allen (Ann) Schipper, and in-laws Jerry (Evelyn) Nagelkirk (both deceased), and Nancy (Glenn) Gelderloos. Bea belonged to Westwood Christian Reformed Church. Visitation will be from 2-4 & 6-8PM on Friday, April 6 at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th St. A Memorial Service will be held at 11AM on Saturday, April 7 at Westwood Christian Reformed Church, 620 Northampton Rd. Memorials in Bea's memory may be directed to the Kalamazoo Christian School Association. Please visit Bea's personalized guestbook at www.langelands.com