Irene VandenBerg

Passed away April 22, 2018. The daughter of Walter and Mary (Piatek) Rybarski, Irene was born September 13, 1927 in Harvey IL. Her family moved to Decatur, MI when Irene was very young, and it was there she created many fond memories of the family farm. Irene graduated from Decatur High School and attended beauty school, becoming a licensed cosmetologist. She married Frank L. VandenBerg in 1949, and moved to Kalamazoo where she owned Irene's Beauty Shop at Long Lake. Irene dearly loved her poodles, working in the yard, sewing, cooking, baking, and was the consummate homemaker. Irene was preceded in death by her husband Frank, her parents, and brothers Teddy, Bill, and Walter Rybarski. Surviving are her daughters; Diane Tillman, Debbie (Steve) Howe, and Sheri VandenBerg; her grandchildren Katie, Anna, and Jeff to whom she was Nana. Also surviving are several nieces and a special nephew Albert (Paulette) Rybarski. At her request, Irene has been cremated and will be inurned in Hamilton Cemetery in Decatur. A private family service will take place. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Irene's name should please consider St. Joseph Catholic Church or the SPCA of southwest Michigan. Please visit Irene's personalized guest book at www.langelands.com