Josephine Balkema

BALKEMA, Josephine

Of Kalamazoo

Went home to be with her Lord, Sunday morning, May 21, 2006 at her residence. Josephine was born April 30, 1924 in Oskaloosa, IA the daughter of Meidert and Anna (Runia) VanDyke and was raised there by Dick and Jennie VanSant. Josephine was a member of the Covenant United Reformed Church. On May 5, 1943 she was united in marriage to her beloved husband, Henry Balkema who preceded her in death on December 22, 2003. She was also preceded in death by a son, David Balkema; grandson, Joel Vlietstra; great grandson, Nathan Balkema; and a sister and 2 brothers, Anna, John, and Sydney. Surviving are 4 children, Donald (Sue) Balkema, Mary (Marvin) Vlietstra, Joanne (Clarence) Vlietstra, Esther (John) Uramkin; daughter-in-law, Nellie Balkema; 18 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren; a brother, Maynard (Jean) VanDyke; several sisters and brothers in law; and many nieces, nephews; and cousins. Services will be held 11:00 o'clock Wednesday at the Covenant United Reformed Church, 3724 Lovers Lane with Rev. Wybren Oord officiating. Interment will be in Comstock Maple Grove Cemetery at 2:00 o'clock. Friends may meet the family Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8pm at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick. Memorials may be directed to the Covenant United Reformed Church or Hospice of Southwest Michigan. www.langelands.com