Hazel Bussema

Hazel Bussema, formerly Hazel Napp, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2026, at the age of 98, at Story Point Portage. Born on April 17, 1928, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Arthur and Clara (Engelsman) Groenheide, Hazel was a lifelong resident of the Kalamazoo area. She will be remembered for her faith in Jesus Christ, her devotion to family, and her God-given gift of music, which she joyfully shared with family, friends, her community, and the churches she loved.

Hazel graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1946. On February 28, 1947, she married Garrett Napp, and together they were blessed with one son, Larry. Garrett preceded her in death on October 19, 1989.

A few years later, Hazel found love again with Carl Bussema, who had also lost his spouse. Having been neighbors while raising their families, they shared a longstanding friendship that eventually blossomed into a loving marriage. Together, they began a new chapter filled with companionship, treasured memories, and shared experiences.

Throughout her working years, Hazel served in several roles within the Kalamazoo community. She began her career as a secretary at Northwood Elementary School, later worked as a secretary at Gibson Guitar before joining the food services department at Western Michigan University.

Hazel was raised in the Third Christian Reformed Church and later began attending Third Reformed Church, now known as Centerpoint Church, where she and Carl remained as members.

One of Hazel's gifts was her talent/ministry for playing the piano and organ. She especially loved playing hymns, using her talent to express her faith and minister to others. She played for church services, local asylums, schools, the gospel mission, and senior homes.

Hazel also enjoyed traveling and making lasting memories with her loved ones. She looked forward to spending winters in Florida, summers in Ludington, and traveling out west with Carl to attend his Marine Corps reunions. These special times and shared adventures brought her much happiness throughout the years.

Hazel is survived by her husband, Carl Bussema; her son, Larry (Leilani) Napp; her stepchildren, Lynne (Ken) Noppen, Larry (Linda) Bussema, Randy Bussema, Bonny (Brad) Stapert, and Sandy (Jim) Frederick; her grandchildren, Daniel (Bethany) Napp and Jessica (Matt) Smith; her step-grandchildren Ryan (Sarah) Noppen, Kevin (Sara) Noppen, Chad ( Krystal) Bussema, Sarah (Calvin) Cobb, Kelsey (Steve) Dykstra, Trenton Stapert, Brett (Riley) Patten; her great-grandchildren, Malachi, Ezekiel, Zechariah, and Eliza Smith; her step-great-grandchildren; Emma & Henry Noppen, Tyler & Collin Noppen, Laney & Grace Bussema, Emma & Mason Cobb, Destin & Quinn Dykstra. Her sister, Ilene Voss; and her sister-in-law, Marcia Groenheide. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Clara Groenheide; her first husband, Garrett Napp; her brothers, Richard Groenheide and Nelson Groenheide; and her brother-in-law, Albert Voss.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Hazel's caregivers at Story Point and to Corso Care Hospice for the compassion, kindness, and loving care they provided. Their support and dedication brought comfort to Hazel and her family during her final days.

A funeral service celebrating Hazel's life will be held on Friday, November 6, 2026, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, 3926 S. 9th St., Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Visitation will take place from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow at the funeral home, with a graveside service at Liberty Cemetery in Alamo at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries, an organization whose mission reflects Hazel's desire to share her faith through music.

To share condolences and memories with the family, please visit Hazel's memorial webpage at www.Langelands.com.