Leona Vanantwerp

Leona Barbara VanAntwerp passed away unexpectedly at her home on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Leona Barbara Bauer was born in a snowstorm on December 31, 1924, in Richville, Michigan, the daughter of Ester and Herman Bauer. On August 20, 1949, Leona and Dale VanAntwerp were joined in marriage in Richville, Michigan.

Leona attended Western Michigan College of Education and graduated in 1947, with a teaching degree. She taught elementary school in Albion and at Milwood Elementary in Kalamazoo. Later she was a substitute teacher in Portage, Michigan.

Leona was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church, founding the Lutheran World Relief Sewing Project over 50 years ago.

She is survived by her daughter Melinda "Mel" VanAntwerp, friends Margaret Beck and Sandi Overgaard, close friends, and several nieces and nephews. Preceding her in passing were her parents, her husband Dale, sister Inez, and son-in-law Ralph Woods.

Friends are welcome to join the family for visitation from 10am to 11am, on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church, 2122 Bronson Boulevard, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49008. The funeral service will take place at 11am with a luncheon to follow at the same location. A graveside service will take place on Monday January 26, 2026, at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park on South Westnedge at 2pm. The family suggests contributions in Leona's name be made to Ministry with Community or Lutheran World Relief at Zion Lutheran Church. To view Leona's personalized guestbook, please visit https://www.langelands.com