Arlene Marie Banghart

Banghart, Arlene Marie
Galesburg, MI Arlene Banghart passed away at her home on Monday, July 28, 2014, at 91 years of age. Arlene was born in Kalamazoo on November 8, 1922, the daughter of the late Henry and Winnifred Stapert Vermeulen. She was the youngest of five children. Her parents came from the Netherlands. Arlene married Erskane "Bang" Banghart on June 11, 1941, immediately after graduating from Galesburg High School. He preceded her in death on October 19, 2007. Arlene is survived by two daughters, Diana Kay Kracker Ernest of Climax and Allison Ezbenko of Galesburg; seven grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Paula Howk Jim; one son-in-law, Boris Ezbenko Allison; one brother and three sisters, Erwin Vermeulen Betty, Agnes McBarnes Bob, Elizabeth Lenting John and Emma "Jean" Weimaster Meryl. Arlene's husband, Bang, became a Galesburg businessman and developed Banghart Excavating with his brother Dale, and Gale Valley Estates Mobile Home Park in Galesburg with two others. Arlene was the office manager for Gale Valley Estates for many years. She also worked in the Richland school cafeteria and at a Galesburg facility which raised white mice for research. She was a member of the Galesburg United Methodist Church and did some volunteer work there. She also did volunteer work at Borgess Hospital. Some of the things which Arlene enjoyed through the years were crafts, ceramics, reading, swimming, knitting, bowling, gardening, and fishing. Arlene delighted in her grandchildren and great grandchildren and enjoyed seeing them swim in her pool. Her family loved her and she will be sorely missed. Friends may visit with the family from 3-6 pm on Wednesday, July 30, 2014 at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Galesburg Chapel, 145 West Battle Creek Street, Galesburg, MI 49053. The funeral service will be held at 12 pm on Thursday, July 31, 2014 at the Galesburg United Methodist Church, 111 West Battle Creek Street, Galesburg, MI 49053. Reverend Richard Vinson will officiate. The interment is at Oak Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan or Galesburg United Methodist Church.