Bertha Balkema

BALKEMA, Bertha
Of Kalamazoo, Michigan Passed away Monday morning, July 13, 2009. Bertha was born October 5, 1926 in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Rudolphus and Gertrude Takens Balkema and had been a lifelong resident in the Kalamazoo area. Prior to her retirement she was employed for 28 years with Hoekstra Hardware. Bertha was an active charter member of the Covenant United Reformed Church. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Jennie DeHaan and Lena Balkema; three brothers, Peter, Henry, and Ralph Balkema; and a special niece, Betty Lynn Bruining. She is survived by two sisters, Louwina Huttinga of Montana and Grace Bernard Bruining of Hudsonville, MI; two brothers, Joe Marguerite Balkema of Kalamazoo and John Dorothy Balkema of Scotts; sister-in-law, Mina Balkema of Schoolcraft; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. It was always a delight for Bertha to receive family and friends at the "farm" for coffee and fellowship. Services will be held 10:00 o'clock Thursday, July 16 at the Covenant United Reformed Church, 3724 Lovers Lane, with Rev. Wybren Oord officiating. Interment will follow the luncheon in Riverside Cemetery. Friends may meet the family Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick. Memorials in Bertha's memory may be directed to the Reformed Heritage Christian School or a charity of one's choice. www.langelands.com