Dorothy Irene Balkema

Went into eternal life to meet her Savior on March 18, 2024. Dorothy was born to the late Jacob and Gertie (Kiel) Bouma, on February 13, 1935, in Portage, Michigan. In her school years, Dorothy worked in the celery fields and later, the UpJohn Company. Eventually she met the love of her life, John Balkema, and married him on September 7, 1956.

Surviving Dorothy is her husband of 68 years, John Balkema; children, Jeff (Rhonda) Balkema, Tom (Kathy) Balkema, Susan Mejeur; grandchildren, Kimberly Morse, Kristin Balkema, Josh (Susan) Newhouse, Ben (Emily) Newhouse, Nicole Lane, Abigaiel (Brandon) Dalke, Elizabeth (Brenden) Schlott, Matthew (Jessica) Balkema, Tyler Mejeur, Jonathan Mejeur, Hannah Mejeur; great grandchildren, Ana Morse, Harrison Lane, Isabel Lane, Cameron Newhouse, Madelyn Newhouse, Miles Newhouse, Connor Riddle, Brielle Dalke, James Schlott, Walker Balkema; sister, Beverly (Paul) Mepyans; many nieces and nephews. Preceding Dorothy in passing are her parents, and her siblings, John R. Bouma, Eleanor Batts, and Janet Franke. A special thank you to her caregiver, Brenda Langeland, the staff at Park Village Pines, and Centrica Care Navigators for their exceptional help and care in this time.

Friends are welcome to join the family for visitation on Tuesday March 26, 2024, from 4pm to 8pm at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial and Cremation Services 3926 South 9^th Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49009. The funeral will take place 11:00 am, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at Covenant United Reformed Church, 3724 Lovers Lane, Kalamazoo, Michigan, 49001. The family invites anyone to stay for lunch immediately following the funeral, at the same location. A private burial will take place in Maple Grove Cemetery in Comstock, Michigan.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Centrica Care Navigators, Park Village Pines, or Alternatives of Kalamazoo. To view Dorothy’s personalized guestbook, please visit, www.langelands.com