Henrietta C. Sportel

SPORTEL, Mrs. Henrietta C.
Of Kalamazoo Went to be with the Lord on March 16, 2011. Henrietta was born July 3, 1923 in Kalamazoo, MI, a daughter of Peter and Johanna Meert Alphenaar. She had been a life-long resident of Kalamazoo. She was a member of Second Christian Reformed Church where she enjoyed participating in Bible study and activities for senior citizens. She was employed with the Upjohn Company for 6 ½ years and cleaned houses for several families in the Kalamazoo area for nearly 15 years. On October 7, 1947, she married Henry E. Sportel, who preceded her in death on April 21, 2010. She was also preceded by her parents; an infant brother, William; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Anne and Clare DeVries, Cobie and Dale Lemmer; and one brother-in-law, Ike Visser. Henrietta is survived by her children: Jim Roberta Sportel of Kalamazoo, Joyce Wilbur Maas of Sioux Center, Iowa, Joel Deia Sportel of Kalamazoo and Judy Tim Baker of Kalamazoo; 9 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Gerry Visser of Kalamazoo; Nell Cornie Visser of Rock Valley, Iowa; and Carol Paul Dykstra of Zeeland, MI; many nieces and nephews. Private family graveside services will be held at Grand Prairie Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Monday, March 21 from 6-7 pm followed by a memorial service at 7 pm at Second Christian Reformed Church, 3015 Nichols Rd. The Rev. Dr. Warren Lammers officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Henrietta's memory may be directed to the Alamo Nursing Home or Park Village Pines. Please visit www.langelands.com for the online register book, leave a condolence to the family and view the video tribute.