Henrietta G. Langeland

LANGELAND, Mrs. Henrietta G.
Kalamazoo, Michigan Henrietta died peacefully Saturday, April 19, 2008 at Rose Arbor Hospice Residence in Kalamazoo, MI. She was born July 19, 1910, in Zeeland, MI, the eleventh of twelve children of Henry and Sena Scholten. Henrietta attended Zeeland High School where she played on the women's basketball team and sang in the women's quartet. She graduated from Zeeland High School in 1928 and received a degree from the Grand Rapids Business School in 1929. After completing her studies, she began working for the Holland Furnace Company as a clerk/typist. While attending a church youth social she met Marvin Harold Langeland of Overisel, MI. Marvin and Henrietta were married on July 19, 1933. In 1934, Marvin and Henrietta moved to Kalamazoo, MI, and with $50.00 of borrowed money, they established Langeland Funeral Chapel. The funeral home was located in a rented 28 room home at 139 E. Lovell Street, next to the fire station and across the street from the Kalamazoo Gazette building. In 1937 the business was moved to its current location at 622 S. Burdick Street. In the early years, Henrietta assisted in the business in many ways, including working as a secretary, bookkeeper and ambulance dispatcher. After retirement, Marvin and Henrietta spent most winters in Bradenton, FL where they enjoyed having guests from Kalamazoo stop by to visit. Henrietta and Marvin were also active members of the Bradenton Christian Reformed Church. In 1982 Henrietta and Marvin moved to The Fountains at Bronson Place where they enjoyed making many new friends. Henrietta was a devoted and faithful member of Grace Christian Reformed Church. She thoroughly enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing, counted cross stitch and embroidery. Every child, grandchild and great-grandchild received her handmade crafts. She also loved playing golf and going on weekly outings of bowling and lunch with a group of friends. Henrietta was known for her green thumb and grew beautiful African violets. Henrietta had a long and wonderful life and witnessed many events and changes in her ninety-seven years. Henrietta was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin, on December 1, 1997; by her son, Kenneth P. Langeland, on April 25, 2002; and by a great-grandson, Adam M. Sagara, on August 15, 2006. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her eleven siblings: John "Scooty" Scholten, Paul Scholten, Tom Scholten, Beatrice Neinhuis, Tilly Wyngarden, Anna Warner, Jeanette Meyers, Martin Scholten, Henry Scholten, Jr. and Cornelia "Casey" Vanden Bosch. Henrietta is survived by: a daughter, Marilyn Roger Van Gunst of Culpeper, VA; five grandchildren, Lori Charles Wajszczuk, Tod Renee Langeland, Sara Van Gunst, Kristin Van Gunst and Andrea Van Gunst; five great-grandchildren; Alison Sagara, Amanda Sagara, Kathryn Wajszczuk, Elizabeth Wajszczuk and Charles J. "CJ" Wajszczuk; daughter-in-law, Joyce Charles Farho; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 23rd from 2-4 pm & 6-8 pm at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. A service to remember and celebrate Henrietta's life will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, April 24th at Grace Christian Reformed Church, 1724 Whites Rd., with the Rev. Dr. Harry Arnold, officiating. Interment in Genesee Prairie Cemetery will follow services. Memorials should be directed to: the Kalamazoo Christian School Foundation - Langeland Tuition Assistance Fund; Senior Services, Inc. or the American Heart Association. www.langelands.com 269-343-1508