Jack A. Havenga

HAVENGA, Jack Allen
Of Portage
Jack Allen Havenga was born February 22, 1937 in West Palm Beach, Florida, and passed away July 15, 2011 in Battle Creek, Michigan. Jack graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1955. He attended Western Michigan University where he was affiliated with Delta Chi fraternity. Jack married Joan Lodge on July 13, 1957 and adored her until the end. They had three children: Michael, born May 23, 1958, Sue Scott, born February 2, 1960, and Jeffrey, born August 19, 1961. He was preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey and by his parents, Lester and Mae Havenga. Jack was a key manager for the Kalamazoo Sled Company and Mahoney's apparel store in downtown Kalamazoo for years. He served on the Board of the Downtown Kalamazoo Association and the Schoolcraft Village Council, where he and his family lived for 36 years. He retired as a self-employed insurance appraiser in 1997. He enjoyed his "working retirement years" at the Kalamazoo Country Club. Jack loved woodworking, fishing, reading and traveling. Mexico was his favorite winter destination. Jack made an impact with the Schoolcraft High School boosters club and always enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren excel at sports and other activities in high school and beyond. He was always a supporting and positive role model for his family, as they were so important to him. Jack and Joan truly enjoyed entertaining family and friends, and boating and fishing at their South Haven summer home over the years. He is survived by his loving wife, Joan; his children, Mike Beth Havenga of Crystal Lake, IL, Sue Mark Scott of Schoolcraft; sister, Margie Dick Boers of Delton; grandchildren, Tiffany Scott, Brad Scott, Carly Scott, A.J. Havenga and Kellie Havenga; a great-grandson, Mason James Sender and a nephew, Jeffrey Haubner. Also surviving are cousins, brothers and sisters-in-law and many dear friends. The family would like to express special thanks to the staff at Fieldstone Center in Battle Creek, MI. Cremation has taken place, and the family will celebrate Jack's life with a private service. Memorials in Jack's memory may be directed to the Fieldstone Center Staff Appreciation Fund, 165 N. Washington Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49037 or the Alzheimer's Research and Prevention Foundation, 6300 E. El Dorado Plaza Suite 400, Tucson, AZ 85715. Arrangements by Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre St.; for online guestbook, memories and condolences for the family, please visit www.langelands.com