Jeanette VandenBosch

Surrounded by family in prayer, Jeanette Sportel VandenBosch, climbed the staircase to Heaven and into the loving arms of Jesus on March 26th, 2024.

Jeanette (Jan) Doorlag, was born the last of three daughters to Alice and Anno Doorlag on June 14th, 1923. At the age of one and a half, she tragically lost her mother to pneumonia and was raised by a loving father and two older sisters. 

Jan attended William Street Christian School from K-8 and graduated from Central High. At the age of 18, she attended a business college for six months where she learned bookkeeping skills which later proved useful in the family lumber business. 

Jan fell in love with a handsome young man from her church named Peter Sportel. They were married in Starke, Florida in 1945, where Pete was stationed in the Army. After the Army, Pete and Jan began Sportel Lumber Company and worked together for many years. 

Together they raised three children: Kenneth (Terri) Sportel, Brenda (Ken) Bouma, Micki Merrill; seven grandchildren: Jennifer (Ron) Simonetti, Katie (Phil) VanderLaan, Nathan (Raquel) Sportel, Lon (Michelle) Bouma, Brooke (Casey) Gill, Summer (Tyrus) Monroe, Nic (Joanna) Merrill; sixteen great-grandchildren and one on the way: Chase, Camille, Christian, Crew Simonetti, Taylor, Drew, Mackenzie VanderLaan, Serena Sportel, Ethan, Ezra Bouma, Ella, Lawson Gill, Kaline, Shiloh Monroe, Zofia, Zara Merrill and a beloved niece, Karen (Bob) Rikkers. 

At the age of 68, Jan became a widow, but God graciously brought another wonderful Christian man, John VandenBosch, into her life. They were happily married for five years full of many fun adventures when sadly Jan became a widow for the second time. 

Jan was a lifelong member of Second Christian Reformed Church and loved teaching Sunday school for over 25 years. 

At the age of 95, she made her home at Park Village Pines where she was loved and well taken care of by their wonderful staff. 

Jan’s legacy will forever be imprinted on the hearts and minds of those she touched. Her unending kindness and unconditional love for her family will be remembered and cherished. As we honor Jan’s 100 years here on earth, we remember her gentle spirit, love for children and unwavering faith in her Lord Jesus.

A funeral service will take place Monday, April 1, 2024 at 11:00am at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial and Cremation Services, 3926 S 9th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009, where family will greet friends from 10:00am until the time of the service. A time for food and fellowship will follow.

Contributions in Jeanette’s memory may be made to Park Village Pines or the Kalamazoo Christian Schools Association.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family visit https://www.langelands.com.