John Balkema

Went into eternal life to meet his Savior on May 16, 2024. John was born to the late Rudolphus and Gertrude (Takens) Balkema on July 4, 1935, in Kalamazoo. He was the owner and operator of Balkema Inc., which he started with his brother, Ralph. John was a charter member of Covenant United Reformed Church and lived life to the fullest. He was united in marriage on September 7, 1956, to the love of his life, Dorothy (Bouma), who preceded him in death on March 18, 2024. He was also preceded in death by brothers and sisters, Pete, Louwina, Henry, Jennie, Joe, Lena, Bertha, and Ralph.

John is survived by his 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, Grace (Bernard) Bruining; and many nieces and nephews. A special thank you to his caregivers, Willie Mae Meekie and Belinda Steel, 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 on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, from 4:00pm-8:00pm at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, 3926 South 9^th Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Funeral services will be held at 11:00am, Thursday, May 23, at Covenant United Reformed Church, 3724 Lovers Lane, Kalamazoo, MI 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. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Centrica Care Navigators, Park Village Pines, or Alternatives of Kalamazoo. The service at church will be live streamed. To view John’s personalized webpage please visit https://www.langelands.com