Lena Balkema

BALKEMA, Lena
Of Kalamazoo, MI Passed away Wednesday morning, June 24, 2009 at her home. Lena was born January 22, 1931 in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Rudolphus and Gertrude Takens Balkema and had been a lifelong resident in the Kalamazoo area. Prior to her retirement she was employed for 35 years with National Water Lift. Lena was an active charter member of the Covenant United Reformed Church. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Jennie DeHaan; three brothers, Peter, Henry, and Ralph Balkema; and a special niece, Betty Lynn Bruining. She is survived by three sisters, Louwina Huttinga of Montana, Bertha Balkema of Kalamazoo and Grace Bernard Bruining of Hudsonville, MI; two brothers, Joe Marguerite Balkema of Kalamazoo and John Dorothy Balkema of Scotts; sister-in-law, Mina Balkema of Schoolcraft; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. It was always a delight for Lena to receive family and friends at the "farm" for coffee and fellowship. Services will be held 10:00AM Saturday, June 27 at the Covenant United Reformed Church, 3724 Lovers Lane, with Rev. Wybren Oord officiating. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery. Friends may meet the family Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick. Memorials in Lena's memory may be directed to the Reformed Heritage Christian School or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. www.langelands.com