Nicholas J. Vande Werken

VANDE WERKEN, Nicholas J.
of Portage Passed away Tuesday, February 8, 2011. He was born May 7, 1920 in Coldwater, MI to the late Anthony and Bertha Vermeulen Vande Werken. Nicholas married Barbara Eagleton on June 30, 1941, who preceded him in death in June of 1992. Nicholas served in the U.S. Army during WWII, from January of 1942 until honorably discharged in December of 1945. He was a member of Portage VFW Post 5855 and a Golden Eagle with the Kalamazoo Fraternal Order of Eagles # 526. He was also a 36-year member of the UAW # 740 where he served as financial secretary and treasurer. He was employed with Kalamazoo Stamp and Die for 42 years until he retired in 1982. He was active in the Portage Senior Center and with the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. Nicholas attended the St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. Surviving Nicholas are his children, Cheryl Vande Werken of Portage, Connie Ken Boehler of Arvada, CO and Craig Monica Vande Werken of Plainwell; 4 grandchildren, Melissa James Hodgeman Harrison, Christine Harrison, Stephanie Jeff White Harrison and Kelly Vande Werken; 2 step grandchildren, Travis Ashley Parshall Boyer and Tracy Ryan Lancaster; 4 great grandchildren, Trace and Paige Kerlund, Keegan and Joshua Williams; 1 step great grandchild, Alyssa Boyer; sister, Clacina "Sis" Morrison; and several nieces and nephews. Also preceding Nicholas in death were, a daughter, Cindy L. Vande Werken in 1967; brothers, Bert infant and Anthony Vande Werken. No visitation is scheduled. Graveside services will take place, Saturday, 1:00 p.m. at Mt. Ever-Rest Cemetery in the chapel. Arrangements by the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Ave. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Nicholas's name may be directed to the American Cancer Society or to the Kalamazoo County Humane Society. Please see www.langelands.com for online obituary, register book and condolences. 343-1508