Lavern G. Nakken

NAKKEN, Lavern G.
Portage, MI Went to be with the Lord, Thursday, January 7, 2010. Lavern was born July 23, 1932 in Kalamazoo, a son of George and Lillian Vander Meer Nakken and had been a lifelong resident of the area. He served his country during the Korean War and was a meat cutter for over 50 years. Lavern was a lifelong member of Third Christian Reformed Church. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and loved attending all of his families' sporting events. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Deborah Nakken; a sister, Lucille Sopjes; and a brother, Howard Nakken. On May 9, 1953, he married Phyllis Knauss, who survives. Lavern is also survived by their children, Steve Karen Nakken of Schoolcraft, Susan Terry Brockelbank of Portage and Julie Bruce Westbrook of Portage; 5 grandchildren, Amanda & Mitchell Nakken and Conner, Cameron & Carson Westbrook; a sister, Adelaide Vander Veen of Portage; a brother, Donald Nakken of Kalamazoo; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, January 11, in the Third Christian Reformed Church, 2400 Winchell Ave. with Rev. Dr. Kenneth Baker and Rev. Meg Jenista officiating. The family will receive friends at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th St. on Sunday from 4-6 PM and on Monday at the church beginning at 1:00 PM until service time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Third Christian Reformed Church. Please visit www.langelands.com for online obituary, directions, register book and condolences. 343-1508