This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: WHL44 Surnames: NAKKEN, VANDERMEER, SOPJES, KNAUSS, BROCKELBANK, WESTBROOK, VANDERVEEN Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.michigan.counties.kalamazoo/25691/mb.ashx Message Board Post: NAKKEN, Lavern G. Portage 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; five grandchildren, Amanda and Mitchell Nakken and Conner, Cameron and Carson Westbrook; a sister, Adelaide Vander Veen of Portage; a brother, Donald Nakken of Kalamazoo; several nieces and nephews. F! uneral 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 Published in Kalamazoo Gazette on January 9, 2010 (Posted by a VOLUNTEER-NO family connection) Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.