Where Food, Drinks & Stories Are Shared

Bob Van Laan

July 30, 1960 - April 18, 2023
Kalamazoo, MI

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Service

Saturday, April 22, 2023
12:00 PM EDT
Faith Chapel
7736 W G Ave
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(269) 888-3139
Map
Web Site

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Faith Chapel
7736 W G Ave
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(269) 888-3139
Web Site

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site

Taylor's Florist and Gifts
215 E. Michigan Ave.
Paw Paw, MI 49079
(269) 657-6256
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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Robert Van Laan of Kalamazoo, age 62, died on April 18, 2023. Bob was born July 30, 1960 in Grand Rapids to Lawrence and Donna (Oosterhouse) Van Laan. With his warm sense of humor and selfless personality, Bob quickly made friends everywhere he went. He effortlessly struck up conversations with strangers as if he’d known them for years. In 2014 he married his sweetheart, Judy Nemire, and began their fun-loving adventure together. They enjoyed much of their time in the sun on the beaches of South Haven or Ludington. Weekends were meant for exploring and simply being together wherever their car may take them. Bob loved driving. He spent 35 years as a truck driver, most recently for Prestige Transport. Perhaps nothing brought him greater joy than their children and grandchildren; playing with them, teasing, and doting on them. Surviving are his wife, Judy; children: Kristen (Robbie) Mills, Joshua Van Laan, Beth (Charles Rayman) Hayward, Mary (David) Haskamp, and Sarah (Correy) Maynard; grandchildren: Gage, Dylan, Chasyn, Emmalynn, Rashawn, Zaria, Raevin, Annalisa, Veronica, Hunter, Everett, Easton, Paisley, Wyatt, Walker, Wade, and Amelia; his dad, Lawrence; siblings: Mike (Carol) Van Laan, Louanne (Terry) Winkle, Daniel Van Laan, and Lynne (Todd) Vanderwall; and many nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his mom, Donna. Memorial services will be held Saturday, April 22, at 12 PM at Faith Chapel, 7736 W G Ave, Kalamazoo with a luncheon to follow. Visit Bob’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos, and sign his guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Chapel. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo 269-375-2900.