Luann Bigelow
September 22, 1957 – September 6, 2024
A visitation will be held at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home on Thursday, September 12, 2024, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 13, 2024, beginning at 11:00 am, at First Reformed Church of Portage, 7905 S. Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI 49002, with Pastor Bill Koster officiating; the family will receive friends at the church beginning at 10:00 am. Interment will be at Hope Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society or First Reformed Church of Portage, c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Age 66, passed away on Friday, September 6, 2024. She was born in Kalamazoo on September 22, 1957, the daughter of the late Harold and Annamae (Zuidema) Homan. Luann had a kind heart, a loving and giving spirit with a smile that lit up the room. She was the foundation of her family and leaves behind many wonderful memories to cherish. On April 21, 1979, she married the love of her life, Dee Bigelow. They made their home in Texas Twp. where all were welcome. Luann worked hard as an administrative assistant for Western Michigan University for more than thirty-five years. When not working she enjoyed shopping, taking trips to Torch Lake and Shipshewana. She was crafty and made her own greeting cards, liked music and attending concerts. She had a ‘green thumb’ and enjoyed flowers and gardening. She took time to see her relatives and enjoyed lunch dates with her sisters. Luann loved sunny days and evening sunsets. She enjoyed vacations to Florida and after retiring spent her days at her home on Gun Lake. Seldom an evening went by when Luann didn’t take a boat ride and enjoy the serenity of a summer night. Above all Luann loved her family and was especially proud of her children and grandchildren; she was involved and took the time to attend their special events. Luann’s smile, laughter and love will be missed by all who knew her and she leaves behind the legacy of a life well lived! She is survived by her husband Dee; children, Kyle (Jackie) Bigelow, Chelsea (Brendan) Boyle; grandchildren, Aiden and Autumn Bigelow; sisters, Sharon Krohn and Brenda (Craig) Harrington; sisters-in-law, Dawn Fluty and Debra Homan; nieces, nephews, grand and great-grand nieces and nephews; extended family and friends. She was also preceded in passing by a brother, Lee Homan; brother-in-law, Gerald Krohn; in-laws. Wesley (Elda) Bigelow; niece, Allie Hughes.
Luann you will be truly missed by the family.
I will miss her very much. Always enjoyed getting together with her at family gatherings.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Luann will be greatly missed. I will miss her at the family gatherings.
Luann was one of the kindest, sweetest people I ever knew. When we returned to Kalamazoo I always looked forward to a visit and a hug from her. She will be greatly missed by her family and I am so sorry for their loss.
You will be missed by so many you have touched over the years. You were always the best in everything you did. Such a Gentle Soul, good listener, always there when I needed you. I remember when I was in the portage mall, (don’t know what it is called now) and I was by the fountain with my two year old, being almost nine months pregnant, my water broke. Feeling terrified I looked around and who do I see, It was you my trusted friend. You picked up my two year old with no hesitation and said lets go. You kept my daughter while my husband and I went to the hospital to deliver a baby girl, by the way we were having a snow storm and the streets were covered. Love you, miss you until we see each other again.
She was an extremely kind person. She welcomed me with open arms and I will never forget her smile.
Dee and Family—My condolences, I’m so sorry to hear about Luann.
I was a business teacher at Portage Northern and Luann was in my class. I know teachers are not supposed to have “favorite” students but Luann was one of the students that left a mark on my heart forever. I will never forget her smile and her willingness to learn. Luann made my teaching job a joy. She was a wonderful student. I am sorry for your loss. Linda Powell
Luann was my best friend. We spent many hours over the years shopping until we dropped. We loved Shipshewana. We just loved talking and laughing! We’ve had so much fun. I will miss her until my last breath. The 4 of us enjoyed a lot of fun times together. We shared so much, our secrets and our lives. No one can ever replace her in my heart. We love you Luann. Our lives will never be the same.
It was my honor to care for Luann and her family for the past few decades. Despite life’s ups and downs she tried to find the good in the situation and always ready with a smile; even when she was crying! She was fiercely proud of her husband and kids and her love for them was very evident. She was one of those people that when I would looked ahead on my schedule, when I saw her name it was like “oh, good! I get to catch up with Luann”. I know words cannot soothe the pain that her family is feeling but I hope that under all the grief,there is a quiet pride in Luann and how she lived her life and the others that she touched.
Dee we are shocked and saddened to hear of Luanns’ passing. You and your family have our deepest sympathies. God Bless you all, may she rest in peace.
Dear Dee and family , It’s Peggy (dental hygienist from Dr Powells office ) No words can easy your pain ! Luann was a beautiful lady inside and out ! She spread joy in this world. I loved seeing both of you in my schedule ! My day was always better ! We have all been touched by your bride and the world is not complete without her…… hugs to you and the family Peggy
I was shocked to hear of Luann’s passing. I just saw her last month. I met Luann in 1988 when I started at WMU in the department down the hall from her. She was so friendly and cheerful. And I will never forget the wonderful bridal shower she planned for me. I will never forget you Luann.
I was so saddened to hear of Luann’s passing. I send my love, hugs, and prayers to the whole family. Luann and I grew up like sisters even though we are cousins. Luann was the sister I never had. She was the bolder and more adventurous one getting me to tag along and make life more fun. I didn’t get to spend a lot of time after growing up since my life moved me to Texas but every time, I visited Luann, I always had fun and the stories we could tell. Love Lydia
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your much loved sister, Sharon. She sounded like a lovely lady. You’ll be in my thoughts. Hugs, Deb
Our hearts are broken for Dee and Luann’s family, and all her friends. I am so thankful I was able to get to know Luann at WMU. She had the kindest heart and most generous spirit. Her smiles were legendary. She will be missed greatly by all. Peace and love to you all.
😢 Alot of memories 🫂💕
My condolences to you Dee, Chelsea and Kyle. Luann was always very kind and caring in every encounter I ever had with her. What a life well lived. You guys are in my daily prayers as well as many others.
Dee and family. My deeper condolences over the loss of Luann. We went to high school together. She always was sweet, kind and smiled. I loved reuniting in the past few years on FB. She was an amazing woman. Praying for God’s Holy Spirit for comfort. Yolanda (Bailey) Ruescher
Brenda and family, so sorry to hear of Luann’s passing. Thoughts and prayers are with you.