Rosemary V. Kuivenhoven
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December 8, 1932 - November 16, 2025 Spunky until the very end, Rosemary will be greatly missed by her family and friends. On November 21 from 5-7 pm there will be a visitation at Joldersma and Klein, 917 S. Burdick, Kalamazoo. A service to celebrate her life will be Saturday, November 22 at 11 am at Voyage Church, 6339 Atlantic Ave, Kalamazoo, followed by a luncheon at the church. The graveside service will be at 2 pm on November 22 at Mt. Ever Rest Memorial Park, 3941 S. Westnedge, Kalamazoo. She asked that any donations in her memory be made to Voyage Church, Lending Hands, or a charity of your choice. |
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On November 16, 2025 Rosemary Kuivenhoven joined her beloved husband Jacob in the arms of their Savior Jesus Christ. An inspiration to many, she lived independently through age 92. She recently moved into assisted living when she felt her health declining and received loving care from the staff at LakeHouse of Kalamazoo. Her working career began in 1952 as a registered nurse with a local allergist. After retiring from nursing, she made a second work family at Wedel’s Garden Center where she became a Master Gardener, Certified Nurseryman, gave seminars on gardening, along with making floral arrangements. She decided to retire a second time at 90 years old. Rosie’s faith led her throughout her life, working in many capacities first at Faith Reformed Church and later at Fourth Reformed Church which later became Voyage Church. As a choir member, Deacon, Bible study leader, quilter and more, Rosie was always active and often leading others through her involvement and actions. She leaves behind her children Bob (Nadia Miranda), Cindy Langelier (John), Ron (Kathy), and Ken (Janet), five grandchildren Tom Langelier (Katy), Mike Langelier (Maia Garcia Fedor), Andrew Kuivenhoven, Matt Kuivenhoven (Lydia), and Sarah Saltviet (Kyle), six great-grandchildren Aelia, Lucilla, Holly, April, Ella, and Crew, along with many nieces and nephews. She was especially close to her nieces Carolyn Hande and Judy Skutnik. She was preceded in death by Jacob, her husband of 61 years, her parents John and Margaret Freer, and her siblings Dorothy Hande, Helen Palasinski, and John Freer. It is almost impossible to describe what an exceptional woman Rosemary was. Born in the 1930’s, she grew up in a rural town and had a strong faith, a strong work ethic, and the amazing ability to connect on a personal level with everyone she met. She lived her life based on the teachings of Christ, and readily helped her neighbors, welcomed immigrants, fed the hungry, and cared for the sick. She volunteered throughout her life in many capacities. As we say in our family, “Kuivenhovens are do-ers.” She had a sharp wit, enjoyed a good pun war with a worthy opponent, and was an avid reader. She was an accomplished artist and gardener. A life-long learner, in her 80’s she embraced the challenge of learning to use a computer and smart phone competently, and had a special fondness for emojis. Always a quiet rebel, when she retired at 90 years old she decided to dye her hair purple and relished the way it started conversations with strangers. | |