Martha Heslinga

HESLINGA, Martha
Kalamazoo, MI
Formerly of Downers Grove, IL Martha Heslinga, age 90, passed away Saturday, February 7, 2015 at the Friendship Village Health Center in Kalamazoo. She was born on May 13, 1924 in Chicago, IL a daughter of the late John and Altina Davids. She graduated from Chicago Christian High School and after graduation worked for Goodman Manufacturing in Chicago. On July 3, 1944 Martha married Benjamin Heslinga who preceded her in death on April 13, 2011. Martha was also preceded in death by three brothers, a sister and a son, Richard Heslinga. Surviving are two children, Larry Barb Heslinga of Kalamazoo and Janet Ken VanByssum of Villa Park, IL; a daughter-in-law, Barb Heslinga of Kalamazoo; seven grandchildren, Peter Susan Heslinga, Michael Gillian Heslinga, Jane Ben Schaefer, Kara Heslinga, Justin Michelle Heslinga, Melanie Kevin Danzeisen and Ben Ashley VanByssum; eight great-grandchildren, Caleb, Jenna, Nathan, Lydia, Benjamin, Natalie, Hollie and Sienna; a sister, Joanne Engel of Chicago; several sisters-in-law; a brother-in-law; and many nieces and nephews. For many years Martha capably handled all office functions for the family business. Along with her husband Ben, she was a lifelong supporter of Christian Schools. She was a long time member of Western Springs Christian Reformed Church and more recently a member of Third Christian Reformed Church in Kalamazoo. Martha will always be remembered for her quick concern for others and for her constant and loving support of her family. Visitation will be held 6-8pm on Wednesday and 10-11am Thursday at the Knollcrest Funeral Home, 1500 South Meyers Rd, Lombard, IL 60148 630-932-1500 where services will be held 11:00 Thursday morning, with Rev. Ben Schaefer officiating. Interment will follow in Chapel Hill Gardens West in Oakbrook Terrace, IL. Memorials may be directed to Timothy Christian Schools or the Friendship Village Employee Appreciation Fund.