Sharon Van Walbeck

VAN WALBECK, Sharon
Portage Passed away Wednesday, May 19, 2010. Sharon was born November 20, 1937 in Kalamazoo, MI, the daughter of L.C. "Benny" and Helen Salamon Bent and was a lifelong resident of the Portage area. She attended Nazareth Academy, graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School and worked for Gilmore Enterprises for 16 years. Sharon liked to play golf and loved and lived for her family and grandchildren. Sharon especially enjoyed hearing about her granddaughter playing softball, watching her sons racing at Martin Speedway and her grandson racing in the Junior Dragster events at Martin Speedway. She also loved her trips to Las Vegas. Sharon had a special place in her heart for homeless animals and saved many of them, especially cats. In December of 1956, she married Frederick Van Walbeck, who survives. She is also survived by their children, Mark Audrey Van Walbeck of Vicksburg and Craig Patti Van Walbeck of Portage; and two grandchildren, Brandon and Aimee Van Walbeck. Sharon was preceded in death by her parents; a grandson, Chad Van Walbeck; and her beloved dogs, Houston and Kojak. The family will receive friends at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Ave. on Sunday from 3-6 PM. Graveside services will be held on Monday at 11:00 AM at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Trudy from Visiting Nurses and Jill from Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan for their care and concern for Sharon. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Kalamazoo Animal Rescue or the SPCA of Southwest Michigan. Please visit www.langelands.com for online obituary, directions, register book and condolences. 343-1508.