Lynn Maree Van Bladeren, 63, of St. Joseph, passed away Tuesday, May 21, 2019.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held 1:00 P.M. Wednesday May 29 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Pastor Chris Spitters officiating.
Friends may visit the family from 5:00 until 8:00 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorial donations in Lynn’s name may be made to P.E.O., a women’s educational organization near and dear to her heart. https://donations.peointernational.org/peo-donation-star (Chapter DG). Those wishing to sign Lynn’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Lynn grew up near the Oregon coast in Knappa, Oregon. She graduated from Knappa High School and Oregon State University (OSU) with a BS in Home Economics Education.
On January 26, 1985 she married Gary Van Bladeren and they established a home in Portland, Oregon. They soon welcomed two children, Christopher and Lisa. In 1988 the family relocated to Longview, Washington and later, in 1993, to Southwest Michigan.
Lynn seamlessly adapted to the new life and frigid climate of Michigan, joining the Twin Cities Area Newcomers Club. She was awarded the Newcomer of the Year Award for 1995-96. She took immense pride in being present in her children’s lives, never missing a beat.
In 1999 Lynn returned to the workforce first as a substitute teacher and then as an executive assistant at Johnson Rauhoff. She retired in 2016 to focus on her health and passions; knitting, sewing, and spending time with her loved ones.
Lynn was very active in the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) sisterhood and in 2006 was very proud to Co-Chair the Michigan State Convention.
Lynn was a devoted wife, present mom, loyal friend, and boasting nana. She is greatly missed.
Lynn is survived by her husband of 34 years, Gary; her children-Christopher Van Bladeren of South Bend, IN, Lisa (Steve Koich) Van Bladeren of St. Joseph; two grandchildren-Caleb & Daphne Van Bladeren; her mother Claire Green of Knappa, OR; two sisters-Teri (Jerry) Arguello of Klamath Falls, OR, Tami (Ben) Gardner of Gresham, OR; her brother Scott Green of Knappa, OR; and numerous nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her father Kenneth Green.