Beverly Niewoonder

Beverly Mae (Haas) Niewoonder, 96, from Portage and Vicksburg Michigan passed away on December 13, 2022 at Heritage Community in Kalamazoo. Beverly was born on April 29, 1926 at the family farmstead in Allegan to Lloyd and Lillie Alverna (Black) Haas. Growing up in Allegan, she attended Miner Lake School and graduated from Allegan High School where she played trumpet in the band. Beverly also played piano, violin, and harmonica. She attended Western Michigan University. On August 21, 1954, she married Robert (Bob) Niewoonder of Kalamazoo. Beverly worked in food service as a server, advancing to manager at an area fine-dining establishment. She and Bob spent many years enjoying lake living; boating, swimming, snowmobiling and raising their family. In retirement, they wintered in Avon Park, Florida for over fifteen years, making many dear friends and enjoying recreational airplane flights piloted by their son, Michael. Beverly was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and a treasured friend to many. She was compassionate and kind, with a gentle soul who loved to spend time with family. At age 80, she enrolled in a pastel painting class, which became a passion in her later years. Several of her pieces have appeared in area art exhibitions. Beverly was also a talented crafter, including sewing, doll making, and gift blankets for new babies. In the summer, her favorite activity was combing the beaches of Lake Michigan for beach glass and Petoskey stones, and eating ice cream. Beverly treasured trips to northern Michigan with family as well as attending shows at Miller Auditorium. Beverly is survived by daughters, Robin Niewoonder Vleugel (Eric Arnold) of Kalamazoo and Judy Huffstutter (Ron) of Delton; grandchildren, Kristin Vleugel Masic (Dragan) of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, Erik Vleugel of Palm City Florida, Robert (Rob) Niewoonder (Michelle) of Valdosta Georgia, Sandra Ream of Florida, Michael (Mike) Nuyen (Carrie) of Portage, and Richard (Rich) Nuyen (Jen) of Battle Creek; several great and great-great grandchildren including a most recent addition a few weeks before her passing; and a host of nieces and nephew. She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert; son, Michael (Mike) Niewoonder; her parents; sisters, Fern Shank and Maxine Zimmerman; and brothers Gene Haas and Harold Haas. Cremation has taken place and Beverly will be buried with a private family gathering at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor to the Animal Rescue Project or Centrica Care Navigators, both in Kalamazoo, are appreciated. Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006 To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Beverly Niewoonder, please visit our flower store.