Arthur Lawrence Lageveen, 86, of DeMotte, Indiana, passed away on January 11, 2017 at Aperion Care Center in DeMotte, Indiana. Art was born on January 27, 1930 to Arthur and Josina (DeKock) Lageveen in DeMotte, Indiana. Art graduated from DeMotte High School in 1948. He attended South Bend College of Commerce before enlisting in the U.S. Army, being stationed in Hawaii and Fort Drum, New York. On his return to DeMotte, he joined his father in working in the DeMotte Mercantile Store, which later became the Sell-it-Again. He operated the store for 60 years and 16 years of that with his son Nathan. He was in real estate sales and was a broker with Lake County Realty and a salesman for MoorMan Feed & Equipment. Art was a member of the American Reformed Church and served in the past as a Deacon. He was also a member of the Wrong Way Squares of Hebron, and the DeMotte Historical Society. He also enjoyed target shooting, fishing, painting, carving and dancing. He also was the first board president of DeMotte and helped the town to become incorporated.
Art was a loving and devoted family man. He will be missed by those who survive him including his wife of 23 years, Donna (Taber) Lageveen; sons: David (Beth) Lageveen, Mark (Julie) Lageveen, and Nathan (Tracy) Lageveen; daughter: Kathy (Calvin) Ribbens; grandchildren: Jeffrey Lageveen, Thomas Lageveen, Amy (Derek Johnson) Lageveen, Philip Ribbens, Michael Ribbens, Christina Ribbens, Adam (Sara) Lageveen, Marisa Lageveen, Aaron (Cheryl) Klemp, Alicia Moody; great grandchildren: Gentri Lageveen, Landri Lageveen, Abe Lageveen, Eli Klemp, Caleb Arthur Klemp, Garrett Klemp and Reagan Moody; step-children: Karen (Mike) Coram, Jeffrey (Joy) Taber, Rodney Taber; step grandchildren: Meagan (Joel) Markanich, Meredith (Daril) Fitch, April Taber; step-great grandchildren: Owen Markanich and Lincoln Markanich.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Josina Lageveen; daughter Susan (Calvin) Klemp; grandson: Matthew Lageveen; sisters: Elizabeth Baugh and Lois Eakin; and wife: Carol (McGlinley) Lageveen. Art and Carol were married on April 2, 1952 and were married for 40 years.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, January 13, 2017 at the American Reformed Church, 1021 S. Halleck St., DeMotte, Indiana 46310. Funeral services will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 14, with Rev. Dr. Albert Vander Meer officiating. Military services will follow.
(Obituary source: Boersma Funeral Home, Wheatfield, Indiana.)