Elizabeth A. "Beth" VanLaanen

Elizabeth A. “Beth” VanLaanen, 89, of Kingsford, passed away on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at ManorCare Health Services in Kingsford. She was born August 30, 1928 in Kingsford, MI, daughter of the late Arthur and Elizabeth (Morgan) Oas. Beth, who was nicknamed “Pudgie” as a toddler, graduated from Kingsford High School in 1946 and was a lifelong resident of the area. Following high school, she attended Northern Michigan Teachers College and then taught school in Foster City and Carney, MI. Beth married A. Peter VanLaanen on March 26, 1951 at American Martyrs Church in Kingsford. He preceded her in death in 1991. Beth was a devout Catholic and was involved in many prayer circles, taught CCD, was commisioned as a lay minister, and devoted many hours to prayer at the Adoration Chapel. She never stopped learning; educating herself on whatever caught her interest. Her children claimed she had a PhD in Vitamins and Supplements. She enjoyed family camping trips when the kids were young and then going to The Camp after it was built, but was truly happiest when surrounded by family and friends. She is survived by six children, Mary Meerschaert of Rome NY, Michael (Vicky) VanLaanen of Stillwater MN, Jeffry (Ellen) VanLaanen of Iron Mountain, Shane VanLaanen (Kelly Goodreau) of Mauston WI, Jim VanLaanen (Lois Branback) of Kingsford, Sarah (Michael) Stelmaszek of St. Ignace; 15 grandchildren, Bill Theeck, Doug and Dan Meerschaert, Casey Moskoff, Vanessa, Melissa, and Christopher VanLaanen, Hannah, Colin, Russell, Seth, Grace and Dominic VanLaanen, and Kassandra and Leo Stelmaszek; three great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Elaine VanLaanen; a special sister-cousin Eunice Glaser; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Beth was preceded in death by her three brothers, William and Arthur “Ole” Oas and Robert Rieboldt; and her sister Kathleen Sorenson. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 22 from 3:00 to 6:00pm at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. Funeral services will be on Friday, March 23 at 11:00 AM at St. Mary & St. Joseph Catholic Church. Fr. Janusz Romanek will offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be in the Quinnesec Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Kiwanis Ski Club Capital Campaign for needed improvements to the Pine Mountain Ski Jump. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Beth VanLaanen online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the funeral arrangements.

Elizabeth A. "Beth" VanLaanen

August 30, 1928 - March 14, 2018