Flora Mae (Diepenhorst) Kapenga, 97, of Zeeland, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
Flora was born December 5, 1928, in Zeeland, to Albert and Grace (Gruppen) Diepenhorst. She was raised in Zeeland and went to Zeeland Christian School, and Holland Christian High School. She married Harold A. Kapenga on April 14, 1949, and they were together for 66 years until Harold’s death in 2015. Flora and Harold were faithful members of Noordeloos Christian Reformed Church all their married life. Flora served in her church as the Key Lady for the Bible League for many years and was in charge of serving lunches for funerals into her 80’s. She loved music and played the piano. She had a beautiful soprano voice and sang in her high school choir, Zeeland Civic Chorus’ Messiah, a lady’s trio, and her church choir at Noordeloos CRC. She and Harold even sang together on different occasions. Flora also worked part-time for over 35 years as a grocery clerk. First at her dad’s IGA store, then at Land of Food, and finally at Huizenga’s.
In her retirement having coffee with the “Bosch’s Gang” or with her many cousins gave her great joy.
She was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother and left a great legacy for her family. She loved to cook and entertain in her younger years, and she always had her candy bowl full for whoever stopped by.
She is survived by her children: Nancee and Ken Kleinheksel of Hamilton, Alan and Jacie Kapenga of West Olive, Michael and Sandy Kapenga Holland; her grandchildren: Kari (Matt) Essink, Ryan (Melissa) Harmsen, Chad (Angel) Harmsen, Robb (Katie) Harmsen, Cory (Brianne) Harmsen, Lisa (Derrick) Huizenga, Carla (Tim) Borr, Patrick (Cherith) Kapenga, Chris (Cari) Kapenga, Connie (Troy) Flinton, Paul Kapenga, Cindy (Dave) Lenting, Clint (Jamie) Kapenga, Lisa (Matt) Gerrits, Dave (Wendi) Kapenga, Amy (Jason) Pierce, John (Christy) Kapenga, Megan (Ryan) De Vries, 45 great-grandchildren, her sister Judy (Dan) Vander Steen, nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her son-in-law Ronald Harmsen, and two great-granddaughters: Morgan Nicole Essink and Emma Grace Harmsen; and all of Harold’s family. A special thank you to the caregivers from Quincy Place, Anchor In Home Care, and Corewell Hospice who took wonderful care of Flora in the last year and a half of her life.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Noordeloos Christian Reformed Church, 4055 112th Ave., Holland MI 49424. Visitation will be 4:00-6:00 pm, Monday, at the Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State Street, Zeeland MI 49464. Interment will be in Noordeloos Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Noordeloos CRC, or Corewell Hospice.
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