Sara Neevel

Sara Neevel, 55, of Zeeland passed away Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2017 after a six-month battle with cancer. Born September 4, 1962 in Morrison, IL to Phil and Alice (Maisie) Renkes, Sara was a graduate of Hope College, where she met her husband, Ken. After working at Haworth, Inc. for 20 years, Sara became a Manuscript Developer for MacMillan Publishing, working primarily with Dr. David Myers on his Psychology textbooks. Sara's faith was central to who she was. For over 30 years Sara was an active member of Trinity Reformed Church in Holland, where she served as a youth sponsor, deacon, Stephens Minister, and member of the mission team. More recently Sara became a founding member of Jamestown Harbor Church in Jamestown, MI. There she found great joy serving in children's ministry, visitor follow-up, and co-leading a missional community. Sara was also a volunteer through Good Samaritan Ministries, Salvation Army Christmas drives, and led many volunteer mission trips. She was described as gentle, compassionate, kind, and always willing to help others. Even from her hospital bed she was looking for ways to help others in need. Sara was the biggest fan and encourager of her children and grandsons, and she was an avid supporter of the Cubs and the Hope College men's and women's basketball teams. Sara is survived by her husband, Ken; children Kelli and Steve King, and Alison Neevel; grandsons Levi and Owen King; parents Phil and Maisie Renkes, in-laws Jim and Barbara Neevel, sister Ann (Dave) Smazik, sister-in-law Kay (Scott) Brown, and brothers-in-law John (Karen) Neevel and Jeff (Kelly) Neevel, as well as nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother, Steve Renkes. A memorial service will be held at 10:30, Saturday, December 30th at Fair Haven Ministries, 2900 Baldwin St. in Hudsonville, MI, 49426. Visitation will be 3:00 – 5:00 and 6:30 – 8:00 on Friday, December 29th at Fair Haven. Rev. Dr. Dennis Voskuil and Pastor Ben Peters will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Reformed Church in America's Disaster Response Fund, 4500 60th St. Grand Rapids, MI 49512 or Jamestown Harbor Church Children's Ministry, c/o Fair Haven Ministries, 2900 Baldwin St. in Hudsonville, MI, 49426. Arrangements are being handled by Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home in Holland. www.langelandsterenberg.com

Tributes

Sara Neevel

December 26, 1962 - December 26, 2017