Birth date: Jan 9, 1974 Death date: Aug 23, 2008
Mr. Kevin J. Laninga, 34, went to be with his Heavenly Father Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008. He was born Jan. 9, 1974 in Grand Rapids to Ronald and Betty (Schipper) Laninga, grew up in Hudsonville, and had lived in Muskegon since 1999. Read Obituary
Hi Kevin: It has been a year. I can't believe it. Lisa misses you so much. She talks about you all the time. She has helped my dad also. I know that you and my mom are together. That makes us smile. Continue to go to Lisa in her dreams. Watch over her. Talk to you again, Trudy##imported-begin##Trudy##imported-end##
Well, I don't know where to even start so I will start here. Kevin, I love you and I miss you very much, but most of all I rejoice with you. You are forever in the presence of our Lord. I would have given anything to be a fly on the wall in heaven on August 23rd to hear The Lord say to you "Well done my good and faithful servant" You were the best friend a man could ever ask for and you were more than a friend to me you were a brother. Proverbs 27:17 says "As iron sharpens iron so one man sharpens anther." Kevin you have sharpened me in more ways than you could ever know, and the love that you and Lisa shared could do nothing less than sharpen anyone you came in contact with. I can only hope that in some way I was able to sharpen you even half as much as you have me. You lived your life the way it was intended you were a faithful husband, son and friend. Even though throughout the years we have not been able to see each other as often as we would like I always knew how much you cared and I rested easy knowing that you were in great hands with Lisa. Thanks Lisa for taking such good care of Kevin. Throughout his life Kevin and I had many oppertunities to be competative, whether playing golf, tennis video games or anything else. I will always think of you and remember you when I see anything to do with the Oakland A's. Kevin often found ways to beat me in golf he didnt hit the ball hard or far but he was consistant and got the ball in the hole. I think this parallels his life. 1 Corinthians 9:24 says"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win." Kevin you won the race you played to win and won many for the kingdom. Once again you beat me to the finish but the best news of all is that one day we will stand together on the podium in heaven and both recieve our gold medals side by side. I will never forget you and I will always miss you but I rest assured that I know where you are and I look forward to the day that I get to see Jesus face and be together with you again. We will take good care of Lisa for you she is an awesome woman after God's own heart. You would be so proud of her and the testimony that she has been to all of this. We will meet again someday and we can kick back and have a hamburger and a nutty bar and talk about the good ole days and hang out for eternity. i miss you and love you my brother. Shon##imported-begin##Shon Cottle##imported-end##
Dear Mrs. Laninga,
It is with a heavy heart I write this. I have a family member that is in EC Brooks and Kevin touched his heart. I received a call from him and he shared with me the loss of Mr. Laninga. He was upset and saddened of the news of Kevin's passings. He pointed out to me that he was always so kind and treated others with dignity and made it known that people are not all bad, some make mistakes but you learn and grow from them. So on my sons behalf accept our condolences. He touched so many peoples heart. You and your family have been in all of our prayers. Find strength in God and in knowing you will one day be with Kevin again.##imported-begin##Karen##imported-end##
I'm the chaplain at Brooks Correctional facility. Although I only new Kevin briefly, I know he left a giant footprint at the prison. I had two memorial services for Kevin today. They were very well attended by the prisoners. If I had to guess we had around 100 men total to give honor to Kevin's life. I made sure I played Kevin's favorite hymns, How Great Thou Art and Amazing Grace. I also shared with the group Kevin's favorite verse Matthew 6:33.
I then gave testimony to Kevin's life, I spoke about Kevin's faith in God, and spoke about it's one thing to say that you are a Christian, but it's another thing to live it out. Kevin meant a lot to the prisoners and the staff. I'm glad I had the opportunity to share the Gospel with these men today. The fruit of Kevin's life and the word of God made a lasting impression for many. I'm blessed to have known him if even briefly. One man made Kevin's wife a lighthouse, and others signed softballs, and others are sending cards. While I don't know why, and I'm nothing can take away the loss you experience, I did see today the fruit and lives touched by Kevin, a man of God.
May God Comfort you during the tough times ahead. Peace to you, in Christ. Craig Curtis##imported-begin##Craig Curtis##imported-end##
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss. I am thankful to have been able to get to know Kevin over the last nine years. Kevin was such a special guy, a great co-worker and friend.
You will be missed my friend!##imported-begin##Chris Wilks##imported-end##
Lisa:
I remember the day that you told a group of us at church how you had had a dream that you were going to meet a very special man named Kevin and how that dream had come true. I thought to myself, what an amazing thing! That it had become a reality and not just a dream. The two of you were destined to be together it was God's plan. I so admire the strength of faith in the Lord that you have had during this very hard time in your life. You are such an amazing woman and such a perfect example of a strong and Godly woman. May we all learn from your example and may we all remember what a beautiful and glorious couple you and Kevin were. Someday you will be together again in the wonderful place with God. May you have peace and strength in the days to come. God Bless You. Love, Brenda Scott##imported-begin##Brenda Scott##imported-end##
Mrs. Laninga, we are so very sorry to hear of your loss.Are thoughts and prayers are with you at your difficult time. sincerly Sarah and Austin Vannieulande##imported-begin##Sarah and Austin Vannieulande##imported-end##
Dear Lisa, Uncle Ron, Aunt Betty, and family,
As I write this, you are at the funeral home for visitation. Although I can not physically be there, I am praying for you. May the Lord sustain you now and in the days to come.
I was on my way to a musical when I heard of Kevin's passing. The musical was all about baseball and as soon as it began, I was flooded with memories and tears. It took me back to when Kevin and I were grade school age and we would swap stats about our Tigers. He was always amazed that a girl knew that stuff - and I was always trying my best to stump him (which was nearly impossible). In our adult years, it was so great to see the man that he had become and the life that God had given to him. My heart aches for you, yet trusts in God's provision for each of you.
With love,
Kristine##imported-begin##Kristine Van Noord##imported-end##
Right now it may seem so unreal and in slow motion, just keep in mind he is where we all hope to be some day. We all love you!##imported-begin##Fred and Maria Harjer##imported-end##
Lisa [Mrs. Laninga], I hope your doing okay. I am praying for you. I am here for you.##imported-begin##Nicole Harjer##imported-end##
