Neva Flak

It was clear by the way she lived her life that Neva Flak was not concerned with building great fortune or stature, rather she lived her life to love deeply. Truly beautiful on the inside and out, Neva treasured both her family and her faith that served as the compass she used to guide her daily life. She was gracious and soft-spoken, and she had a quiet strength that was her constant companion. Neva was thoughtful and giving, and she was perfectly content to be in the background rather than front and center. Although her family and friends will miss her deeply, they find great comfort in knowing that the Almighty Father is never surprised by the circumstances of life and that their beloved Neva is resting in the arms of her Savior.

The year 1927 was part of a decade that was filled with great change and advancement in America. It was during this year that construction on Mount Rushmore began, Charles Lindbergh flew “The Spirit of St. Louis” across the Atlantic, and the largely successful The Jazz Singer opened in October, marking the end of the silent film era. This was a year for great celebration in the family of Elmer and Doris Marten since on August 25th, they welcomed their daughter, Neva, into their hearts and home. Born in Lansing, Michigan, Neva was the younger of two girls in her family including her older sister, Virginia. Her father worked as a streetcar conductor in Lansing during Neva’s youngest years while her mother was a homemaker. She had an active imagination and could find fun in just about anything. Neva loved to dress up her kittens and take them for a ride in her doll buggy, and she used to play house in a corn crib. She could sometimes be found having tea parties with her dolls or skating at Stone Creek with the neighborhood gang. Neva attended elementary school at the Jason Road School after making the four-and-a-half mile trek there either on foot or on her bike.

Life was forever changed for Neva when she met the man with whom she would write an eloquent love story. His name was Albert Flak and they met at Albert’s brother’s wedding in 1943. From the first moment they met, it was love at first sight and there was no question in either of their minds that they were destined to spend their lives together. The couple began dating and had so much fun together. They often went to the movies, out for ice cream at the Sugar Bowl in St. Johns, or on picnics to Crystal Lake in Montcalm County. The couple fell deeply in love over the four years they dated and was married on June 25, 1947, in Saint Johns.

The newlyweds settled into an apartment that was part of her father’s store, the Forest Hill General Store, where they called home for nine years. The couple was delighted to become the parents to four wonderful daughters, Charlene, Phyllis, Rita, and Joanne. In order to accommodate their growing family, Neva and Albert purchased their first home on Centerline Road in St. Johns where they lived for the next 44 years. It seemed Neva was born to be a mother as she fully embraced the enormity of the task. She was loving, nurturing, and attentive toward their girls, and she was fully devoted to her husband as well. The Flak family enjoyed spending time together, taking many family trips up north. Neva loved to bake, always making her own bread, donuts, and hamburger buns, and she also made her own French fries. In addition to raising her family, Neva worked at her father’s store for over 20 years.

There were so many ways in which Neva made the most of what life has to offer. She was an active member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Riley Township throughout her entire life, and her church community was a very important aspect of her life. Neva enjoyed gardening and canned much of her yield including pears, tomatoes, and beans. She had so much fun playing softball and was an excellent hitter. Neva was a gifted seamstress who made all of her children’s Halloween costumes and later in life, her grandchildren’s costumes as well. She was a great card player throughout her life with euchre being one of her favorite games. Neva also greatly enjoyed playing Bunco.

Later in life, Neva continued to embrace each and every day. After their children were grown, Neva still shared close relationships with each of their girls, speaking to them nearly every day. Neva and Albert did some traveling together, although spending time with their grandchildren was easily their favorite way to spend their time. The holidays were always such special times in Neva’s family as she had her own way of making them memorable for those she loved. In 2004, she was diagnosed with cancer but with a graceful strength, she was able to beat the disease.

In so many ways, Neva Flak was a priceless gift to those around her. She was quiet and reserved with a good sense of humor and a tender heart as well. Neva lived a life of faith that was a reflection of what it truly means to be the hands and feet of her Heavenly Father. She was so blessed to share more than 63 years with the love of her life with whom she created the family who was her greatest treasure. The memories Neva leaves behind will forever be held near and dear to the hearts of those whose lives she touched. She will be deeply missed.

Neva L. Flak died on October 6, 2010. Neva’s family includes her husband, Albert; their children, Charlene (Dennis) Kennedy of St. Johns, Phyllis (Vincent) Moran of Lansing, Rita (Thomas) Hollis of St. Johns and Joanne (Ronnie) Montgomery of Lansing; seven grandchildren, Joshua (Shannon) Kennedy, Matthew Kennedy, David Kennedy, Michelle Moran, Renee (James) Terpening, Leslie (Brian) Stewart, and Lindsay Rue; eleven great- grandchildren, Ashley, Chandler, Clair, Ethan, Evan, Danielle, Logan, Kaden, Payton, Anthony and Amare; sister, Virginia (Leonard) Jastram; brother-in-law, Paul (Betty) Flak; sister-in-law, Dorothy Flak; and many loving nieces and nephews. Neva was preceded in death by her parents, and grandson, Charles Moran. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 11, 2010, at St. Peter Lutheran Church with Pastor Jeff Heimsoth officiating, burial following at St. Peter Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., at Osgood Funeral Home, 104 E. Cass St., St. Johns. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or photo, sign the guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to St. Peter Lutheran Church or the American Cancer Society.