Michigan, U.S. —The Portage, Michigan, community is preparing to gather in remembrance of Shelby Van Laar, whose life will be celebrated with a series of services beginning Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. at North Pines Church on Constitution Boulevard, giving friends and neighbors an opportunity to pay their respects and share memories. A burial service will follow on Wednesday morning, September 10, at Lakeside Cemetery, with a celebration of life scheduled later that afternoon back at North Pines Church. A reception will welcome mourners afterward, offering a space for fellowship and reflection.
A Life Anchored in Faith and Family
While full details of Van Laar’s life have not yet been publicly shared, the structure of her services underscores the central role faith played in her journey. North Pines Church, where both the visitation and celebration of life will be held, is known in Portage for its close-knit congregation and its emphasis on community support.
“Shelby touched lives in ways that can’t be measured in words alone,” a representative of the church shared. “Moments like these remind us how much one person can mean to so many.”
Remembering Through Community Contributions
In place of traditional tributes, the family has asked that memorial contributions be directed to organizations and causes meaningful to Van Laar’s life. North Pines Church is among the designated recipients, reflecting the deep connection between her family and the congregation.
Florists in the region, including Ambati Florist in Kalamazoo and Taylor’s Florist and Gifts in Paw Paw, are providing arrangements for those who wish to send flowers.
Why This Story Matters
Local obituaries often serve as a bridge between private grief and public memory, highlighting the ways individuals shape the communities they leave behind. In Portage, gatherings like these reflect longstanding Midwestern traditions of honoring life through faith, fellowship, and remembrance.
For many, Van Laar’s services will be both a time of mourning and a chance to celebrate resilience, love, and the ties that bind generations together.