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Deborah Kallman, 57 years-old, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on November 9, 2015. Deb was the daughter of Winton and Marlene (Burrows) Payne, both of whom preceded her in death. She is survived by her sister, Anita Roberts of Lapeer, MI. She was married to Daniel J. Kallman on June 14, 1980 in Big Rapids, MI. Their love, commitment, and adoration of each other were evident to all. A beloved wife, Dan was honored to have her by his side as they faithfully served God together. Deb was thrilled that God blessed them with four sons into whom she joyfully and sacrificially poured her life and love. As her family grew, her love, joy, and influence multiplied with the addition of each daughter and grandchild. Her family now includes: Matthew (Jennifer) Kallman, Joel (Alicia) Kallman, Jacob (Tiffany) Kallman, Nathan (Alexa) Kallman. She has twelve grandchildren: Isaac, Rebekah, Hannah Grace, Noah, Levi, Benjamin, MacKenzie, Timothy Joel (TJ), Emma, Gracelyn, Aaliyah, and Owen Kallman. Deb graduated from Big Rapids, MI high school, and Central Michigan University with a BS in Education. Deb has been an active member of Calvary Baptist Church in Grand Rapids, where she served in many different roles from nursery and children’s classes, to various worship music, choir participation and ministries to women and young mothers. She was a dedicated prayer warrior as part of Moms in Touch at Freedom Christian Schools. She has also been an active leader in Bible Study Fellowship and loved to study the Word of God. She was a faithful servant who loved God and loved others. Visitation with the family will be held from 5-8 pm on Friday, November 13 at the Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4145 Chicago Drive SW, Grandville. A celebration of Deb’s life will be held at Calvary Baptist Church, 1200 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids on Saturday, November 14, 2015 at 11 am. Family will greet friends at the church from 10:00-10:45 am prior to the service. They would also enjoy a time of fellowship, immediately following the service, at a luncheon in Deb’s honor. Interment will be at the Boynton Cemetery in Byron Center, MI. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church of Grand Rapids, MI or Bible Study Fellowship.
Leave Your Tribute Message
February 03, 2016 4:21pm
Dan, I am so sorry to hear of Debs passing, and pray God has been gentle with you these past two months. Although I never met Deb in person, I could sense and marveled at the love and strength you gained from your bond as you related discussions you had with her. I have thought of you many times in these intervening 17 years, and my prayers are with you. May God Bless you indeed.
- Alan Kendrick
November 14, 2015 10:25pm
Dan, I am so sorry to hear of Debs passing. I pray Gods peace and presence as you transition to a new season in your life. I am very thankful for the many years of love and life you shared together. Roger Edwards
- Roger Edwards
November 13, 2015 12:42pm
We were so sorry to hear about Debbie's home going. We will be praying for you and your family.
- Mike and Debbie Cypher
November 13, 2015 3:31am
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
- Gary and Kathy Brewer
November 12, 2015 6:20pm
Dan and family, we grieve with you at losing Deb so suddenly. She was a treasure to those who were touched by her sweet spirit, and we feel blessed that we have worshipped with you both for so many years at Calvary Baptist Church. We will continue to pray for your comfort in the days ahead.
- Tom & Dee Mathison
November 12, 2015 1:16pm
I am so sorry for your loss. Working with Deb at CBC, and briefly getting to know her was a blessing.
- Deb Gondick Neiger
November 12, 2015 10:38am
It was nice seeing Deb (and Dan) this past summer at Thomas and Maja's wedding in NJ. We have appreciated and enjoyed the family times when we've been able to get together down through the years. We will miss her. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dan, our nephews and nieces and their families. Much love from all of us here in Finland and Sweden.
- Andrew and Gunilla Kallman
November 12, 2015 9:37am
Our hearts hurt for you, but we rejoice for Deb. May the Lord give you his unimaginable peace. We love you all.
- Dean & Jean Rockwell
November 12, 2015 7:24am
Deb's love for God and for her family shone brightly, and I'm so thankful our paths crossed for a number of years. My prayers are with your family in this loss. How precious the truth that she is now with her Savior and King. May God's presence and grace comfort your hearts.
- Winsome Smith
November 12, 2015 6:59am
We have many wonderful memories of worshiping with you at Calvary Baptist. Our hearts go out to you and your family at this time. Singing with Deb was a fond memory and her gentle and quiet spirit spoke of what a woman of God that she was. Please accept our deepest condolences
- Bruce & Bev Bonnell
November 12, 2015 5:27am
Dear Dan.
So sorry for your loss. Deepest sympathy to you and your family. May the Lord grant you and your family peace.
- Mary Shutt Procopio
November 12, 2015 4:49am
Dear Kallman family, Deb had a great spiritual impact on my life as we prayed together every week at Freedom. What a beautiful legacy she has left for you all. Our family will be praying for yours as you learn how to do life in a different way. I lost my little brother not quite 2 years ago & have learned that grief is a very strange thing. Allow yourselves time to grieve & remember. Praying for you all & for the services.
- Kyla Bullers
November 12, 2015 1:25am
Dear Kallman family,
I'm so sorry to hear of this loss. I feel so blessed to have known Deb and to have benefitted from her wisdom, love for others and her incredible servant's heart. As a first year teacher at Freedom, having her in my corner was such a gift. Her example to every mom she met of what it means to support your husband and children was extraordinary. Praying for you all as you navigate this loss and adjust to life without her physical presence. You are loved!
- Brenda Tower
November 11, 2015 9:50pm
Dan and family...We have not stopped thinking and praying for you since we learned of your sudden loss. Our hearts hurt deeply for you all. Praying that those precious grandchildren grow up to know and appreciate what a wonderful, faith-filled woman of God their grandma was. I (Jill) am now so grateful that I bumped into Deb at the store this summer when we were back visiting. You could not walk away from talking to her without being encouraged in some way. I loved her sweet spirit.
Christ the Lord is risen today. It is because of Christ we will see Deb again...we cling tightly to that promise. May you each be overwhelmed by God's Peace and Presence in the days ahead. Much love to you all.
- Marc & Jill Emery
November 11, 2015 7:46pm
Praying for your family a you journey through this time of grief. So very sorry for your loss.
- Diane & Bill Treat
November 11, 2015 6:05pm
Jake and Tiffany and children,
So very sorry to hear about your mom and her passing.. You will be in my prayers.. Love, Jeff and Tonja Yeager
- Jeff, Tonja Yeager and family
November 11, 2015 5:51pm
Absent from the body...present with our LORD. It was our pleasure to know her, even though it was just a brief time. Her faith is now reality...and one day followers of Jesus Christ will be reunited with those whom have gone before us...and what a joyous reunion that will be!
- Greg and Cyndi Heath
November 11, 2015 5:16pm
Dan and family, so sorry to hear about Deb. Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Reg and JoAnn Neerken
- Reg and JoAnn Neerken
November 11, 2015 4:56pm
Dan and family, Our hearts are so heavy. We grieve with you. I ran into Deb some time ago and she greeted me with her ever present smile and caring heart. Deb was such an encouragement to so many and her love for the Lord was evident to all who came in contact with her. We are praying for you, your sons and daughter-in-laws and your precious grandchildren. Psalm 34:18 "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted."
- Paul and Linda Gundy
November 11, 2015 4:48pm
Dan and family, Our hearts grieve with you. Our hearts rejoice in the legacy that lives on in the lives of your children, grandchildren, and each person she and you as a couple/family have touched over the years.
- Deb & Vic Crater
November 11, 2015 4:28pm
We are so sorry for you and your family, Dan. We pray that you will experience God´s comfort and peace.
- Sam and Darlene Farlow
November 11, 2015 2:55pm
Deb was in my BSF class and I was her leader about 10 years ago or so. She was so kind and I appreciated her participation and our conversations. We would bump into each other at Meijers and our conversation would pick up right where we left off, as recently as this past summer. My hurt hurts for all who loved her. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Tammie Rozeboom
November 11, 2015 2:35pm
Dan and family,
Our hearts are hurting with you as we process the loss of Deb's life. What a wonderful friend she was and such a great mentor for all young moms. Please know we are holding you all up in prayer in the days ahead. We love you all.
- Keith and Marsha Wittebols
November 11, 2015 1:50pm
Our hearts are heavy for you, Dan, and your precious family. We are praying that God will rap His loving arms around all of you. Know that we love you and will continue to pray without ceasing for you over these next few days, especially.
- Leon and Nancy Wells
November 11, 2015 1:42pm
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Deb was always radiant and we know she loved Christ. She was always willing to help with what she could do. She was a faithful worker in the nursery.
- Duane and Karen English
November 11, 2015 1:38pm
When we all get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be...
We mourn with you now, grieve for this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you,
- Dave and Rachel Battey
November 11, 2015 1:22pm
Oh how we hurt for you and your family, Dan. Our thoughts and prayers are constant for you and will continue. We love you and your family!
- Tom and Nancy Lothamer
November 11, 2015 1:13pm
We are sorry for the loss of your mother Jacob.
- Susan and Darryl Bowman
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