Emma Marie Lautenbach went to be with her heavenly father on June 5, 2018.
She was born in Artesia, California, on Oct. 30, 1936 to Gerard and Elizabeth Vandenberg. The family later moved to Ripon, California. Emma’s first job, outside of the family’s almond ranch, was at Hammaway’s clothing store where her fashionista talents were first discovered. She graduated from Escalon High School in 1954. On Valentine’s Day Feb. 14, 1957, she married her sweetheart, John Lautenbach. The couple made their home in Artesia where they were blessed with four daughters.
In 1970 they moved to Lynden to dairy farm. They became members of the Nooksack Valley Reformed Church where she attended until 2013. For the past five years she had been attending Second Christian Reformed Church of Lynden. She loved studying the Bible and the precious name of Jesus was the sweetest name she knew.
She was a trailblazer and in 1971 went to work for Huizinga Brothers Construction for many years. It was at that time she also earned her associate’s degree in business and finance.
She enjoyed many family vacations, music, conversation, shopping with her girls at Macy’s, and lunching with friends. But nothing brought her more joy than just being with her family.
Emma is survived by her loving daughters Johna (Mark) Bouma, Bonnie (Duane) Vander Yacht, Emily (Doug) Van Ry and Leah (Jim) Maassen; nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; sister Joyce Van Konynenburg; and many other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her husband John Lautenbach and sister Betty Pinherio.
Visitation hours are scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 14, in Gillies Funeral Home. A private graveside service will be at 1 p.m. Friday, June 15, in Lynden Cemetery, followed by a 2 p.m. memorial service in Second Christian Reformed Church.
You are invited to share your memories and condolences in the online guestbook at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Lynden.
