Florence Hall

Florence Hall was a strong Christian lady who instilled her faith in her children and grandchildren. She was devoted to her church and family, using her talents to edify both. She was also a teacher who dedicated almost forty years of her life to the education profession.

Born February 26, 1913 to Karl and Pia (Bouwman) Kober in Nunica, Michigan, Florence was the middle child of three. Karl and Pia worked hard to raise their family, Karl as a farmer and Pia staying home to care for Florence and her older brother and younger sister. Unfortunately, tragedy struck the young family with the death of Florence’s younger sister, when she was just seven years old. Times were hard when Florence was growing up, especially for a family trying to make a living on a farm. One of Florence’s early memories is of owning two dresses - one for school and one for church. The family moved a few miles away to Conklin where Karl was a farmer. Of course the children had chores to do. When Florence wasn’t helping with chores she could be found playing with her friends and attending school at Trinity Lutheran School. It was here at Trinity that Florence was confirmed and the family attended church services. It was also here that Florence received her instruction that provided a strong Christian foundation that served her well throughout her life. After Trinity School, Florence moved on to Lisbon School for the 9th and 10th grades, and finally Ravenna High School where she graduated in 1931.

After graduating from high school, Florence enrolled at Calvin College where she earned her teaching degree, graduating in 1933. Florence supported herself by working as a housekeeper. This not only paid for her tuition, but took care of her housing as well, since the families she worked for also gave her room and board. Later, Florence did some graduate work at Western Michigan University and Michigan State University.

Florence started her teaching career at several different schools: Porter School in Casnovia Chester Township in ’34, Buck School in Alpine Township in ’36, and then to Moffitt Hill School in Cannon Township in ’39. When Florence was not teaching she did have a chance to have some fun with her friends at church. At one of the youth group functions she attended, she met a handsome young man named Hugo Hall. Unfortunately, Hugo was too young, and Florence encouraged him to go out with girls his own age. Luckily for them both, Hugo paid no heed to her advice. The couple that started out as good friends were married on June 17, 1939 at their church Trinity Lutheran in Conklin.

Florence and Hugo started their married life in Grand Rapids, living on Burke Northeast and joining the St. James Lutheran Church. At this time, Florence continued teaching, first at Peach Grove School in 1942 and then becoming a Helper Teacher visiting various schools for the Kent County Board of Education from 1946 to 1949. On their tenth wedding anniversary Florence and Hugo were blessed with the arrival of their only daughter, Janice. Florence took a few years off teaching to stay home and care for Janice. When Janice was seven they purchased a lot on Carpenter Street Northwest where they built the house that they would live in for the rest of their lives. Florence, meanwhile had continued to teach, first at Orchard View School in 1953 and then at Oakleigh School in 1955. It was at Oakleigh that she had the honor of teaching her daughter Janice in fourth grade. From 1961 until her retirement in 1978, Florence worked as a Reading consultant for the Grand Rapids Board of Education. Her total years of teaching were an amazing 39.4 years.

With their move to their house on Carpenter Street, the Hall family began attending a new Lutheran Church on the West Side called Mt. Olive Lutheran Church. Not only were Florence and Hugo charter members, but Florence taught Sunday School and Hugo was the church organist. Florence was also part of the ladies guild and was very active in all areas of the church.

Over the years, Florence and Hugo enjoyed traveling together visiting many places in the United States. They even had a chance to travel to Germany visiting the city and church where their grandparents were raised. Some of their German relatives, in turn came to visit them here in the United States.

In her spare time Florence loved gardening and yard work which she kept in immaculate condition. Florence also loved to cook and entertain. She was a wonderful cook, specializing in cookies and “good German food.” Florence was not only a good cook, but a meticulous housekeeper as well. She took great pride in keeping her house, yard and garden in tip top shape. At Christmas time Florence dressed up and looking her best, set the table with her best china. Jokingly, she told her family that if they came to the house in jeans, they could expect to find their Christmas Dinner on paper plates!

When Florence and Hugo became grandparents Florence reveled in the role of grandmother and it was something she excelled at. Her grandchildren were the light of her life. She liked to be kept apprised of all their musical concerts and sporting events, attending as many as possible.

Sadly, in 1993 Hugo died, leaving behind a grieving wife. Florence still continued to care for her house and yard in the same meticulous manner that she always had. Eventually needing more care, she sold her home in 2006 and moved to Laurel’s of Hudsonville. Later she moved to Georgetown Manor where she spent the last two and a half years of her life.

Florence Hall was a woman who used her talents in the service of God, her family and the many students she taught throughout the years. She was a lady who took pride in keeping her house and yard in good order. She will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know her in her long and fruitful life.

Florence L. Hall (Kober), of Grand Rapids passed away Monday July 7, 2008. She was preceded in death by her husband Hugo Hall. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Janice and Steven Shelner, her grandchildren: Christopher Shelner and Sarah Shelner, her sister-in-law Esther Kober and nieces and nephews. The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of Laurels of Hudsonville and of Georgetown Manor for their wonderful care and concern. Funeral services will be held Tuesday July 15, 2008 at 11 A.M. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1351 Harding, Conklin with Rev. Mark Oswald and Rev. Glenn Kopper officiating. Interment will follow in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Conklin. Mrs. Hall reposes at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Van’t Hof Chapel, 851 Leonard N.W., where relatives and friends may meet her family Monday from 6-8 P.M. and also on Tuesday morning at Trinity Lutheran Church from 10 A.M. until the time of the funeral service. For those who wish, memorial contributions to Bethel Lutheran Church or Spectrum Health Hospice would be appreciated. To share a memory or sign the online register book please visit www.lifestorynet.com