Christine Zigterman

For some, it takes a truly dark night to fully appreciate the sunrise. Throughout her life, Christine Zigterman knew many dark times, but she also knew that those dark times just made the bright blessings in her life shine even brighter. A strong willed, independent woman who loved her family dearly, Christine never ceased to appreciate the beauty of the world around her. Christine was dearly loved, and will always be remembered as a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

Life in 1929 was difficult, and the dawn of one of the most trying ages in United States history. Following the stock market crash in October of 1929, the nation was drawn into a time of economic depression, when jobs were scarce, money was tight, and hope was bleak. In the year 1929 on a small farm in Harrisburg, Arkansas, a young couple was busy preparing their home for another new life. One day, they welcomed their fourth child into their home, a daughter named Christine.

From her infancy, Christine knew what it was to want, and lived a very difficult life. Already the fourth child in her family, Christine's childhood home grew to include a total of eight children. Times were tough, and the family was very poor; they ate only what they could grow. As time progressed, the United States was drawn into WWII. Christine's father feared for his daughter, who was in elementary school at the time, and was convinced that she would be called into the army if she earned an education past eighth grade. He pulled her out of school half way thru her sixth grade, and she spent the remainder of her adolescence working in the fields and in the house. Tragically, Christine's mother, Rose, died suddenly from an aneurysm. Christine, as the oldest daughter, living at home was forced into the role of a mother figure for her family.

When Christine had reached fifteen years of age, she grew desperate for a life of her own free from her family. In an act that she described as going from the "skillet into the fire", Christine married at age fifteen, and began a life of motherhood. She began having children immediately, and in her own words, "I can't remember when I wasn't pregnant." After she had given birth to nine children, Christine found she was no longer able to provide for her family, and was forced to leave her children with various family members. She then traveled to Michigan, where she hoped to find work so that she could feed her children.

Fortunately, as Christine arrived in Michigan, her life began to take a turn for the better. She was employed by a man named John Zigterman, and began working at his restaurant. As she went to work each day, she slowly got to know John, and soon the two fell in love and were eventually married. Before John, Christine had never known what it was like to be treated well by a man. In John, she found a man who truly loved her for all that she was. Christine always thought of her children first, and brought a lot of emotional baggage into their new relationship. But John's love was bigger than all her troubles, and he committed wholeheartedly to being a loving partner to her, and a father to her children.

Christine and John had a large family together. While Christine brought seven living children into their marriage, John brought three of his own. In addition, Christine and John brought three children into the world together. Christine and John took great joy in their life together, and found that they were true soul mates. John was skilled in all types of dancing, from swing and line to ballroom, and he loved to share his passion for dancing with Christine. She took great joy in the world around her, and enjoyed many activities, from reading history and geography to listening to Southern Gospel and Country music. She was a skilled quilter, and sewed a special quilt for each of her children and grandchildren, great grandchildren and many other loved ones. Growing up in the south, instilled in Christine a true sense of southern hospitality, and she loved cooking and entertaining. But most of all, Christine took great joy in the time she spent with her family, and was proud to boast 29 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren. Sadly, Christine's beloved John passed away in 1990. But true soul mates that they were, Christine and John both passed away less than a month into their 82nd year. Christine died on Saturday, February 5, 2011 at her home.

Throughout her life, Christine knew many hard times, but she also discovered that these hard times only sweetened the good ones. A strong, independent woman, Christine loved her family dearly, and found true joy in time spent with her loved ones. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Christine will be dearly missed, but fondly remembered.

Christine was preceded in death by her husband, Frederick John Zigterman in 1990 as well as two infants, daughter, Brenda Lambert in 2005, step-son, John Zigterman in 2006 and brothers, Junior Roberts of Ar., Marlin Roberts of Ar., and sister, Geneva Tice of Fenn. She is survived by her children;Gene and Liz Wilson of Holland, Geanette and Butch Liles of Ar., Jerry and Dee Wilson of Holland, Wanda Mitts of Ar., Ron and Linda Wilson of Fenn., Alberta and Dan Diaz of Fenn., Phillip and Sally Zigterman of Grand Rapids, Mark and Sally Zigterman of Detroit, Glen Zigterman of Grand Rapids, Christine Connie Bernick of Fenn. and Paul David Zigterman of Saugatuck. She is also survived by 29 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren and several great great grandchildren, sisters, Victoria Bradford of Hamilton, Catherine Wilt of Saugatuck and sister-in-law, Radene Roberts of Holland as well as many nieces , nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held Sat. 1:30 pm at Mulder Chapel, Dykstra Funeral Homes, 188 West 32nd St. with Pastor Gene Hill officiating. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Friends may greet the family Friday 5 - 8 at the chapel. Please visit Christine's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a photo or memory, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial donation to Hospice of Holland.