Dorothy E. Kleinheksel

Dorothy E. Kleinheksel, 95 of Holland, died peacefully on September 26, 2023 in a local nursing home.

She was born to Henry and Nell Boss on February 5, 1928 and was the middle child and only girl with older brother Henry "Son" and younger brother Robert. The family lived on the west side of Holland. Dorothy graduated from Holland High School and was a lifelong member of First Reformed Church of Holland. She was a Sunday School teacher and member of the choir and bell choir. Dorothy met her husband, Victor Kleinheksel, while playing in the sand box during Sunday School. They later dated and were married in 1950. She was on the board for Wedgewood Christian Services, Good Samaritan Center and was a Kids Hope tutor for many years. The family loved music and Dorothy supported her husband Victor, who was a member of the American Legion Band for 60 years, attending all the band concerts at Kollen Park during the summer. They were also season ticket holders for Hope College Basketball and her love of music lead her to play piano for students for Solo Ensemble. Every summer the family vacationed one week in Lake City, MI, starting in 1957 with good friends, Dale and Myk Kruithof. Both families shared a two bedroom cottage and the kids slept on cots. The tradition of the cottage in Lake City continues to this day with the Kleinheksel boys and the Kruithof's daughter each owning a cottage. After Victor passed away, with the help of daughter Julie, Dorothy still made a trip up north to visit for a day! Dorothy and Victor not only supported their church and many local charities but supported their children and grandchildren. There wasn't a sporting event or concert they missed. The grandkids knew when playing basketball, soccer, tennis or playing their instruments in band or orchestra, grandma and grandpa were there watching. They were so proud of their family and sometimes became vocal on the sideline cheering them on. That didn't always go well in certain sports! Family times were spent at their home enjoying birthdays, Thanksgiving dinner, and Christmas. The menu was usually the same but that's what the grandkids depended on. Kleinheksel’s traditional turkey for Thanksgiving and ham on Christmas Day.

She was preceded in death by her husband Victor in 2012; brothers, Henry "Son" Boss and Robert Boss; brothers in law, Carrow and Randy Kleinheksel.

Dorothy is survived by her children, Conrad (Barb) Kleinheksel of Zeeland; Craig (Dar) Kleinheksel of Holland; Julie (Brian) Weeldreyer of Zeeland; grandchildren, Chad (Nikki) Kleinheksel, Charlie (Abby) Kleinheksel, Chip (Elizabeth) Kleinheksel, Cari (Brendan) Lyons, Katie Kleinheksel (Bobby Wells), Cort (Maggie) Kleinheksel, Stephanie (Andrew) Parsons, Ryan Cotter (Lauren Markakis), Nathan Weeldreyer (Julia Hines), Matthew Weeldreyer; 20 great grandchildren (with two more expecting); sisters in law, Eleanor Kleinheksel and Sheryl Kleinheksel, both of Holland, Karen Boss of Portage; several nieces and nephews and special friend and neighbor, Lois Boersma (the last of the 30th Street Coffee group).

A visitation will take place on Friday, October 13 from 6-8pm at Dykstra Funeral Home - Mulder Chapel. Funeral service will be on Saturday, October 14 at 11am at First Reformed Church, 630 State Street, Holland. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Young Lives, or Kids Hope USA.

For those who were unable to attend, service is available HERE