Harold J. Oetman

Harold Oetman was a hardworking family man, known for his big heart, for his incredible sense of humor and his great love for life. He cared deeply for his family and showed it by providing faithfully for them and sharing much love and laughter. Although Harold may have seemed gruff at times, his deeds and actions were an inspiration to those that knew and loved him.

Harold was born in Graafschap, Michigan, on July 17, 1931, during a difficult time in American history - the Great Depression. Despite the economic hardships of the era, Harold's parents, George and Anna (DePree) Oetman, provided a stable home for their family. As the third oldest of eight children, Harold had much responsibility on their family farm, where they raised cows and crops, and had a small orchard. Along with his siblings, Harold grew up with an appreciation for hard work. Living on a farm, there was always work to be done and everyone was expected to pitch in. Their farmhouse didn't have indoor plumbing so water had to be fetched from the well and there were always the cows to milk. They also churned their own butter. After morning chores, Harold walked to the one-room schoolhouse for class, where he often found some mischief to get into along the way.

At the age of 19, Harold met the love of his life, Betty Mae Woodruff, at his work. After a brief courtship, the couple was happily married on November 24, 1950. The newlyweds settled down to married life together in Zeeland for a while before moving to Holland. It was in Zeeland the Harold and Betty started their family, which would eventually include three daughters: Judy, Carol and Patricia, and five sons: Scott, Thomas, Michael, Gary and Larry. With their then home bursting at the seams, the couple bought a house that was on the verge of being demolished and they relocated it to a plot of land on 145th Street in Graafschap. Harold put in the foundation and basement himself before the house arrived on site.

Harold's family was always his first priority. He taught his children about the importance of responsibility and of working hard, which his parents instilled in him. Although Harold did not attend church regularly, he did make sure the children were always there for Sunday school. He felt there was great virtue in keeping the Sabbath as a day of rest and for family. After their traditional Sunday dinner, Harold liked taking everyone out for an afternoon walk in the country and perhaps pick some berries too.

Besides being a dedicated husband and father, Harold also worked for 35 years in commercial construction. He retired from construction in 1988, and began filling his leisure time with some of his favorite hobbies. He and Betty loved to travel and took to the road to traverse this great country. Their furthest destination was Alaska, where they took in the breathtaking surroundings, and then headed for the warmer weather of Florida once winter hit back home. The couple also enjoyed several cruises to new and exciting islands. After their many years of traveling, Harold and Betty put roots down again, but this time in Muskegon, where they moved to in 2003.

Harold had such a wonderful sense of humor, and was known to have a saying for just about everything. He lent his quick wit and compassion to everyone around him and in doing so, brightened many lives. He will be greatly missed.

Harold J. Oetman, age 75 of Muskegon and formerly of Holland, died Saturday, September 23, 2006, at his home in Muskegon. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Betty; daughters: Judy (Jerry) Engelsman of Big Rapids, Carol (Don) Leverton of Holland, Patricia Oetman of Holland; sons: Scott (Mary) Oetman of West Olive, Thomas (Linda) Oetman of Grand Haven, Michael (Debbie) Oetman of Holland, Gary Oetman of Hamilton, Larry Oetman of Gun Lake; 19 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren; sisters: Arlene (Alvin) Pittman of Holland, Helen (Art) Feenstra of Jenison, Edna VanderSluis of Holland, Eleanor (Ron) Koetsier of Holland; brothers: Harvey (Mary) Oetman of Zeeland, Donald (Corlyn) Oetman of Allegan; a brother-in-law, Joe VerMeulen of Graafschap. Harold was preceded in death by his sister, Myra VerMeulen, and granddaughter, Kristen Moore. The family will receive friends from 6-9 p.m. on Monday, September 25, at the Northwood Chapel of Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes, 295 Douglas Avenue in Holland. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 26, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hackley Visiting Nurses and Hospice. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com for more information.