Henry Huizenga

To Henry Huizenga, the best things in life weren’t things at all, but rather they were the relationships he shared with the family he cherished above all else. He was a kind man with a generous soul who had a soft spot for all animals, but especially for dogs and horses. Henry was no stranger to hard work, but when it came to time off, he loved enjoying nature in a variety of ways, often with members of his family surrounding him.

The year 1921 was remarkably different than the world in which we live today. The average annual salary was just over $1200, a Ford cost just $290, and people found joy in simple things like board games and jazz music that saturated the air waves. The twenties were prosperous times, and it was on October 7th in 1921, that Douwe and Grace (Klomparens) Huizenga, of Holland, Michigan, were thrilled with the birth of their second son, Henry. Born in the family home on Paw Paw Drive, Henry joined older brother John in the Huizenga family and was raised on the family farm where the borders of the property were Paw Paw Drive on the south, Waverly Road on the west, Chicago Drive on the north, and the Black River on the east. Holland was settled in 1847 by Dutch Calvinist separatists, under the leadership of Dr. Albertus Van Raalte, who were escaping from persecution in The Netherlands. Henry’s grandparents were also on the same boat of separatists, and became one of the original settlers in Holland along with Van Raalte.

Farming is quite often a family affair and on the Huizenga farm, this was indeed the way things were. Henry’s parents grew a variety of vegetables that the two brothers would peddle all through town. As a young boy, Henry also worked at his grandparents’ feed and coal store on River Avenue. For his education, Henry walked to his school located at the corner of Country Club Road, and 16th Street. He always loved school, particularly enjoyed studying history, and excelled in his studies. It was also during his formative years that Henry established a lifelong love for dogs. He graduated from Holland High School, and was ready to soon embark on a different path along his life’s journey.

While in nearby Overisel one day, he met a local gal named Ruth Vander Kolk with whom he would share a lasting love for over 60 years. They began dating and soon their relationship blossomed into true love. They were married in 1946 in Trinity Reformed Church by Rev. TerKurst, beginning a new chapter in their love story. Their honeymoon consisted of a car trip around Michigan, and they also crossed Lake Michigan on the car ferry. Henry and Ruth shared a fulfilling marriage laced with mutual love and respect for one another. Henry always boasted that Ruth was the perfect wife and that a better wife could not be found, and of course how deeply he loved her as well.

It wasn’t long before Henry and Ruth welcomed five children into their hearts and home: Barbara, Linda, David, Mary, and Dale. His children always knew that they were deeply loved too, and that Henry cherished each one in their own unique way. Their family loved having fun together and made numerous memories together when they went to places such as Deer Park Funland and John Ball Park Zoo, when they went fishing in local trout streams, shared fun picnics, and checked out nearby fairs too.

While making memories with his family, Henry also worked hard to support his family. After his time working on the farm, he went into heating and cooling – he even started his own business called Huizenga Heating and Cooling. In the 1960s, Henry went to work at General Electric from which he later retired.

There were so many things that made Henry unique and for which he will be fondly remembered. He enjoyed the outdoors whether he was fishing on Lake Michigan or deer hunting with his sons in the Upper Peninsula. Henry and Ruth were later blessed with six grandchildren: Zach, Nathan, Josh, Paige, Dirk, and Nichole – all of whom he adored. He always made sure there were plenty of animals around for the family to enjoy, mainly ponies and dogs. In fact, any dog that Henry owned over the years was always a close companion and treasured friend to Henry. He was also a member of the National Rifle Association.

In so many ways, the world was a better place when Henry Huizenga was around. He was loving and kind, and always made sure that those around him had a good time and were also well taken care of. Henry knew how to put in a hard day at work, yet he enjoyed time off too, especially when he was surrounded by the family he held so dear. He spent a lifetime creating a rich tapestry of memories that will be forever treasured. Henry will be dearly missed and warmly remembered.

Henry Huizenga died on August 24, 2009. Henry’s family includes his wife Ruth of 63 years; children, Barbara Huizenga of Holland, Linda (Lee) Klamer of Hudsonville, Dave (Sandy) Huizenga of Holland, Mary (Jack) Des Armo of Allegan, and Dale (Loree) Huizenga of Norton Shores; grandchildren, Zach Huizenga, Nathan Huizenga, Dirk and Nichole Van Bruggen, Josh Van Bruggen, and Paige Graves; in-laws, Arthur (Sandy) Vander Kolk and Harry (Donna) Vander Kolk of Hamilton, and Barb Vander Kolk of Holland; and several nephews and nieces. Services celebrating his life will be 11 a.m. on Saturday in the Chapel at Central Wesleyan Church, 446 West 40th Street, with the Rev. Ron Beyer officiating. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Gardens. Visit with Henry’s family and friends from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. on Saturday at the church. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to Hospice House of Holland.