Herman De Jong

Herman De Jong learned from an early age the value of hard work and the importance of family. He was a dependable and loving father who would do anything for his children. The 1920's were a decade of rapid progression in the United States. The cities swelled with eager workers seeking plentiful factory jobs while at the same time farmers across the country traded their horses and mules for shiny new tractors. It was a time of broad change that saw many traditional values swept away in favor of a new contemporary lifestyle.

Herman entered this era on January 3, 1922, the fourth child of Otto and Wilhelmina De Jong. Herman's family was very large; he had five brothers and two sisters to contend with growing up. The Great Depression took hold of this country only a few years after Herman was born and this period was very tough on the De Jong family. They lived in downtown Holland and early on fishing was a big part of their lives. Misfortune dealt the family a large blow when Otto died in 1930 leaving the older children to support the family. Herman himself was forced to quit school in the 9th grade in order to get a full-time job to help the family. He worked all week at a local gas station and garage for several months before moving on to Linberg Furniture.

Herman worked as a machine operator at Linberg’s, and his job was to put boards into a saw machine where a co-worker would then take them out when the board had been cut. Well, it turns out that Herman's coworker was none other than an attractive young lady named Leona. Working side by side everyday, they built a friendship that later blossomed into a romance. They wed on June 15, 1940 in Holland. Their matrimonial bliss didn't last very long when the United States launched itself into the fray of WWII. Herman heard the call to duty and joined the US Army in order to serve his country. He spent one and a half years in the US Army's tank destroyer division before returning home to the states and reuniting with his wife. Leona had been caring for their first two children, born before he left for the war. Herman knew that he enjoyed being a father, and together with Leona decided to have a large family. They had a total of 7 children and to support this enormous clan, Herman took a job at DonnellyKelly as a glasscutter.

With financial security and the war behind him, Herman was able to focus his attentions on raising and spending time with his children. Herman enjoyed this time with his children, especially when it came to outdoor activities. The kids remember fishing every weekend from spring to fall, “catching their dinner” just like Herman did when he was a kid. “The boys” enjoyed time outdoors with their dad, where he would take them pheasant and rabbit hunting. He also took the family on camping trips to the Log Lake County Park in Kalkaska where the family owned a trailer. Herman would try to stuff the trailer with as many friends and relatives as possible, and sometimes the excess of personnel would spill out into a tent outdoors. Herman and Leona once had to spend the night in the tent while 17 other people inhabited the trailer. One time Herman told Bruce that if he could catch a chipmunk he would give Bruce a dollar. The boy immediately sped off and busied himself all day with the impossible task. Herman smiled at his ruse, but later had to pony up that dollar when Bruce brought him a chipmunk. Needless to say, these trips to the lake were a source of countless memories for the entire family.

Every Saturday night was bath night, and the kids all had to line up for their chance at the lukewarm tub. Much pushing, shoving and bargaining ensued, as no one wanted to be the last to take a bath (for obvious reasons)!

Back in Holland, Herman saw that the large family needed some more space. In 1956, Herman built the family a new home on the North Side of Holland on James Street. While they were waiting for the new house to be built, they all stuffed into a dwelling the family affectionately called "The chicken coop." Eventually they moved into their own new home and had plenty of elbow room from that point on. The kids grew up and left the house one by one, and soon Herman found himself facing retirement.

He retired from Keeler Brass in 1980 and devoted his retirement years to relaxing and spending time with his wife. Herman spent many retirement afternoons out in the boat fishing, and he still ate what he caught for dinner. He picked up some extra cash here and there by painting for an interior decorating company, often joking that the money was "to buy worms for fishing". He was a big Tiger's fan who seldom missed a broadcast game; especially one called by Ernie Harwell. Traveling was another big part of Herman's retirement. Along with his wife, Herman began making an annual journey to Fort Myers Beach in Florida to escape the cruel Michigan winters. These trips began as simple 2-week jaunts, but before long turned into season-long stays. When the weather warmed again, the couple would return home and spend time with their ever-growing family.

Herman Passed away on Friday, August 8th 2003 at Spectrum Health, Butterworth. He is survived by his wife Leona De Jong, of Holland; Children, Beverly and Ray Knoll, Holland, Gene “Butch” and Karen De Jong, of Allendale, Herman and Jeanne De Jong, of Cascade, Barb and Bill Wiersma, of Holland, Greg and Pam De Jong, of Allendale, Bruce and Kathy De Jong, Holland, Kim and Denny Oosterbaan, Holland; 30 Grandchildren; 31 Great Grandchildren; a sister, Grace Beukema, a sister-in-law, Cora Sternberg; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, from 7-9PM, at the Northwood Chapel, Dykstra Funeral Homes located at 295 Douglas Ave. Funeral services will be held privately. To read Herman's complete life story, share a memory, send flowers, or make a memorial contribution to John Hagee Ministries, Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, please visit his personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com.

Herman was a hard-working and honest man who found great happiness in spending time with his family. He will be greatly missed.