Swenna "Sue" Harger

HOLLAND, Mich. -- Swenna “Sue” Harger ended her earthly journey and went home to her Heavenly Father on Sunday, May 19, 2024. She was 96 years old.

She was born Swenna Büter in the village of Veldgaar, Germany on Jan. 25, 1928. On May 4, 1952, she married Jan Harger, after which they emigrated to the United States. They started both their family and new life as Americans in the Graafschap community.

While raising three children and helping her husband establish a successful farm, Swenna established herself as a genealogist, specializing in the Grafschaft Bentheim region of Germany. As a couple, Jan and Swenna led several trips to the region, introducing second and third generation Americans to their German ancestors and relatives. She also worked as a historical interpreter in the farmhouse at Dutch Village theme park for 25 years.

An avid researcher and talented storyteller, Swenna co-wrote several books about immigrants from Grafschaft Bentheim to West Michigan and other Midwestern communities. She also co-founded the Bentheimers International Society, a non-profit group dedicated to expanding awareness of American ties to the Grafschaft Bentheim region. Her encyclopedic knowledge of the region, its history and its unique place in Dutch and German culture helped dozens of American families gain fresh insight into their roots and heritage.

Jan and Swenna were active members of Graafschap Christian Reformed Church for 48 years, joining Messiah Independent Reformed Church in 2001.

She is survived by her sons, James (Lisa) Harger of Grand Rapids; and Gary (Brenda) Harger of Pittsburgh, Pa; as well as five granddaughters: the Rev. Susan (Peter) Sytsma Bratt of Mequon, Wis.; Katie Harger (Garry Chaney) of St. Clair Shores, Mich., Hallie Harger of Pittsburgh, Pa., Anneke Harger of New York, NY and Emma (Jacob) Stern of Washington, D.C.; and two great-grandchildren, Emma and John Bratt. She also is survived by a sister, Joanne Voogd of Burnaby, B.C.

She was preceded in death by Jan, her husband of 54 years, in 2006; her daughter, Jean Sytsma, in 2017; and a granddaughter, Jana Sytsma, in 2020. Also preceding her in death were siblings Lukas Büter; Jenny Büter, and Gerda Büter, all of Germany.

Swenna’s kindness, generosity and hospitality will be missed by her friends and family members. Her embodiment of humility and her willingness to serve others are a testament to her character and faith.

The family thanks the staff at Samaritas Senior Living – Grand Rapids Lodge for their sensitive and loving care during Swenna’s final days.

The family will receive visitors from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, May 23 at the Mulder Chapel of Dykstra Funeral Home, 188 West 32nd Street, Holland.

The funeral will be Friday, May 24 at 11 a.m. at Christ Memorial Chapel, 595 Graafschap Road, Holland. Rev. Susan Sytsma-Bratt will be officiating. Burial will follow at Graafschap Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to Bentheimers International Society or Messiah Independent Reformed Church.