Eunice Dirkse

Eunice Dirkse, 85, was called home by her Lord and Savior on March 6, 2017, from her home in Oostburg in the presence of her family. Eunice Laura Arentsen was born August 21, 1931, on the family farm in the Town of Holland to John and Minnie (Lammers) Arentsen. Her birth brought special joy to her five older brothers, who hoped their dishwashing days were over. Eunice attended Greene School and graduated from Cedar Grove High School in 1949. She continued her education at the Milwaukee Hospital School of Nursing. After graduating in 1953 she worked as a registered nurse at Milwaukee Hospital and then Sheboygan Memorial, where she also later worked part time. While roller-skating Thanksgiving evening at the Holland Town Hall, Eunice met a sailor from Oostburg home on leave. A year later on November 26, 1954, she was united in marriage to Roland J. Dirkse at the Hingham Reformed Church. She and Roly shared over 62 years of marriage, during which they walked faithfully with the Lord and with each other. They were blessed with—and have been a wonderful blessing to—six children, 20 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren, along with many friends and their church family. Eunice was a devoted wife and mother. She excelled at cooking and baking, with generations enjoying her coffee cake for years. Family camping trips brought many special times and later she & Roly were able to travel to all 50 states and abroad, frequently visiting family or volunteering. Eunice was an expert quilter, taking special joy in making quilts, wall-hangings, and quillows for her children and grandchildren. She was a member of the Oostburg First Christian Reformed Church women's Bible studies & societies, Oostburg Christian School Circle, Pine Tree Quilters Club, Sheboygan County Quilters Guild, and the Patchwork & Prayers Quilt Group of the Hingham Reformed Church. She and Roly appreciated the time they could give to their church (including the Friendship Club), Oostburg Christian School, Sheboygan County Christian High School (especially the Good as New Store), World Renew’s Disaster Response Services and Operation Mobilization (Greensboro, GA). Eunice is survived by her husband, Roland, and their six children: Emily (Joel) Dolfin of Hingham; James (Lynn) of Leavenworth, KS; David (Malinda) of Downers Grove, IL; Sharon (Paul) Sterenberg of Elmhurst, IL; Steven (Patricia) of Vienna, VA; and Paul (Patty) of Sheboygan. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Ben (Jamie) Dolfin, Tim (Janell) Dolfin, Amanda (Jason) Eiring; Leah (Travis) Stephen, Nicholas Dirkse; Amy (Tim) Ahlenius, Michael (Lauren) Dirkse, Rebecca (Kenny) Huber, Katie (John) Boss, Jessica and Sarah Dirkse; Micah, Matt (Sarah) and Jared Sterenberg; Annika, Elise, Michelle and Valerie Dirkse; Hannah and Andrew Dirkse; and 19 great-grandchildren plus 1 expected in September. Eunice is also survived by her sisters-in-law Helen, Donna & Jan Arentsen, and Carol (Wayne) Sandee, and many nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to her parents and her in-laws, Wilbert & Evelyn (Liezen) Dirkse, Eunice was preceded in death by a stillborn son and daughter; a granddaughter, Laura; brothers and sisters-in-law Reuben (Elvira), Irwin (Margaret), Howard, Marvin & Alan Arentsen; and sister- and brother-in-law Lenore (Alvin) Mulder. A service to celebrate Eunice’s life and home-going will take place on Saturday, March 11 at 5:00pm at the Oostburg First Christian Reformed Church. A time of visitation with the family will take place on Friday, March 10, from 4-8pm at the Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg, and at the church on Saturday at 4pm. Many people helped care for Eunice during her illness and wait for God’s call home. Her family would especially like to thank those from Oostburg First Christian Reformed Church and the staff at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for their care and compassion. A memorial fund has been established in Eunice‘s name for Oostburg Christian School and Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice. For online condolences and additional information please visit www.wenigfuneralhome.com The staff of the Wenig Funeral Home of Oostburg (920-564-2771) is assisting Eunice’s family with arrangements.