January 2, 1930 - May 28, 2023

93 Years

Dad, Grandpa, Opa was born in Barneveld, Holland January 2, 1930, enjoying his childhood there. At 16 he met Mom, Grandma, Oma being engaged 2 years later and then married in 1950 at the Nykerkerveen Dutch Reformed Church. Soon they celebrated the birth of both Wilma and Nancy.

In 1954 they moved their small family to Canada settling in Saskatchewan starting out at a farm in Melfort, then on to Lloydminster and Palo before buying a farm west of Saskatoon. The first year they lived without electricity but as they made improvements this 320 acre farm was a wonderful home for 30 years. There they also had 3 more children, Maurice, Hank, and Kelvin.

To help support his family Dad started a concrete business being self-employed until retirement. He enjoyed livestock so we grew up with all kinds of animals around us plus with his passion for birds we were introduced to a vast variety of unique fowl.

He very much enjoyed going to auctions, particularly the Saskatoon Auction Mart every Saturday.

In 1988 their final move was to an acreage near Vanscoy. As they transitioned to retirement Dad & Mom enjoyed going out for coffee, lunch, and meeting with friends. Mostly they enjoyed going for country drives and seeing the beauty of Saskatchewan.

Throughout his working life and retirement, he always had a regular place for lunch, in the last years it was PBR.

Dad, Grandpa Opa enjoyed a life of freedom and open spaces as he was surrounded by his ever-growing family. He was blessed as he enjoyed life. his time on this earth.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 72 years, Audrey; children Wilma, Nancy, Maurice (Nancy), Hank, Kelvin; 11 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild. He was predeceased by his daughter-in-law Norma Tenkink.

The family would like to thank House 8 at Sherbrooke Community Centre for their professional and compassionate care of our dad.

A private family service will be held.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Funk's Funeral Home, Rosthern, SK