Albert Hubach

Those who knew Albert Hubach understood his reverence for his Lord and Savior. Throughout his life, he leaned on the wisdom that God would always provide for him during any challenge. Faithful, content, and grateful for the countless blessings in his life, Albert was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. He leaves behind a rich collection of memories for his special friends and family to cherish forever.

Reflecting on the 1920s, it was an ever-changing period of time in history. Johannes and Anne (Koetsier) Hubach welcomed home their newborn son, Albert, on May 3, 1929, in the town of Ijsselmuiden in the Netherlands. Following his older sister, Janny, and older brother, John, he was the true essence of the proverbial baby of the family.

Much of Albert’s childhood contains vivid memories of growing up during the time of the German occupation. At a young age, he learned that in order to survive, you must always be alert and trust your own instincts. He and his family lived in a small house attached to the church where his father was a pastor. Blessed with a youthful appearance, his mother was clever to dress him to look younger in order to deter the German soldiers. Unfortunately, the war interrupted his ability to complete schooling past the eighth grade. It became increasingly difficult for teachers to travel to the rural area where the family had moved. During this time, he met his sweet love, Hendrika Bos, risking every chance to be with her by sneaking through the fields past the mandatory German curfew. Their story is one of many small acts of love and great sacrifice.

Ambitious and determined, Albert began working for the Dutch Air Force, training as a mechanic. During these years, the early seeds of faith planted in him grew deeper until he developed a personal relationship with God. When the war ended and work was scarce, Albert left his country and was sponsored to live in Sarnia, Canada. Just twenty-one years old at the time, he recalled only having a few dollars in his pocket and the only familiarity was the night sky. He found work in the Dutch community digging ditches for an oil refinery and working on a farm. Later, he secured work as a mechanic, a career he stuck with for more than forty years. Still in love with Hendrika, they wrote countless letters during these years until they were reunited in Canada. Albert and Hendrika, married on May 9, 1953, in a double wedding with his brother who married her sister. The happy couple were eager to begin their lives together and welcomed home three wonderful children: Anne, Aileen and Ed. They followed their minister to his next calling which landed them in Grand Rapids where they completed their family with the birth of Elizabeth.

During his career with Duthler Ford, Albert worked hard to provide for the family he loved. They lived a humble life, yet enjoyed trips to the Detroit Zoo as well as back to southern Ontario to visit close friends. Saturday drives through the country were routine and normally included a stop at McDonald’s or Russ’ for a special treat after completing their weekly chores. Their frugal lifestyle afforded them several opportunities to travel back to the Netherlands with their children to see family and friends. Often Albert shared his early childhood memories of hiding Jews in nearby houses or in the church where they lived. He and Hendrika raised their children with a strong Christian faith and remained active in their church. They modeled their gift of hospitality often hosting guests at their 84th Street home who had traveled to attend or speak at their church. Albert lived close to his brother and much of Hendrika’s family as well provided them many years of making lasting memories. Never one to remain idle, right after dinner, he’d often head outside to work in the yard or on the small hobby farm where he raised sheep, ducks, and goats. Albert had a real knack for gardening as well as always had an abundant crop of fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Albert always valued a hard day’s work.

Retirement allowed him and his lovely bride many enjoyable years traveling together with their close friends. They relished in their years as grandparents and enjoyed spending time with their growing family. Over the years he was fond of organ concerts and special hymns and fell in love with reading. No greater testimony of his love for Hendrika was found than in the many years he tenderly cared for her until her passing in 2008. A few years later, Albert relocated to Sunset Village where he made many wonderful friends. Albert’s greatest legacy was the ability to face tough circumstances with integrity. He approached each day with optimism and never took a single day for granted. May his loving memories and examples of resilience be honored by his loved ones for generations to come.

Albert Hubach, age 91, has passed from this life into his eternal home on January 13, 2021. There he is joined by his wife, Hendrika Bos Hubach; his parents, Johannes and Anne Hubach, (Netherlands), and his grandson Gideon William Faasse, praising his God and Savior. Also preceding him are his sister, Janny Hagen VanderVeenis (Netherlands), and his brother A. John Hubach, brothers-in-law Albert TenKlooster(Netherlands), and Evert Bos.

He leaves behind his children: Anne and David Faasse with their children: Emily and Jamie Hart with Elijah and Samuel; Linsey and Joey Ghent with Hudson and Luella; Lydia and Will Richert with Troy, Kyle and Faith; Kyle and Adrienne Faasse with Evangeline, Vincent, Judah, David August, and Oscar.

Aileen and Ronald Rittner with their children: Jeremy and Danielle Rittner with Jackson, Harper, and Bennett; Lisa and Tim Cassity with Colleen and Henry; Michael and Summer Rittner with Addison Claire; Ryan and Eva Rittner with Adeline; and LilyAva Karla Rittner.

John Edward and Tina Hubach with John ll, Jacob and Savannah with Aaron, Cage and Peyton; and Joshua

Elizabeth and Dwight Prince with their children: Nick and Beth Prince with Carter, Elliotte, and Lincoln; Tyler and Courtney Prince with Hunter, Emma and Nolan; Betsy and Jordan Timmer with Parker, Annie and Lucy; Abbie and Tyler Westrate with Hadley and baby boy; Corbin and Ellynne Prince; and Madilynne Rose Prince.

Surviving in the Netherlands are his sister-in-law Ali TenKlooster with her 7 sons and their families; dear nieces and nephews from his sister Janny and Hein Hagen, plus dear cousins and friends with whom he kept in contact through the years loved to visit.

Surviving on this side are his in-laws Liz Hubach, Elmer Bos, Mary Antuma, and extended family Jo and Milton Loveless, Henny and Larry Stauffer, Ralph and Jackie Bos, Rayne Bos and special friends Bastian and Jannie Vant ‘Voort.

His funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 16 at 11 AM at Free Reformed Church where friends are invited to visit with his family on Friday from 5-7 PM and on Saturday from 10 AM until the service. Interment will follow in Winchester Cemetery in Byron Center. For those who wish, memorial contributions to Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary are appreciated.

To read more about Albert’s life, to share a memory or photo, or to sign his guestbook, please visit www.heritagelifestory.com