Ben Jonker

Berend Jonker was a truly remarkable man, with a quick wit, a gentle hand and a golden heart. He was a teacher by profession and practice, and gave us many valuable lessons in his time with us. He was devoted husband and father, and a friend to many. Ben was a gift we will love and cherish forever.

Berend was born November 8, 1916, on a cool, wet Wednesday in the little town of Doezem, the Netherlands. Berend was the middle of five children born to Thomas and Anna (Deelstra) Jonker, joining siblings Arnold, Neal, Marjorie and Jerry in the Jonker home. Berend's father was a baker, while his mother was charged with running the household. In 1927, when Berend was just 11, his parents packed up the family and immigrated to the States, settling in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Thomas had developed asthma, and couldn't take the damp conditions of the Netherlands any longer. So, like so many Dutch families, Grand Rapids became their new home.

Berend, or "Ben" as he would be called, continued his schooling in Grand Rapids attending Christian Schools, before going on to attend Calvin College. Soon the darkening skies of World War II had spread to America 's shores, and like so many young men, Ben entered the fight to defend his adopted home. He served in the 8th Army Air Force Heavy Bombardment Group stationed in England during the war. Ben worked as a mechanic, keeping the bombers flying - as long as he didn't have to go up with them. Ben never liked flying, and would do everything in his power to avoid it.

Always a gentle and good-natured man, Ben deeply missed his family while he was overseas, and couldn't wait to return home. When the war ended and he was discharged from the service, he picked up where he left off and finished his undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan. After college he took a teaching position in Chicago for one year before he found a better fit. Ben took a position as principal and teacher at the Grosse Pointe Christian Day School in the Detroit suburb of Grosse Pointe.

During Ben's early days in the Detroit area, he began a courtship with Elizabeth "Betty" Lachniet. In 1954, the couple married, beginning a lifetime together. The newlyweds settled in Detroit, and were blessed with four wonderful children, Berry, Jonathan, Jeanne and Elinor, filling their home with love, laughter and challenges.

Ben was a wonderful father and his job as a teacher gave him plenty of time in the summer to spend with his family. He also used that time to further his own education, earning a master's degree from Western Michigan University. He had a voracious appetite for learning, and while his education focused on science and math, he also loved literature and reading poetry. He would spend hours reading and made countless trips to the library over the years. As his children were growing, trips to the library were a frequent Saturday routine. He also took many classes and seminars in the summer, which determined the destination of the family vacation.

Ben had a deep love for nature, so the family would camp wherever they went on vacation, piling into the family car, their camper in tow. Most of the trips were in the Midwest but one memorable trip was taken to California. Some of these trips were six-week camping adventures, as Ben would attend classes by day, and spend the evenings with his family around the campfire. Ben had such a deep passion for nature, a passion he passed on to all those around him, especially his children. Many Sundays were spent on afternoon walks with his kids through the parks and down by the river, as he would point out the various trees, plants and animals along the way. Ben loved camping with his family, hiking, fishing and canoeing. He loved being on the water, and even built his own redwood canoe, with a little help from his kids as a family project.

Ben also passed his love for the outdoors onto his students at school, by going on annual science trips with the kids, teaching them about pond life and instilling in them an appreciation for God's creation. He was an avid reader and viewer of the James' Herriott series, All Creatures Great and Small. He enjoyed being around children, whether playing soccer with them during recess or teaching them in the classroom. Ben spent 29 years teaching at the Grosse Pointe Christian Day School, until his retirement in 1981. During his tenure there Ben primarily taught seventh and eighth grade, in addition to his administrative duties.

Upon his retirement, he and Betty took a well-deserved trip to the Netherlands and England, revisiting boyhood haunts, extended family and his wartime station. Ben and Betty would pack up the camper and drive down to Florida, rendezvousing with Ben's brothers and their wives. They kept busy with travel, assisting elderly neighbors, and raising their granddaughter, Laurel.

Ben always took a genuine interest in those around him. He was a terrific listener and enjoyed countless conversations with others. He had many elderly friends in the community who enjoyed his help, his gentle manner and his ready ear. Ben also had a tremendous sense of humor, and was very outgoing and social. Ben made fast friends with nearly everyone he met, engaging people easily with a question about themselves, a kind word or a clever joke. Ben was always well-intentioned and kindhearted. He was a man of deep faith. He and his family were members of the First Christian Reformed Church in Detroit. Ben was often on the consistory and was a very active member in the church. He demonstrated faith to his children by the way he lived his life. He wrestled with many questions, yet the strength of his personal beliefs never wavered.

Ben's love for his family, and his beloved Betty, never wavered, either. Sadly, in 1997, Betty suffered a stroke, so she entered nursing care. Ben was absolutely devoted in his attention to her and was never far from her side. In 1999, they moved to Grand Rapids to be closer to family. Betty was cared for in the Christian Rest Home and Ben resided in Edison Manor to be close to her. His devotion to Betty continued morning, afternoon and evening. Betty died in October of 2005, after 51 years of marriage to Ben. Ben stayed active until he died suddenly on April 3, 2006.

Ben was a truly remarkable man--a man with an active mind, a gentle hand, and a golden heart. He was a wonderful husband, father, teacher and friend. Ben was a gift to all of us, one will we cherish and remember forever. He will be greatly missed.

Mr. Berend "Ben" Jonker, age 89 of Grand Rapids and formerly of Detroit, passed away April 3, 2006. He is now with his Lord and Savior, and is experiencing the truth of Isaiah 40:31, "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Betty. Surviving are his children: Berry and Joyce Jonker, Jonathan and Linda Jonker, Jeanne and Bob Nienhuis, Elinor Fultz; grandchildren: Tracy, Robert, Jesse, Jake, Laurel, Paul and Adam; sister Marjorie Hills; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Dennis and Marjorie Lachniet, Thressa and Irwin DeRuischer and Alice Lachniet along with several dear nieces and nephews.

The memorial service for Ben will be held on Saturday, April 8 at 11 a.m. at Westend Christian Reformed Church. Relatives and friends are invited to meet with his family at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Van't Hof Chapel on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to either the Christian Rest Home or Westend Christian Reformed Church Christian Education Fund. To read more about Ben's life and to share a favorite memory, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.