Dorothy Van Woerkom

Dorothy Van Woerkom was a woman strong in her faith and her love for others. She was a spiritual leader who lived out the faith she held so dear. She was a woman who was a shining example for others, and will be dearly missed by those she leaves behind.

Dorothy’s story began on October 25, 1920 when she was born in the Netherlands. She was one of two daughters born to Peter and Helen (Wegter) Drenth. It was a period of change for the Netherlands as pressure from the socialist movements had resulted in elections; in which its men had just received the right to vote in 1917, followed shortly by women in 1919.

When Dorothy was just three, her family moved to western Michigan in search of a better life for their family. The 1920’s were a time of prohibition and intolerance, speakeasies, flappers, gangsters, and crime in the United States. Known as the Roaring Twenties, this was a time of explosion for the many different flavors of jazz. Racial tensions were high and quotas were set for immigrants coming into America. The Ku Klux Klan was also very active during this time in history.

The Drenth family also experienced their own struggles adapting to a new land and culture. Times were not always easy, but the family found a network of strength in their shared Christian faith when they worshiped weekly at the Dutch Baptist Church, located on Quarry N.W. This church later moved to a new location and was renamed Highland Hills Baptist Church.

As a young girl, Dorothy attended West Leonard School, Harrison Park School and later Union High School where she became part of the class of 1939. While she attended high school, Dorothy worked part time at the concession stand at the Grand Rapids Civic Auditorium.

After graduation, Dorothy went to work for the Globe Knitting Factory, a manufacturing company in Grand Rapids where she was a supervisor. This location set the stage for a budding romance between Dorothy and a young man who worked side by side with her named Glenn Van Woerkom. Glenn was also an athletic director and Dorothy played softball. Dorothy and Glenn got to know each other; playing softball together and eventually he offered her a ride home. Dorothy accepted and then their love story began and turned a new page when they were united in marriage, in 1945.

The young newlyweds purchased their first home on the north side of Grand Rapids. Their life in their new home was short – lived, however, when Dorothy’s mother passed away just two weeks after they were married, and Dorothy and Glenn decided to move in with him to help care for him.

Dorothy and Glenn rejoiced in the birth of their first child, a son whom they named Glenn Jr., Dorothy embraced her role as a mother and she quit her job so she could stay home to care for Glenn Jr.

After Glenn, Jr. was older, Dorothy did go to work at Buttercup Bakery and then later to Stehouwer Foods. Her working career eventually led her to the Clipper Belt Company where she again worked as a supervisor. She eventually retired from there in 1968.

While not at work, Dorothy was still caring for her aging father until he passed away. Dorothy and Glenn were truly always caring for someone, as they also took Glenn’s father into their home when he required hands - on care.

Dorothy did manage to find some time doing things that she enjoyed. She liked to read, knit and listen to old hymns. She always seemed to have one of her favorites playing in the background. Perhaps her love for music is what led her to be an active member of the choir at her church, Highland Hills Baptist Church. In addition to a choir member at her church, Dorothy was also a Sunday school teacher and led various Bible studies.

Dorothy lived out the faith she held so dear by holding strong to traditions that she maintained for years. She had her daily devotions every day at 10:00 a.m. and always respected the sanctity of the Sabbath as a day of rest. Dorothy firmly believed that Sundays were only for worshipping and this led her to never eat out on Sundays.

Dorothy’s life was forever changed when her beloved Glenn died, in 1991. Although she missed him dearly, Dorothy filled her time with things that kept her busy. She worked as an aid at Villa Maria until it closed. Dorothy then went to work at Stonebridge Manor, a home for elderly residents, located in Grand Rapids.

Dorothy had a rewarding relationship with her dog, Kalin. They were companions and Kalin allowed Dorothy to fulfill the nurturing side of her personality. Those dear to Dorothy also wondered who in the world she would talk to if she didn’t always have the listening ears of Kalin.

Dorothy became a bit less active physically over the past few years, but this didn’t change who she truly was. Even though she couldn’t get out to church as easily, she still managed to plug into a group of believers by watching religious programming, especially on Sunday evenings. She also maintained a friendship with another woman who wasn’t able to get out much, but the two shared a relationship over the phone, building each other up.

Dorothy Van Woerkom was a woman who cared for others, both physically and spiritually. She was an example to fellow Christians and an inspiration to her family and friends. She loved not only those related to her by blood, but also those related to her by her faith. She will be remembered for her acts of selflessness long after her life on earth has ended.

Dorothy VanWoerkom, of Grand Rapids died on October 31, 2008. Dorothy’s family includes; her niece, Helayne (Rick) Tichelaar; nephew, Paul Wayne (Barb) Bruining; many great-nieces and nephews; brother-in-law, Paul Bruining; and special friends Bill (Betty) Billings. She was preceded in death by her husband Glenn E. VanWoerkom; son, Glenn J. Van Woerkom; and sister, Jennie Bruining.

Visit with Dorothy’s family on Sunday, November 2, from 2-4 p.m and 7-9 p.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes – Alt & Shawmut – Grand Rapids located at 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW.

Dorothy was a life long member of Highland Hills Baptist Church where her funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 3.

Please visit Dorothy’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a contribution to Highland Hills Baptist Church or the charity of your choice.