Eugene Hiemstra

Eugene (Gene) L. Hiemstra was a soft-spoken man with a big heart. He was a loving husband and father who had his priorities in order. His family was always first. Gene would say the best times of his life were those he spent with his family. Not only his immediate family, but his parents, brothers and sister continued to be the recipients of Gene's generosity and compassion as they grew in years and needed his gentle hand.

In the 1930's, our country was in the midst of the Great Depression. What was once the land of opportunity was now the land of desperation. The average annual salary for a person lucky enough to have a job was $1,458; milk was 15 cents a quart and bread was 10 cents a loaf. It was during these desperate times that a celebration was taking place in the household of Harmon and Anna (Smit) Hiemstra of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Harmon and Anna became the proud parents of a son, Eugene, on May 12, 1938. Gene was born in the family home and was the youngest of 4 children. The third child, a brother to Gene, was 15 years older than he was, so you might think Gene was an only child. He often said he felt like he had two mothers, his mother and his sister. Between the two "mothers" Gene was under constant surveillance and couldn't get away with anything because someone was invariably watching him.

Gene was a very obedient child, easygoing, quiet and proper. As a young boy, he would play in Richmond Park. On the hot summer days, Gene could often be found with a fishing pole at the pond, and on the blustery winter days, he would spend many hours sledding on the hills at the park.

His parents never owned a car and relied on public transportation to get around town. They were grateful that as their sons obtained drivers' licenses and purchased automobiles they were willing to bring them around.

As a student, Gene was a very conscientious and responsible young man. He worked very hard on his studies and was only satisfied when he obtained "A's". Gene was very good in math. He could give you a correct answer faster than a calculator. For a brief time after his graduation from Union High School, Gene entertained the idea of attending Ferris State College in Big Rapids, Michigan. But, as fate would have it, he entered the work force after obtaining a job with Continental Can Company.

After working briefly at a few different jobs, he began working at American Box Board, later Packaging Corporation of America. It was here where Gene caught the eye of a young lady, Brenda Tazelaar. Eventually, Gene asked Brenda for a date and continued to pursue her until their friendship developed into a relationship. Brenda thought Gene was a kind and thoughtful person, but very quiet. He had a good sense of humor and liked to joke around. Gene gave his heart to Brenda and asked her to marry him. The young couple was married on April 6, 1962. After the ceremony, they took the train to Chicago for their honeymoon. After this brief respite, they returned to Grand Rapids to begin their life together as husband and wife.

They purchased a home on Kendalwood and settled down to married life. Their first home is still the family home today. Gene and Brenda were extremely happy; very seldom had an argument, and were generally very compatible. Over the next 11 years, the couple was blessed with 3 children; Tim, Jim and Randy. Gene continued to work at Packaging Corporation and liked the more relaxed atmosphere of working the 2nd or 3rd shift. The company changed it's name several times before Gene retired at the age of 62. When he retired it was known as Caraustar.

While Gene provided for his families material needs, Brenda remained home to nurture their 3 sons and care for the family. Gene was a loving father. Although he was a stern parent, he never had to yell to get his point across. One look at dad's face was all the boys needed to straighten up and behave. He was always there when the boys needed him. Whether it was to provide assistance or guidance, Gene was always willing. He gave of himself readily and happily.

For entertainment and relaxation, Gene would take the boys fishing on small inland lakes in the area. He eventually bought a boat for their fishing adventures. Sometimes they would travel to Grand Haven and spend the day fishing off the pier. The family would vacation close to home and enjoyed day trips to Traverse City and Grand Haven, anywhere there was water.

In later years, Gene and Brenda would walk the boardwalk and spend the entire day on the channel in Grand Haven, watching the boats and enjoying the weather off Lake Michigan. Days spent like these were some of Gene's favorite memories. Gene and Brenda never liked to venture too far from home; they were content to enjoy the home they had created together. On occasion, Brenda would enjoy a train trip to Chicago and occasionally, Gene would accompany her.

Gene enjoyed gardening. He put his "green thumb" to the test and grew beautiful flower gardens and bountiful vegetable gardens over a period of many years. As Gene's health deteriorated, he became distraught when he realized he needed assistance with his lawn care and gardens.

Animals were also a big part of Gene's life. He would spend hours watching the birds and feeding the squirrels as they scampered around his backyard. Suzy and Fluffy, his last two dogs, were dearest to him and he enjoyed their many antics. Gene's many interests also included fish aquariums. Even though maintaining an aquarium involved much work, he never tired of his fish.

When Gene became a grandfather, he was extremely proud and happy. He loved his grandchildren as if they were his own children. He never tired of playing with them and wasn't afraid to get down to their level and play on the floor. His 7 grandchildren were like beacons of sunlight in his life and the time he spent with them were precious moments that Gene cherished.

Gene was a lifelong member of Trinity Reformed Church and remained active in church activities until his health prevented him from attending regular services.

Gene was man dedicated to his family and faith. He spent his life balancing hard work with being a loving father and husband, succeeding in providing the best for his family. Gene will be missed by all who loved him.

Eugene L. Hiemstra died on June 22, 2005. Gene is survived by his wife of 43 years, Brenda; his children Tim Hiemstra, Jim and Susan Hiemstra, Randy and Lisa Hiemstra; and 7 grandchildren. His brothers, Marvin and Roger Hiemstra; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Arlene and Melvin Faber and Walt and Susan Tazelaar along with nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harmon and Anna Hiemstra, and by his sister Adrianna Hiemstra.

A service to celebrate Gene's life will be held on Monday, June 27, 2005 at 11 AM at Trinity Reformed Church, 1224 Davis N.W., Grand Rapids, MI., where relatives and friends are invited to meet with his family for one hour prior to the service. Please visit Gene's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory, order flowers online or make a memorial contribution.