Evelyn Veenstra

All who knew Evelyn Veenstra will certainly agree that she was a powerful role model of integrity, compassion, and hard work. She lived out her faith in both word and deed, and she exemplified what it meant to follow after the Lord she loved. Devoted to her family above all else, Evelyn savored every moment spent with her loved ones. Her generous heart has left an unforgettable impact in her home, her church, and community. Evelyn was so dearly loved and will never be forgotten.

The 1930s were tumultuous years for those living in the United States. The Great Depression was a heavy burden on the shoulders of many Americans, leading to widespread unemployment. During such a difficult time, it was important for everyone to find solace in the simple joys of life. Radio entertainment was immensely popular, and swing and big band music were the defining music genres of the decade. Meanwhile, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Clayton and Marie (Wrobleski) Gill were expecting the arrival of their third child. Their daughter, Evelyn Mary, made her entrance into the world on July 21 of 1935. She joined her two older brothers, Bill and John, in the Gill family, and she would soon become a big sister to her younger siblings, Bob, Leonard, Donald, Julia and James.

Evelyn’s earliest years were spent on the family farm in Byron Center, Michigan. She kept very busy milking cows and helping out around the farm. Being the only girl of the household for a time, Evelyn was always eager to run and play with her brothers.The boys would try to exclude her, but she once got her revenge by stealing their ball and throwing it into the hole in the outhouse! Throughout Evelyn’s childhood, holidays were celebrated with a huge group of aunts, uncles, and cousins. The Gills suffered a devastating tragedy when Evelyn’s mother, Marie, passed away at the age of 49. After this loss, Evelyn stepped up to keep the family running smoothly and took over many of the household duties. She attended local schools and graduated from high school, then went on to take some business classes in college.

An exciting chapter was about to unfold in Evelyn’s life as she met the young man who would quickly become the love of her life. His name was August Veenstra, and the two were first set up on a blind date. There was an immediate spark between them. After a few years of dating, Evelyn and Augie were ready to spend the rest of their lives together. However, Augie learned that he would be drafted into the United States Army. He was able to secure a two-month deferment. Evelyn married Augie on February 16, 1957. Soon after, Augie left to begin his service.

The newlyweds spent their first year of marriage in Tacoma, Washington, where Augie was stationed with the Army. It was here that Evelyn became a mother to their firstborn daughter, Darlene, in 1958. Once her husband finished his service and was honorably discharged with a medal for good conduct, Evelyn moved her growing family back to Grand Rapids, eventually settling down on the West side of the city. Over the years, she and Augie welcomed three more beloved children, Cheryl, Linda, and Donald, into their hearts and home. The arrival of their youngest son, Daniel, in 1970 brought their family to completion.

Evelyn thrived in her role as a mother, and she threw herself into serving her family as a hardworking homemaker. She raised her children in Standale for a time before they found their forever home in Casnovia, Michigan. Evelyn’s kids were her pride and joy, and she was very hands-on with them. She loved being a mom more than anything in the world. The Veenstras were longtime and active members of West Leonard Christian Reformed Church in Northwest Grand Rapids, where Evelyn instilled the values of her faith in her children. They enjoyed yearly trips to Cedar Point, as well as family vacations to a cottage on Crockery Lake and camping trips.

Later in life, Evelyn grew to be very close with her siblings. They would often get together to play cards, and they enjoyed traveling and hosting summer picnics and family reunions. Evelyn was thrilled to become a grandmother to Kimberly, Jacob, Richard, Ryan, Katie, Taylor, Tanner, and Oaklyn. She adored her grandchildren, and the family continued the tradition of making yearly trips to Cedar Point, forming priceless memories. Evelyn was so blessed to watch her family grow to include her many precious great-grandchildren, Brandon, Makenna, Megan, Keegan, Jensen, Millie, Lucy, Josephine, Raegan, Emme, and Elsie. Of all the things Evelyn held close to her heart in life, her family was undoubtedly her greatest treasure.

When she wasn’t at home with her loved ones, Evelyn could often be found at her church home, West Leonard Christian Reformed. When there was need in the church, she was the first to volunteer, and she was involved with Bible studies and coffee break. In her free time, Evelyn stayed active by walking and bicycling. She enjoyed spending time in the great outdoors and liked camping. Cooking was one of Evelyn’s favorite ways to show her love, and she was amazing at baking and canning food as well. She loved listening to music by Tammy Wynette and Herb Albert and the Tijuana Brass. In her retirement years, Evelyn enjoyed camping in the motor home in Ludington and Pentwater.

Kindhearted and nurturing to all, Evelyn Veenstra was always willing to go above and beyond to serve those around her. She was a dedicated mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and wife of 47 years to Augie, and her family was truly the focus of her life. Already so greatly missed, Evelyn leaves behind a priceless legacy of faith and selflessness that her loved ones will be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

Evelyn Mary Veenstra, age 90, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away peacefully, in the company of her family, on Saturday, March 28, 2026.

Evelyn was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan to the late Clayton and Marie [Wrobleski] Gill in the summer of 1935.

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of forty-seven years, August “Augie” Veenstra who passed away in 2004 as well as by her brothers Bill, Donald, Robert and James Gill.

Evelyn is survived by her children, Darlene (Jerry) Rose, Cheryl (Rick) Shanahan, Linda (Jeff) Boggs, Don Veenstra, and Dan (Theresa) Veenstra; her grandchildren, Kimberly (Lee) Sytsma, Jacob (Sonia) Rose, Richard (fiancéeTatiana) Shanahan, Ryan (Veronica) Shanahan, Katie (Matt) DeKock, Taylor Veenstra, Tanner Atwood and Oaklyn Veenstra and many great grandchildren as well as by her brothers John (Rita) Gill, Leonard (Sandy) Gill and sister Julia London and sisters-in-law Marijo Gill, Susan Gill and Betty Gill.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 12 noon at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Alt Shawmut Chapel, (2121 Lake Michigan Dr. NW Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504) with visiting prior beginning at 10:30 AM. Evelyn will be laid to rest next to Augie in Rosedale Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions to Building Bridges of Hope, (https://bbohdr.org/) would be appreciated.