Hennie Vos

The heart of Hennie Vos was filled with numerous memories and fond remembrances. The most important part of her heart held the unmistakable love she held for her family, whom she treasured dearly. Raised in the midst of war, Hennie overcame much in her life. Her faithful strength and deep devotion saw her through, and she was thankful to be surrounded by a loving family. She will be deeply missed and frequently remembered in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Hennie was a welcome addition into the arms of her loving parents, Elibertus and Hendrika (Nijk) Kluvers. Born on April 17, 1930, Hennie joined her brother Gerard and later welcomed twin siblings Geert and Judy. Her father, a chemical engineer, supported his family after the war as a postal worker. Her mother looked after the children at home in Hengelo, the Netherlands, an area rich with history and beautiful landscapes along the Twente Canal. Her family struggled through many hardships during Hennie’s childhood. With few toys, Hennie cherished a doll her daughter Karen treasures to this day. Times of strife, Hennie attended the local schools and excelled in her studies. Living on the Eastern edge of the Netherlands, Hennie’s homeland was bordered by Germany, and the onset of World War II forever changed Hennie’s world.

With her school often closed, Hennie could no longer attend school regularly. With great fear, it was understandably hard dealing with the difficulties of war, and Hennie never returned to school. As the war progressed, the days became more and more trying. Simply not enough food to be rationed among Hennie and her family, Hennie was sent to live with distant relatives on their farm. Even then, food was scarce and she recalled eating rotten potatoes from the rabbit’s cage to get by. Her family hid Jewish refugees and underground volunteers on the farm even as German soldiers infiltrated the area. On several occasions, Hennie herself was confronted by soldiers with guns while fighter planes could be heard overhead.

Hennie held deep memories of this time her whole life through. She never liked planes, and over the years the testing of tornado sirens became a constant reminder of this tragic time in her life. With the heart of her hometown left in shambles, Hennie took on work as a bookkeeper after the war. Although times continued to be difficult in the country following the war, there remained within Hennie’s heart hope. With the early years of her life a struggle, Hennie overcame much.

When Hennie met a handsome young Green Beret with the Dutch military named Jack Vos, she knew her life was about to change once again, for the better. Quite smitten, the two dated for several years before getting married in a civil ceremony on October 1, 1955. They later exchanged Christian vows on October 27, 1955 at Hennie’s family church. Beginning their life together, Jack worked as a printer while Hennie continued bookkeeping. Like many who attempted to pick up the pieces in war torn Europe, the young couple immigrated to the United States in 1956 with a mere eighty dollars in their pocket and much hope in their hearts.

Once in America, they settled in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Jack rode a bicycle back and forth to work and although their new life was a struggle at times, they soon became accustomed to American living. In 1956 they were blessed with the birth of their first child , Edward. Karen followed in 1958 and Pat completed their family in 1960. Hennie was truly in her element as a devoted wife and dedicated mother. She reveled in her family and made a good home for them. Relationships were important to her. Faithful members of Alpine Christian Reformed Church and later Sunshine Christian Reformed Church, Hennie and Jack shared meaningful friendships there over the years. Hennie loved people, and her easy going and fun loving ways were a joy to those who knew her.

In order to put her children through Christian school, Hennie took on extra jobs. She served as a crossing guard and worked at Bylsma’s restaurant among others. In 1969 and with $1,500 as a down payment, Hennie and Jack purchased their first home on the northwest side of the city on Garfield NW where they lovingly raised their family. With a love for adventure, she was willing to try anything once. Even though she never placed many rules on her children, they always knew when she meant business. Christmas was Hennie’s favorite holiday, and she always made it special. Gifts were exchanged on Christmas eve in their home because in Hennie’s eyes, Christmas Day was for celebrating Christ. Her outgoing demeanor allowed her to become active in the local 4H program where she served as a knitting instructor. For one year she even managed the entire 4H program at West Side Christian School.

In 1965 Hennie returned to the Netherlands with her family, and visited there by herself in 1972. In 1992 she and Jack traveled there for Jack’s Green beret reunion. Some of Hennie’s most cherished possessions included those she brought back from the Netherlands. Their family also spent memorable times vacationing in Colorado and in the Upper Peninsula. In her free time, Hennie had the gift for gab and sometimes until the early morning hours. She loved to knit, crochet, sew, and she even learned a little piano. She favored classical music and big band sounds. Always faithful, Hennie lived true to her faith and set an example for all. She loved the wisdom found in the book, “The Purpose Driven Life”, and sought to please others before herself.

When Hennie’s beloved Jack was diagnosed with cancer in 1992, Hennie lovingly cared for him until he sadly died two months later. A difficult time for Hennie, she persevered once again and kept herself busy. She moved into a condo and visited family in New York and Maryland. Diagnosed herself in 2004 with Alzheimer’s Disease, Hennie moved to the Assisted Living Center at Edison Manor. She eventually moved on to the Christian Rest Home and sadly, at the age of 79, Hennie died on Sunday, January 17, 2010.

Oma ~ by Elliot Vos, 1999 ~ Summer’ One Week Four hundred and fifty miles of driving through New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan. Just to see her. “Do you want something to drink?” She says after hugs. “No thanks Oma” But I’m served 7up and a side dish of comments on growth since Christmas. "What are you doing? She asks again later. “Oh I am sorting out my Magic Cards.” I know I will get more for Christmas this year. “What do you want to eat on Wednesday?” “Can we have roast?” My sister—no thought involved. “That’s too much for a Wednesday….I start, But she says, “Sure, roast it is.” To my surprise. She lives far, My Oma, Yet to me she is close.

Besides her husband, Hennie was preceded in death by her brother, Gerhard (Ali) Kluvers, and sister, Judy Kluvers. She is survived by her son, Edward and Marie Vos and children, Elliot, Laura, and Jennifer; daughter, Karen and Bill Kolkman and children, Christopher, Eric, Andrew, and Patti; daughter, Pat and Howard Bushouse and children, Matthew, Elizabeth, and Michelle; her brother and sister-in-law, Geert (Femmie) Kluvers.

A funeral service to celebrate Hennie’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, January 22, 2010 at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, 851 Leonard St. NW. Friends may visit with her family from 2-4 and 7-9 PM on Thursday at the funeral home. In her memory, contributions to Spectrum Health Hospice may be considered. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to archive a memory, photo, or to sign her online guest book.