Margaret Jonker

When reflecting on the life of Margaret Jonker, it is easy to see that faithfulness is continually woven throughout her tapestry of time as she was a woman who was faithful to her Lord and Savior, her husband, and her children and grandchildren. She was fully devoted to her family and selflessly put the needs of her husband and children ahead of her own each and every day. In addition to her family Peggy treasured the relationships she had with her friends. The legacy she leaves behind is one of compassion, unending sacrifice, and an enduring faith.

With the dawn of 1920, America was leading the way for what was to come as WWI established us as a leader in the eyes of the world around us. It was amidst this vibrant decade that became known as the Roaring Twenties that there was much to celebrate for one young family from Grand Rapids, Michigan, as they were truly blessed to welcome a healthy baby girl into their hearts and home on April 19, 1920. Margaret was ushered into the world by her parents, Robert and Nellie (DeKok) Meyer, and was the second of four children in her family. She was raised in the family home on Sweet Street NE alongside her sisters, Dorothy and Milly, and her brother, Jay. Tragedy struck the Meyer family when Margaret was just a young girl with the sudden death of her father. The family had a wonderful network of support, however, that was comprised of family, friends, and the church.

It was as a young girl that Peggy, as she was most often known, came to embrace the Christian faith that was engraved upon her heart. It was their faith that sustained Peggy and her family and despite their difficult circumstances, they were all joyful and content people. Fun-filled memories were made on family picnics and visits with numerous friends. For her education Peggy attended local Christian schools.

Life was forever changed for Peggy while at the Coliseum Roller Rink in 1939 when she met the man with whom she would write an eloquent love story. His name was Henry Jonker and he was in the Navy. After falling deeply in love, Peggy and Henry were married on May 28, 1942, at her mother’s house. The new bride traveled by train to several places along the East Coast and also to San Diego to live with her sweetheart while he fulfilled his duty to his country. During this time she made several friends who became friends for life.

Once Henry was discharged, they returned to Grand Rapids where they eventually remodeled her mother’s home into a two-family home. It was here that the couple started their family of four children. In 1957, the family moved to Evergreen SE and then later to Gerald Drive NE. Her house was always meticulously clean, and she was an outstanding cook who effortlessly cooked fantastic meals on a modest budget. The Jonkers had many picnics and did a lot of camping rather than staying in hotels. Summers found them at a cottage up North for two weeks and they often went camping. Almost every year they also went for a color tour. They often vacationed with Henry’s brother, Harold, and his family as the children were similar in age and had so much fun together.

Throughout her life Peggy kept busy in so many ways. She and Hank had a lot of friends and most Sunday nights they were entertaining in their own home or at the homes of some of their friends. They also spent a lot of time with siblings, cousins, and fellow church members. Peggy enjoyed embroidery work and gifted her family with lovely pillow cases and tableclothes. She eventually went to work at Wurzburg’s where she sold lamps and pictures. When the store closed Peggy spent many years working at Groskopf’s. This was work she loved, and her co-workers became like family. As her family grew to include grandchildren, Peggy hosted frequent family dinners and birthday gatherings complete with her meals and treats.

Faith was a cornerstone in Peggy’s life. Through the years, she was a faithful member of Coldbrook, Oakdale Park, Riverside, and 12th Avenue Christian Reformed Churches. Her love for her Lord manifested itself through her spirit of compassion as she volunteered at the Christian Rest Home. Peg and Hank did some traveling during their retirement years including trips to Hawaii and Europe, but it was the train trip through the Canadian Rockies that she enjoyed most. They also spent many winters in Florida with friends. Being with their grandchildren was a priority, and she was always there for whatever they needed, but didn’t interfere unless she was asked. During the sunset of their lives Peggy and Hank lived at Sunset Manor, and Peggy was deeply saddened with Henry’s death in 2008. Her most recent years found her at Oak Crest Communities in Holland.

Margaret Jonker was a faithful and loving woman who lived her life always aware of the example she was providing not only for her children, but for all those around her. She loved her Lord with all her heart and lived to serve the family she viewed as her greatest gift. Peggy will be deeply missed.

Margaret (Meyer) Jonker died on Thursday, July 14, 2011. Peggy’s family includes Dan and Shirley Lawton, Wayne and Joyce Jonker, Dan and Sue Jonker, Tim and Carol Cartwright; her grandchildren: Shawn and Molly Lawton, Daryl and Lisa Greenwood, Todd and Wendy Hoekstra, Rev. Shayne and Michele Jonker, Randall Jonker, Brian and Gina Woloszyk, Jason and Carie Cummings, Kelly Jonker, Drew and Katie Willard, Matt and Linda Zimmerman, Tony Cartwright; her great-grandchildren: Jonathan, Meghan and Jessica Lawton; Meryl and Madison Mabin; Daniel, Bradley, Jack and Emily Hoekstra; Cassandra and Alexandra Jonker; Bobbie Ann Jonker; Joseph Woloszyk; Ashlee and Carson Cummings; Alexis Jonker; Olivia and Amelia Willard; Shelly and Alesha Zimmerman; her beloved sister: Milly Cook; brother and sisters-in-law:Rita Meyer, Harold (Betty) Jonker, Leona Overholt; many nieces, nephews and friends. Margaret was preceded in death by her sister, Dorothy (Robert) Long; her brother, Jay Meyer; and in-laws Alfred Cook, Elizabeth Jonker, Charles (Cora) Hayes, Lillian Folk, John (Sadie) Jonker and Robert Overholt. A service to celebrate Peggy’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 18, 2011 at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE, where friends may visit with her family on Sunday from 7-9 p.m. and Monday from 10 a.m. until the service. For those who wish, memorial contributions to either Spectrum Health Hospice or Oak Crest Communities—Lighthouse Manor in Holland. To leave a memory, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.