Margaret Vonk

Faithfulness, charity, and kindness are traits that sometimes seem to be in short supply in the world, but Margaret Katherine Vonk certainly contributed her share of them. Known for her commitment to God, her family, and those whom God brought into her life, she was an example of quiet servitude with no expectation of reward. Her solid heritage gave her a foundation of faith that influenced countless others during her ninety-three years on Earth.

After growing up in Canada, Horton Mills joined many other immigrants in taking the brave step to move to a new country, excited about the future and eager to make his mark in a new place. He settled in the Grand Rapids area where he and his wife Anna were pleased to welcome their son, Melvin, into the world. In 1915, Anna announced that a new addition would be joining their family. On January 29 the following year, Horton was delighted to hold his first baby girl, Margaret Katherine.

Horton eventually owned a service station at the corner of Rupert and Plainfield Avenue. He later provided for the family financially by working as a tool and die maker. At home, Horton and Melvin were soon outnumbered as three more daughters joined their crew. Anna managed the bustling household with love and skill, helping nurture a close-knit family who enjoyed doing things together. Margaret’s Aunt Lula lived across the street and the children cherished her as a second mother. Such strong relationships did much to teach Margaret about the vital role of women in families, the skills of working with others toward a common goal, and her own value in the world.

The family enjoyed summer vacations at Big Star Lake or Houghton Lake. Those countless days of fun in the sun provided many sweet memories for the kids and further developed their bond of loyalty and support. Their consistent attendance and membership at Berean Baptist Church near their home also instilled a sense of stability and a cornerstone of faith.

Margaret attended Grand Rapids Public Schools, eventually ending up at Creston High School, which had opened as a junior high just a few years earlier in 1923. Sweet and appealing to her peers, she was awarded the title of May Queen of the Year at Creston on May 16, 1929, an honor generally bestowed at the beginning of May Day celebrations.

Margaret had an acquaintance, Jean Wieringa, who introduced her to a young man named James Vonk. Something told Margaret that this man was special and they began dating. By the time James proposed, Margaret knew he was the one for her. They exchanged vows at Berean Baptist on September 29, 1938 and honeymooned at Niagara Falls.

The young couple rented an apartment on the northeast side of Grand Rapids for a short time, then bought their first home on Merrifield Street for $3000. James was an agent with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and Margaret worked as an office clerk until their first son, Jim, was born in 1939. They were pleased to welcome another son, Ted, in 1946.

Margaret was a talented cook and family and friends reaped the benefits of her baking skills. She was even featured by the Grand Rapids Press in an article about pastry making. The family enjoyed traveling and vacationed throughout the U.S. Some of their more memorable trips included stops in Yellowstone National Park, California and New York.

Church had always been an integral part of Margaret’s life and no matter what challenges she faced, her devotion to the Lord never changed. She was active at Berean, Hope Reformed and a 40 year member of Plymouth Heights Christian Reformed Church. She sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and helped with crafts at Camp Tall Turf, to name just a few of the ways she served others. She took great comfort in the hymns of the faith and the promises of the Bible, particularly during the trying times that came her way like the loss of her beloved James in 1975.

When the boys no longer lived at home, Margaret returned to work at the Fruit Basket. After retirement, she frequently spent some of the colder months in Florida and one time took a trip to her father’s homeland of Canada. She enjoyed meals at Van Raalties in Zeeland and was always willing to accompany anyone who wanted to indulge in a bowl of ice cream.

Margaret’s kind nature touched those she met and she was always eager to share the source of her inner peace. She wanted others to know the joy of serving the Lord and made the most of every opportunity to lead others to Him. Her gentleness and sincerity will continue to influence those who follow in her footsteps.

Margaret went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, August 4, 2009. She was preceded in death by her husband James in 1975 and her brother Melvin Mills. She is survived by her children, James and Marilynn Vonk and Theodore and Patricia Vonk; her grandchildren, Tom and Amy Fogarty, Annmarie Vonk, Jason and Kelly Vonk, Kimberly and Todd Holstege, and Jamie Vonk; ten great grandchildren with one more to be born in September; her sisters, Ruth Reed, Jeanne and Clair Saliers, and Marilyn Williams; and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may meet her family at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Van-Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield, Ave. NE on Saturday, August 8, from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM. Memorial contributions may be made to Marketplace Ministry or Plymouth Heights Christian Reformed Church. Please visit Margaret’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a favorite memory or sign her online guest book.