Wilhelmina "Min" Van Soest

Although her life was filled with numerous experiences that greatly enriched her journey, there was nothing of greater value to Wilhelmina “Min” Van Soest than caring for her husband and nurturing her children.

Nestled within the vibrant days of the Roaring Twenties when radios, affordable cars, and washing machines were signs of the time was the year 1921. This year was a year to celebrate for Henie and Wemelena (Prime) Ettema, of New Era, Michigan, as they announced the birth of their daughter on October 16th. Wilhelmina was one of 13 children in her family and was always known as Min. She attended a one-room schoolhouse and was required to learn Palmer cursive handwriting.

Eager to make her own way, Min set out on her own and moved to Detroit. After earning her associate’s degree in accounting from a Detroit business school. She worked as a typist during WWII and could type 120 per minute on a manual typewriter.

It was while at a church in Detroit that Min met the man of her dreams. His name was John Van Soest, however, when he enlisted in the Navy upon American’s entrance into WWII they were required to correspond through letters for the three-and-a-half years while he was gone. Upon his discharge, John took a train to Grand Rapids and he was met by his sweetheart. Just 10 days later, Min and John were married on February 2, 1946.

The newlyweds settled into a house on Crosby Street. John and Min developed a wholesale produce business together, with John working outside of the home while Min did what she could from home while also taking care of her family. They soon welcomed five children into their hearts and home, James, Barbara, David, Donna, and Bev. However, Barbara passed away as an infant. Min was an amazing cook who could make a meal out of anything with her fruit pies being favorites. She enjoyed and excelled at hosting parties at their home, sometimes with one hundred guests.

Min also made it seem effortless to effectively run the household with her main focus was making John happy and meeting her family’s needs. With this in mind, Min participated in activities that her family enjoyed. Among these things were snowmobiling, downhill skiing, water skiing, and boating on the "Miss Min". Min did enjoy fishing in Canada with her family. Because they worked six days a week, spending the little free time as a family was important to her. She had and endless supply of energy, and through her efforts the business and family thrived. She instilled a strong work ethic in her children as they watched and tried to keep up with her.

In addition to caring for her family, Min kept busy in other ways. She and John liked to dance at the VFW, traveled to Europe, and wintered in Mission, Texas, for several years. As someone with an adventurous side, Min was fine with tenting on the way to Alaska to see their son, David. At home she liked to grow both flowers and vegetables, was an avid reader later in life, and she could also play the organ by ear. She and John were longtime members of West Leonard Christian Reformed Church.

Min loved her grandchildren. Although two lived in Alaska, and two were here in Grand Rapids, she was very proud of all of them and enjoyed being part of their lives. She and John were wonderful complements to one another with his outgoing nature and her talkative spirit. He had a quick sense of humor and although she could laugh along, she was generally more serious. Her organization was apparent in her household and with the business and her frugalness allowed them a comfortable retirement.

Min and John enjoyed retirement years together. She cared for John until his death in 2012. In the last few weeks, Min became sick. Each of her children were able to spend time with her before she passed away.

Easygoing, loving, and selfless, Wilhelmina Van Soest was a blessing to those around her. She loved her family and devoted herself to them. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

VAN SOEST – Mrs. Wilhelmina “Min” Van Soest, age 92, of Grand Rapids passed away on August 1, 2014. She was preceded in death by her husband, John; and daughter, Barbara Ellen. Min is survived by her children, James (Nghi Truong) Van Soest, David (Pam) Van Soest, Donna (Jack) Katerberg, and Bev (Scott Rennie) Van Soest; grandchilden, Jeremy (Kristen) Katerberg, Nick (Jamie) Katerberg, Bassione (Carmen) Van Soest, and Malachi Van Soest; great-grandchildren, Conner, Dylan, Vivienne, and soon, Brooke. Also surviving are her brother, Gerritt (Sue) Ettema; and many nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday at 11 AM at West Leonard Christian Reformed Church. Friends are invited to visit with her family from 7-9 PM on Monday at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, 851 Leonard St. NW. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to read her life story, archive a memory, photo, or sign the guestbook online.