Eleanor Ruth (Veldman) Grotenhuis

Eleanor Ruth (Veldman) Grotenhuis, age 84, of Jenison, entered her heavenly home on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 after a brief struggle with pancreatic cancer. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale “Jack” in 2012; her son, Jack in 1983; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Grotenhuis. Eleanor is survived by her children, Bob, Phil (Joy), Tom; grandchildren, Erin, Jonathan, Aria, Brielle; great grandson, Augustin; siblings, Jim (Gracia) Veldman, Laurie ( Ellis deceased) Deters, Everett (Joanne) Veldman, Dan Veldman, Rick Veldman; special cousin, Mary Decker; several nieces and nephews. Eleanor began her teaching career with the Christian schools in Grand Rapids, MI and in Sioux Center, IA. For many years, she was a lecturer for a weight loss group and was a prolific writer. Her finest accomplishment was authoring the book, “Song of Triumph”, (Baker Book House) based on the death of her oldest son, Jack. Eleanor was a great support to her husband in his 38 years of teaching music at Dordt College and she was a surrogate mother to hundreds of his students. Eleanor was a successful speaker on the subject of dealing with grief. Funeral services will be held on Saturday 11 am at Sunset Manor Chapel, 725 Baldwin, Jenison with Rev. Phil Vos officiating. Private interment at Winchester Cemetery in Byron Center. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 10-11 am at Sunset Manor prior to the service. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Dordt College, Sioux Center, IA or Sunset Manor, Jenison, MI. The family wishes to thank Bonnie Bratt, Lori Veldman, Joy Grotenhuis and the staff at Trillium Woods for their tender loving care.