Obituary

Remembering Wayne J. Haverdink

Wayne J. Haverdink, age 94, of Jenison, went to his heavenly home on Thursday, December 4, 2025. Born on June 28, 1931, to the late James and Alice Haverdink, Wayne devoted his life to dairy farming and faithfully planted corn for more than 80 years. He was active in numerous agricultural boards and leadership roles and served his church and Christian school boards in many capacities throughout the years.       Even in his later years, he remained involved in the family farm. For the past 25 winters, he and his wife treasured their time in Nettles Island, Florida. He especially enjoyed playing horseshoes. Wayne also cherished time spent with his family and friends.

Wayne married Frances Rillema on March 19, 1953, and together they celebrated over 69 years of marriage before she preceded him in death.

He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Arlyss (Rog) VanEerden, Kirk (Kim) Haverdink, Karla (Brian) Styf, Carmen (Doug) VanNoord; grandchildren, Margo (Chad) Rhoderick, Justin (Melissa) VanEerden, Tyler (Michelle) VanEerden, Nate Haverdink, Amber (Kyle) Grice, Kylie (Jared) Haverkamp, William (Brianna) Styf, Jennie (Andrew) Teijen, Emma (Brice) VanOss, Tyce (Kelsey) VanNoord, Sydney (Anthony) Langeland, Kade (Makayla) VanNoord; 24 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson; siblings, Marian Schild, Ken (Cheryl) Haverdink, Gord Haverdink, Barb (Bill) Peuler, Audrey (Randy) Palmitier; sister-in-law, Donna Haverdink; brother-in-law, Harley Rillema; and many nieces and nephews and dear friends. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his brother, Carl Haverdink; brother-in-law, Lee Schild; and sister-in-law, Jan Haverdink. 

A graveside service took place at Georgetown Township Cemetery. A celebration of life service will be held on Wednesday, December 10, at 7 p.m. at Baldwin Street Christian Reformed Church, 2101 Baldwin St., Jenison, with Rev. Ron Baker officiating. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Wednesday from 5:30-6:45 p.m. at the church prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Baldwin Street Christian Reformed Church Mission Fund. 

 

The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed via this link.

Service Information

Visitation and Funeral Details

Memorial Visitation

Wednesday, December 10 · 5:30pm - 7:00pm

Location

Baldwin St. Christian Reformed Church

2101 Baldwin St.
Jenison, MI 49428

Memorial Service

Wednesday, December 10 · 7:00pm

Location

Baldwin St. Christian Reformed Church

2101 Baldwin St.
Jenison, MI 49428

Guestbook

Tribute Messages

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Wayne was a friend of my dad's at Sunset where they both lived. We enjoyed our times with Wayne and the other men (Basil, Dwight, Ralph and Gary) as we brought muffins every week, and then once a month continued to meet with the men after my dad passed. I (Ruth) especially enjoyed visiting with Wayne as he and my dad were farmers. After Dad was gone, I appreciated having Wayne as my "farming consultant" and asked him questions I never thought to ask my dad. We were saddened to discover Wayne's passing when we got back from our wintering in Florida and tried to set up our meetings with the "muffin men". Wayne had such a beautiful smile and sweet spirit. We miss him and the rest who have gone to heaven but Gary who still lives at Sunset.

— Glen and Ruth Cowles

I grew up, living next door to their family.... and enjoying every minute of my young life, working on his dairy farm. He was an inspiration to me to realize, nothing is worth it if it does not involve hard work. I felt part of their family all those years and still do. I will miss Wayne and Fran and think of their families, for the rest of my life" Thank you Wayne and Fran for my many memories.

— Wayne Kooistra

I'm so sorry we missed Uncle Wayne's memorial service. He was a wonderful man and we have many fond memories of Uncle Wayne and Aunt Fran over the years. May God be with all of you and give you peace and comfort in this time of loss.

— Dale/Wanda VanSingel

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