William “Bill” Willemstyn

William “Bill” Willemstyn passed away peacefully on October 5, 2018. He was born on November 7, 1924. Bill was 93 years old upon his passing. His belief that he was a Child of God and his faith that Jesus Christ was his Lord and Savior sustained him through his whole life until he drew his final breath on Friday morning.  Bill is survived by his wife and friend of 68 years, Henrietta Willemstyn; his four children, Laurie Elenbaas, Barb Haan, Wm Willemstyn II and Debra Van Deusen, and Ruth and Tom Jensen; his sister, Thelma (Gerald) Haverhals; and many people who considered Bill a loyal and engaged friend. Bill was a devoted grandfather to nine grandchildren and to ten great-grandchildren.  Bill was preceded in death by a precious granddaughter, Rebecca Elenbaas; a dear son-in-law, Phillip Elenbaas; parents, Gertrude and Tuenis Willemstyn; sisters, Coba Rens, Alyda Hoekema, Betty Oosterink, Bertha Helmer, Eileen Willemstyn; and brothers, Walter Willemstyn and Chet Willemstyn. Bill was born in Sioux Center, Iowa weighing only two pounds. Those around him nursed him back into health. Legend has it that at five years old Bill also survived being run over by the undertaker’s daughter in front of First Christian Reformed Church in Sioux Center. It appears that in the confusion of boisterous opinions of how best  to remove him from under the car he was run over three to four more times. It is easy to understand how Bill was able to survive to the grand old age of 93 years.  Bill enlisted into the United States Navy at 17 years of age. He saw active duty on a 120’ wooden minesweeper during most of World War II’s largest battles in the South Pacific Arena. He was always proud to be a veteran. Bill was a charter member of Cottonwood Church and was very active in the church’s construction projects with his best friend, Jim Thompson. Bill was given great care and treated with respect and dignity by the kind staff of Sunset Manor.  Relatives and friends may meet the family on Tuesday, October 9, from 3-6 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. The funeral service will take place at Cottonwood Church, 1101 Cypress Drive, Jenison, MI, 49428 on Wednesday, October 10, 2018 at 11 a.m. A time for visitation will precede the funeral service on Wednesday from 10-10:45 a.m. There will be another opportunity to remember Bill at a light lunch following the service. Interment will be held at Georgetown Township Cemetery.   In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Emmanuel Hospice.