Esther Edith Rozendaal

Esther Edith Rozendaal, age 91, passed away at her home at Heron Manor in Grand Rapids, MI on March 7, 2023.

She was born April 27, 1931 in Valley Springs, SD, the fourth child of Rev. Henry T and Cornelia (Stek) Rozendaal. As Esther’s father was a pastor, the family moved a few times, and subsequently Esther attended schools in Melvin, IA and Harrison, SD, and in 1949 graduated from high school in Corsica, SD. She attended Northwestern Junior College in Orange City, IA then taught in rural schools for two years.

Having decided that teaching was not for her, she moved to Sioux Falls, SD and attended Augustana College to obtain a nursing license. In 1956, she moved to Grand Rapids, MI where she then spent her career working at Pine Rest Hospital, in private nursing, and in nursing homes.

Esther was involved in Christian Nurses International and enjoyed travelling to their conventions in the States and even in Fiji. She was a faithful and active member of the Home Acres Reformed Church in Grand Rapids. Esther was a prayer warrior, keeping lists of those for whom she prayed on specific days of the week.

Esther was predeceased by her parents; as well as all her siblings and their spouses: Jane and Rev. Ralph Ten Clay, Ruth and Rev. John Janssen, Rev. Lois and Dr. Kosuke Koyama, and Rev. John and Ardys Rozendaal.

She is survived by Ruth and Les Ruster, who were her watchful, caring, and dearest friends; her cherished fellow Christians at Home Acres Reformed Church; and sixteen of her seventeen nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life will be held at the Home Acres Reformed Church, 21 Murray Street SE, Kentwood, MI 49548, at 2p.m. on Saturday, March 18th. A private family burial service will be held in Sully, IA at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Home Acres Reformed Church.