Helen J. (Holle) Veldhorst, 83, passed away on March 2, 2023, at Pine Haven Christian Home where she had been a resident for the past two years. Helen was born on July 15, 1939, the only living child of Audley & Marie Holle. She lived her entire life in the Cedar Grove/Oostburg area, which she loved.
Helen met the love of her life, Howard Veldhorst, during their high school years and, after marriage, they worked together in raising a family, serving their community and dedicating their life to their church and children’s school with joy and service. Their greatest joy came in raising their children to love the Lord and work hard in His service. Howard preceded her in death in August 2010. After losing Howard, Helen continued to find ways to serve and extend hospitality as a widow, which she did with generosity and grace.
Helen was happiest when she was planning and organizing an event. No holiday party was ever a small, simple event. Her kids and grandkids will always remember the epic Valentine’s Day parties, the crazy Easter Egg hunts, the extra-special birthday parties and elaborate Christmas skits – each gathering that became family traditions that will long be remembered and cherished. She always had room at the table for one more person, could stretch a meal to include unexpected guests and welcomed everyone to her table as if she were expecting them for days. No one was ever turned away and the more people she had in her house, the happier she was. The focus was never the food, but the fellowship that came from these gatherings. Mom had an incredible gift of knowing people so well and meeting them where they were as she worked to love them through acts of service or in the encouragement of their faith.
One of her great loves was music. She was an accomplished marimba player and shared this talent anytime she was asked to play. Helen also loved to play the piano – the faster and spunkier the better. One of her greatest joys was teaching many of her grandchildren to play by giving them weekly piano lessons. The lesson time was less about the actual lesson, but so much more about hanging out at grandma’s house after school with your cousins and eating snacks. Piano lessons were just the excuse to have the grandkids over.
A teacher by trade, Helen taught for a few brief years at Oostburg Christian School until she and Howard started a family. Then her full-time job was being a mom. Teaching, however, was something she did in many other facets than just in a formal classroom. Helen was a Wednesday night catechism teacher for years, often writing her own lessons and activities. For many years she also led a young girls Church ministry called Calvinettes (GEMS). Not only did she lead this group, but the parties she organized and planned have created lasting memories for every young girl that attended. When she wasn’t teaching, she was serving at school in a variety of ways, usually revolving around food and fundraising. Helen also enjoyed her employment at Sonlight Books where she was able to interact with so many faithful customers.
Helen is survived by her children: Dave & Jan Veldhorst and their children James & Amy Veldhorst, Katy & Bryan Hendricks, Jonathan Veldhorst, Rebekah Veldhorst & Nicolas Veldhorst, Jeff & Brenda Lammers and their children Austin Lammers & Kayla Lammers, Ryan & Sandy Gartman and their children Allison Gartman, Lucas Gartman & Jocelyn Gartman. She is also survived by four great-grandchildren: Ella & Joshua Veldhorst and Micah Hendricks & Baby Hendricks on the way. Other surviving family members include her brother-in-law, Robert DeSmith, and sisters-in-law, Alyce Veldhorst & Dorothy (Glen) Jensema who were more than just “in-laws” to her.
Helen is preceded in death by her husband, Howard, her parents and Howard’s parents, Willard & Eunice Veldhorst, triplet grandsons, Alex, Sean & Jacob Lammers, infant brother, brother-in-law, Wesley Veldhorst, and sister-in-law, Doris DeSmith.
Funeral services to celebrate Helen’s life will be held at Bethel OPC on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 11:00am with Pastor Nathan Strom and Pastor Curtis Payton officiating. Private family burial will take place at the Oostburg Cemetery prior to the service on Saturday morning.
Relatives and friends may greet the family at Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg on Friday, from 4:00 until 8:00pm.
A livestream of the service can be found by visiting wenig.live/HelenVeldhorst .
A memorial fund has been established for Oostburg Christian School’s building expansion fund.
The family would like to thank the staff at Pine Haven who loved & cared for mom so well. Especially Sady, who would always sing and dance with mom to make her smile. We take great comfort in knowing that mom is now singing in glory and has seen by sight what she only knew by faith on this earth. To God Be The Glory!
For online condolences and additional information please visit www.wenigfh.com.
The staff of Wenig Funeral Homes in Oostburg (920-564-2771) is assisting the family.
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