Bernice Harmelink

Bernice Dorthea Harmelink, 100, of Oostburg passed away December 23, 2016 at the Sheboygan Senior Community. She was born August 24, 1916 in Cedar Grove to the late Edward and Katie (DenHollander) De Young. Her mother passed away when she was two years old and she was adopted by Andrew and Martha (also known as Grada) (Soerens) DeBlaey of the Town of Holland. Bernice attended Jefferson School on what was then Highway 141, through 8th grade, and graduated from high school in 1934. On March 16, 1937 she married Harold Harmelink at the home of the Rev. Oscar Holkeboer. Bernice and Harold enjoyed 56 years together. Bernice held a variety of jobs over the years including working in a raincoat factory, powdered milk plant, canning factory, as a switchboard operator, beading moccasins and in the gift wrap department at H.C. Prange's. She was also one of the first "buffers" hired when Dutchland Plastics opened on DeMaster Road in Oostburg. Bernice was a charter member of Bethel Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Oostburg and a member of the Rebekah Society for many years. She loved her Lord Jesus and faithfully attended worship services at her church, later watching the services on television when she was no longer able to attend. After moving to the Sheboygan Senior Community she attended worship services there most Friday mornings. She was an inspiring example and her heart's desire was that all her family would also become committed to Christ. Bernice enjoyed reading, the Oostburg Library being one of her favorite places. She enjoyed cooking and baking for friends and family, especially for those less-able than she. Bernice also looked forward to going out to eat and was a regular at Pizza Ranch, Judi's, Culver's and many other local restaurants, as well as the Café at Sheboygan Senior Community. Another favorite pastime was playing Scrabble, Cribbage and other games with family and friends...even when she lost on occasion! She was a great friend and neighbor to many, wonderful and loving mother, grandmother, great- grandmother and great-great-grandmother. Her family was her delight, and we all loved spending time with her. She made everyone feel like her favorite. Bernice is survived by five sons: Larry of Sheboygan, Darryl (Nancy) of Sheboygan, Russell (Kathy) of Gowen, MI, James (Debbie) of Sheboygan, and Jan (Karen) Harmelink of Sheboygan; and three daughters Mary (Phil) Van Driest of Oostburg, Trudy (Steve) Bosman of Gresham, and Lauri (Cary) Tempas of Sheboygan Falls; and a son-in-law, Val Helmer of Oostburg. She is also survived by 32 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren and special friends, Jim and Donna LeMahieu, Kris Froh, Vicki Markham, Anita Daane, and Don & Phyllis Harder. Bernice was preceded in death by her loving husband, Harold; her daughter, Bonnie Helmer; a daughter-in-law, Karen Harmelink; and a granddaughter, Jean Schmich; her siblings, Lester DeYoung, Harold (Cora) DeYoung, Cora Nyhof (Alva) Ebbers, Evelyn Brethouwer (James) Ingelse, Marion Wassink, and Harvey Dekker; all of her in-laws, and many dear friends. A funeral service to celebrate Bernice's life will be held on Saturday, December 31, 2016 at Bethel OPC in Oostburg at 12:30 pm with Rev. John Tinsley officiating. Burial will be at Oostburg Cemetery in the Town of Holland. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Saturday, December 31, 2016 at the Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg from 10 am until 12 pm. A memorial fund is being established in Bernice's memory for Bethel OPC and the Oostburg Library. The family would like to thank the staff at Sheboygan Senior Community for their wonderful care and compassion, including those who worked in the Café and to Bonita who came in to clean her room each day and took the time to chat a bit. The staff of the Wenig Funeral Home of Oostburg (920-564-2771) is assisting the Harmelink family with arrangements.Reception:Bethel Orthodox Presbyterian Church609 Center AvenueOostburg, WI 53070

Visitation

Saturday, December 31, 2016 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Wenig Funeral Home - Oostburg
108 Center Ave. Oostburg 53070, United States

Service

Saturday, December 31, 2016 12:30 PM
Bethel Orthodox Presbyterian Church
609 Center Avenue Oostburg 53070, United States