Erwin Hendrikse

Erwin "Erv" J. Hendrikse, 90, of Oostburg, was lifted up into eternity on Thursday, August 8, 2013 after a brief stay at Sharon S. Richardson Hospice Center. Erv was born on July 26, 1923 to Anthony and Delia (Dirkse) Hendrikse in the Town of Holland. He attended Oostburg Grade School and graduated from Oostburg High School in 1941 as valedictorian of his class. All through his young life and after graduation he worked on his father's farm, helping deliver milk in glass milk bottles pulled by a horse drawn delivery wagon to the Village of Oostburg. In July of 1945 he joined the US Army where he received basic training at Fort Hood in Texas. He was then transferred to Nuremberg Germany where the German War Crimes were being held. At the 124th Army Postal Unit he served as an Army Postal Clerk with the rank of Sergeant. He returned to the United States and was discharged on January 11, 1947. On June 30, 1949 he married Margaret VanEss at Bethel Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Oostburg. Together they have five children, Mary (Larry) VanArendonk of Pella Iowa, Carol (Michael) Eischen of Columbus Ohio, Steve (Susan) Hendrikse of Oostburg, Chris (James) Hoeflich of Carpentersville Illinois, and Scott (Anne) Hendrikse of Sheboygan. He is survived by Margaret, his five children, 15 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren, one brother, Richard (Jean) Hendrikse of Oostburg; five sisters-in-law, Annette Hendrikse, Donna VanEss, Helen VanEss, Lenore LeMahieu, all of Oostburg, Nelda VanEss of Sheboygan Falls; and two brothers-in-law, Peter Koskamp of Independence, Iowa and Lloyd VanEss of Plymouth. Erv was preceded in death by two grandchildren, John and Rebecca Hendrikse; three sisters, Nelda (Earl) Walvoord, Anna Koskamp, and Wilma (Jim) Droge; and two brothers, Peter Hendrikse and John (Eunice) Hendrikse. Erv was appointed as Postmaster in Oostburg on April 8, 1952 and served the public for 33 years, retiring in July of 1985. Erv greatly enjoyed the work of the Post Office and even more so enjoyed the many interactions of the Public as they utilized the postal service in Oostburg. Erv attended services and participated in the church life as a life long member of the Oostburg Christian Reformed Church where he served many years as both Elder and Deacon. Erv was a firm believer of Christian Education and great supporter of Oostburg Christian School and at Sheboygan County Christian High School where he served on the School Boards for many years. Erv was also very civic minded, and volunteered many hours with the Oostburg Business Men Association and participated in the activities of the American Legion Post 286. Erv loved his family and the time he could spend with them was very valuable to him. He attended all of his children's athletic and school events and later in life enjoyed the same events as a fan of his grandchildren's events. Erv greatly enjoyed time with his bride of 64 years Margaret as they travelled the United States together to see their children and grandchildren, tours and volunteering for various causes. A funeral to celebrate Erv's life will take place at the First Christian Reformed Church in Oostburg on Monday, August 12, 2013 at 10:30 am with the Rev. Tom Pettinga officiating. Burial and Military Honors will take place at the Hingham Cemetery in the Town of Lima. Family and friends will gather at the Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg on Sunday from 3-7 pm, and on Monday, at church, from 9:30 until the time of the service at 10:30 am. For online condolences and additional information, please visit www.wenigfuneralhome.com A memorial fund is being established for Oostburg Christian School and Sheboygan County Christian High School. Erv loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and now his family can let him go knowing that he is at peace and free from the pain of this world. His family greatly appreciates the last few days of life and the compassion and care Sharon S Richardson Hospice provided he and his family at the end of his life. Erv's family also appreciated the care and support of Pine Haven Christian Communities, Pastor Tom Pettinga, and the far too numerous to name friends, neighbors, and relatives who came by his and Margaret's side through the last few months of his life. The Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg (920-564-2771) is serving the Hendrikse family.

Visitation

Sunday, August 11, 2013 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Wenig Funeral Home - Oostburg
108 Center Ave. Oostburg 53070, United States

Visitation

Monday, August 12, 2013 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
First Christian Reformed Church
216 South 7th Street Oostburg 53070, United States

Service

Monday, August 12, 2013 10:30 AM
First Christian Reformed Church
216 South 7th Street Oostburg 53070, United States