Nelda Westerbeke

Nelda Henrietta Westerbeke, 93, of Oostburg, passed away on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at Pine Haven Christian Communities – Giddings.

Nelda was born to William and Wilma (Brill) Ongna on May 15, 1928, in the Town of Lima.  She graduated from Oostburg High School in 1946. Nelda was united in marriage to Allen Westerbeke on July 25, 1947, in the Town of Lima. She took pride in her job as a custodian at the Oostburg School District for 23 years, where she made many friendships with students and staff.

Nelda was a member of First Reformed Church in Oostburg, where she served as librarian, on the newspaper committee, and Women’s Ministry. She also was a den mother for cub scouts. Nelda enjoyed reading, walking, visiting, and baseball. Nelda brought sunshine to any room and many peoples’ lives. She will be dearly missed.

Nelda is survived by her daughter, Susan Horn of Oostburg; sons, Bob Westerbeke and Bill (Vicki) Westerbeke, both of Oostburg; grandchildren, David Horn, Matthew (Kathleen) Horn, Andrew Horn, Jennifer (Todd) Zimmerman, Michael Westerbeke, Angela (Ross) DeBlaey, Andrea (Ben) VanDenend, Joseph (Emily) Westerbeke; 18 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She is further survived by her sisters, Lois (Jerry) Faulkner, Thelma (John) Hewett, Linda Daane; brother, Wayne Reimes; brother-in-law, Wayne (Marvel) Westerbeke; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Nelda was preceded by her husband, Allen; parents, William and Wilma (Brill), Wilma (Harmelink); son-in-law, Thomas Horn; infant grandson, Eric Westerbeke; sisters-in-law, Mert Reimes, Margaret (Howard) Huenink; and brothers-in-law, Donald Daane, Carl (Verla) Westerbeke.

A funeral service will be held to celebrate Nelda’s life at First Reformed Church in Oostburg on Monday, March 7, 2022, at 11:30am. She will be laid to rest at Hartman Cemetery next to Allen. A livestream of Nelda’s service can be found on her obituary page on www.wenigfh.com.

Relatives and friends may greet the family at church from 9:30 am until the time of service.

Memorials are appreciated in Nelda’s name to First Reformed Church in Oostburg, Pine Haven Christian Communities, Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice, and Oostburg Public Library.

The Westerbeke family would like to extend a special thank you to the staffs at Pine Haven Christian Communities and Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for their compassionate care of Nelda over the years.

For online condolences and additional information please visit www.wenigfh.com.

The Wenig Funeral Home of Oostburg (920-564-2771) is serving the Westerbeke family with arrangements.