Rachel Rademaker

Rachel Ann Rademaker, 85, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 8, 2022, at Pine Haven Christian Communities - Giddings Avenue Campus.

Rachel was born on February 14, 1936, to John and Magdelina (Vercouteren) Otte in Sheboygan. She graduated from Sheboygan Central High School in 1954. Rachel was united in marriage to Verne Rademaker on April 9, 1954, in Oostburg.

Rachel was a member of First Christian Reformed Church in Oostburg, where she was a part of Martha Society, Eunice Society, choir, and played piano for services. She was the Pine Haven Men’s Chorus accompanist for 20 years and continued playing piano during her time at Pine Haven until a year ago. Rachel was also a member of the Oostburg Christian School Circle, helping with catering for many years.

Rachel loved cooking and baking. She enjoyed knitting, sewing, and crocheting. She had a love for music and playing piano. Rachel enjoyed playing cards, golfing, traveling, and camping with family and friends. Rachel loved her family more than anything and will be dearly missed.

Rachel is survived by her daughters, Deb (Steve) VanderPloeg of Oostburg, Vicki (Bill) Westerbeke of Oostburg, and Jill (Jim) Wiltjer of St. John, IN; 8 grandchildren, Erin (Dave) Winkel, Stacy (Zac) Casper, Kelly (Keith) Crabb, Angie (Ross) DeBlaey, Andrea (Ben) VanDenend, Joe (Emily) Westerbeke, Seth (Katie) Wiltjer, Deanna Wiltjer; 18 great-grandchildren. She is further survived by her sisters, Judy Meise, Diane Joosse; brother, Gerald (Audrey) Otte; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Otte; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Rachel is preceded in death by her husband, Verne; grandson, Eric Westerbeke; parents; brothers, Robert Otte, Carl Otte, Don Otte; sisters, Ruth (Lester) Klujeske, Lois (Carl) TeWinkel, Florence (Donald) Jensema; brothers-in-law, Carl Joosse, Ernie Meise.

A funeral service to celebrate Rachel’s life will be held at First Christian Reformed Church in Oostburg on Friday, January 14, 2022, at 4:00pm. Private family burial will take place at Sunrise Memorial Gardens.

Relatives and friends may greet the family on Friday at church from 1:00 pm until the time of service.

Memorial donations can be made in Rachel's name to Pine Haven Christian Communities, Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice, and Oostburg Christian School.

The family would like to thank the staffs of Pine Haven, Sharon S. Richardson Hospice, and Wenig Funeral Home for the loving care and compassion extended to Rachel and her family.

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

The staff of Wenig Funeral Home of Oostburg (920-564-2771) is assisting Rachel’s family with arrangements.