Wesley Veldhorst

Wesley E. "Wes" Veldhorst, 76, of Cedar Grove, went home to be with his Lord on Thursday morning, July 14, 2011 at Aurora Memorial Medical Center with his family by his side. Wes was born on November 12, 1934 in the Town of Holland, son of Willard and Eunice (Harmelink) Veldhorst. He was a 1952 graduate of Cedar Grove High School. He received his teaching certificate from Sheboygan County Normal School and later received his Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. He served in the US Army in Japan from 1954-56. On November 19, 1954, he married Alyce Ten Haken in Cedar Grove. Wes was a teacher in the Sheboygan Falls School District from 1958-64 and the Cedar Grove-Belgium School District for 31 years from 1964 until his retirement in 1995. During his teaching years, he coached basketball at various levels. He also served as the Village of Cedar Grove treasurer and as a part time mechanic for Shell Service Station for many years. Wes was an active and devoted lifelong member of First Reformed Church in Cedar Grove where he served in many capacities including the choir, Sunday School Teacher, elder, and deacon. He presently served as the treasurer of the American Legion VanderJagt-DeBruine Post #338. He was also a past board member of Pine Haven Christian Home, Cedar Grove United Fund, Holland Guild and Cedar Grove Kiwanis Club. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He especially enjoyed family vacations and attending his grandchildren's school and sporting events. He enjoyed talking with people and always looked for the best in others. He enjoyed nature walks, golfing, fishing, bowling, traveling, and yardwork. Wes is survived by his wife of 56 years, Alyce; two daughters, Kris (Jeff) Gabrielse and Sue (Jim) Hartmann, both of Oostburg; three sons, Kevin (Debbie) Veldhorst of Oostburg, Steve (Kay) Veldhorst of Neenah, Eric (Sally) Veldhorst of Cedar Grove; 13 grandchildren, Tony (Jen), Amanda, and Alyssa Gabrielse, Tyler and Keri Hartmann, Ceanne (Brian) Simmelink, Colette and Kyle Veldhorst; Amy, Katelyn and Bradley Veldhorst, and Nicole and Aaron Veldhorst; two sisters, Dorothy (Glenn) Jensema of Oostburg and Doris (Robert) DeSmidt of Cedar Grove; two sisters-in-law, Helen Veldhorst, and Margaret Arentsen, both of Oostburg. Wes is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Wes was looking forward to becoming a great grandpa in October. Wes was preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Eunice Veldhorst; two brothers, Gerald and Howard Veldhorst; his parents-in-law, Garret and Delia Ten Haken; a sister-in-law, Phyllis (Ellsworth) Heinen; and two brothers-in-law, LaMont (Muriel) Ten Haken and Irwin Arentsen. A funeral service to celebrate Wesley's life will be held on Monday, July 18, 2011 at 6 pm at First Reformed Church in Cedar Grove with the Rev. Kent Vant Hul officiating. Burial will take place at Cedar Grove Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call at the Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg on Sunday, July 17, 2011 from 2-7 pm, and on Monday, at church, from 5 pm until the time of the service at 6 pm. For online condolences and additional information please visit www.wenigfuneralhome.com A memorial fund has been established in Wesley's name for the First Reformed Church in Cedar Grove and the Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic. The Veldhorst family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Drs. Kumar and Haid, Stacy Miller RN, the entire staff of the Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic, and the staff at the Aurora Sheboygan Memorial Medical Center for their care and compassion. The staff of the Wenig Funeral Home of Oostburg (920-564-2771) is assisting the Veldhorst family.

Visitation

Sunday, July 17, 2011 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Wenig Funeral Home - Oostburg
108 Center Ave. Oostburg 53070, United States

Visitation

Monday, July 18, 2011 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
First Reformed Church - Cedar Grove
237 SouthMain Street Cedar Grove 53013, United States

Service

Monday, July 18, 2011 6:00 PM
First Reformed Church - Cedar Grove
237 SouthMain Street Cedar Grove 53013, United States