Nov 21, 1941 – Dec 05, 2023
On Tuesday, December 05, 2023, our dear husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather was called home by His Lord and Saviour at the age of 82 years.
Gerald was born in Leusden, the Netherlands, the fourth of ten children to Gijsbertus and Aalbertha Veenendaal. He immigrated to Canada with his parents and siblings in 1956 and settled in the Homewood area. Upon marrying his first wife Theresa VanSydenborgh in 1968, he took over the family farm. Together they operated a mixed farm of crops and pigs and raised seven children. Dad continued to live on the farm until Mom passed away. He then moved to Carman and slowly became less involved in farming. In 2017 Dad married Marianna Vandermeulen and together they enjoyed road trips, stopping in on vacationing children and socializing with many acquaintances. Favorite activities of Dad would include reading, crop checking, seeing what was going on in the agricultural world and handing out treats to visiting family members. His love for the LORD, humble character, thought for others, but especially Marianna, and quiet words of wisdom, will be remembered and treasured.
Gerald is survived by his wife Marianna, his children Joyce (Juergen) Beichter, Earle (Linda), Arlene (Andy) Bouwers, Carla (Russell) Bergsma, Norm (Charlene), Art (Whitley), and Yolande (Jon) Dewit, 33 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by 2 brothers, Herman and Peter, 3 sisters, Alice, Celia, and Dita, and many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.
The family wishes to thank all for their thoughts, prayers, and acts of kindness and support during Dad’s increasingly complicated health concerns. Special thank you to Dr Woelk, Dr Johnston and Dr Atchison for their compassion, expertise and care for Dad.
Funeral service will be held on Monday, December 11, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Canadian Reformed Church of Carman East.
“The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:5b – 6.
Memorial donations may be made to Boundary Trails Health Foundation, designated for Cancer Care.