Simmelink, Roland J. 1928-2009

SIMMELINK, TENHAKEN, REUVERS

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke-Volunteer
Date: 8/30/2014 at 22:26:17

Source: Funeral Home Orbit

Born: January 2, 1928
Died: July 7, 2009

Roland was born on January 2, 1928, in Oostburg, Wisconsin, the son of Willis and Florence (Ten Haken) Simmelink. He was raised in Oostburg, where he graduated from high school. He then attended Hope College in Holland, Michigan, and later went to the George Peabody Teachers College in Nashville, Tennessee, and the North American Baptist Seminary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.

On December 12, 1952, he married Winifred Reuvers at the First Reformed Church in Sheldon. They made their home in Grand Haven, Michigan, Annville, Kentucky, and Orange City, and then retired to Bella Vista. This spring, they returned to Orange City.

Rollie had been a teacher and principal in junior and senior high schools. He also served as Director of the Annville Institute and for many years, he was a Christian Education professor and administrator in the financial aid department of Northwestern College in Orange City.

He was a member of the Trinity Reformed Church and he served on the General Program Council of the Reformed Church in America and the Fine Arts Board of Directors of Bella Vista. He also directed numerous church choirs and choral groups.

He enjoyed music and flower gardening.

Survivors include his wife of more than 56 years; four sons and their wives, Jim and Delores Simmelink, of Adair; and Scott and Lila Simmelink, Ross and Judy Simmelink, and Randy and Barb Simmelink, all of Orange City; twelve grandchildren, Renee Simmelink, and her fiancé, Sean Hokel; Ryan and his wife, Jennifer; Nicole Simmelink, and her fiancé Caleb Tilstra; Carissa, and her husband, Jay Regnerus; Jared Oldenkamp, and his wife, Julie; Jessica, and her husband, Steve Punt; Joseph Simmelink; Tyler, and his wife, Maria; Michael Simmelink; Mallory Simmelink; Austin Simmelink; and Jennifer Simmelink; twelve great-grandchildren; and two sisters and a brother and their spouses, Phyllis and Neil Vander Ploeg, of Ostburg; Ken and Lee Simmelink, of Elizabethton, Tennessee; and Carol and Marvin Hengst, of Oostburg.

Memorials may be directed to the Roland J. Simmelink Christian Education Scholarship at Northwestern College, the Presbyterian Church of Bella Vista music department, or the donor’s choice.