De Jong, William "Bill" 1937-2018

DEJONG, VANSURKSUM, LEMS

Posted By: Marjorie Brunsting-Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:32

Mr. William De Jong, age 81, of Sheldon, passed away on Sunday, October 21, 2018, at the Prairie Ridge Care Center in Orange City, surrounded by his loving family.

There will be a Celebration of His Life on Wednesday, October 24, at 10:30am, at the Inspiration Hills Camp and Retreat Center in rural Inwood. The Rev. David Van Kley will officiate. Following a luncheon, a family graveside service will be at the Beloit Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be on Tuesday from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at the Prairie Ridge Care Center.

Arrangements are with the Oolman Funeral Home in Orange City.

William Gerrit was born on October 8, 1937, at Hospers, the son of Bert and Gertrude (Van Surksum) De Jong. He was raised on the family farm until 1957, when he joined the Army National Guard. He was stationed in California and earned marksmanship awards.

On February 20, 1959, he married Emma Lems in Inwood. They farmed in rural Hospers, working hard to support their family. In 2006, they retired to Sheldon. Two years ago, they moved to the Prairie Ridge Care Center in Orange City.

Mr. De Jong was a member of the Immanuel Christian Reformed Church in Sheldon.

He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying nature, especially hunting and fishing. He would often roam the countryside, spotting all kinds of wildlife.

Bill will be remembered most for his shenanigans and teasing of family and friends. There was no age discrimination in his pranks; just ask his great-grandchildren. A man as irreplaceable as him will be missed by his family, but they take consolation in their memories of having known and loved him.

His family includes his wife of more than 59 years; his five children, Brenda (Wes) Dorhout, of Hospers; Paul (Lisa) De Jong, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Darin (Lori) De Jong, of Hospers; Karin (Brian) Vander Stoep; of Orange City; and Julie Castillo, of Sioux Falls; fifteen grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; two brothers, Frank De Jong, of Hospers; and Dennis De Jong, of Sheldon; and many extended family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Inspiration Hills for the planting of trees in Bill’s honor.

Source: Oolman Funeral Home online obituary.