Slykhuis, Gerrit 1921-2009

SLYKHUIS, VAN HEMERT, VAN ZANTE, PIPPEL

Posted By: Ernie Braida (email)
Date: 1/12/2010 at 19:07:49

Gerrit Slykhuis was the sixth of nine children that were born to Meyer and Johanna Van Hemert Slykhuis. He was born on January 20, 1921, in Marion County near Knoxville, Iowa.

Gerrit attended country grade schools in Marion and Mahaska Counties, Iowa.

On 28 March 1945, he was inducted into the Armed Services and served with the Army of the United States as a guard patrolman with the 3rd Medical Depot Company in the Philippine Islands until his honorable discharge on 30 December 1946.

On February 19, 1954, Gerrit was united in marriage with Wilma Faye Van Zante, an only child of Anthony W. and Wilhelmina Pippel Van Zante, at her parents home near Pella, Iowa.

Gerrit and Wilma were living near New Sharon, Iowa when on November 26, 1954, at 10:35 p.m. a daughter, Willa Mae, was stillborn. Gerrit and Wilma had desires of raising their own family but God had other plans for them.

Gerrit and Wilma lived in Peoria, Iowa where Gerrit worked at his repair shop as a blacksmith. Following the death of her mother, Wilhelmina Van Zante, they moved into Pella with her father, Ant. W. Van Zante, at 408 Main Street. Gerrit then began working at Ring-O-Matic in 1972 where he was employed until his retirement in 1994.

His retirement years were spent tinkering in his shop in Peoria as well as doing woodworking. He also enjoyed gospel music.

On Monday morning, February 9, 2009, Gerrit passed away at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House with his wife at his bedside 19 days following his 88th birthday.

Gerrit will be remembered as a kind and loving husband to his wife of nearly 55 years, Wilma Faye; a brother-in-law to Esther (Herman) Slykhuis of Pella; as well as an Uncle to one niece, Linda Pettit and 8 nephews: Clarence Slykhuis, Abe Nunnikhoven, Martin Nunnikhoven, Wilbur Nunnikhoven, Gene Nunnikhoven, Tony Nunnikhoven, Gerald Nunnikhoven and Merle Nunnikhoven.

Gerrit was the last surviving member of his original family.

He was preceded in death by his stillborn daughter, Willa Mae; his parents, Meyer and Johanna Slykhuis; his parents-in-law, Ant. W. and Wilhelmina Van Zante; four brothers: Martenius Slykhuis, Herman Slykhuis, Elmer Slykhuis and James Slykhuis; and four sisters: Bertha (Anthony) Nunnikhoven, Grace Slykhuis, Marie (John) Kool and Wilma Slykhuis.

Gerrit was baptized and made profession of his faith at the Third Reformed Church in Pella. At the time of his death he was a faithful member of the First Reformed Church of Pella and will be remembered as a good Christian man.

Interment: Oakwood Cemetery at Pella with military honors

Van Dyk-Duven Funeral Home