FRANK VANDE WERFHORST
Frank Vande Werfhorst went to be with his Lord on Jan. 11, 2012 at the age of 99. He was born Feb. 6, 1912 in Nijverdal, The Netherlands to Gysbert and Alberdina (Roelefs) Vande Werfhorst. While he was still a child his parents immigrated to the U.S. during WWI. After a short stay in Michigan where Frank began his schooling, they settled in Ireton, Iowa.
He married Catherine Vliestra on May 8, 1933. On their honeymoon they traveled to Oak Harbor, WA where his parents had moved. They stayed and Frank worked for several farmers and on Works Project Administration, building Oak Harbor High School and a road project at the new Deception Pass Bridge. Eventually they rented the Monroe Farm on Monroe’s Landing and later were able to buy It. Frank and Catherine farmed there until 1969 when Frank built a retirement house on the farm in which he passed away. After retirement Frank drove school busses and spoke often of the joy he experienced with the children.
Frank ran a dairy but his love was working in the fields. As his health failed he spent many hours sitting in his old pickup reminiscing about his life on those fields.
He was often elected Deacon and Elder in the Oak Harbor Christian Reformed Church. He served on the board of the Oak Harbor Christian School and on various farm boards.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and three sisters. He is survived by his ten children: Aldine Leistra (Ron), Portland, OR.; Sylvia Kuhuski, Oak Harbor; Frances Davis Curtis (Les), Zillah WA; Marilyn Vander Griend (Howard), Sully, Iowa; Eileen Hale, Gallup, NM; Frank Vande Werfhorst (Deena), Camano Island; Bill Vande Werfhorst; Patricia Michael; Jerry Vande Werfhorst (Katherine); and Sharon Lusk (John) all of Oak Harbor. Also surviving are 22 grandchildren, 47 great grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren, 3 sisters, Gerry Atwood, Jo Ernst and Janet Fikse, all of Oak Harbor.
Graveside services for Frank Vande Werfhorst were held at Fircrest Cemetery and memorial services followed at Oak Harbor Christian Reformed Church with Pastor Randy Beumer officiating.
Memorials may be made to Oak Harbor Christian School Foundation or Bethany Christian Services, 901 Eastern Ave, NE, PO Box 294, Grand Rapids, MI 49501.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.wallinfuneralhome.com.

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