Jennie Koster

Throughout her rich and rewarding life, Jennie Koster was happiest when surrounded by her friends and loved ones. She was a thrifty woman who could not only pinch pennies with ease, but she was excellent at spotting a bargain as well. Jennie remained close to her siblings throughout her life and was a devoted wife and mother, too, yet her greatest reward was in becoming a grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved traveling, taking in some of the most beautiful sights the world has to offer while making priceless memories along the way. A woman of faith, Jennie was generous, compassionate, and humble in everything she did. A true blessing to others, she will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

It was great to be an American during the Roaring Twenties. The end of WWI in 1918 left us recognized as a world leader with other nations looking to our shores for what was to come. Radios, motion pictures in both color and sound, and refrigerators were just a few signs of the time. Amidst this exciting time was the year 1923 that was filled with great joy for a young couple from Martin, Michigan, as they were pleased to announce the birth of their baby girl on March 5th. Jennie Wilhelmina was the middle of nine children born to her parents, Henry and Jennie Elferink, who were both raised in Katwijk, located on the North Sea southwest of Amsterdam. Wilma, as she was known for many years, was raised alongside her older sisters, Cora, Marie, and Mina, and her younger siblings, Dirk, Vera, Jim, Elbert, and Bill. Her father famed on land north and east of town where he raised cattle and also had grain crops and hay.

From her earliest years Wilma was a bustle of activity. She lived a typical farm life with plenty of hard work as she had numerous chores including work in the fields and helping with housework. Jennie and her family were members of Martin Reformed Church, and she made the long walk to the country school during her younger years. As the Great Depression of the 1930s settled in, the Elferinks felt the strain as cold bedrooms and ice on the windows became part of life during the winter, yet so did plenty of fun in the snow. After graduating from high school Jennie took some classes at Michigan State.

Life was forever changed for Jennie when she met and later married Jerry Koster of Moline as a young girl of 19. Their first child, Ronald, was born in November of 1942, but their family of three was later separated for a time when Jerry joined the Army in 1943. Jennie then moved to Grand Rapids, and in September of 1944 their second child, Richard, was born. When Jerry’s military duties were fulfilled, they settled in Plainwell where Jennie had already been living in an apartment above the hardware store. It was in August of 1949 that their family was completed with the birth of Roxanne. A month later they moved to a home in Wayland when Jerry got a job with Standard Oil. In 1957 they moved to Bangor where Jennie called home for over 30 years before finally settling in Holland. In addition, the couple spent up to five months a year in Florida for several years beginning in 1976, which they truly loved. Around the home Jennie was a fantastic cook who made wonderful goulash, potato salad, and desserts. She was also frugal when needed as she made her children’s clothes and even darned their socks during tight times.

For Jennie there was nothing better than being surrounded by her family and friends. She had a number of close female friends with whom she got together whenever she could, and she also remained close with her siblings. The whole family often went up to Martin and Moline and nearby towns to visit Jennie’s parents and siblings with their families. While living in Wayland, Jennie and Jerry kept their membership at Martin Reformed Church and often stopped at her parents' home afterward. For many years annual family reunions were a favorite time of the year. Priceless family memories were also made along the beaches of Lake Michigan or on Gun Lake, and there was also a memorable trip to the Upper Peninsula when they crossed the Straits and saw the Mackinaw Bridge under construction. Jennie wasn’t really into playing sports, but she did enjoy watching her children and grandchildren play.

Second only to her family was traveling. During their retirement years Jennie and Jerry camped all over the country in their RV using the routes she diligently planned to keep them from getting lost. They also took an amazing trip to the Netherlands where they visited relatives.

No stranger to hard work, Jennie spent some time in the workforce throughout her life. After completing her school she worked as a pharmacy technician at St. Mary's in Grand Rapids. When her children were all in school Jennie worked at Kessler's Clothing Company in Wayland, and when they moved to Bangor she helped Jerry build his own oil products business, answering phone calls from customers. She also took care of little children whose parents worked. As she began collecting antiques, Jennie shared a booth with Roxanne at Harvest Antiques north of Holland.

Faith was an important part of Jennie’s life. After attending a church in Bangor for a few years, she and Jerry became members of Hope Reformed in South Haven. The spiritual community there became an important part of their lives as some of the friendships they made there continued long after they left. For a number of years Jennie and Jerry volunteered at the Bibles for Mexico thrift shop

In 1992, Jennie and Jerry celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Four years later she was deeply saddened with his death on December 9, 1996. Jennie managed on her own as best she could. In 2003 she married Nelson Stegeman shortly after moving to Freedom Village. Jennie continued to send letters and cards to many of her friends and loved ones.

Although she enjoyed things like reading, shopping, and antiquing, there was nothing that was more near and dear to the heart of Jennie Koster than being with her family and friends. She was content in all things and a picture of courage and strength. Jennie will never be forgotten.

Jennie Wilhelmina Elferink Koster died on August 13, 2014. Jennie’s family includes her children: Ronald Koster of Holland, MI, Richard Koster of Fort Thomas, Kentucky, and Roxanne (William) Helder of Holland, MI; grandchildren: Lora DeLand and David (Paula) Koster of Holland, MI, Erin (Eric) Ortlund of Caronport, Saskatchewan, Canada, Jeremy (Stefanie) Koster of Lower Burrell, PA, and Megan (Pat) Murphy of Martinsburg, WV; nine great-grandchildren; brothers: Dirk (Judy) Elferink of Zeeland, MI and Elbert (Shirley) Elferink of Caro, MI; second husband, Nelson, and his children: Jackie (Jim) Swanezy, Steven (Ruth) Stegeman, Marybeth (Greg) Timmer, Marsha (Gregg) Converse, and Rebecca (Rob) Riekse. Jennie was preceded in death by her first husband, Gerard; parents, Hendrik and Jannetje (Van Duijn) Elferink; and siblings, Cora Earle Johnson, Mina McBride, Marie DeKam Hoitinga, Vera Wykstra Landt, Henry James Elferink, and William Robert Elferink. A Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, August 18, 2014, at Maplewood Reformed Church 133 East 34th Street in Holland. The Reverend Fritz Kruithof will be officiating. Interment will be in East Martin Twp. Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be given to the Holland Rescue Mission. Arrangements are by Dykstra Funeral Home – Mulder Chapel. To sign an on-line registry or leave a memory please visit www.dykstrafuneralhome.com