Esther DeNeff

LIFESTORY:

It was hard to miss by the way that Esther DeNeff lived her life that there were two constants throughout her journey: her faith and her family. She never worried much about possessions or stature according to the world’s standards, but realized that it is in loving God and loving others that we are truly fulfilled. Esther was a supportive wife and devoted mother who demonstrated her love by being a student of both her husband and children, learning to care about what mattered to them. A woman who was always looking for ways to help others, Esther thought nothing of setting aside her own needs and wants to give preference to those of others. A true beauty on the inside and out, the memory of Esther will be forever held near and dear to the hearts of many.

During a year in which the first transcontinental piece of mail was delivered, Babe Ruth ruled the baseball diamond, and Franklin D. Roosevelt was stricken with polio, 1921 was one for the history books. This was a year for great celebration in the family of Al and Rose Wiegerink as they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Esther June, on January 5th. Born in Holland, Michigan, Esther was the third of four children in her family. Her father worked as a businessman who owned a gas station and a convenience store where South Shore Drive forms a “Y” in the road. Esther was raised and lived in the Holland area throughout her life. As a young girl, she took a liking to their paperboy, a young boy named Harry DeNeff who was three years her senior.

Esther’s family really had fun teasing the love struck girl by allowing her to personally deliver their dues to Harry at his home. Esther also frequented Harry’s house because she was good friends with Harry’s sister, Lois. The two girls often did the DeNeff family’s dishes in the evening. Since Esther and Harry lived close to each other, they sometimes played baseball together or roller skated along 20th Avenue when it was roped off in the summertime. Although Esther’s family moved away when she was 15, they somehow knew their hearts were destined to be together. Esther also remained abreast of all the Harry gossip from Lois during homeroom. Esther went on to graduate from Holland High School during the late thirties.

It was also about this time that Esther and Harry began to officially date. They frequented the movies downtown followed by an ice cream sundae at Fabiano’s. It was as they walked home one evening that Harry finally mustered up enough courage to kiss Esther. After falling hopelessly in love, Esther became Mrs. Harry DeNeff on November 30, 1939. Not long after becoming husband and wife, Esther and Harry were proud to become mother and father to two wonderful daughters, Shirley and Judy. Their family of four was soon separated when Harry was drafted in 1945 and sent off to war. Esther and the girls took their husband and father to meet the train for the ride from Holland to Chicago where he was to undergo his training. Imagine the family’s delight when just one day after arriving in Chicago, the Japanese surrendered and brought WWII to a close. Harry and his girls were reunited soon after, and he joked that he had won WWII in a day!

Their family grew to include two more children, Rick and Nancy, and nothing could have been better. Esther fully immersed herself into caring for her family and took her roles as a wife and mother seriously. They raised their children on Bluebell Drive on the south side of Holland. Esther enjoyed cooking for her family and always made sure there was plenty to go around. There were many special family times in the DeNeff home, oftentimes with Harry playing his slide guitar.

With timeless wisdom, Esther mastered learning the “love languages” of her husband and children before there even was such a concept. She took an interest in her husband’s passion for baseball by selling tickets at his games, allowing them to spend time together. Esther also worked at the lunch counter at her children’s school, Lakeview Elementary, so that she could see them during the day. No matter what her children needed, Esther was always there for them. When she was in her fifties, Esther learned the ins and outs of golf so that she could spend time with her husband on the links, usually at West Shore Golf Club in Douglas. They even joined a couples league that played every Thursday night. Esther and Harry also had a group of friends who they regularly played cards with.

Being a homemaker was something else that seemed effortless to Esther. She ran her home like a well-oiled machine, getting up early before everyone else so that she could read her Bible. She also made sure that her home was always well-kept, remaining on top of the cleaning and vacuuming.

Although much of her life was wrapped up in her family, Esther had a few interests of her own as well. Nothing was of greater importance to her than her faith. She was a member of Central Park Reformed Church for many years and read her Bible on a daily basis. Esther loved to ride her bike and did so well into the sunset of her life, and she walked everyday, too, including during her last days at Hospice House. She found great reward in gardening and maintained a garden throughout her life, and she also loved to feed the birds. Esther was always giving of herself to others whether as a volunteer at Evergreen Commons, as a Bible study leader, or as a ladies aid volunteer. In addition to the years she spent working at her children’s school, Esther worked as the office manager for a local dentist office.

A supportive wife, nurturing mother, and kindhearted woman, Esther DeNeff touched the lives of many. She loved her Lord and Savior with all her mind, soul, and strength, and lived a life that reflected the Christian beliefs that were engraved upon her heart. Esther will be forever treasured by those who loved her.

Esther June DeNeff died on Wednesday, September 1, 2010. Esther’s family includes: children Judy (Lee) Posma of Zeeland, Rick (Meb) DeNeff of Holland, and Nancy (Jim) Syphurs of Foley, Alabama; 6 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; brother Al (Donna) Wiegerink; in-laws, Lois Johnson of New York, Marlyn Kleis of Holland, Elaine Steenwyk of Zeeland, and Jay (Evelyn) DeNeff of Indiana; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Esther was preceded in death by her husband, Harris DeNeff, and her daughter, Shirley Hertel. Memorial services will take place at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 4, 2010 at the Central Park Reformed Church of Holland with the Reverend David Landegent officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the memorial service at the Church on Saturday. There will also be a time of food and fellowship after the service at the church in her honor. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or make a memorial donation to the Central Park Reformed Church or Hospice of Holland.