Honoring Tradition.
Celebrating Life.
//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/016/107299/107299-life-panel.jpg

Esther Sonneveldt

December 1, 1917 - May 2, 2015
Grand Rapids, MI

//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/016/107299/107299-01.jpg



Visitation

Friday, May 15, 2015
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM EDT
Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes
Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel
2120 Lake Michigan Dr., N.W.
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 453-8263
Driving Directions

Service

Saturday, May 16, 2015
11:00 AM EDT
Trinity Reformed Church
1224 Davis NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
451-4134
Map

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Trinity Reformed Church
1224 Davis NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 451-4131
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/view-life-story-video.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/016/107299/107299-02.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/016/107299/107299-03.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/016/107299/107299-04.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/016/107299/107299-05.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/download-memory-folder.jpg
Print

Like the women who came before her, Esther Sonneveldt was just as strong and beautiful. In many ways, she defined the meaning of devoted wife, dedicated mother, loyal friend and a woman devout in her faith. A true blessing, Esther’s generous spirit, giving nature and warmhearted ways was an inspiration and gift to those who loved and cared for her. Through Esther’s unselfish nature, sacrificial behavior and unbounded generosity, she was a nurturing presence in the lives of all she encountered. She unconditionally embraced people in need with a helping hand and encouragement, regardless of the cost to her. She had a way all her own in developing deep, caring relationships with those around her. The extent to which Esther, along with her beloved husband, gave of themselves came from a deep rooted and lifelong influence of their families and a fundamental conviction that as Christians, we live not for ourselves, but for others. Esther lived by the statement, “We do not do great things. We do small things with great joy”, and Esther was filled with countless joy.

Esther’s story began during a time of advancement and struggle. While the moving assembly line increased America’s ability to produce goods, workers united to gain fair labor practices. Yet while the United States was advancing as a world power, the country was also heavily engaged in World War I. Despite these changing times, a most welcome event in the lives of John and Mattie (VanZoeren) Osterhaven of Grand Rapids, Michigan was the blessed birth of their little girl, Esther Rose on December 1, 1917.

Young Esther enjoyed a typical childhood of her generation. The second of three children, she was raised alongside her brother, Eugene who incessantly teased her, and younger sister, Wilma. Faith was the foundation for which Esther was raised. As a family they attended Trinity Reformed Church where Esther was a lifelong member. She attended Grand Rapids Public Schools, and with her outgoing and loving nature, was a friend of many. Pretty and popular easily summed up Esther’s high school days, yet she was also an excellent student and enterprising young woman. During the worst of the Great Depression, her father’s neighborhood meat market barely survived. To contribute to her family’s income, Esther went door-to-door curling women’s hair. In high school, she was the first female drum major in the state of Michigan, and also won the title of Snow Queen and for greater Grand Rapids before graduating from Union High School in 1935.

Esther was musically inclined. She played the piano and violin in her youth, and from an early age she was blessed with a beautiful singing voice. Esther was a member of the church choir, along with a handsome young man named Arnold Sonneveldt. Once their eyes locked, it was clear to see there was no turning back the fate that lay ahead of them.

After high school, an offer of free room and board from a Hope College faculty member made it possible for Esther to consider a college education. Money was still scarce in her family, so Esther began working as a stenographer for $10.00 a week. During this time, Esther and Arnie’s relationship blossomed. Together they enjoyed a memorable first date at the Tulip Time Festival in nearby Holland, and it didn’t take long before they fell deeply in love. At the age of 20, Esther became Arnie’s beloved bride on October 4, 1938, beginning a new chapter in a love story that would come to span more than 70 years. However, Esther’s independent side shown bright right from the very beginning. She refused to love, honor, and obey Arnie, and instead chose to vow love, honor, and cherish him.

The newlyweds were later blessed with four children: Nancy, Robert, Susan, and Cindy. They eventually made their home on Leonard St. NW where many priceless and precious memories were made. It boasted five acres of land on which they had horses, raised two cows, and was also the scene of the “Great Chicken Disaster.” Many good times and laughter was shared in the place they all came to know and love as home. After leaving her job, Esther slipped into the traditional role of wife and mother. She made a good home for Arnie and the kids, and anyone else who touched her heart and landed at her door.

Esther was a constant presence in the lives of her children. With Arnie’s leadership roles at church and working 12-14 hour shifts six days a week at Buttercup Bakeries for which he owned, Esther handled everything on the home front. Sundays were spent as sacred family time attending church and enjoying a home cooked Sunday meal together at the family table. They were comfortable financially, yet had little to spare. Esther sewed and hand knit her own and her children’s clothes, and with all the added detail of a mother’s love.

An everlasting love for animals followed Esther all the days of her life. Their home and farm consisted of numerous dogs, cats, farm animals and the horses she so loved. A hardworking woman, Esther did her share of hauling buckets of water and food to feed the brood, and many times corralled a pig or cow back to the barn. Not only did she keep up with her household chores and raising her family, but Esther was the ultimate helpmate to her husband. She kept the children hushed when he needed sleep, and always had a hot meal for him whenever he returned home from the bakery. She supported Arnie in all his endeavors, and stood by his side through his many responsibilities.

As a couple, Arnie and Esther were an example to live by. Their shared faith was the backbone of their life together, and the way in which they sacrificed and gave to others was an enduring characteristic of their selfless nature. Esther was a nurturing woman who embraced the needs of others no matter the cost, and together their compassion exemplified their life as Christians. They took countless others into their home, providing them with shelter, meals, unconditional love and support. Esther’s kitchen was often referred to as, “Esther’s Truck Stop” as it was always open and generally full! From parentless children to refugees; seminary students and missionaries, Esther and Arnie took them in without limitations. They helped find them schools, homes, cars, and support as they helped them cope with homesickness and loneliness.

Esther’s grandchildren were the delight of her life. She loved spending time with them, and loved them unconditionally. In fact, it was Esther who insisted on building a pool on their property specifically for the grandkids. On any given day, everyone was welcome to enjoy the farm and pool. In addition, Esther was always at the ready with a good meal for them, as well. Esther loved her family, and they loved her in return. When they made mistakes, she loved them no less, but prayed for them more. Through her abiding faith, Esther lived her life in service to others, and with joy in her heart. A gracious, giving woman, Esther Sonneveldt clearly made a lasting impact in the lives of others, and her legacy continues as she is dearly missed and remembered by all.

Esther Rose Sonneveldt died on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at the age of 97. She was the wife of Arnold Sonneveldt, longtime owner of Buttercup Bakeries and Arnie’s Bakeries and Restaurants who preceded her in death on May 4, 2009 following 71 years of marriage. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Eugene Osterhaven. Esther is survived by her four children and their spouses: Lucinda and Bob Fedewa of Grand Rapids, Nancy and Philip Miller of Holland, Susan and Bruce Neckers of Grand Rapids, and Robert Sonneveldt of Grand Rapids. She is lovingly remembered by her nine grandchildren and spouses: Shane and Brenda Sonneveldt of Chevy Chase, MD, Shalom Jaconette of DeWitt, MI, Matthew and Erin Neckers of Eden, VT, Allison Neckers and Douglas Fulton of Denver, CO, Melissa and Scott VanderLeek of Grand Rapids, Amanda Powers-Han and Michael Han of San Francisco, CA, Derek Miller and Sunmee Jo of Washington, DC, Melinda Miller and Christopher Cochran of Holland, MI; and Christopher and Amanda Miller of Oak Park, IL. Esther is also survived by 15 great-grandchildren: Jack and Ellie Neckers; Elizabeth, Benjamin, and Thomas VanderLeek, Ariana, Claire, and Charlie Jaconette, Gwyneth and Emma Sonneveldt, Anna, Esther, Philip and Collin Miller and her brand new great-granddaughter, Story Han. She will also be missed by her sister, Wilma Tangenberg of Tucson, AZ. Esther’s family wishes to give special thanks to Mary Skripka, Faith Hospice, and the staff of Porter Hills Health Center for their ongoing gentle, skilled, and loving care.

Visitation with Esther’s family will be held from 6-8 PM on Friday, May 15 at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. A memorial service to celebrate her life will take place Saturday, May 16, 11:00 AM at Trinity Reformed Church, 1224 Davis NW. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Reformed Church. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to share a favorite memory or photo of Esther and to sign her online guest book.

//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/view-life-story-video.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/016/107299/107299-02.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/016/107299/107299-03.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/016/107299/107299-04.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/016/107299/107299-05.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/download-memory-folder.jpg