Jacqueline Hogendyk

Through life’s transitions and turns, Jackie Hogendyk forged on with lasting hope, a forgiving heart, and the strength to carry on. A true blessing in the lives around her, Jackie’s sweet and genuine spirit, along with her fun-loving ways, was a gift to all. Jackie was a refined woman, and carried herself with grace, generosity and compassion for others. Through the years she enjoyed the friendships of many, but it was the family with whom she was devoted that brought her the greatest joy.

The year 1928 was an exciting time in our nation’s history as the Roaring Twenties redefined the culture of America. While the entertainment industry boomed, the discovery of Penicillin forever changed the field of medicine, and legendary baseball players set astounding records on the ball fields. Although the U.S. was on the brink of the Great Depression, the birth of Jacqueline Cole on September 13, 1928 in the riverfront city of Grand Rapids, Michigan was a welcome deviation for her parents, Warren and Elizabeth "Betty" Cole. The second of two children, Jackie joined her older brother, Richard who lovingly looked after his little sister. When their parents divorced when Jackie was six years old, she and her brother began living with a foster family in nearby Lowell, Michigan.

Jackie grew up on a farm and referred to her foster parents as Aunt Lori and Uncle Milton. Jackie loved living on the farm and all it had to offer and often recalled this time in her childhood as some of the best years of her life. The farm was complete with cows, and her favorite thing was riding the horses at every opportunity. Compensated for any work she did, Jackie enjoyed picking berries and peaches along with other chores around the farm and house. She also loved playing with paper dolls. She attended the area schools and went on to graduate from Lowell High School just as World War II was coming to an end. It was in her 9th grade year that she met her lifelong friend, Maxine.

With her schooling behind her, Jackie soon joined her brother who earlier moved to Houston, Texas. She landed a job at Sakowitz Department Store and even got her hair done with her first permanent wave. A time of great growth, Jackie experienced much throughout this time, yet she missed Michigan and after six months returned home.

Jackie began working at the telephone company where she made many good friends and began rooming with several of them. Even though she was young and independent, it also brought much responsibility, and there was really no one for her to turn for help. Jackie did what was needed to survive, and experienced some difficult times for sure, but she always persevered. True to her nature, Jackie never complained and didn’t dwell on the hardships she faced.

During this time, Jackie met a handsome young soldier, Robert “Bob” Hogendyk who had just returned from the war. They dated for about a year and on July 28, 1951 they were married. Jackie and Bob lived for a short time on College NE before moving into their longtime home on Fuller NE. They soon began a family of their own with the births of three children, Tom, Robert and Tammy who brought Jackie unending joy. Jackie was wholeheartedly devoted to her family and their care. She was always busy around the house, taking care of the kids, cleaning, and making meals. Through it all, Jackie also worked outside the home. She first worked at Arlens in the evenings, and later at Plainfield Department Store.

Although busy, Jackie always found time for her children and was active in their lives. She was a lot of fun, and her children, along with others, enjoyed being around her. When her children were young, Jackie was the fulltime caretaker of the kids and home as Bob was often at work or at the races with friends. As they both aged, more time was spent together as a couple and they grew much closer. She volunteered and attended events with Bob at the American Legion Post where he was a member and they very much enjoyed the social aspect of getting out together.

Family was Jackie’s top priority and they meant everything to her. As her children grew to have lives and families of their own, Jackie relished every opportunity to enjoy her kids and grandchildren. She absolutely loved being a grandmother and never turned down the chance to spend time with them. Fun times were always shared at her home, especially during the holidays. Jackie’s family was naturally drawn to her. With her wisdom, supportive demeanor and uplifting ways, Jackie was easy to love and admire. She and her daughter Tammy became the best of friends, and later, her granddaughter Katie joined in. They spent treasured times together which will always be remembered. When the children were young, Jackie encouraged them in their relationship with the Lord. Later in life, she joined her children in attending Blythefield Hills Baptist Church.

When Jackie wasn’t working she enjoyed reading, quite often novels focused on simpler days. Jackie also loved shopping for antiques, and her beautiful flowers brought her tranquility and gratification. Jackie’s love of animals never waned. She thought often of wonderful childhood days riding the horses, along with the pet fox she acquired as a kid. She also had a tender and loving spot for her cat, Maggie, and she loved feeding and watching the animals in her yard who never went hungry. Quite fashionable, Jackie’s dress was impeccable, and she took good care of herself. She was refined, polished and all-around sharp, and looked much younger than her age. A woman of grace, Jackie never spoke ill of anyone, was very forgiving, and didn’t have a mean bone in her body.

Perhaps due to her earlier struggles, Jackie was nonetheless generous and compassionate. She found it hard to say no, gave freely of her time and talents, and wanted nothing more than the opportunity to help others. Sweet, kindhearted, polite and gentle in all ways, Jackie possessed an unwavering strength through all of life’s hardships and always looked at the good in things. Jackie endured a difficult childhood and many life transitions. From her knee replacements and to most recently her battle with cancer, Jackie stood strong, determined and resolute. With deep, abiding love, Jackie treasured those she loved. Her heart lives on in those who knew and loved her best, and for these things and so much more, she will be dearly missed.

Jackie Hogendyk, age 87 of Grand Rapids, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on September 15, 2015 and now rests peacefully in His presence after her courageous battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert in 2014, and by her brother, Richard Cole. Jackie will be dearly missed and is survived by her children: Tom Hogendyk, Robert S. and Barb Hogendyk, Tammy and Greg Large; grandchildren: Jenny (Peter) Welmerink, Kristy (Brian) Nakken, Katie (Rob) Chelone, Jeffrey (Leandra) Large, Kyle Hogendyk; great-grandchildren: Aly Hogendyk, Nick Moon, Donovan Nakken, Isaiah and Lucianna Large, Christopher, Matthew and Aaron Welmerink; sister, Nancy Osborn; sister-in-law, Tootie (Fred) Boogert; many nieces and nephews, and their longtime friends, Maxine and Larry Smith. The service to celebrate Jackie's life will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2015, 11:00 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home-Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE where friends are invited to visit with her family on Friday 5-8 PM. For those who wish, memorial contributions to Van Andel Institute for Cancer Research are appreciated. To read more about her life, to share a memory or to sign her guestbook, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.