Sue Keizer

Born on October 13, 1946 in Leeuwarden, the Netherlands, Sjieuwke Suze Ozinga was one of three children and the youngest child of Rinze and Klaaske (Venema) Ozinga, with 2 older brothers, John and Gary. When Sue was eight years old, her family began what would be the long journey to begin anew and immigrated to the United States. For the following five years, her family attempted to make a life for themselves here, yet her mother did not enjoy life in the U.S. Before long they returned to their homeland of the Netherlands to pick up where they left off. There she finished high school, and became an x-ray technician.

Sue longed to return to the United States and was even more resolute to do so. She met Henry through a few church social events. On May 17, 1968, she and Henry were united in marriage in the Netherlands so they could come to the U.S. where they were sponsored by her brother. She changed her name to the American version of her name, Sharon Sue, and as everyone came to know her, she always went by Sue. Once in the U.S., they settled in Grand Rapids, Michigan where Sue found work as an x-ray technician in the growing medical field there.

Before long, Sue and Henry’s family grew to include the birth of their first daughter, Clarinda. Over the next 17 years they added five more children to their fold, and were blessed with the births of Jeffrey, Richard, John, Joseph, and Gracia. Along with 6 living children, she also went through losing a stillborn daughter in 1977.

In 1984, Sue began what would be called, the Basement Store which handled hardware for doors and cabinets. To this day the business remains in their basement and has always been run by their family. Each day they share time for coffee at 11:00 AM with any relatives and employees that are available at that time. When not working or taking care of her family, Sue enjoyed working in her beautiful flower gardens.

When her parents were in their retirement years they too returned to the United States and began living with Sue and her family. In Sue’s own retirement, she took up playing the violin. Although she had learned to play some as a kid, Sue was resolved to pick it up again and become a better violinist. In addition, Sue and Henry volunteered for about 12 years at the Trinitarian Bible Society. For numerous years they also enjoyed many visits to Canada. Twice a year, in the spring and in the fall they would visit during the Canadian religious holidays.

Sue was first diagnosed with cancer in 2001, and again in 2008. Although she had been a cancer survivor twice in her lifetime, the relentless disease returned over the last two years. On Memorial Day of this year, Sue was diagnosed with tumors in her brain. After 2 weeks of aggressive radiation, she returned to the comforts of her home where she was lovingly assisted by her family and the care of hospice. Always holding to “Thy will be done” when asked how she was feeling.

Sue Keizer, age 71 of Wyoming, passed away at home on September 26, 2018. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rinze and Clara Ozinga, and by her brother, John Ozinga. Sue is survived by her husband, Henry; children Clarinda (Thomas) Bartolotta, Jeffrey, Richard, John (Lyndi), Joseph (Jennifer), and Gracia Keizer; grandchildren Danielle Dunham (nee Keizer), Monique (Bret) Reinke, Angelina Bartolotta; great-granddaughter Nila; brother, Gary Ozinga and sister-in-law Sharon Ozinga; several other aunts, uncles and cousins including Char and Bob Uken. Her funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 2, 2018, 10 AM at First Netherlands Reformed Congregation, 1261 Beckwith Ave NE with interment to follow in Fairplains Cemetery. Friends may visit with her family on Monday from 2-4 & 7-9 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, 1833 Plainfield Ave NE. For those who wish, memorial contributions to Trinitarian Bible Society are appreciated. To read more about Sue's life, to share a memory or to sign her guestbook, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.