Grace J. Wisse, an explorer by heart followed her dreams traveling and discovering. From the Netherlands to the United States she lived out her life as a amazing wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
She was born Geertje Jantina Huizenga in Chicago on June 1, 1928 to Gerrit Huizenga and Margaretha Diephuis Huizenga. Grace was one of four children. She was very close to her siblings Gertrude, Margaret, and Louis. The family moved back to the Netherlands in 1930 where Grace did her schooling. They lived a modest life. Grace worked the field with her father and churned butter with her sister Margaret.
In 1948 Grace returned to the States with her sister Margaret where she found work at Kevinator. Her parents and brother followed soon after.
In 1951 She met John Wisse and the two were married a year later on John's birthday on Dec. 5, 1952. John and Grace made there home in Grand Rapids and had two beautiful children: Gerald John and Elaine Marie.
Grace was a people person, always had a story to tell or an ear to listen. She enjoyed working at Wurzburg's and later Mullers Shoes for many years. She retired from Mullers and found a new and fulfilling job taking care of her friends in Florida. John and Grace moved to Fort Myers and Grace instantly made new friends. Grace used her giving and unselfish heart to spend her days doing things for others, from driving people to appointments to sharing a simple meal. Grace was always there to help.
Grace always had a song in her heart. She loved music and taught herself to play the harmonica and accordion. She loved to travel and get off the beaten path. She always found new things to explore, and she loved places with a history.
Grace was always active. She loved swimming, bicycling, walking, cross country skiing with her grandkids and even taught herself to juggle. She enjoyed watching sports and loved to read. Whether it was scripture or anything to improve her knowledge, Grace loved to learn.
While visiting from Florida, Grace fell on September 27, 2009 breaking her shoulder. She developed blood clots as a result of surgery and passed away on the first of November 2009.
Grace was a woman of God. She knew that God was in control of her life, and this knowledge brought her peace and comfort. She loved family and many friends but mostly she loved God. She lived her life worshiping and serving the Lord.
Grace was preceded in death by her brother Louis Huizinga and grandson Michael John Elzinga. She is survived by her husband John, children Gerald and Denise Wisse of Largo FL., Elaine and John Beyer of Grand Rapids; grandchildren, Jodi Marie and Shane Pym, Jennifer Wisse, Gerald Wisse, Jr, Garrett John Beyer; great grandchildren, Sydney Grace, Aidan Michael and Amelia Bryce Pym. Also surviving are her sisters Gertrude Huizinga in the Netherlands and Margaret Feenstra of Grand Rapids, many nieces and nephews and many friends in Florida, including best friend Marcella Couture. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 11AM at the Chapel of Calvary Church 707 E. Beltline NE. Interment in Rosedale Memorial Park. Friends may meet the family for one hour prior to the service. Contribution to Calvary Church Benevolent Fund, PO Box 1600, 49501 would be appreciated. To read Grace’s lifestory, leave a memory or sign the online guestbook, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.
Grace Wisse
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