Wilbur Langstraat went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on September 2, 2010. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.
Wilbur was born on March 20, 1924 in Sioux County, Iowa. He served two years in active duty in the army during World War II. Wilbur attended Northwest Junior College in Iowa.
He moved to Washington in 1946 and attended Success Business College in Bellingham. Wilbur was a devoted U.S. Postal Service worker for 28 years, retiring in 1988. In these past five years, Wilbur served as a volunteer and mentor for Christian Health Care Center.
On August 20, 1948 he married Wilma Dykstra in Lynden, WA. Wilbur and Wilma raised six children and just celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary.
Wilbur was very involved with Maranatha Press and partnered with Marvin TenKley in ministry, printing and sending literature to Nigeria and other countries overseas for many years. Wilbur was always willing to lend a helping hand to family, friends and neighbors.
Wilbur was preceded in death by his parents, Henry C. and Celia (Van Roekel) Langstraat; infant siblings, Wilbur and Lucille; sisters, Nancy and Angie; and brothers, Casey, Dutch, Johannas and Abe.
He is survived by his wife, Wilma(Dykstra) Langstraat; children, Jed (Pam) Langstraat, Jerryl (Dawn) Langstraat, Nancy (Marty) Gering, Mark (Maddy) Langstraat, Jana (George) Beanblossom and Kurt (Gwen) Langstraat; 28 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Mona Noteboom and Marie Smith; and numerous other loving relatives.
Wilbur will always be remembered for his undying love and trust in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and his passion for sharing his faith with everyone he met. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends who loved him dearly.
Memorials should be directed to Whatcom Hospice, 2800 Douglas AV, Bellingham, WA 98225 or Christian Health Care Center, 855 Aaron Dr., Lynden, WA 98264.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 11, 2010, 11:00 AM, North County Christ The King Church, 1816 18th St., Lynden, WA 98264, with reception following.
Arrangements are under the care of Valley Funeral and Cremation Service of Lynden.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 11th, 11:00 AM, at North County Christ The King Church, 1816 18th St., Lynden. Private family interment at Monumenta Cemetery.
Published in Bellingham Herald from September 8 to September 9, 2010
Wilma Langstraat went home to be with Jesus, her Lord and Savior on Thursday, April 10. She passed away in the presence of loved ones at the age of 91.
Born in Hospers, Iowa on Jan. 19, 1923 to Klaas and Grace (Hulst) Dykstra. Wilma's early years were spent in Iowa, the youngest child in a family of 9 children.
In her teens, she moved to Lynden and graduated from Lynden High School. During WWI, Wilma moved to California for a time, where she worked for Douglas Aircraft. She returned to Lynden, and worked in the office of Dr. Rowe.
Wilma married Wilbur Langstraat in 1948, and turned her focus to her home and family.
Preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Wilbur, in 2012; four sisters; and two brothers.
Wilma is survived by her children, Jed (Pam), Jerryl (Dawn), Nancy (Marty) Gering, Mark (Maddy), Jana (George) Beanblossom, Kurt (Gwen), all of Lynden; 18 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; sisters, Ramona Noteboom ,of Lynden, and Marie Smith, of Spokane; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Graveside service was held April 12. A Memorial Service will be held at North County Christ the King in Lynden, on April 26, at 1p.m.
The family thanks the staff at Christian Health Care Center for their loving care of Wilma for the past five months. Memorials are suggested for Christian Health Care Center.
Published in Bellingham Herald on Apr. 20, 2014