Mr. Alvin Jelgerhuis, age 86, of Orange City, passed away on Friday, December 14, 2007, at the Orange City Area Health System Hospital.
There will be a funeral service on Friday, December 21, at 10:30am, at the First Christian Reformed Church in Orange City. The Rev. Timothy Ouwinga will officiate. Interment will follow at the West Lawn Cemetery in Orange City. Visitation will be after 1:00pm Thursday, with the family present from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, at the Oolman Funeral Home in Orange City.
Alvin was born on May 29, 1921, at Edgerton, Minnesota, the son of George and Allie (Brookhuis) Jelgerhuis. His twin, Elmer, was born immediately following. They attended the Christian Elementary School and the Public High School, both in Edgerton. After graduation, Alvin worked for his uncle, Jack Vander Pol, and others.
When young men were being drafted to serve in World War II, Alvin and Elmer enlisted in the United States Army, with the stipulation that they remain together, except when flying. They entered the service on September 29, 1942.
After basic training, they took courses in mechanics, becoming specialists in airplane armament and engines. On March 29, 1944, they arrived in India, where they were assigned to fly B29s. In December of 1944, Elmer died when his plane was shot down.
Alvin was then given the opportunity to serve state-side, but declined, feeling loyalty to Elmer. Alvin's plane was downed on May 25, 1945, and he was confined to the Tokyo Prison for ninety days, during which time he lost 100 pounds. After being released, he boarded the hospital ship Benevolence and then went home on furlough. Later, he was treated at a military hospital in Wisconsin. He was honorably discharged on April 13, 1946, with a Purple Heart medal.
He then returned to Edgerton, where he became head mechanic at the John Deere dealership. Later, he worked for the Post Office there.
On August 12, 1954, he married Della Jean Docter in Orange City. They made their home in Edgerton until November of 1966, when they moved to Orange City, where he was also employed by the Post Office.
Mr. Jelgerhuis was currently a member of the First Christian Reformed Church in Orange City, where he served on the consistory as both a deacon and an elder. He was a former member of the First Christian Reformed Church in Edgerton, where he also served as a deacon. In addition, he served on the boards of directors of the Christian Schools in both Edgerton and Orange City.
He was a member of the Pressman-Kosters American Legion Post and the Great
Lakes Prisoners of War Chapter.
He enjoyed music, repairing things, and having coffee with friends, usually at
Cenex and Hardees in Orange City.
He drove many people to their appointments, especially to see doctors.
Survivors include his wife of more than 53 years; four children and their spouses, Elmer and Sharlene Jelgerhuis, of Bloomington, Minnesota; Leanne and Sidney Gillson, of Gallup, New Mexico; Lynell and James Dykstra, of Tinley Park, Illinois; and Drew and Jane Jelgerhuis, of Holland, Michigan; eight grandchildren, Rachel, Sarah, and Laura Jelgerhuis; Jacob and Zachary Dykstra; and Jessica, Ross, and Keeley Jelgerhuis; three sisters, Sena Gruys; and Helen, and her husband, Howard De Weerd; and Nina, and her husband, Virgil Schuld, all of Edgerton, a brother-in-law, Ben Logterman, of Delevan, Wisconsin; five step-brothers-in-law and step-sisters-in-law, Arthur Jonker, and his wife, Carolyn, of Orange City; Elaine, and her husband, Bernard Hietbrink, of Bella Vista, Arkansas; Wilfred Jonker, and his wife, Gertrude, of Rock Valley; Faye Pluim, of Sioux Center; and Terry Jonker, and his wife, Jan, of Concord, North Carolina; and nephews and nieces.
In addition to his brother, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Carrie, and her husband, Jim Scholten; and Johanna Logterman; two brothers-in-law, Simon Gruys and Lyle Fey; and a step-brother-in-law, Ken Pluim.
Memorials may be directed to the Orange City Christian School, Unity Christian High School in Orange City, Dordt College in Sioux Center; and the Rehoboth, New Mexico, Christian School.
Mrs. Della Jelgerhuis, age 81, passed away on December 14, 2010 at the Orange
City Health Care Long Term Care Facility.
There will be a funeral service on Wednesday, December 22 at 11:00 am, at the 1st CRC of Orange City, IA. The Rev. Thomas Vanden Heuvel will officiate. Interment will be held at the Orange City Cemetery prior to the funeral.
Della (Docter) Jelgerhuis was born on November 4, 1929 to Andrew and Jeanetta (Reinsma) Docter. She attended the Orange City Christian Grade School and Western Christian High School. After high school graduation she took an office position in Orange City, IA until she enrolled in Calvin College to earn her teaching certificate. She taught at Cutlerville Christian School for 2 years until she met her future husband, Alvin Jelgerhuis of Edgerton, MN. Wanting to be closer to Alvin, she accepted a 6th Grade teaching position at Orange City Christian Grade School.
Alvin and Della married on August 12, 1954 at the 1st CRC in Orange City and made their home in Edgerton, MN. After their four children were born, Della returned to her love of teaching at Leota Christian School. They moved the family to Orange City, IA in November of 1966 where Della continued to raise her family and taught kindergarten at the Ireton Christian School and later became the school secretary at Orange City Christian School. Della was a member of 1st CRC of Orange City where she faithfully worshiped. Throughout her life she taught Sunday School and belonged to several church societies and Bible studies. She also was a part of many committees and volunteered at various organizations. Her life was devoted to her love of the Lord, her family and her friends. She loved visiting, working on puzzles, reading and just plain enjoying and caring for people. Her gracious spirit was evident to all who knew her.
Survivors include; four children and their spouses, Elmer and Sharlene Jelgerhuis of Bloomington, MN; Leanne and Sidney Gillson, of Gallup, NM; Lynell and James Dykstra of Tinley Park, IL and Drew and Jane Jelgerhuis of Holland, MI; eight grandchildren, Rachel, Sarah and Laura Jelgerhuis, Jacob and Zachary Dykstra, Jessica, Ross and his wife Sarah, and Keeley Jelgerhuis; three sisters-in-law, Sena Gruys; and Helen and her husband, Howard De Weerd, and Nina, and her husband, Virgil Schuld, all of Edgerton, MN; two step-brothers, Wilfred Jonker and his wife Gertrude, of Rock Valley, IA and Terry Jonker and his wife Jan, of Concord, and two step-sisters; Elaine and her husband, Bernard Hietbrink, of Bella Vista, Arkansas; Faye Pluim, of Sioux Center; and one step-sister-in-law, Carolyn Jonker of Orange City and nephews and nieces. In addition to her husband and sister, Lillian, at the age of 3, she was preceded in death by two sisters-in-law, Carrie and her husband Jim Scholten; and Johanna Logterman and her husband Ben; two brothers-in-law, Simon Gruys and Lyle Fey; and one step-brother, Art Jonker and one step-brother-in-law, Ken Pluim.