Dirk H. Elferink, 95, of Zeeland, formerly of Martin, died Monday, July 18.
Dirk was born in Martin on July 1, 1921, to Henry and Jennie (Van Duin) Elferink. He graduated from high school and served his country during World War II in U.S. Army. Dirk married Wilma Jean Orris and they raised their four children on their family farm.
Dirk also worked for Plainwell Paper for 23 years before his retirement. Dirk and Jean moved to Zeeland in 1995 and became members of First Reformed Church. In 2005, Jean preceded Dirk in death, and Dirk was also preceded in death by two daughters, Janet Westerveld and Linda Kramer.
A new chapter started in Dirk’s life when he met Juella “Judy” Schipper. They married June 10, 2006, and enjoyed 10 years of marriage together.
Dirk is survived by his wife, Judy, children: Donna and Dan Oster of Zeeland, Donald Elferink of Holland, sons-in-law: Bert Westerveld of the Netherlands, and Dirk Kramer of Harriston, Ontario; 8 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, step-children: Pat and Larry Van Dam, Pam and Bob Rynsburger, Mark and Ellen Schipper, Robin and Steve Vork; 13 step-grandchildren, 33 step-great-grandchildren, brother Elbert and Shirley Elferink, in-laws: Pearl Shook, Lavina Schipper.
Service were held Friday morning, July 22, at First Reformed Church, 125 E. Lincoln Ave., Zeeland. Interment is in East Martin Cemetery.
Memorials to City on a Hill, or First Reformed Church.
