Wilhelmina van der Wal

Wilhelmina van der Wal, 92 of Edmond Oklahoma, passed away Monday, October 4, 2021, at Willow Creek Nursing Home in Guthrie, Okla. Wilhelmina had an incredibly challenging life that spanned three nations. She was born on April 29, 1929, in Indonesia, as a child, she survived the Japanese occupation of World War II. She met her husband Rudy van der Wal and had three children. But then was forced to leave her homeland of Indonesia as a refugee to Singapore. Eventually, they made it to Holland to start a new life. After a few years, they realized that they needed to find a better place for their children's future. On October 16, 1961, Wilhelmina and her family immigrated to Checotah, Oklahoma. They did not speak a word of English and did not know a soul when they began their new life in America. In 1965, Wilhelmina and her family moved to Oklahoma City. To help support her family, she worked at Pioneer Nursing Home, St. Anthony Hospital, and Western Electric. She also assisted her husband in a restaurant endeavor in downtown Oklahoma City. At the age of 70, she started studying the Torah and attended Bet Ami Church. She cherished the Jewish traditions and lived her later life according to their teachings. Wilhelmina is survived by her oldest son, Ronald van der Wal of Edmond, two daughters, Ginny Shively of Odessa, Missouri, and Shelley van der Wal of Oklahoma City, her granddaughter, Serena Cargil of Oklahoma City, and her three great-grandchildren Emma Cargill, Alley Cargill, and Tyson Cargill.

The family suggests that instead of flowers send donations to Willow Creek Health Care 2300 W. Noble Ave. Guthrie Okla. 73044. Attention Laura Dutton

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.billmerrittfuneralservice.com for the van der Wal family.