Sonia L. Achtyes

Sonia was born on March 31, 1943 in Groningen, the Netherlands, to her parents William and Agnes Tjoelker. The family survived all the hardships of World War II and then immigrated to the United States, eventually settling in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Sonia graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School and also attended Calvin College.

In the spring of 1961, on a blind date arranged by their two younger sisters, Sonia met a fellow westsider named Daniel Achtyes. They were married on June 26, 1964. Sonia worked in banking at Old Kent Bank and Dan taught at Kelloggsville Christian School.

In 1970, with two small daughters, Laurie and Pam, they went as missionaries to Nigeria in West Africa. They served there for five years, during which time their son Eric was born into the family. Returning to the United States in time for the bicentennial celebration in 1976, they were able to resume their work and continue to raise their family. After retirement, they were able to visit some warmer states during the winter and enjoy the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan in the summer.

Sonia was devoted to her Lord and her family. She was always interested in what they were doing and was supportive of them. She loved to travel and visit with friends and family. Sonia demonstrated a quiet strength and keen intellect. She was always concerned about those less fortunate than herself. She had incredible attention to detail and excellent hearing. Her family was always under her watchful eye. She will be dearly missed.

Sonia is survived by her husband, Dan, and their children Laurie (Ted) Haan, Pam (Bob) Brenzing, and Eric (Katie Ten Harmsel) Achtyes; grandchildren Joel, Joshua, and Zachary Haan, Matthew Brenzing, Summer, Sophie, and Elijah Achtyes; siblings Janet VanBerkum and Margie Reed; and many extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her brother, Henry Tjoelker.

Dan would like to thank the staff of both Railside Living Center and Spectrum Hospice for the care and compassion that they provided to Sonia over the last few months. He would also like to thank Pastor Hank Vlaardingerbroek and his wife, Chris, for supporting both him and Sonia.

Visitation will be at Cook Funeral Home, 2067 84th Street SW, Byron Center, MI 49315, from 5-8 p.m. on Saturday, August 21. We request that visitors please wear a mask to protect our unvaccinated children. The immediate family will have a private funeral on Sunday, August 22. The family welcomes memories and messages in their online guest book at www.cookcaresbyron.com.