Janet Haaksma

Janet Arlene Haaksma (Vredevelt) age 86, of Wyoming, Michigan went to be with her loving Savior on February 16, 2018. She is preceded in death by Erwin J. Haaksma, her husband of 37 years, as well as her parents, Henry and Blanch Vredevelt.

Janet is survived by her sons Dave and Debbie DeHamer, Dan and Ruth DeHamer; step-son, Dick and Dorothy Haaksma; her brother Jerry Vredevelt; her sister-in-law, Carole (Ron) Hillbrands. She is also survived by her 11 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren, along with many close friends. Jan loved her family and extended family deeply, and prayed for each member faithfully. Every Sunday you would find her in the pews of Grace Bible Church, where she was an avid supporter of missions, and loved singing the old, traditional hymns. Jan loved her job running the bookstore at Grand Rapids School of Bible and Music, where she grew to love reading as a life-long passion. She was a wealth of knowledge and information, and always had a lot to share.

Due to her love for missions, she volunteered at the Mission Thrift Store for years – where she earned many copies of “The Treasure” which are solar powered audio Bibles, in the native language of the countless recipients that received them. Her life touched so many!

At age 81, she participated in her first mission trip to Valladolid, Mexico. Proving that you’re never too old to try something new!

Each Christmas, she loved the tradition of making popcorn balls around her kitchen table, with all the grandkids. If she could tell you one thing, she would ask, “Do you know this great hope I have, of eternity where I’ll stay?” If the answer ever was in question she would say, “Let me tell you what I’ve learned and pray with you today!

John 3:16 – For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Jan was bold in sharing her testimony, steadfast in her faith, and loved her Jesus like a friend. What a legacy and testament of faith to us all.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 PM Tuesday at Cook Memorial Chapel in Grandville, 4235 Prairie St. SW (east building). A celebration of life will be held at Cook Memorial Chapel (East Building), 11 AM Wednesday, February 21, with visitation prior to the service beginning at 10 AM. Pastor Todd Kinde will officiate. In honor of Jan, contributions may be made to Grace Bible Church – Missions or Faith Hospice – Trillium Woods.

The family welcomes memories and messages in their guestbook online at www.cookcares.com.