Willy Diepersloot

Willemyntje (Willy) Wilgenburg Diepersloot went to be with the Lord on March 7, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born to Eibert and Elisabeth Wilgenburg on Aug 21, 1936 in Scherpenzeel, The Netherlands. Willy joined 7 older siblings and was followed by 10 more siblings. It was a large, happy family.

From her early years (and for the rest of her life) Willy enjoyed riding bicycle and studying math and science, but her grade school years were heavily impacted by WWII. Her parents were fruit and dairy farmers, and would often feed people from town as well as 35 people who lived on their farm. Her family hid 2 Jewish children in their home throughout the war and maintained a very close friendship with them for life. As a result of their selfless bravery her parents were named “Righteous Gentiles” by the nation of Israel.

After high school, Willy studied advanced sciences and math. During this time she also met a handsome Dutch Air Force meteorologist, Adrian Jacob Diepersloot. They dated and became engaged on December 24th, 1955. The next day Adrian and his brother Joop emigrated to America. Six months later Willy and most of her family also emigrated to the U.S. She and her family were in Southern California and Adrian soon joined her there. On March 14, 1958 Adrian and Willy were married, living in San Diego County before moving to Dinuba in 1963, and finally settling in Visalia in 1968.

Willy and Adrian had 6 children. After Lisa (the youngest) started school, Willy began attending College of the Sequoias. On occasion she had classes with Bob (her oldest son), and several years later she graduated with an A.A. in nursing. She took the national RN exam with her oldest daughter, Janet, and both passed and became licensed Registered Nurses. Willy went on to work at Kaweah Delta hospital and shortly thereafter worked as a volunteer for hospice. In 1987 she was honored as volunteer of the year for Hospice of Tulare County. She worked in hospice for 15 years and since then has helped numerous friends and family members with advice on caring for terminally ill patients. In 1995, Willy was recognized for her work in the field of health with the Soroptimist International Women of Distinction Award.

The core principles and priorities in Willy’s life were found in her love for God and for her family. She circled John 3:16 on a page of her favorite verses: “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.” As Willy’s health deteriorated these past 6 years this verse was very important as she wanted all her friends, family, and neighbors to know the Christ that she loved. She was determined to share what she knew with others.

Willy was very active in her church. She was one of the founding members of the Visalia Christian Reformed Church, and was involved in many church activities including Women’s Bible Studies, choir, Vacation Bible School, and Jail Ministry. She consistently exhibited a joyful spirit, generosity, humor, kindness, and was generally a very fun person and known for living each day to the fullest.

Willy was a widow for 12 years and dearly missed Adrian. She is herself now missed by her many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Children: John & Janet Bengtson, Bob & Willemina Diepersloot, Jacque & Paul Baxley, John & Susan Diepersloot, Wimpie & Rob Van Grouw, Lisa (deceased) & Steve Schnitzler. Grandchildren: Jessica & Brison Bishop, Adrian & Jaclyn Diepersloot, Jordan & Jenae Diepersloot, Chris & Krissy Bengtson, Jordan & Lauren Van Grouw, Jillian Diepersloot, Aaron Bengtson, Jake & Kathryn Diepersloot, Tyler & Elisa Van Grouw, Tyler Baxley, Robby & Erica Diepersloot, Brit & Amber Baxley, James & Laine Bengtson-Janzen, Derek & Jenna Van Grouw, Hudson & Lindsey Hanlon, Elliana & Mitch Mouw, Zackary & Saskia Diepersloot, Caleb & Jenna Diepersloot, Willemina & Cody Brazeal, Hayes & Darlene Hanlon, Erin & John Schoneveld, Josh Schnitzler, and Timmy Schnitzler. She will also be missed by siblings, numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews, and 63 great-grandchildren.

A visitation/viewing will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave, Visalia, CA.

The graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 9:30 AM at the Visalia Public Cemetery, 1300 W. Goshen Ave, Visalia, CA.

The celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Visalia Christian Reformed Church at 1030 South Linwood Ave, Visalia, CA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to either the Central Valley Christian Schools (CVC) Endowment Fund at 5600 W. Tulare Ave, Visalia, CA 93277 or to the Visalia Christian Reformed Church Building Fund at 1030 South Linwood Ave, Visalia, CA 93277.