Nelson Van Essendelft

Nelson Van Essendelft WASHINGTON - Nelson David Van Essendelft, 64, of 305 S. Wedgewood Drive, died Nov. 12, 2008, in his home. Mr. Van Essendelft was born in Suffolk County, New York, and was the son of Alice Luyendyk Van Essendelft of Belhaven and the late Cornelius Adrian Van Essendelft. Retired after 25 years as a chief engineer with the Ferry Division of NCDOT, he had also worked as a commercial fisherman and tugboat engineer. A member of Covenant United Reformed Church and Gideons International, he was a past member of both the Christian Motorcycle Association and the Christian Coalition and had served in the New York National Guard from 1966 through 1971. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of nearly 42 years, Jessica Kuiken Van Essendelft; three sons, Seth D. Van Essendelft and wife Barbra of Weston, Fla., Stephen J. Van Essendelft and wife Kimberly of Virginia Beach and David J. Van Essendelft and wife Holly of Gatesville, N.C.; a sister, Sue Slager of Pinetown, N.C.; a brother, Bernard Van Essendelft of Pantego, N.C.; and seven grandchildren, Hannah, Abigail, Caroline, Eliza, Phillip, Jessica and Josie Van Essendelft. A funeral will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. in Covenant United Reformed Church, 24599 US Highway 264 E., Pantego, by the Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga. Burial will follow in Oakdale Cemetery in Washington. Friends may join the family today from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the church and all other times at the residence. Floral tributes are welcome and may be received at the church beginning at 4:30 p.m. today, or contributions may be made to Covenant United Reformed Church, P.O. Box 9, Pantego, NC 27860 and should be directed for use in the Bernie and Monique Van Essendelft Benefit Fund. Miller Funeral Home & Crematory, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, is assisting the family with arrangements.