Dorla L. Hiemstra

Dorla L. Hiemstra obituary

Dorla L. Hiemstra

Dorla Hiemstra Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Vander Plaat Funeral Home - Wyckoff on Jul. 15, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

Dorla Lois Hiemstra (née Morrison), 91, of Franklin Lakes, NJ, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2025. Born in Flint, Michigan, to Lawrence (Larry) and Dorothy Morrison, Dorla made Franklin Lakes her home for more than 80 years. She was married for 66 years to the love of her life, Kenneth Henry Hiemstra, Sr., until his passing in 2024.

Dorla was a devoted mother to three children: Cheryl (Tom) Grieco, Darlene (Chuck) Shotmeyer, and Kenneth (Kimberly) Hiemstra, Jr. She was the cherished grandmother of seven: Alyssa Grieco Boucher, Andrew Grieco, Jacob Shotmeyer, Jenna Shotmeyer Heinrich, Cara Shotmeyer, Heather Hiemstra, and Nicole Hiemstra. She also leaves behind six beloved great-grandchildren who brought her endless joy.

Dorla is survived by her sister, Ruth Ann Struss (née Morrison), and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister, Marla Basdekis (née Morrison), and her brother, Donald Morrison.

A woman of deep faith, Dorla was a prayer warrior who loved her Savior, the Lord Jesus. She was a dedicated member of Hawthorne Gospel Church, where she actively served in the Serving Hands and Senior's Ministries. Her family finds comfort knowing she is now in Heaven and that they will see her again.

Dorla faithfully supported her husband and worked alongside him in various business ventures. She was active in the community as a longtime member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the Franklin Lakes Historical Society.

Dorla was loved so very much by her family and will be missed dearly.

The Hiemstra family will receive friends on Thursday, July 17 from 9:00 until 11:00am at Hawthorne Gospel Church, 2000 Route 208 North, Hawthorne, NJ 07506. The funeral service will follow at 11:00. Interment will then take place at Redeemer Cemetery in Mahwah, NJ

Memorial contributions in Dorla's name may be made to Hawthorne Gospel Church, 2000 Route 208 North, Hawthorne, NJ 07506.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dorla L. Hiemstra, please visit our floral store.
Vander Plaat Funeral Home - Wyckoff

257 Godwin Ave., Wyckoff, NJ 07481

Make a Donation
in Dorla Hiemstra's name

How to support Dorla's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Dorla Hiemstra's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Dorla Hiemstra's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?