Henriette Wynstra Bylsma

Peacefully left this earth for her heavenly home on Saturday, September 9, surrounded by her loving family. Four days earlier she collapsed unconscious but regained an alertness that allowed her to recognize her family and gave them the opportunity to express their love to her.
Henriette was married to Pastor John Bylsma, her husband of 72 years, and together they had four children: Patricia Joy, Ruth Yvonne married to John Oster, John Paul married to Sheree, and Philip James married to Jane. Henriette enjoyed nine grandchildren: Juliane married to Jody, Sarah, Jonathan married to Lisa, Anders married to Mary Grace, Stephanie, John Thomas married to Andreya, Paul married to Nora, Lauren married to Nick, and Christopher. Henriette excitedly welcomed eleven great-grandchildren: Indy, Lily, Alyssa, Logan, Theodore, August, John Daniel, Cortland, Vera, Amelia, and
Louisa. Henriette also adored and was adored by Lytse Pop, the little rescue Chihuahuan puppy who stole her heart and gave her much comfort and joy!
Henriette was born in Racine, Wisconsin on July 22, 1931 to Alex and Henrietta Wynstra, who had earlier immigrated from Sneek, the Netherlands. Henriette was the twelfth child of fourteen children. She married John in December of 1950 and moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she worked as a secretary to support the two of them as John studied for the ministry. They began their family and when John started ministering, Henriette began her new role as pastor's wife, which she continued for the rest of her life in many congregations and communities. She was known for her baking – delivering her almond coffee cake with a visit to every family at the arrival of a new baby. And Henriette was a magnificent hostess, who welcomed many groups and all ages around her table. She served home-baked food with kindness and graciousness. Henriette also accompanied her husband on many pastoral calls to sick and elderly people who appreciated her sweet smile and caring warmth.
Henriette volunteered in several organizations including Roseland Community Hospital, VEAP, a food and social service in Bloomington, MN, and as Registrar and Board member for Camp Calvin, a children's summer camp in WI. Henriette also loved traveling, making many trips with her husband to Holland, Norway, Europe, the Holy Land, and biblical sites. Travel along the Mississippi River was a favorite activity, as well as trips to visit her children, and travel to simply marvel at the beauty of God's creation. Henriette was a woman of strong faith, who freely shared her belief and trust in her Savior Jesus, and lived every day assured of God's grace and her eternal home.
"In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to one of Henriette's favorite ministries, the Luke Society, a worldwide ministry of Christian doctors.
Lukesociety.org; or 3409 S. Gateway Blvd. Sioux Falls, SD 57106."