Hendrik H. Germeraad
August 27, 1917 (Hallum, Friesland, The Netherlands) - July 9, 2013 (Springfield, IL)
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Parents: Elizabeth Hendriks Flokstra and Hendrik Gerrits Germeraad
Spouse: Darleen F. Germeraad Children: John, Gary, Randall High School Attended: Fenger Academy High School (Chicago, IL) Obituary: Hendrik (Henry) Germeraad, 95, died Tuesday, July 9th, at 5:24 a.m. at Mill Creek Alzheimer's Special Care Center. Henry was born August 27, 1917 in Hallum, Friesland, The Netherlands to Hendrik Gerrits Germeraad and Elizabeth Hendriks Flokstra. His family relocated to Chicago in 1923. |
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He met the love of his life December 24th, 1940 when the two were delivering food baskets to those in need. He married Florence Darleen Novak October 11, 1941. They were married 57 years until her death in 1999. The couple was blessed with four children, Garnet Beth (deceased), John, Gary and Randall.
As a young man Henry developed a strong work ethic, mostly out of necessity to support his family. At 16, he began working for a Dutch landscape contractor in Chicago in preparation for the opening of the Dutch Exposition at the 1933 World's Fair. His love for gardening was present at an early age when he would garden with his grandfather along the canal in Hallum. He worked in the steel mills during the war and worked for decades with Superior Match Company in the print shop. During evenings and weekends Henry developed a garden, lawn and maintenance business to financially prepare for the education fund of his three sons. The boys would join him on weekends learning how to work, develop skills and develop their work ethic. His final career move led him into the construction industry where he scheduled and supervised residential construction for Allied Homes Chicago area developments.
While raising their sons, Henry and Darleen made time to be involved in scouting, Darleen serving as a den leader and Henry as a Scout Master. They also had a passion to dance. They were avid square dancers. Their other passion was to travel across the United States and Canada in their RV.
After living in Chicago for many years, Henry and Darleen retired to the Springfield area to be closer to family.
Success is measured in many ways. Henry's success will not be based on his educational attainment or his net worth. Henry's success will be judged on the love and devotion he gave to his family and friends. His success will be measured by the opportunities he provided for others. His willingness to always lend a hand to those in need has been evident since that Christmas Eve in 1940 and throughout his life, even to the early days as a resident at Mill Creek. Henry has provided a legacy to pass down to the following generations.
Henry is survived by his three sons, John (Ruth), Gary (Cathy), Randy (Kathy), Grandchildren, Lisa Flynn, Tim Germeraad, Jason Germeraad, Julie James, Jodi Smith, Laurie Kagay, Scott Germeraad and Carrie Germeraad, adn ten great grandchildren.
Henry is also survived by his family at Mill Creek who has provided Henry with love and respect during his final journey.
Private services will be held Friday, July 12th, at Westminster Presbyterian Church. The Reverend Julie Wells Blythe will officiate. Interment will follow in the Westminster Memorial Garden.
Donations in memory of Henry's life may be made to Memorial Medical Center Foundation Hospice Care, 701 N. 1st St., Springfield, IL 62781, or Central Illinois Foodbank, PO Box 8228, Springfield, IL 62791-8228.
As a young man Henry developed a strong work ethic, mostly out of necessity to support his family. At 16, he began working for a Dutch landscape contractor in Chicago in preparation for the opening of the Dutch Exposition at the 1933 World's Fair. His love for gardening was present at an early age when he would garden with his grandfather along the canal in Hallum. He worked in the steel mills during the war and worked for decades with Superior Match Company in the print shop. During evenings and weekends Henry developed a garden, lawn and maintenance business to financially prepare for the education fund of his three sons. The boys would join him on weekends learning how to work, develop skills and develop their work ethic. His final career move led him into the construction industry where he scheduled and supervised residential construction for Allied Homes Chicago area developments.
While raising their sons, Henry and Darleen made time to be involved in scouting, Darleen serving as a den leader and Henry as a Scout Master. They also had a passion to dance. They were avid square dancers. Their other passion was to travel across the United States and Canada in their RV.
After living in Chicago for many years, Henry and Darleen retired to the Springfield area to be closer to family.
Success is measured in many ways. Henry's success will not be based on his educational attainment or his net worth. Henry's success will be judged on the love and devotion he gave to his family and friends. His success will be measured by the opportunities he provided for others. His willingness to always lend a hand to those in need has been evident since that Christmas Eve in 1940 and throughout his life, even to the early days as a resident at Mill Creek. Henry has provided a legacy to pass down to the following generations.
Henry is survived by his three sons, John (Ruth), Gary (Cathy), Randy (Kathy), Grandchildren, Lisa Flynn, Tim Germeraad, Jason Germeraad, Julie James, Jodi Smith, Laurie Kagay, Scott Germeraad and Carrie Germeraad, adn ten great grandchildren.
Henry is also survived by his family at Mill Creek who has provided Henry with love and respect during his final journey.
Private services will be held Friday, July 12th, at Westminster Presbyterian Church. The Reverend Julie Wells Blythe will officiate. Interment will follow in the Westminster Memorial Garden.
Donations in memory of Henry's life may be made to Memorial Medical Center Foundation Hospice Care, 701 N. 1st St., Springfield, IL 62781, or Central Illinois Foodbank, PO Box 8228, Springfield, IL 62791-8228.