Jean Heyboer, age 90, of Zeeland passed away Tuesday, August 4, 2026.
Survived by husband, Junior Heyboer, of 70 years, her children Dawn Werkman, Laurie &
Robert Hieftje, Larry & Kristi Heyboer, Sheila & Jack Cavanaugh, her grandchildren & great grandchildren: Sarah & Dan Ouwenga, Ben & Kelli Werkman, Jenna Werkman, Matthew & Andrea Werkman, Nicole Hieftje, Chris & Haleigh Hieftje (Adelyn & Hudson), Brittany & John VanByssum (Eleanor, Lucy, Frances & Charlotte), Philip & Brittany Heyboer (Howard & AvaLynn), Lisa & Christopher Rumsey (Nolan & Nora), Michael Heyboer, Josiah & Erin Samy (Peyton, Bennett & Pierce), Anisha & Nick Kasper (Jade), she is also
survived by her brother Gerald & Nancy Hoekstra, and her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law
Andy Hoekstra, Keith & Isla VanNoord, Marcia Zeerip.
Jean is preceded in death by her parents Albert & Anna Hoekstra, and her siblings: AnnaMae & Harold DeYoung, Jay & Marcia Hoekstra, Millie Hoekstra, Shirley Veltema and Laverne Heyboer.
Jean was born on May 20, 1936, in McBain, Michigan. She attended Hudsonville Christian School, Hudsonville High School, and Reformed Bible College.
Jean’s greatest pride and joy was her family, and she treasured every moment with them. Jean also took great delight in teaching others about the Lord. She was very active in her church as a youth leader and Sunday school teacher for many years at Vriesland Reformed and Drenthe Christian Reformed Church. She visited and taught Bible study to residents of the jail for many years and loved leading other Bible studies throughout her life.
Jean’s warm and engaging personality made her many wonderful friends wherever she went. One of Jean’s favorite places was Golf Lakes Estate in Bradenton, Florida, where she and Junior spent 30 happy winters. She loved to emcee and perform with her friends in programs at Golf Lakes. Jean had a talent for oration and often could be found memorizing and reciting poems for family and friends. She continued her passions at Royal Park Place and Quincy Place, easily making friends with staff and residents along the way.
Visitation will be 6-8 pm Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 South State
Street, Zeeland. The funeral service to honor the life of Jean will be held at 10 am Friday,
August 7, 2026, in the chapel at Central Wesleyan Church, 446 West 40th Street, Holland.
Interment will be in Zutphen Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to the missionary
work of Lynn Gann or Jim Lokers c/o Central Wesleyan Church.
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