Eugenia "Jean" Nyeholt

Jean Nyeholt had a rough start in life; she lost her mother when she was 5 yrs old. During the depression, her father was unable to care for his five daughters all under 5 years old, so she and her twin were adopted by Derk and Johanna Posthuma at age 7. A brother Donald, also age 7, soon joined the new family. The twins, who had been city girls, now lived on a farm without electricity or indoor plumbing. There were compensations as each child had her own dog. And for a while Jean had a pet skunk! The Posthumas were loving but strict parents; when the twins came to the dinner table wearing nail polish, their father declared that "no one whose feet were beneath his table would wear such a thing". The girls swallowed their smirks as their toes were polished too. Jean attended the Lilly school in Coopersville and graduated from the eighth grade. When the Second World War broke out she went to work in a tire factory and a cannery to do her bit. After the war, on a visit to relatives in Detroit she met her future husband at church. And though Raymond had a bit of a reputation, he was too shy to ask her out so he sent his sister over. They married and lived in Detroit. Jean delighted in being a mother. One December, payday was two days before Christmas and there were two little girls awaiting Santa. Jean bought two baby dolls and some fabric. For the next two nights she sewed doll clothes to help Santa out. She loved to play with her children; on hot summer days you would find her with the kids in a blow up backyard pool. Later on there would be trips to Metropolitan Beach for the day and camping on Lake Michigan for weeks. Jean raised seven children in the fear of The Lord, teaching them by example the value of hard work, humility, respect for others, perseverance, and co-operation; in a big family, cooperation is key. Jean was always hospitable. Cakes were baked on Saturday as there may be company for coffee after church. Her table was always open for one or two more. The Young People had gatherings on Sunday evenings and were welcomed there. As the children grew up and married, the family doubled and then came the best reward to all mothers--grandchildren! Jean loved the babies and delighted in feeding them Rice Krispie treats for breakfast because its cereal, right? Jean and Ray also loved to travel. After their children were grown they visited Europe on three occasions. They visited relatives in the Netherlands and traced their family roots. They also fell in love with Hawaii and one vacation lasted four weeks. Jean will be missed by all who knew her best: her family, close friends, and her church families at First Christian Reformed Church in Detroit and Buckhorn United Methodist in Dexter, Ga. Eugenia Patricia (Jean) Nyeholt, 89 yrs. went to be with her Lord on March 8, 2015. She is preceded in death by her husband Raymond Nyeholt and daughter Cheryl Watson. She leaves behind her children: Phyllis (Rick) Cassee, Barbara Courser, William (Paula) Nyeholt, Craig (Beverly) Nyeholt, Tammi (Harry) Whittacker and Raymond (Margaret) Nyeholt, 18 grandchildren, and 20 great grandchildren. She is also mourned by her beloved sister Patricia Hoolsema and brother Donald Posthuma Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, March 11 at 11 AM at St John Lutheran Church (246 Benjamin Street, Romeo, Michigan 48065). Visitation will be at the Church on Wednesday from 10 AM till 11 AM when the service will start. Local arrangements by the Henry M. Malburg Funeral Home, Romeo Michigan. Visitation: Wednesday, March 11, 2015 from 10 AM - 11 AM St John Lutheran Church 246 Benjamin Romeo Michigan 48065 Services: Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at 11 AM St John Lutheran Church