OBITUARIES

Bob Nieuwendorp

Bob (Robert) Nieuwendorp, husband, dad, grandpa, lover of cookies, chocolate expert, cartoon watcher, and pet dad, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 22 in his home surrounded by the people he loved.

Bob had a big heart and a willingness to help and serve numerous people throughout his life.

He loved his parents Harold and Evelyn (deceased) who always encouraged and

Donald Gary Wall

Donald Gary Wall, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away suddenly on Monday, Jan. 23 in Orem, Utah. He was respected and admired by all who knew him during his 73 years.

Gary was the youngest of four children born to Cletus and Edna (Hanson) Wall, in Price, Utah, on July 16, 1949. He met his sweetheart, Mary Ellen (Ellie) Ga ney, as a teenager in Everett. ey

Harry Rodenberger

supported him, his sisters Ladene and Kristy, who he always tormented, and his Aunt Joyce, Uncle Pete, and Uncle Bob who he looked up to greatly.

Bob’s love for animals and the water stemmed from his younger years on the farm with the family and swimming in the summers.

He found the love of his life, Connie, later in life. She shared an unconditional love with him and became the Patrick to his SpongeBob.

Bob’s children, Chad (wife Jenny), Wendy (husband TJ), Matthew (wife Ansilla), Bobbi Lynn (husband Victor), Will (wife graduated together from Everett High School in 1967.

Gary attended e University of Arizona after high school, then served two years in the East Central States Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of LatterDay Saints.

Gary continued his studies after his mission, graduating from Brigham Young University in 1974. Gary also completed a Master of Education at University of Puget Sound and a Doctor of Education from BYU.

Gary had a ful lling 30-plus

Farmer, re ghter, friend. As a regular reader of obituaries to see if he was there, we know that Harry Rodenberger would be reading this with a joke at the tip of his tongue or one of his more infamous colorful phrases. ough eager for more farm projects, the Lord called Harry home for other projects on Jan. 23.

Harry was born on Orcas Island in 1941

Joyce Visser

Joyce Visser went to be with her Lord and Savior on ursday, Feb. 2 in the Christian Health Care Center in Lynden at the age of 91.

Joyce was born in Lynden on Oct. 29, 1931 to Cecil and Alyce (Koetje) Stuurmans. She was one of four children. Joyce was raised in Lynden and graduated from Lynden Christian High School in 1949.

Charnell), Eric (wife Cassie) will always remember him as a kind, goofy, and loving man who would do anything for them.

Bob had such a profound pride and love for all of his grandchildren: Madison, Jack, Bailey, Kennedy, Camryn, Grainger, Paige, Paityn, Lincoln, Lawsen, Jolene, Kaieden, Makayla, Jackson, Avery, Ethen, Colton, and Bella. Grandpa Bob will truly be missed.

Bob spent most of his working life driving some sort of truck or tractor. He enjoyed being on the road, listening to music, wind on his face, and with his black lab Marley (deceased) as his copilot.

He loved that dog so very much. Bob also enjoyed meticulously caring for his yard, and anyone else who needed the help.

year career in education, beginning in Washington State as an assistant principal and assistant superintendent for Lynden School District. He then served as the superintendent for Granite Falls School District and as an adjunct professor at Western Washington University.

Later, in Utah, Gary taught as an adjunct professor at Brigham Young University, before nally retiring in 2019 as director of human resources for Provo City School District.

Gary and Ellie were married in the LDS Salt Lake City Temple on June 15, 1971, and raised their ve children in Washington State.

to George and Grace Rodenberger.

As one of six siblings, Harry quickly learned to make himself known, hence the rather brilliant colored red hair. e gold capped teeth thankfully followed at a much later date, though his smile was winning from the start as many could attest to.

When not whistling with skill most would aspire to, Harry loved to sing, earning him stage roles as he attended Bellingham High School. ough Harry had several careers, there were two that he seemed to have the secret manual to that left the rest of us in awe.

As a farmer, Harry worked for the Green

Joyce met the love of her life, Harold, when she was in high school. ey were married in Lynden on May 16, 1950. Together they raised four children.

Joyce loved being a wife, mother and grandma. She loved being with her family, enjoyed attending their sports events, gol ng with family and friends, walking

Harvey John Henry Smith

Long time Everson resident Harvey Smith passed away peacefully under the care of hospice on Monday, Jan. 23.

Harvey was born on Dec. 19, 1937,

Richard Alvin Day

Richard Alvin Day was gathered into the presence of Jesus on Jan. 13.

To know Richard was to know of his faith in Jesus, love of family, and care for the people around him. Richard was gentle, steadfast, kind, had

John Patrick Theisen

John Patrick eisen was born Nov. 4, 1948, and passed peacefully on Jan. 27 at the age of 74.

His favorite days were on the water, hunting down more antiques and treasures to add to his ever-growing collection, and tinkering around with anything that needed xing. Let’s just say duct tape was Bob’s best friend. Bob had a love for Jesus and was so happy to have renewed fellowship at Second Christian Reformed Church in his last years. He loved listening to the worship music and the time he spent with Pastor Ben.

Bob’s funeral service will be at Second Christian Reformed Church on Saturday, Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. where he attended.

Written by Bob’s oldest (favorite) daughter Wendy. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Gary served tirelessly in the church as a youth leader, teacher, bishop, high councilor and most recently as a service missionary with Ellie at the Provo MTC.

Gary loved his family and faith. Being a husband, father and grandfather were his passion.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, watching grandkids’ sporting events and even coaching a little, spending time on his boat in the summer, being on the golf course, playing games, telling stories and silly jokes, and sharing nostalgic experiences like riding Peter Pan at Disneyland with Ellie and each of his 14 grandchildren.

Gary is survived by his wife

Brothers in Lynden and later ran both his own cow farm and horse ranch. ere were few places that made Harry as happy as sitting up in the seat of his tractor or driving the cart with his horse Midnight.

When not farming, Harry was a longtime re ghter in Bellingham. He was proud of his rather legendary direct communication style while in command, but he was prouder of everyone he worked with in his time there. In 1997, Harry retired as battalion chief after 27 years with the Bellingham Fire Department.

When not working, Harry was lover of music, sermons, traveling, and audio books. He was an extrovert’s extrovert, so and co ee times with friends.

In their retirement Joyce and Harold visited many states, Mexico, winters in Arizona and summers at their Beachwood home. Joyce was a member of Faith Reformed Church.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Harold of 65 years, her brothers Marvin and Seymour and sister Elaine Matter.

Joyce is survived by her children Pam (Jed) Langstraat, Dawn (Jerryl) Langstraat, Cheryl (Gary) in Bellingham. He attended Nooksack Valley High School. Harvey joined the Army in 1956 and was stationed in Germany. ere he married Sieglinde Scheida, and his only son Terry was born.

Later, Harvey married Tracy Tiemersma on July 2, 1976.

Harvey worked with his father John H. Smith at Smith Way Service in a big laugh, and with all his heart faithfully served God. He gave us more than we could have asked in how he loved us and showed us how to love.

Richard was born in Hiawatha, Kansas on Feb. 11, 1936, to Frank and Florence (McGunnigle) Day.

Richard married his high school

John was a Minnesota boy, growing up in Saint Paul, and educated in Saint Paul and Mankato. His love of whether friend, family, or stranger, Harry was ready to talk and his stories were often notorious. We will all miss his willing ear and advice.

Ellie; his daughters Michelle Eldredge (David) and Amy Johnson (Shad); his sons Ben, Matt (Erica), and Dave (Lucy); grandchildren Kelton, Elder Cooper Wall, Elder Eli Wall, Ainsley, Blake, Beckett, Addie, Sam, Gavin, Grady, Grifn, Gabby, Hudson and Brixton. He is also survived by his brother Jim Wall, his sister Marilyn Bower, Ellie’s eight siblings and spouses, and numerous nephews and nieces.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Tim Wall. Funeral Services were held Jan. 27 in Orem, Utah. Interment in Orem City Cemetery, Orem, Utah.

Harry is survived by his wife Terry; his seven children: Tracy, Mardi, David, Dan, Tim, Don, Casie, and their spouses; ve siblings, Harold, Retha, Keith, Sue, Darla, and their spouses; his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews and other beloved family members.

A casual celebration (the man did love shorts after all) of his life will be held at 3RFarm on March 11 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Baar and Kevin (Lori) Visser all of Lynden, 11 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Also sister-in-law Luella Stuurmans; brother-in-law and sister-in-law George and Gladys Visser and numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held in Gillies Funeral Home on Saturday, Feb. 11 from 5-7 p.m. e graveside service is at 12:15 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 13 in Monumenta Cemetery, followed by a 1 p.m. memorial service at the Faith Re-

Nooksack, then Great Western Lumber Company in Everson, until his retirement in 1999. He is survived by his wife Tracy, son Terry, grandson Terryl, sister Jacquelyn Smith, and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 18 at 1 p.m. at Nooksack Valley Reformed Church, 602 E. 2nd Street, Nooksack. A private fami- sweetheart, Joan Reese, on June 28, 1958. He received his degree in aeronautical engineering from the University of Washington in 1959.

Newly married, Richard served as a second lieutenant in the Army working with the helicopter division. He then began a lifelong career with the Boeing Commercial Airplane Group where he was direc- sports started when he discovered the New York Yankees at the age of 6, and the Yankees were his team. e Minnesota Vikings broke his heart four times.

John received a Bachelor’s of Science in government law and policy, and after working for the phone company, he received his appointment to the Customs and Border Protection Service. He worked at the Blue Water Bridge between Port Hu- tor of engineering laboratories.

In addition to his love of planes was his love of football.

From 1955-1958, Richard played tackle, defensive line, kicker and punter for the UW Huskies.

In 1957, he was a United Press All-American Selection. In 1958, he was drafted by the New York Giants.

He is survived by his wife Joan; daughters Carolyn (Doug), Suzanne (Rich) and Martha; grand- ron, Michigan and Sarnia, Ontario, Canada.

John met his future wife, Susan Malmberg, in 1975 and married on Sept. 20 and 30, 1978. It’s a good story.

John and Susan had only fur-babies; Shana, Jack Daniels, and Andy Jackson, the magni cent Airedales. In 2010 the last terrier Chleo Rose was a wonderful companion for John.

Because of John’s work on the border, he was able to transfer to Sumas in 1989, formed Church of Lynden. Memorials may be made to Christian Health Care Center, 855 Aaron Drive, Lynden, WA 98264; Whatcom Hospice, 2800 Douglas Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225 or Faith Reformed Church, 300 7th Street, Lynden, WA 98264. ly graveside will precede at Nooksack Cemetery. children LeAnne, Michelle, Catherine, Phillip, Carl, Anna, and Andrew; and nine greatgrandchildren. A service will be held at Bellingham Covenant Church at 11 a.m. Feb. 11. Donations in Richard’s name may be made to the Bellingham Covenant Church Building Fund or the Billy Graham Association. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Sigs Funeral Home. where he retired in 2007.

You are invited to share your condolences and memories in the online guestbook at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

In lieu of owers, please make a memorial donation to Whatcom Hospice Foundation, 2901 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham, WA 98225 or a charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and cremation services.

John is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Susan; his sister Kathleen Woodward (Al); in-laws Judy Buttress (Larry) and Bill (Barbara) Malmberg; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A private family interment was held at Greenwood Cemetery. A celebration of life service will take place later in the year.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.