Mary Jane VenHuizen, 71, of 17357 Hazel Road, Morrison, IL, died Friday, December 13, 2013, at her home.
Mary Jane was born April 22, 1942, in Morrison, to Jay and Janet (Buikema) Tichler. She was a 1960 graduate of Morrison High School. On May 19, 1961, she married John VenHuizen in Morrison. Mary Jane was employed for 35 years for the University of IL Extension Service, working primarily with the 4-H Program. She was a member of Ebenezer Reformed Church in Morrison, where she was active in the church choir, taught Sunday school for many years, and was President of the Reformed Church Women’s group. She was a member of the Home Extension Homemakers Group and also served as an election judge in Whiteside County for many years. Mary Jane enjoyed gardening, cooking, baking, fishing, taking pictures, and vacationing with her family. She was an avid Fighting Illini Fan.
Survivors include her husband, John; one daughter, Susan (Gabe) Gomez of Morrison; one son, Bob (Nadine) VenHuizen of Morrison; two grandchildren, Kayla (Jon) Bass and Sarah VenHuizen; one sister, JoAnn (Rev. Jim) Stralow of Freeport, IL; one brother, Arlyn (Marilyn) Tichler of Morrison; many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
FUNERAL SERVICE: 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, December 18, 2013, at Ebenezer Reformed Church, Morrison, IL
OFFICIATING: Ken Renkes, Director of Congregational Care, Ebenezer Reformed Church, Morrison, IL
VISITATION: 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 17, 2013, at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home
INTERMENT: Grove Hill Cemetery, Morrison, IL
A memorial has been established by the family.