Delbert L. Housenga, 81, of Fulton, IL, died Monday, July 4, 2016, at his home.
Delb was born September 6, 1934, in Fulton, to Jacob G. and Gertrude (Balk) Housenga. He was educated in the Fulton Christian Grade School and attended Fulton High School. Delb married Susanne F. “Sue” Stralow on July 20, 1955. They shared their life together for more than 60 years. Delb was employed by General Electric in Morrison, IL, retiring in 1993. He was a former member of First Christian Reformed Church in Fulton and served as elder and deacon, chairman of the building committee, and outside custodian. He was currently a member of First Reformed Church in Fulton. Delb’s faith in Jesus Christ was a very important part of his life, and he encouraged his family and friends to trust in Him. Delb joined the Fulton Fire Department in 1960, was appointed Assistant Chief in 1963, and served as Chief from 1980 until 1985. In 2001, he was appointed to the Illinois Association of Fire Protection Districts as an area representative and in 2002 to a Director’s position. He was active with the Fulton Fire Department as trustee until his death. Delb was a member of the Fulton Flood Protection District. He was member and President of the Fulton Christian Grade School Board. He was a school bus driver for Unity Christian School and Riverbend School District. Delb served as election judge and was the 2008 Dutch Days Grand Marshall. He enjoyed antiquing, golfing, fishing, restoring his 1931 Chevy, and traveling and spending winters in Arizona.
Survivors include his wife, Sue; two daughters, Del Anne (Rev. Paul) Van Dyken of Fairfax, VA, and Peggy (Art) Kilburg of Fulton; one son, Russell (Melinda) Housenga of East Moline, IL; ten grandchildren, Misty, Paul III, and Mike Van Dyken, Jennifer (Travis) Baker, Jessica (Steve) Palmer, Renee (James) Johnson, Matthew (Aimee) Seiler, Corissa Mau, Adam and Rachel Besse; ten great-grandchildren, Nolan and Gage Baker, Jordyn, Bella, and Keira Palmer, Sidney Pawsk, Audrey and Luke Seiler, Hunter and Isabella Mau; one sister, Pearl (Bob) Yarbrough of Morrison.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one granddaughter, Christa Van Dyken; one brother, Paul Housenga.
FUNERAL SERVICE: 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 9, 2016, at First Reformed Church in Fulton, IL
CO-OFFICIATING: Rev. Edie Lenz, Pastor of First Reformed Church, and Rev. Paul Van Dyken, Pastor of Grace Christian Reformed Church in Burke, VA
VISITATION: 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, July 8, 2016, at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home
INTERMENT: Fulton Township Cemetery, Fulton, IL
MEMORIALS: Fulton Fire Department and First Reformed Church, Fulton, IL