Francis W. VenHuizen, 93, of Resthave Home in Morrison, IL, died Tuesday, November 23, 2021, at Unity Point Health Trinity Rock Island in Rock Island, IL.
Francis was born March 4, 1928, in Fenton, IL, to William and Gertrude (Borgman) Venhuizen. He was educated in the rural Stone Street School outside of Fenton, IL. Francis joined the U. S. Army during the Korean Conflict in November 1951, and he was awarded the Bronze Star. He first married, Nola M. Hoogheem on August 11, 1950, in Fulton, IL. She died on September 19, 1990. He later married Thelma P. Zaagman on December 2, 2000, in Morrison. She died on August 10, 2015. Francis was a Carpenter for over 20 years then later retired from DuPont in Clinton, IA. After retirement, Francis worked for many years assisting the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home team. He was a member of American Legion and was a member of Second Reformed Church in Fulton for 76 years. He had been a member there since he was 17 years old and served as Deacon for many years. Francis was also a member of Whitesdide County Farm Bureau and an Antique Tractor Club in the area. He collected three Massey-Harris tractors for many years. He volunteered at Heritage Canyon, and the Blacksmith Shop there bears his name as “Proprietor.” He was the bowling Secretary of his bowling league for years and spent time volunteering at the foodbank in Fulton. Francis was a life-long Cubs Fans and proud owner of a World Series hat after they beat the Indians. He collected crackle glass and enjoyed taking bus trips and traveling A few of his favorite trips were to Alaska, Switzerland, and Holland. He was an accomplished Woodworker and was able to make anything!
Survivors include his daughter, Nancy (Mark) Kapusinski of Fulton; three grandchildren, Douglas (Rita) Kapusinski, Andrea (Brandon) Cooper, and Gregory (Kristin) Kapusinski; six great-grandchildren, Tommy, Oliver, and Cora Kapusinski, Bryant Cooper, and Cade and Lena Kapusinski; step-sons, Gordon (Paulette) Zaagman of Morrison, James (Candace) Zaagman of Prophetstown, IL, and Bruce (Lisa) Zaagman of Lyndon, IL; stepson-in-law, Roland VanDerLeest of Morrison; nine step-grandchildren, Toni (Chad) Milnes, Shari (Paul) Griffin, Keith Zaagman, Jason (Amber) Zaagman, Kody and Kolton Zaagman, Bridget (Derrick) Maupin, Mathew (Amanda) VanDerLeest, and Nicholas VanDerLeest; 12 step-great-grandchildren, Claire, Elle, Evelia, and Cole Milnes, Sydney and Luke Griffin, Riley, Charlotte, and Tanner Maupin,and Madison, Amilia, and Maisy VanDerLeest; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Nola; second wife, Thelma; daughter in infancy, Barbara; sisters, Grace Strating, Catherine Dykstra, Jeannette Balk, and Harriet Norman; brothers, Fred Venhuizen and Jacob Venhuizen; step-daughter, Debra Vanderleest; step-grandchildren, Brent Zaagman and Katelynn Zaagman.
Francis’s Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Monday, November 29, 2021, at the Fulton Presbyterian Church in Fulton, IL, with Rev. Catherine Martin of the Fulton Presbyterian Church officiating.
Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., on Sunday, November 28, 2021, at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home.
Interment will be at Fulton Township Cemetery in Fulton, IL.
A memorial has been established to Resthave Care & Rehabilitation in Morrison, IL.