Elizabeth DeTroye

Elizabeth N. DeTroye entered the arms of Jesus on Friday morning, May 28, 2021 at Cedar Grove Gardens. She was 87 years old.

Elizabeth was born December 13, 1933 in Sheboygan, the daughter of Jannes and Elvira (nee Bruggink) Smies. She attended Lakeview Elementary and graduated from Oostburg High School in 1951.

On December 15, 1953, Elizabeth was united in marriage with John “Jack” E. DeTroye in Oostburg. The couple celebrated 67 years together.

For 45 years, Elizabeth was the dedicated secretary for Lakeshore Weekly.

A long-time, devoted member of Bethel OPC, she was a member of Rebecca’s Society, numerous Bible studies, served as the church librarian, helped with the flower committee, prepared luncheons and countless behind the scenes tasks. She enjoyed Christian outreach through her involvement with ministries including Gideons International, Crossroads Prison Ministries and Sowers.  She knew we are still sinners, but saved by grace.

A faithful and supportive wife, mother, grandmother and friend, she will be remembered for her endless hospitality. She was a master gardener, who enjoyed putting together flower arrangements, baking, cooking, reading, camping and vacationing in her and Jack’s travel trailer.

Elizabeth is survived by her husband Jack and their children: Daniel (Lisa) of Kiel, Donald (Shary) of Oostburg, David (Mary) of Maryland and Deborah DeTroye of Rhinelander. She is further survived by 11 grandchildren: Nathan (Tabatha) DeTroye, Darren (Brittany) DeTroye, Stephanie (Rick) Zamora, Ashley (Tim) Boss, Jenna (Bryce) Werner, Matthew (Kentcie) DeTroye, Emily (Scott) Donaldson, Abby (James) McEver, Jill (Chris) Ahrens, Megan DeTroye and Liberty Crabb;  9 great-grandchildren; siblings: LeRoy Smies, Mary Ann Claerbaut and Janet (Frank) Wahlstrom; sister-in-law June (George) Stratbucker; special niece Beth (Pastor Steve) Schoof; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her sister-in-law Dorrine Smies, brothers-in-law Richard Claerbaut and Lauren (Mary) DeTroye.

A Funeral Service celebrating Elizabeth’s life will be held at 11:00AM on Friday, June 4, 2021 at Bethel Orthodox Presbyterian Church of Oostburg with Rev. David Veldhorst and Rev Nathan Strom officiating. All are welcome to join a livestream of the funeral at wenig.live/ElizabethDeTroye . Friends and family may greet the family at Wenig Funeral Home - Oostburg on Thursday, June 3, 2021 from 4:00-7:00PM and again on Friday at the church from 10:00-11:00AM. She will be laid to rest at Oostburg Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice, Crossroads Prison Ministries or Gideon International.

The family would like to thank the staffs of Pine Haven, Cedar Grove Gardens and Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for their compassionate and loving care.

Wenig Funeral Home – Oostburg (920-564-2771) is assisting the family with arrangements. Please visit www.wenigfuneralhome.com for more information or to leave online condolences.