Mary Veenendaal

"Well done good and faithful servant." We have to believe that these were likely the first words that Mary heard as she finished the race and achieved eternal life on January 19th while in hospice care at Pine Haven's Haven Drive Campus at the age of 82. Mary Sue Veenendaal was born on September 22, 1935 to Everett D. and Jeanette (Swart) Harmeling at Memorial Hospital in Sheboygan. A woman of tremendous faith and strong conviction Mary will always be remembered as a generous, gentle, humble and forgiving soul who always had a smile on her face and was dearly loved by everyone who knew her.  She suffered life's losses and disappointments with a rare amount of grace and was truly a prayer warrior which is how she always handled life's hardships and set the example for us all. Her absence will leave a terrible void for every one of her family members and friends who truly loved her.            Mary was a 1953 graduate of Oostburg High School and then went on to attend West Suburban Hospital School for Nurses in Oak Park, Illinois graduating in 1956. She then went on to work in the Children's Ward at Memorial Hospital for a few years before moving on to Pine Haven Christian Home on Giddings Avenue in Sheboygan Falls. She eventually became head nurse there and stayed on for nearly 20 years before leaving so that she could go back to "good old bedside nursing" at Sunny Ridge for several years until her retirement in 1996.             Mary was united in marriage to Roland Veenendaal on July 26th, 1958 at the First Reformed Church in Hingham and they stayed married for over 56 years until his death in 2015. The two of them cherished their friendships and loved to have people over for meals and visiting, especially around the holidays. She absolutely loved to cook and if anyone left Mary's house hungry it was their own fault as there were always plenty of leftovers. They also loved cards and other games and took many family vacations together creating many wonderful memories for their children.            Mary was also the first Block Parent in the Sheboygan Falls "helping hand" program in 1973 which was designed to help neighborhood kids stay safe. Other charities that Mary was an avid supporter of The Salvation Army, Samaritan's Purse, American Bible Society, and among many others. In addition to all of this they sponsored several children from around the world through the World Vision Program.           Other hobbies and interests of Mary's include watching Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, Dr. Phil, cooking shows and of course WVCY. She also enjoyed attending sporting events or watching them on tv and was a fan of all the Wisconsin sports teams. Her favorite movie was The Sound of Music. Mary is survived by her children, Beth Veenendaal, Brian (Alisa) Veenendaal and Bradley (Shannon) Veenendaal all of Sheboygan; five grandchildren, Rachel Veenendaal, Katie (Hallie) Jennerman, Tyler Ross, Makenna and Bryson Veenendaal; two great-grandchildren, Devyn Jennerman and Aaniyah Ross; two step great-grandchildren, Nate and Caleb Jennerman; one brother, Mark (Miriam) Harmeling of CA; one brother-in-law, Paul Veenendaal of Sheboygan and two sisters-in-law, Ruth Veenendaal of Menomonee Falls and Betty Harmeling of Oostburg. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Roland; one brother Ed Harmeling; and one niece, Sherry Harmeling. A funeral service to celebrate Mary's life will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at 11am at the First Reformed Church in Sheboygan Falls with Rev. David VanDixhorn officiating. Burial will be held at Sheboygan Falls Cemetery.Relatives and friends may greet the family on Friday, January 26, 2018 at the Wenig Funeral Home in Sheboygan Falls from 4-7pm and again on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at the CHURCH from 10 am until the time of service at 11am.A memorial fund is being established in her name.For online condolences and additional information please visit www.wenigfh.com The staff of the Wenig Funeral Home of Sheboygan Falls (920-467-3431) is assisting the Veenendaal family with arrangements.

Visitation

Friday, January 26, 2018 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Wenig Funeral Home - Sheboygan Falls
711 Broadway Sheboygan Falls 53085, United States

Visitation

Saturday, January 27, 2018 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
First Reformed Church - Sheboygan Falls
527 Giddings Avenue Sheboygan Falls 53085, United States

Service

Saturday, January 27, 2018 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
First Reformed Church - Sheboygan Falls
527 Giddings Avenue Sheboygan Falls 53085, United States