Esther Huizenga, Age 98 of Apple River, IL passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. She was born to William and Edna (Kehm) Oetke in Lombard, IL on October 31, 1925. Shortly after high school she started working for Commonwealth Edison Electric. Esther worked there for several years as the Presidents Executive Assistant and enjoyed her time there.

At one of her churches dance socials she got to meet her future husband, Donald Huizenga. Esther and Don got married on August 9, 1958, at the St. John's Lutheran Church in Lombard, IL. Together they raised their two children. She loved being a homemaker, raising her children and being a home away from home to many family members as well as friends. She was the glue that held her family together.

Esther enjoyed golfing, quilting, gardening, tennis, as well as going to bingo. In her later years she enjoyed bookkeeping for her son's business, Evergreen Landscaping. Family was Esther's everything and no bond would match the one she had with her granddaughter Brittany and great-grandson Mikah. Esther was a member of the Shepherd of the Hills church in Schapville, IL where she sang in the choir and was the choir director for many years.

She is survived by her two children- Susan Huizenga and Richard Huizenga; granddaughter- Brittany Huizenga; great grandson Mikah Pease; 3 nieces – Carole (Robert) Townsend, Cathy (Bob) Pakenham, and Cheryl Huizenga; and nephew- David (Judy) Oetke.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Don in 1990, brother George Oetke and niece Laurie Huizenga.

A memorial service will be held at Noon on Saturday, April 13, 2023, at the Shepherd of the Hills Church in Schapville, IL. With a Visitation held from 11:00 am until time of service.

Pastor Jim Mehltretter will be officiating the services.

Burial will take place at Shepherd of the Hills Cemetery in Schapville, IL

Cremation rites have been accorded.

A memorial has been established in her memory.