Etta Hesselink

Etta Marie Ter Louw Hesselink was a remarkable woman. Lover of trains, intrepid bicyclist, missionary, teacher, musician, world traveler, lover of art, wife, mother and friend. She touched countless people around the world during her 93 years with her generosity and her unending curiosity and love. And her faith defined who she was, her life, her choices and the legacy she leaves. Born in Waupun, Wisconsin, to Rev. John S. Ter Louw and Annette (Vander Hart) Ter Louw, Etta grew up as a minister's daughter in 5 different Midwestern towns, with deep family roots in Pella, Iowa. Etta majored in music - Pipe Organ - at Central College (Pella, Iowa), graduating Summa Cum Laude in 3 years. While at Central, she met I. John Hesselink. They were married shortly after her graduation and she moved to Holland, Michigan to be with him for his final 2 years at Western Theological Seminary. During those years, she taught music. Her childhood dream came true in 1953, when she and John headed to Japan as missionaries with son John, then just 9 months old. She loved living in Japan and rising to meet the challenges that faced foreigners in the post-war years. There was also a 2 1/2 year stint in Switzerland while John studied for his doctorate. Over the first 22 years of their marriage, Etta and John lived in 12 homes, spanning 3 continents - with Etta doing all the packing, maintaining the home, raising 5 children ... and typing thousands of pages of notes and lectures for John. She also managed to direct choirs, work on a hymn book project, and teach Bible classes. Her life changed dramatically in 1973, when John became president of Western Theological Seminary and they moved to Holland, Michigan. The move was not what she would have chosen, but, true to her nature, she made the most of it. She now was to live in one town the rest of her years (and 45 years in one house). Stability did not slow her down. Mission work continued to be the love of her life, and Japan remained her passion. In Holland she was active in many things, including working as a translator, teaching origami and courses on Japan and its culture and arts and playing Ragtime music. She was also actively involved in Third Reformed Church and its choir, Japanese Church, HASP and the Century Club, all while supporting John in his role at Western. And, she managed to complete a masters degree at the University of Michigan in Japanese studies at the age of 65. She was tireless - providing relentless support for her family, church and the missionary community, while teaching, performing, and traveling, including leading tours in Japan ... and much more. Etta died peacefully on July 23, 2024 with family members present. She is survived by her 5 children and 2 grandchildren: John Hesselink III, Ann Hesselink (married to Paul Naour) and her daughter Katie Hesselink-Hicks (married to Chris Kaiser), Jud Hesselink, Nathan Hesselink (married to Serra Hwang) and their son Braque Hesselink, and Greg Hesselink. There are numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her 5 siblings and her husband, Dr. I. John Hesselink, Jr. She will be deeply missed. May her inspiration to all of us remain alive. A memorial service will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 5, 2024 at Third Reformed Church, 111 W. 13th St. Holland. To watch the service, please visit, https://trcholland.org. A time of fellowship will follow the service. Interment in Graafschap Cemetery. To leave a condolence and for more information, please visit, www.langelandsterenberg.com.

Tributes

Etta Hesselink

January 12, 1931 - July 23, 2024