Neal Berghoef Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

On Tuesday, January 21, 2014, Neal Berghoef left his earthly home and is now walking with His Lord and Savior in Heaven. Neal (Nelis) Berghoef was born April 20, 1922 to Jacob Berghoef and Heiltje Wilhelmus in Waddinxveen, South Holland, The Netherlands. He was the oldest of five brothers and subsequently three half-brothers and a half-sister. After graduating from furniture trade school as a teenager, he worked as a cabinetmaker and draftsman with a local furniture manufacturer. During World War II Neal spent two years in a German forced labor camp on the Baltic in what is now Poland. Around the age of 20 he was on his bicycle waiting for a bridge to close when a young woman on her bike caught his eye, and shortly thereafter he asked her on a date. Her name was Anna Maria (Ann) van Alten, and she and Neal were married in 1946. Neal's displacement to Germany qualified him for immigration as a war refugee, and in 1956 Neal and Ann moved to the United States with their four children having only rudimentary English language skills. Neal began his career in the furniture industry at Bergsma Brothers in Grand Rapids before moving the family to Holland, where he had obtained employment as a draftsman with Baker Furniture. He spent the rest of his career at Baker, retiring in 1986 as head of manufacturing operations in Holland. Neal and Ann were active in retirement years, travelling and enjoying their family both in Holland and Florida until resuming their permanent residence in the Holland area in 2003. His Christian faith played a central role in his life and he was active in church leadership, including many years of service in both the Netherlands and the US as elder, deacon, Sunday school teacher, delegate to Synod, and other activities. He was a keen advocate of Christian education and took pride in seeing all of his children graduate from Holland Christian Schools as well as Calvin College or nursing programs. Neal always had a strong interest in gardening, the outdoors, and woodworking. His passion was politics and served as Holland councilman from 1983 until he was elected mayor in 1989. He served two terms as mayor of Holland, retiring in 1993. His chief goals as mayor were to foster ethnic diversity, support strong families, and encourage area-wide cooperation. He was proud of his participation in public service in the United States despite arriving in this country at the age of 34. He continued to stay informed on numerous subjects until shortly before his death and enjoyed taking advantage of the internet revolution. Neal is survived by his wife of 67 years, Anna, and five children, Jack (Nancy Zwart) of Holland, Henry (Leslie Boyle) of Chicago, Hilda (Tim Quist) of Frankfort, Ena (Jerry Gunnink) of Holland, and Joy (Anthony Paige) of Holland. Neal had 15 grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, each of whom loved him dearly, and in return were individually loved and inspired by him. He is also survived by his sister Elly Berghoef, sister's-in-law Millie Berghoef and Audrey Berghoef, all of Grand Rapids and many nephews and nieces. Also surviving are many beloved brothers and sisters and nephews and nieces in The Netherlands. Three brothers, a sister-in-law, and a half brother preceded him in death. Funeral services will be 11:00am Saturday, January 25 at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E 16th St., Holland with Rev. Marvin Hofman and Rev. Andres Fierro officiating. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Visiting hours are scheduled for 4-7pm Friday also at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to World Renew and Holland Christian Schools. The family is thankful to the staffs of Royal Atrium, Appledorn Assisted Living Center, and Hospice of Holland.

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Neal Berghoef

April 20, 1922 - January 21, 2014