Dorothy H. Bult

On Saturday, October 17, Dorothy H. Bult, née Schoonveld, age 94, of Lansing, IL, entered the gates of heaven to a glorious crescendo of pipe organ music, all the stops pulled out, and was welcomed home into the loving arms of her Savior.

Dorothy and Virgil married in 1955, following Virgil’s long-awaited return from military service. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised a loving family, with Dorothy instilling in her children the same hard work and dedication reflected in her own life. They shared many wonderful years together until Virgil passed away on September 24, 2008, with Dorothy by his side.

Dorothy was the loving mother of Marvin (Sherry) Bult, Sharon (Corrie) Frank, the late David (Lori Veld) Bult, Donna (Brian) Kooy, and Patti (Darrell) Barnett. She was a cherished grandmother to Nathan (Jennifer) Hay, Thomas (Erika) Hay, Tim Vanderhei, Laura (Jalen) Bult-Schlachter, Stacy (Mike) Frank, Stephanie Frank, Kelly (David) Meyers, Carrie (Casey) Johnson, Hope (Bryant) Vayhinger, Heather (Russell) Franczyk, Samuel (Alexis) Bult, Katie (Nick) Djuric, Renae (Andrew) Fentress, Kevin Kooy, Jaime (Nick) Rangos, Blaire (Lance) Unland, and Madison Barnett. Her family continued to grow to include 23 great-grandchildren, with one more blessing on the way.

Dorothy grew up in DeMotte, Indiana, a place that remained close to her heart throughout her life. She was the dear sister of Marilyn (the late Raymond) Jonkman and was preceded in death by four sisters, two brothers, and her parents, Louis and Margaret Schoonveld.

Music was woven throughout Dorothy’s life. A remarkably gifted musician, she played the violin, piano, pipe organ, and even the trombone as a young girl. She was a faithful, beloved member of Grace Church for over 75 years and actively involved in all areas of the church. Many will fondly remember her playing their favorite hymns on the pipe organ well into her 80s. She would sometimes place sheet music in front of her, though she didn’t need it, simply because she didn’t want to “show off.”

But some of the sweetest music in Dorothy’s life came from the memories made with the people gathered around her and the melodies composed by how she lived. Dorothy was generous, caring, faithful, and a steady, dependable presence in the lives of those she loved. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will cherish the times of gathering at her house, laughing, playing, and squeezing around the dining room table.

Dorothy’s legacy lives on in the generations of family she loved so well and the memories they will carry with them. She was deeply loved and will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and sweet caretaker, Kathy Rapsky (“Betty”). Her loved ones take comfort in knowing that she is now home with her Lord and Savior, healthy and whole, reunited with loved ones, and perhaps even playing the organ.

Visitation with family and friends will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane (Rt. 30/Pleasant Springs Lane), Dyer, IN.  A visitation will also be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. at Grace Church, 2740 Indiana Ave., Lansing, IL. Following the funeral service, there will be a luncheon at Teibel’s (Dorothy’s favorite). Interment will follow the luncheon at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Lansing, IL.

Memorial contributions may be given to Grace Church in honor of Dorothy.

For further information, please contact 219-322-7399 or visit our online obituary and guest book at www.SMITSFH.com