Elaine J. VanDerNoord

Elaine J. VanDerNoord, nee Poortenga, age 83, late of Dyer, IN, formerly of Lynwood, IL, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Loving wife of Dewey VanDerNoord. Devoted mother of David VanDerNoord, Randall (Shelley) VanDerNoord, Brenda (Lee) Wiltjer, Debra (John) VanKalker, Melanie (Ryan) Zandstra, and Stephanie (Ryan) Regnerus. Proud grandmother of Ashley (Neal) VanBaren, Dewey (Erin) VanDerNoord, Ross (Alexis) VanDerNoord, Clark VanDerNoord, Dale VanDerNoord, Abby (Ethan) Kamps, Daniel Wiltjer, Lee (Lauren) Wiltjer, Lauren Wiltjer, Kyle VanKalker, Amanda (Peyton) Wheatley, Amber (Matt) Dykstra, Courtney (Luke) Huizenga, Alec (Alyssa) Zandstra, Cody (Nicole) Zandstra, Anna (Bailey) VanOverloop, Elaina (Nic) Hulst, Ryan (fiancée Clara) Regnerus, Hunter Regnerus, Olivia Regnerus, and Elsie Regnerus. Great-grandmother of Owen, Noelle, Cori, Jamie, Renee, Leah, Carly, Hannah, Deacon, Hadley, Della, Harvey, Stetson, Barrett, Jack, Charlie, Whitney, Leo, Finn, Haven, Henry, Walter Dewey, Walker, Corbin, and Leighton. Dearest sister of Ruth (late Chuck) Underwood, late Dolores Jean Poortenga, late Alvin (late Shirley) Poortenga, late Peter (Janice) Poortenga, Sandra (John) Heys, Robert (Linda) Poortenga, David Poortenga, sister-in-law Lindsay Poortenga, Lois (David) Nelson, and the late Karen Poortenga. Sister-in-law of late Gordon (late Jan) VanDerNoord, late Harry (Barb) VanDerNoord, Pam (late Russell) Kuipers, and Carla (late Bill) Haak. Preceded in death by her parents Peter and Anna Poortenga.

Elaine’s life was marked by her love for her Savior. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren knew her motto: “Have Jesus in your heart!” Her beaming smile and loving heart were known to all who spent time with her. Her Father in heaven gave her the gift of hospitality, which she used generously in serving her church family and relatives. Known by her family as a woman quick to witness for Christ to strangers, her life pointed others to her Savior, and her example will remain a cherished blessing to those who knew and loved her. Elaine was loved by her family, friends, and church, and will be dearly missed.

Visitation Sunday, June 7, 2026 from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane (Rt.30/Pleasant Springs Ln.) Dyer, IN. Interment Monday, June 8, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. at Oak Ridge Cemetery - Lansing, IL. Memorial service Monday, June 8, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Crete Protestant Reformed Church 1777 E Richton Rd, Crete, IL, with Rev. Joshua Engelsma officiating. Lunch will be provided at the church following the service, and all are welcome to join. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Protestant Reformed Christian School Special Education (www.heritagechs.org)

For further information, please contact 219-322-7300 or visit our online obituary and guest book at www.SMITSFH.com