Eugene P. Fennema

Eugene (Gene) P. Fennema, 75 years old, from South Holland, IL went to his eternal home in glory on July 14, 2024.

Gene was a devoted husband to his beloved wife of 52 years, Joan nee Loerop. They married shortly after his service from 1969 to 1971 in the United States Army.

Together they lovingly raised four children, Sheri (Daniel) Ryken, Patricia (Thorsten) Rausch, Kathleen (Troy) Hubers, and Michael (Stephanie) Fennema.  His work ethic and loyalty in his 30-year career at Ozinga Brothers and 10 years at Riverside Pumping served as an example to his children as well as all the support and encouragement he gave them in all their various activities.  During his child raising years Gene also served his church in various roles as Cadet counselor, elder and deacon, as well as serving on the school boards of Calvin Christian School and Illiana Christian High School.

Born in the Roseland neighborhood of Chicago on May 25, 1949, to the late Peter and Dorothy (Zylstra) Fennema, he was raised as the middle child of his four sisters, Sharon (Tony) Verhagen, Donna (late Larry) VanderWall, Carol (Ed) DeBoer, and Debra (Jim) DeBoer.

Gene loved every member of his family well. His 25 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, who he was all proud of and were a source of joy, will remember their caring, funny grandpa as a man who enjoyed woodworking, playing games with them, camping, biking, and putting together puzzles. He also showed his love for Jesus in how he served people he did not know or would never meet. In his retirement years, he spent weeks at a time at the Young Life camp, Timberwolf, making repairs and keeping up the grounds in the off season. He helped to make beds through Sleep in Heavenly Peace, to benefit families who could not afford beds. He enjoyed all the hours he spent volunteering at Samaritans Purse and the Children’s Hunger Fund.

Visitation Wednesday, July 17, 2024 from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home, 649 E. 162nd St. South Holland, IL.  Funeral service Thursday, July 18, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. at Cottage Grove Christian Reformed Church 16556 Cottage Grove Ave. South Holland, IL with Rev. Dr. Mark Vander Hart officiating.  Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery – Elwood, IL.

Memorial contributions may be given to Mid-America Reformed Seminary (229 Seminary Dr. Dyer, IN 46311) or Cottage Grove CRC.

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