Johannes "Hans" Cornelis Burrink

Johannes "Hans" Cornelis Burrink, 83, formerly of South Holland and Crete, IL, passed away March 23, at the Inn at Freedom Village, and is now reunited with his loving family and the open arms of Jesus.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Helena (Leny) Katarina Bibiana Burrink.  He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 59 years, Beth Burrink; children Brad (Sharon) Burrink, Nancy (Mark) Kleinheksel, Robert (Kathi) Burrink; brother, Helmut (Leis) Burrink, 11 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

Born in the Netherlands in 1934, he was a child of the war (1940-45).  Separated from his family and a resistance messenger, the war took a heavy toll on him and his entire family, but still, a survivor.  He went on to trade school and aeronautical/technical college, then enlisted in the Netherlands Air Force as a fighter pilot.  After his tour he immigrated to the United States in 1957.  His name is etched on the American Immigrant Wall of Honor on Ellis Island.  After working in the steel mills, he began working at Bailey Controls until 1985, at which point he began his own company, Advanced Boiler Control Services.  He officially retired in 2002.  Hans was an avid pilot for many years, loved yachting, and traveling around the world with his loving companion, Beth.  He found great pleasure in watching all the grandchildren and great grandchildren grow.

The family wishes to give special thanks to all the incredible staff at Claire Bridge (The Inn at Freedom Village).  Dad found peace under your care and love.  We are grateful.

Friends and relatives may meet the family for visitation from 3:00-8:00pm at Smits Funeral Home, 649 E. 162 ^nd Street, South Holland, IL.  The funeral will take place at  First Reformed Church, 15924 South Park Avenue, South Holland, IL at  11:00am with Rev. Matt Waterstone officiating, with lunch following.  Those who wish to make memorial contributions may make them to Elim Christian Services.