Roger L. Gouwens

Roger L. Gouwens, age 85, of Thornton, IL passed away Monday, December 25, 2017.  Beloved husband of Elaine Gouwens nee Stegenga for 62 years. Loving father of Lori (Jeff) Reidenga and Larry (Pam) Gouwens and the late Christie Rae Gouwens.  Proud grandfather of Kayla (Alex) Bulthuis, Benjamin Gouwens, Karen (Nick) Blevins, Jenna Rae (Jason ) Stoit, Natalie Gouwens, Elizabeth Gouwens, and Dana Reidenga.  Dear brother of Nancy (Wayne) Van Swol. Preceded in death by his parents Cornelius and Elizabeth (nee VanderAa) Gouwens. Visitation Thursday, December 28, 2017 from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m at Smits, DeYoung-Vroegh Funeral Home, 649 E. 162nd St. (rt. 6/159th St.) South Holland, IL.   Funeral service Friday, December 29, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Smits, DeYoung-Vroegh Funeral Home.    Private Burial at Oak Ridge Cemetery – Lansing, IL. Mr. Gouwens was a Korean War Veteran and a butcher in Thornton, IL for 38 years.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given to Village Church Mission Fund.   For further information, please contact 708-333-7000 or visit our online obituary and guest book at www.SMITSFH.com.