Nyenhuis, Frances (Frank) Gerald

It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Frances (Frank) Gerald Nyenhuis passed away peacefully, with his loving family by his side, on January 21, 2020 at the Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth at the age of 90. Beloved husband and best friend of Mary for 63 years. Loving dad to Dorien (Bill) Murray, John (Matilda), Paul (Karen), Dianne (Dan) Parr and Jim (Carla-Mae). Cherished Grandpa to Sarena (Tom), Nathan (Stephanie), Kelly (Mathew), Chris, Pete (Sanne), Scott (Jessica), Darryl (Martina), Janice (Mark), Jessica (Kris), Chris (Imke), Mark (Charles), Jacqueline (Jordy), Andrew (Jolene), Danielle (Andrew), Kevin, Luke (Emily), Austin, Joel, Noah, Jonah, Samuel, Isaac and Levi and great-grandpa to 22 great-grandchildren. Dear brother of Huub (Josephine) and special uncle to Wilfred (Patricia) Temming and “Opa Canada” to Stan, Kim, Rick and Tom.
Also survived by his siblings in Holland, Jozef, Dien, Theo, Wilma (Bennie), Ria (Antoon), Leo (Tony), Agnes (Frits) and sisters-in-law, Diny, Wilhelmien (Theo) and Riek and brother-in-law, Jan (Alie).
Also survived by several nieces and nephews in both Canada and Holland.
Predeceased by his parents Henricus and Berendina Nyenhuis and Johanna Nyenhuis, son-in-law, Grant Hammond, grandson, Justin, his siblings, Johan (Marie), Bernard (Dieny), Hendrik (Marie), Antoon (Anna), Harry (Wilhelmien), Ans and Gerald (Susan) and brothers-in-law Joop and Bennie and sisters-in-law Marie, Stien, Fiene and Fiene (Jan).
Frank was born in Zieuwent, Holland, July 3, 1929, #7 of 16 children. Frank immigrated to Canada in March 1955 and settled in the Stratford area. A year later, the love of his life, Mary joined him in Canada and they were married October 8, 1956. In 1960, Frank fulfilled his dream of farming when they purchased a farm in the Kinkora area where they raised their children. After 32 years, they retired to Kay Street, Stratford. Frank was a faithful and active member of St. Patrick’s Church, Kinkora and later St. Joseph’s Church, Stratford where he was a member of the choir. He was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus (K of C), a volunteer driver for both the Children’s Aid Society and the Canadian Cancer Society, and a blood donor until the age of 71. He enjoyed curling, golfing, biking, playing cards and gardening. In February 2018, they moved to Anne Hathaway Retirement Home and the family would like to express their sincere appreciation for all the love and support from the staff and residents. Special thanks to all the staff and volunteers of the Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth for their compassion and loving care to our dad and our entire family. Special thanks also to Community Care Partners Nursing and One Care. Frank was a genuine friend to everyone, always willing to help and give of his time. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
Visitation for family and friends will be held at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 96 Huron St., Stratford on Friday, January 24, 2020 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. (K of C prayers will take place at 1:45 p.m.). The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 96 Huron Street, Stratford on Saturday, January 25 at 2:00 p.m., with Fr. Bester as Celebrant. A reception will be held at the Parish hall following the internment in Avondale Cemetery.
As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Rotary Hospice Stratford-Perth or St. Joseph’s Church Restoration Fund through the W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron Street, Stratford. 519-271-7411 www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com