John H Drenth

Funeral services for John Henry Drenth, age 97, of Hollandale will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at Hollandale Christian Reformed Church with Military Honors by Freeborn County Area Veteran’s Organizations.  Rev. Michael Bentley and Jerry Van Someren will officiate.  Interment will be at the Hollandale Cemetery at a later date.  Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 18th at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church. 

John went home to be with the Lord surrounded by his children at the Good Samaritan Center on Sunday, January 16, 2011.

John Henry Drenth was born on July 19, 1913 to Henry Sr. and Geeltje (Kate) Drenth in Zuidlaren The Netherlands.  They immigrated to the United States when John was 1 year old, first living in Iowa and then settling in Hollandale.  John served in the United States Army during WWII with SHAEF which was the company that guarded General Eisenhower.  These men where affectionately known as “Ike’s Boys”.  He served in the army from 1942-1945.  While stationed in England he met and married Joyce Higgins on July 18, 1944 at Teddington Baptist Church. Teddington, England.  After the war John built a home for Joyce in Hollandale.  In 1998 they moved to Albert Lea.  They were married 59 years.  He worked for Veldman Equipment, farmed and then took the position as postmaster in Hollandale for 27 years before retiring.  While retired John kept busy by helping out with the spring planting and fall harvest for Stegenga Brothers and Steensma Brothers, restored tractors, built a kit car replica of a 1929 Mercedes Benz, traveled with his family throughout the US and Europe, attended army reunions for “Ike’s Boys” and volunteered for meals on wheels.  John was also known for his harmonica and accordion playing for family and friends.  During his later years he enjoyed gardening.  John was a lifelong member of the Hollandale Christian Reformed Church where he served as elder, deacon, Sunday school teacher, Young Peoples leader and janitor.  He also served on the board of the Hollandale Cemetery Association.  John held fast to his faith in the Lord throughout his entire life.  He instilled his Christian values and beliefs to his children and was always there to give them advice when needed.  He will be missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his children Dave (Lee) Drenth of Hollandale, Belinda Garman of Albert Lea, Chris (Polly) Drenth of Hollandale, Kathy (Jerry) Dimit of Albert Lea and Kay Drenth of Albert Lea; grandchildren Jade (Tanya) Drenth, Shane Drenth and fiancé Kellie Grimley, Maelynn Drenth, Emily (Jay) Kuiters, Liz (Tony) Roth, Andy (Ashley) Drenth, Ashley Underdahl and fiancé Ryan Schoon, and Neal Underdahl; 13 great-grandchildren; brother William (Hermina) Drenth of Michigan.

John was preceded in death by his parents; wife Joyce, brother Henry Jr. son-in-law Pat Garman; grandson Jerome; and great-granddaughter DeShae.