Maxine K. Veurink's Obituary
Maxine K. Veurink, 92, died at home on October 4, 2022, surrounded by her family.
This “obituary” was hastily written on a paper napkin years ago per Maxine’s request:
Oh dread. Maxine is dead!
No more muffins, pies, or homemade bread.
Laughter ruled the life she led.
Enough said.
She found it amusing – as it was intended to be. She was a character. Maxine loved to laugh, and she loved people. She was happiest when surrounded by family and/or friends, whom she lavished with love and food. A great cook, she loved to entertain and kid with those around her. She laughed easily and loved much.
A truly beautiful woman, she had a self-deprecating sense of humor and a down to earth sensibility that charmed many. She was unpretentious and unpredictable. This elegant lady would walk on her hands around the yard when her children were little. She was such a good baseball player that neighborhood kids would ask if she could come out and play. At 91, she picked up a harmonica and played it beautifully, surprising herself – and her great granddaughter. She was fun and she was memorable.
The second to the last of seven children born to Ed and Ella Klever of Grant, Michigan, Maxine graduated from Grant High School and attended Muskegon Community College before embracing a life of unexpected opportunities. She married West Point graduate William J. Veurink in 1951 and so became the wife of an Air Force pilot. Military life suited her. She traveled often and was exposed to diverse cultures and interesting people everywhere she went. She was active with the OWC (Officer’s Wives Club) wherever they were stationed so she hosted luncheons and dinner parties, raised funds for various causes and thoroughly enjoyed the formal events she was expected to attend. She was as comfortable in the company of dignitaries as she was with the young wounded troops she served as a Red Cross volunteer. Maxine lived throughout the United States and abroad for 30 years before returning to Michigan and settling in Grand Haven.
Hers was a good life, but it was not an easy one. Her first child suffered a severe brain injury at birth and her husband survived a massive stroke that left him paralyzed for 22 years. Both died in 2008, but through God’s grace she was able to be a patient, kind, compassionate, and good-natured caregiver to each of them. It was prayer that sustained her in that role and throughout her life.
Maxine was warm, thoughtful, and generous with her time. A member of Second CRC in Grand Haven, she was involved in Friendship and other areas of service and hospitality. An artist, she loved color and was known in church for her sense of style and personable nature. One could never anticipate what she might say. When Maxine mentioned to her minister that if she had a funeral, she would like her to officiate, Rev. Laura de Jong responded affirmatively, then laughed and quipped that she would have all attendees “dress to the nines and tell off-color jokes!”
Maxine Delight (Klever) Veurink was a happy, lovely lady who was beloved by her children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends. She will be truly missed and fondly remembered.
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 7, 2022, from 6-8pm at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417. There will be a private graveside service with immediate family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Hospice of North Ottawa Community, with gratitude for their kind and compassionate care. Share memories with the family and sign the online guestbook at http://www.sytsemafh.com.
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