Jacob “Jake” Huizenga, 70, a resident of Sedro-Woolley, WA passed away on Wednesday, May 14, 2014, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on October 3, 1943 at the Cook County Hospital in Chicago, IL, the seventh of nine children of Clarence (Klaas) and Cora (Jacoba) Huizenga.
When Jake was three years old the family moved to Bellflower, CA and two years, later moving to East Stanwood, WA where the family operated a dairy farm. There were many fun stories about life on the farm.
When Jake was nine, the family moved to Mount Vernon where he and his siblings attended the Mount Vernon Christian School and Mount Vernon Christian Reformed Church.
Jake continued working for family friends, the Sinema’s, on their dairy farm in Stanwood and he was known to ride their horses in the Mount Vernon parades. He was proud of the fact that he could play the William Tell Overture on the piano only because of the Lone Ranger TV show, then he was through with the piano.
After graduating from Mount Vernon High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Irwin in California.
In 1968 he married Connie Garland, and from that union his two children, Barbie and Stephanie were born and he became a father to James Garland. In 1991 he married Teri Patterson and became a father to Sean and Desiree Patterson.
For several years Jake worked for Witco in Mount Vernon, where he would design, cut and finish wood furniture. He then worked for 29 years as a truck driver for Concrete Nor’West, using the call sign “Big Kahuna” until his retirement.
Jake enjoyed boating and going camping all around the Northwest.
He is survived by his wife, Teri at the family home in Sedro-Woolley; his children, Barbie Halgren (Skip) of Samish Island, WA, Stephanie Huizenga of San Diego, CA, Jim Garland (Karen) of Lexington, SC, Desiree Huntley (Jeremiah) of Sedro-Woolley, and Sean Patterson (Crystal), of Colorado Springs, CO; 2 brothers, Clarence Huizenga (Chris) of Mears, MI and Bernie Huizenga (Joann) of Elmhurst, IL; 5 sisters Dena Wichers (Eldon) of Arlington, WA, Ann Ellison of Tacoma, WA, Jenny Shiel and Linda Van Esch (Randy) of Mount Vernon, WA and Catherine Dostart (Tom) of Stanwood, WA; 11 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and the family zoo. He was preceded in death by his parents, Klaas & Jacoba Huizenga, a brother, Robert Huizenga; his paternal grandparents, Klaas & Anje (van Dijken) Huizenga and maternal grandparents, Jan & Alberdina (Dop-van Veen) Huizenga.
The family suggests that memorials be made to a charity of your choice.
A time for visitation for Jake will be held on Sunday, May 18th from noon to 4pm and on Monday, May 19th from 9am to 5 pm at Lemley Chapel in Sedro-Woolley. In keeping with Jake’s request no formal funeral will be held. A Life Celebration will be held at a later date.
Teri………..please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this time. So very sad for you. You were always so kind to me through Dales treatments I really appreciated that. I still think of all you ladys often and your kindness. Nita
Teri
So sorry to hear of Jake’s passing. May God comfort you at this time.
For every life Jake touched, for everyone who knew him; even for a short while–all will know the hole his passing leaves in your heart. They say it gets better over time, but in my experience every now and then a cold wind comes along and blows through that hole, reminding us our circle has been broken along with our hearts. Time heals, time helps, and while you are grieving we will keep you in our thoughts and Prayers.