Martha V. Haan

Martha was born in the Netherlands to John and Margaret Veenema, where she would grow to be the oldest sibling of seven children. She developed a love for learning at a young age and earned a high school degree, a rather anticultural endeavor for a farmer’s daughter during that era. She excelled in all studies, notably becoming fluent in three languages with extensive training in three others. She fell in love and married William Haan, and after surviving the hardships of World War II, they immigrated to the United States. They started their new lives in Wisconsin, but later moved to Michigan, putting Martha closer to her parents and siblings who had settled in Ontario. They became proud parents to nine children, raising them on a farm in Byron Center. After a lifetime spent living on farms, she developed a respect and love for all animals. She had a dog kennel for many years and raised registered Norwegian Elkhounds.

Martha and her husband were heavily involved in church life and were strong advocates for Christian education. She was very close to God and embodied the values of faith, family, and hard work. Martha loved music, occasionally serving as her church organist. She encouraged those around her to participate in music and once had a small band (mostly made up of her children).

Martha resumed her educational pursuits at the age of 45, earning her degree in nursing. She worked in various fields including medical/surgical, intensive care and oncology units; but she found her true passion in the mother/baby unit, caring for newborns and helping new mothers. After retirement, Bill and Martha did some traveling but primarily focused on family, developing strong and unique relationships with their children and grandchildren. Martha was a true prayer warrior. She felt the purpose of her longevity was not only to pray for her own descendants, but also for her nephews and nieces who had already lost their parents.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William; daughter, Margery Machiela; grandson, Shawn Haan; sister, Teddy Wiersma; and brother, Hank Veenema. Her memory will be cherished by her siblings Wilma Veenema, Dirkie Koster, Dianne and Roger Ramandt, Margaret Schram, Jan Westendorp, and Aske Poortinga; and by her children Hank and Sandy Haan, John and Pamela Haan, William and Phyllis Haan, Jim (and Margery†) Machiela, Dirk and Kathy ten Haaf, Mike and Laurie Haan, Ted and Laurie Haan, Dave and Susy ten Haaf, and Mike and Deb Bjorge. She is also lovingly remembered by 34 grandchildren and 49 great-grandchildren.

A visitation for Martha will be held from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, January 5, 2024 at Cook Funeral Home - Byron Center Chapel, 2067 84th St. SW, Byron Center, Michigan 49315. A funeral service will commence 11 a.m. Saturday, January 6, 2024 at First Byron CRC, 8541 Byron Center Ave. SW, Byron Center, MI 49315, with visitation one hour prior from 10-11 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to a Christian school of your choice. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresbyron.com in their online guest book.