Paula Jean Huizenga

Paula Jean (Vanderstelt) Huizenga died on Sunday, December 8th, surrounded by family. Born April 1st, 1958 to Bill and Paula Vanderstelt of Muskegon, MI, Paula was “number five” of six sisters. Paula met Steve Huizenga when she was 18 and was married to him for 46 years. Their loving union produced four wonderful children: Wendy, Steve, Bill, and Chris.

Paula had a warm and hospitable spirit that made every event and every person at that event feel very special. She loved unconditionally, serving as a surrogate daughter or mother to many in their darkest times. She loved the outdoors and especially loved camping on the Platte River. She and Steve would sit by the river early every morning and over the years spent countless hours discussing life, listening to the birds, and watching the river wake up. She loved the challenge of making do, whether through repurposing found items or adventures with Steve when they did primitive camping. Most important of all, she wanted others to experience the comfort she received from faith and come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

After a first career raising her children, Paula entered into a second career as a Certified Nurses Aid. Her joyful service and loving presence brightened the days of clients at Lakeshore Senior Care and Resthaven Home Care. Paula’s hardest role came as caregiver to her youngest son Chris as he died of cancer in July of 2023. Throughout it all she was comforted by her deep and abiding faith in Jesus. After Chris’ death she was fond of saying: “His Son died so that I can see my son again.”

Paula was preceded in death by her parents and her son Chris. She is survived by her beloved husband Steve, her children: Wendy (Kyle) Haack, Steve (Carolyn) Huizenga, and Bill (Ashley) Huizenga, and five grandchildren: Rae, Sam, Ben, Owen, and Emily. She is also survived by her five sisters: Sherran (Carl) Esh, Cynthia (Jim) VanderMolen, Jane (Jim) Johnson, Judy (Jeff) Fluegel, and Renee (Kevin) Martin, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be on Thursday, December 12th from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM at Lakeshore Memorial Services (11939 James St, Holland, MI 49424). Memorial Service will be on Friday, December 13th at 11:00 AM, with an hour of visitation prior at 10:00 AM at First Reformed Church of Zeeland (125 E. Lincoln Ave, Zeeland, MI 49464). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Reformed Church of Zeeland or the American Cancer Society.