Beverly Zuidema, 85

Beverly Jeanne (Van Drunen) Zuidema went home to be with her Savior on May 31, 2020 in her home, surrounded by loving family. She was born November 12, 1934 in her family home on Ridge Road that is still in the family. Beverly had an unconditional love for her family. She was also very passionate in her 46 year teaching career beginning in Christian Schools then in the School Town of Highland System. She viewed her career as a ministry to help each of her students reach their full potential and share the love of Jesus Christ.

Beverly grew up in Munster, Indiana where she lived with her parents, Garret and Alice Van Drunen and her sisters Marian, Sally, Violet and Millie, and brother Donald who passed away at age 12. She attended Highland Christian grade school, Illiana Christian High School, Calvin College and Purdue University, earning 15 hours over her Masters in Education Degree.

While attending a mutli-school choir rehearsal with Chicago Christian High School there was an empty seat next to Beverly. A young man from Chicago Christian left his seat and “crossed the line” to sit next to the pretty girl from Illiana. This was the start of a romance for the ages that lasted for more than 68 years.
Beverly and Norman (Duke) Zuidema were married on July 27, 1955 and honeymooned in Florida. They returned to their first home in the basement of the home where Beverly grew up. Duke had $5 left in his pocket on the return trip from Florida.

Beverly’s first teaching job was at Roseland Christian School where she began teaching at the age of 20. Shortly thereafter she got a job at Highland Christian School where she had the privilege of teaching her daughter Cyndy in first grade. After teaching at Highland Christian, she then joined the School Town of Highland where she taught 2nd and 3rd graders for 35 years. Beverly loved her students deeply and inspired many of them to become teachers themselves. She viewed her teaching as a ministry where she could share the love of Christ. She retired in 1999.
Beverly and Duke Zuidema moved into their first home in Highland that Duke built in 1956 and they have lived in Highland ever since. They also spent many weekends at their cottage near Three Rivers and winters at their condo in Margate, Florida.
Duke built three homes for their family moonlighting during evenings and weekends from his career as a contractor at Zuidema Construction.
Beverly enjoyed her retirement volunteering at Lake County Right to Life and Hope Pregnancy Center in Florida. She also spent time with the family at their Michigan Cottage and Florida condo. Spending time with family was her priority. The kids and grandkids remember her many pot roast Sunday dinners after church. She would also stuff Christmas stockings with goodies, hang them by the fireplace on Christmas morning and would always call all the families on the phone saying: “kids, you have to come over, Santa was here!”

Beverly was a member of Faith Church in Highland (formerly First CRC Highland) since 1956. Beverly had an amazing life, we will all miss her so much!

Beverly Jeanne Zuidema is survived by her husband Norman (Duke), children Cyndy (Jack) Vander Giessen, Don (Susan) Zuidema, Lisa (Chris) Thompson, grandchildren Kirstin (Rob) Reitsema, Breanne (Charles) Mitchell, Alyssa (Dave) Palmer, Adam (Amber) Vander Giessen, Holly Zuidema, Nathan Zuidema, Kyle Zuidema, Savannah Thompson, Skylar Thomson, Sutton Thompson and Quincy Thompson. She also had 9 great grandchildren.

Due to the pandemic, there will be a private memorial service for family and some friends.

If desired, a contribution can be made to either Highland Christian or Illiana Christian High School.

For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center Konnie Kuiper-Kevin Nordyke by calling us at (219) 838-0800 or visiting www.hillsidefhcares.com