Henrietta DeZeeuw

Henrietta (Welgraven) DeZeeuw was born on March 5, 1935, to Wynand and Hendrikje (Veldhuizen) Welgraven on a farm in Murray County near Woodstock, Minnesota where she was raised. Henrietta attended school at a Country School until 8th grade – then was able to join the class of 1952 of 18 classmates at Lake Wilson High School. On February 28, 1956, she was united in marriage to Sidney DeZeeuw at the Presbyterian Church in Holland, MN. Following their marriage, they farmed four years in the Holland Area and then Elkton, South Dakota, where they raised their family and worked together on the farm. In 1987, they retired from farming and moved to Pipestone, Minnesota. Sidney preceded her in death on September 20, 1995. After his death, Henrietta continued to reside in Pipestone where she worked at a local daycare at the United Methodist Church. In 2017, Henrietta entered the Good Samaritan Home until she passed away on August 4, 2025.

Henrietta was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Holland, MN and served on the Ladies Aide – with many monthly meetings and church meals. She was later a member of the American Reformed Church in Woodstock, MN. Henrietta was active in the Verdi Ladies Extension where they met, had lunch and made crafts.

Henrietta thoroughly enjoyed gardening and canning to provide for her family. She raised hundreds of laying hens to sell eggs and broilers to put in the freezer. Henrietta loved sewing, embroidery, and crafts. She had a love of flowers and was an amazing cook and baker. Whether buying eggs or just coming for a visit, everyone was welcomed to a baked good and the coffee pot was always on.

She is lovingly remembered by her three children, Randy DeZeeuw of Elkton, South Dakota, Larry (Judy) DeZeeuw of Elkton, South Dakota and Jody (Daniel) Kruger of Balaton, Minnesota; her grandchildren, Robin (Cody) Tveito, Jill (Derek) Frerichs, Jason (Jenna) DeZeeuw, Zachary (Amber) Bootsma, MaceyJo Kruger, Blake (special friend Hailey) Kruger and Sydney Kruger; her great grandchildren, Waylon Tveito, Lola Tveito, Brooklyn Frerichs, Jayln Frerichs, Brayden Frerichs, Kayden Frerichs, Amiyah DeZeeuw, Shay DeZeeuw, Mackley DeZeeuw, Teagan Bootsma and Bennett Bootsma.

She is preceded in death by her husband; her parents; three brothers, Henry Welgraven, Harold Welgraven and Bert Welgraven and her sister Alberta Haynes.