Andrew Veenstra

Andrew John Veenstra was born in his home in Atwood, November 18, 1937 to Jacob & Engberdena (VanderHeide) Veenstra. He was welcomed to his Heavenly home on January 24, 2025 at 87 years old on the same property as his birthplace. 

During his life, he graduated from Ellsworth High school in 1955 and worked for several local farmers, including his father and brother’s farm. He was drafted into the US Army as a meteorologist in 1961 and was honorably discharged in 1963. During that time, he proudly served for 18 months in Anchorage, Alaska. There, he met his wife Arlene who was serving on a mission trip and they married December 27, 1963 in Alamosa, Colorado and were married for 61 years. In addition to his spouse, he is survived by his children: Elton (Deb) Veenstra, Alvin (Ellie) Veenstra, Harvey (Nina) Veenstra, Shanna (Bill) McCraney, and Jennifer Freiberg Veenstra. He was not only a farmer, but a machinist for several shops. He worked for Honeywell where he made guidance system components for airplanes and missiles. Andy insisted on the window seat by the wing on airplanes to watch his handiwork in action. He also worked for WillFlo where he was involved in the making of the “world's largest cherry pie pan” located in Charlevoix. Andy also made many household items out of the scrap stainless steel including a mailbox, clothesline, burn barrel, coat hooks, snow scoopers, and a wheelbarrow to name a few. He also served as Banks Township Zoning Administrator for 11 years and was a member of the Banks Township Fire Department for 35 years with his brother Jim and Jake and his son Al. His kids knew not to park behind Dad’s vehicle. He and Al served together on the Jansen/Richardson American Legion Post 488 for 24 years together. Andy was born and raised in the Atwood CRC and served as Elder & Deacon until the church closed down where he and Arlene then became members of the Ellsworth CRC. Andy served on the Ebenezer Christian School Board where he was involved in the planning and designing of the “All Purpose” Building. He volunteered at the Keryx Prison Ministry in key leadership roles for 15 years. In retirement, Andy and Arlene enjoyed traveling the country with their camper. Traveling by ship was a no go, but they loved to watch the freighters at Aunie Osborn Campground in Sault St. Marie. They would also camp with friends and family at the Northern Michigan Antique Flywheelers and the Buckley Old Engine Show. When they weren’t traveling or camping, Andy enjoyed hunting, proudly supporting his grandchildren’s sporting events (especially against Central Lake), lawn care, and repairing machines in the garage and shed.

 Andy is remembered by his living siblings, Flora Wynsma (Atwood), Jennie VandeKieft (Grand Rapids), sister-in-law Patsy Veenstra (Lowell), Jacob Jr. (Jan) Veenstra (Atwood). Also surviving him are Bumpa’s grandchildren, Caleb V, Ben, Eddie, Emily (Andrew), Nathan, Tommy, Amanda (Sean), Beth, Jack, Chloe, Caleb M, Makayla, Keith, Keygan, Lilly, and his unofficially adopted granddaughters Grace and Molly. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Wilma (Dar) Penfold, Gezina (Frank) Meekhof, Rev. Paul (Kay) Veenstra, Minnie (Corwin) Sloothaak, Tom Wynsma, Rev. Richard VandeKieft, and Jim Veenstra. 

The family thanks the church family, the community, and Advisacare for the prayers, support, and assistance in the last couple years with special thanks to his nurse, Tina. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Ebenezer Christian School, PO Box 158, Ellsworth, MI 49729 (online https://ebenezerchristian.org/financialgiving/), Banks Township Fireman's Association PO Box 241 Ellsworth, MI 49729, or Keryx Prison Ministry PO Box 235 Central Lake, MI 49622.

Visitation will take place on Friday, January 31, from 4-7pm, at the Ellsworth Christian Reformed Church. 

A Funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 1, at 11am. Visitation will be held from 10am until the time of the service.

The Service will be livestreamed and can be viewed via FaceBook or YouTube by searching for Ellsworth Christian Reformed Church.

Arrangements are in the care of the Ellsworth Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.