Gertrude June Dykstra Huisman

I wanted to make sure I preserved some of Grama's history. Many of you may not be interested in this, but I still wanted to include it all the same. If you are going through something difficult and wondering how you can still follow the Lord, I think you will benefit from my Grama's story. What a difficult childhood she had and yet she followed the Lord with more fervor than any other person I know. It reminds me, both now and in the future, that when trials come, to remain faithful, to stay in the race, and to finish. (You can click on the image below to blow it up.)

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day -- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

II Timothy 4:7-8

Henrietta and Edward Dykstra had a large family, and a stormy marriage due to alcohol.

Edward was a believer and known to share his faith even on street corners. However, his dark side was fueled by alcohol and it was truly devastating for all. He would promise over and over, to no avail, that he would stop drinking.

The three oldest children were girls: Anjean, Helen, and Ethel. there were also two little boys who died in a terrible diphtheria epidemic. They were 3 and 5 years old. Henrietta remembered her overwhelming grief made worse because she was not allowed to see her children after they died for fear of the disease. It was thought that Anjean's heart was damaged as a result of her bout with the disease. Some years later George was born and lastly, Gertrude.

Somehow, in spite of the great difficulties in their home, the children were truly nurtured in the Lord. They were secure in His love and their Mother's love which in turn generated their own love for one another, and their lifetime commitment to one another.

Henrietta encouraged the older three to get jobs and become independent while yet sticking together like glue. Each girl met and married. Each young man was 'warned" not to get involved "such a family." Thankfully, not one heeded the advice.

With the three oldest on their own, things were going from bad to worse at home. During Edward's most current disappearance, Henrietta did the unthinkable. She filed for divorce. It meant that she was ex-communicated from her church and that she and her family were shunned even more.

In order for her to provide for herself and her two youngest children, she answered an ad to become the housekeeper on a farm in South Dakota. After a very short time, the farmer told her that she simply wasn't strong enough for farm work.

So, they came back to Chicago where friends and family helped meet their needs. Soon, Henrietta found herself in a doctor's office waiting room. She began to visit with a man who was also waiting to see the doctor. It resulted in an offer from him to come and be his housekeeper as he did not have long to live. He agreed to provide for her and her two children.

It was agreed upon and they married though they never actually lived as man and wife. marriage was simply the proper way to handle the situation. Haidt Sekema was his name. Haidt owned about six homes and had a large family of adult children in DeMotte, Indiana where he and Henrietta made their home.

It was not long before Haidt said that he did not want to support George. A family in DeMotte offered to take him in. It was very hard for both mother and son. Everyday at an appointed time, they would run toward each other along the railroad tracks in order to have a few minutes together and a big, big hug.

Gertrude, the youngest, was allowed to stay, but only tolerated. Haidt's extensive family made life miserable for Henrietta. They were so afraid that she would get some of the inheritance.

In the meantime, visits from the three older married sisters were a source of comfort and joy for all.

After high school, George went into the Army as it was during WWII. He found his future in California where he spent the rest of his life.

Henrietta and Gertrude continued living in DeMotte under very trying circumstances. Gertrude did have friends at school and had a wonderful Social Studies teacher who made a lifetime impact. Even so, after her freshman year, life became so intolerable for them at home that Henrietta divorced Haidt. She and Gertrude went to California where George said he would care for them. It was a good time for both of them. They dearly loved being with George, but it wasn't home. Home was to be near the three older daughters back in Illinois. During this time, the adult children provided for their material needs. None of whom were financially well off at this time in their lives . . . a loving sacrifice.

When they returned to Illinois, Henrietta and Gertrude stayed with Anjean and her husband Fritz. Surprisingly, one day Haidt came and asked Henrietta to come back. She did. Gertrude stayed with Anjean and Fritz in order to continue high school. She was miserable. She did not fit in and had no friends. Her sister Helen met her for lunch one day and seeing her pain, called their Mother who immediately told her to come to DeMotte. Since Haidt did not want her, she felt fortunate when her good friend's father said she could stay with them. The mother in that family was ill and at Pine Rest Hospital. The house was very small in space, but huge in hospitality. Three teenage girls shared a double bed.

Gertrude's high school years in DeMotte were good. She worked in the fields during the summer. One year, Anjean and Fritz told her that if she saved her money, she could accompany them on a wonderful cross country trip to California. She did. It was wonderful and cost her the amazing sum of sixty dollars!

When Gertrude graduated form high school, Henrietta advised her to go to the Chicago area, get a job, and be near her sisters. Henrietta felt that should she die, Gertrude would have no one and no future in DeMotte.

So, four friends from DeMotte did go to Chicago, found a place to live together, and found their futures. Gertrude married Martin "Mike" John Huisman on May 21, 1948 and they were blessed with six children. Five sons and their wives, John and Dorothy, George and Diane, Robert and Mary, Jeffrey and Susan, Stephen and Allyson, and one daughter who was so precious to her in her old age, Linda Blonn and her husband Robert.

Haidt died and did leave a little house to Henrietta. Eventually, she moved to the Chicago area living first with Anjean and later with Gertrude and Mike until her death. During her last years, she enjoyed her family to the fullest.

Gertrude June Huisman was born on October 15, 1923 and went home to be with her Lord on September 4, 2009.