Hendrik "Henry" Zuilhof

Hendrik “Henry” Zuilhof, of Traverse City, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 10, 2017. He lived energetically, compassionately, and honorably for 81 years. Henry was born, raised, and educated in Sassenheim, The Netherlands. After serving two years with the Dutch Army, he traveled the United States as a salesman for a Dutch bulb exporter. When offered a position with a Michigan-based importer, Henry convinced his childhood sweetheart Tina to join him in both matrimony and adventure. The two emigrated shortly after their 1959 wedding and settled in St. Joseph, where their three daughters were born. In 1965, Henry left the industry for a career in personal life insurance and financial planning, which took the family first to Saginaw, then Grand Rapids. In 1992, Henry accepted a position as a trust officer with NBD Bank in Traverse City; the then-empty nesters moved to where they had dreamed of spending their eventual retirement. Henry was a man who could seldom sit still. He was happiest when giving time and spirit to his passions — volunteering in his community and church, working in any garden no matter whose, sailing the beautiful Michigan waters, and fixing whatever was broken, be it a hinge or a heart. He was a caring and generous man who will be missed by all who loved him. Henry is survived by his wife of 58 years, Christina “Tina” Roosa Zuilhof of Traverse City, MI; his daughters, Joan Shurtz (Kenny) of Spartanburg, SC, Susan Mayfield of Traverse City, and Linda Fisher (Mark) of Chichester, NH; his grandchildren, Megan, Andrew, and Logan Mayfield of Traverse City; his brother Johannes (Lita) of Voorhout, The Netherlands; and many beloved nieces and nephews and their families. Henry was preceded in death by his parents, Jacobus and Johanna Zuilhof, and brothers Martinus, Jacobus, Dirk, and Cornelis. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 18, 2017 at the Presbyterian Church, in Traverse City. The family will gratefully receive friends during the hour preceding and following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association — Greater Michigan Chapter, 25200 Telegraph Road, Ste. 100, Southfield, MI 48033. Henry’s family would like to thank the caregivers at Orchard Creek Supportive Care as well as Hospice of Michigan for their innumerable kindnesses. The family is being cared for by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Please visit the Reynolds-Jonkhoff website www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your thoughts and memories with the family.

Hendrik "Henry" Zuilhof

July 17, 1935 - February 10, 2017