Donald de Jong

Obituary of Donald de Jong Donald (Doede) de Jong passed from this earth to his home in Glory on Sunday, October 27, 2013 in Leesburg, Florida, with Gertrude, his wife of 60 years, daughter Alice and son Perry at his bedside. Donald was born in Sneek, the Netherlands on June 11, 1933 to the late Pieter and Gatske de Jong. That's where as 10 year olds, he and Gertrude fell in love. In 1952 when Gertrude went back for a visit, their love was rekindled and they were married on August 27th, 1953. Before joining his wife in the U.S. he needed to complete his military obligations in the Netherlands. Shortly after arriving in the United States he was drafted into the United States Army and served his new country with pride and devotion. Through the witness of his new brother- in-law he came to know Jesus Christ as his personal savior. He loved singing all the hymns and was blessed with a great gift of music, playing all his favorite songs from memory. His children would join him on the organ bench and sing along with him. He was so proud of his children who followed him in his love of music. He is survived by his wife Gertrude (Koerten) de Jong, daughter Alice (Don) Dickson, son Perry (Stephanie) de Jong, and the grandchildren he adored, Nicholas, Christian, Benjamin and Olivia de Jong. He is also survived by his sister Adrie (Jan) Vanderwerf, Mosinee, Wisconsin, brother Eelke (Riemie) de Jong of Leeuwarden, Netherlands, and Siery (Nolle deceased) Eekhof of Sneek, the Netherlands. He retired, after 30 years, from the former J.I. Case Company (Drott Mfg.)in Schofield, Wisconsin. After his retirement Donald and his loving wife Gertrude, became snowbirds and spent their winter months in Leesburg, Florida. A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 31, 2013 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Beyers Funeral Home, Leesburg. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, November 1, 2013 at 10:00 AM at Lake Square Presbyterian Church with Rev. Steve Hulsey officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL with Rev. Bill Birdsall officiating. Visitation A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 31, 2013 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Beyers Funeral Home, Leesburg. Services Funeral Services will be held on Friday, November 1, 2013 at 10:00 AM at Lake Square Presbyterian Church with Rev. Steve Hulsey officiating. Interment Burial with Military Honors will follow at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL with Rev. Bill Birdsall officiating.

Donald de Jong

June 11, 1933 - October 27, 2013