Grandpa Bierlink

Grandpa's Obituary:

William (Bill) Bierlink went to be with his Heavenly Father on Sunday, May 8, 2011, at his home at the age of 93. He was born on August 21, 1917, in Lynden, WA, to John & Jennie (Mulder) Bierlink. Bill attended school through 8th grade at Ebenezer Christian School in Lynden and worked on the family farm with his dad. Bill married Dena Geleynse on November 12, 1941, and they operated a dairy farm in Sumas, until moving to Quincy in June, 1963, where he farmed until he retired. He also worked as a truck driver for Lamb Weston in Quincy for many years. He was a lifetime member of the Christian Reformed Church. 

Bill is survived by his children: Jan (Ron) Veltkamp of Anchorage, AK, Monie (Roy, deceased), Blankenship of East Wenatchee, Clarice (Ron) Laney of Moses Lake, Brad (Phyllis) Bierlink of Quincy, Ev (Hank) Haak of Sunnyside, and Galen (Sheila) Bierlink of Quincy; 18 grandchildren; and 24 great grandchildren; two sisters, Gret LeFebre of Walnut Creek, CA, and Marian Lows of Tigard, OR.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Dena, of 64 years; two sisters, Francis Byeman and Margaret Bierlink, both of Lynden.  A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 13, 2011 at the Quincy Christian Reformed Church, 420 H St. SE, Quincy.

My mother-in-law shared this at the funeral along with her musical talents.  I missed her presenting it so I emailed her for it b/c I was on Huddy duty:).  I think this was her best story yet!

“Bill is coming!  Bill is coming!”  The Lord smiled and put an arm around her and said, “He’ll be here soon!”  “I’m just so excited,” she exclaimed.  “Do you think he’ll recognize me?”  Laughingly, the Lord replied, “Don’t you fret now.  He’ll recognize us both for sure.”  They were all lined up waiting for him.  The excitement was contagious.  The heavenly choir was singing, the instruments were playing beautiful music, and everyone was joyfully praising their Lord.  It never ceased to amaze her, this beautiful music of Heaven.  It just thrilled her soul.  As she watched with so much anticipation, the gates opened and she saw him from a distance.  He was singing with that beautiful baritone voice she remembered and dancing on legs now strong.  He looked with new eyes at all that was around him.  He couldn’t contain himself with the joy of it all.  She understood and remembered so well how she had felt four ½ years ago when she had finally come home.  The Lord started running to meet him and as his eyes met those of his Savior’s, he fell down to his knees in worship.  The Lord gathered him in His arms and whispered in his ear, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”  As they walked arm in arm inside the gates, she ran to them.  “I’ve missed you so much,” he cried as he embraced her once again.  “What took you so long?” she asked with a twinkle in her eye.  He had no words to say as he looked into her eyes with wonder and then gazed at all around him.  “Well, don’t just stand there,” the Lord said, “Show him around.”  He smiled as they walked forward hand in hand to meet the others.  Bill and Dena were together again.      


Isn't that beautiful?!
I can't imagine what it would be like to lose both parents but rest assure, they are both in heaven.  Having that peace of knowing they are with our Savior made this funeral a celebration.  Thank you Grandpa & Grandma Bierlink for crafting a family of believers and making it a daily priority.  The legacy you have left behind won't be forgotten:).