On February 11th 2017, our Lord called home His faithful servant, Henderika, to her eternal home at the age of 77.
Rika was born in Ruinen, Holland, on December 24th, 1939 and married the love of her life, Johann Schelhaas, on March 21st, 1962. Together, they immigrated to Canada on April 19th, 1962, and settled in the Slate River Valley. Johann and Rika started farming on June 1st, 1968, retired in 2000, and moved into their current home in Rosslyn Village. Together, they enjoyed many travelling adventures – cruises to the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and Hawaii, road trips to California, Branson, Florida, many visits to family in the Netherlands, Strathroy, and Winnipeg, and even the occasional journey to South Gilles.
Rika was a lifelong member of First Christian Reformed Church and enjoyed attending the Ladies Society there. She enjoyed singing with her friends at several retirement homes in the city. She also enjoyed ministering to the inmates at the Thunder Bay Correctional Centre.
Being with her grandchildren, hearing all their stories, and laughing with them gave her such joy. Oma’s laughter was contagious, and she brought happiness to every situation. She gave advice when needed, and told many stories about her childhood in Holland. Oma gave the best hugs, and they will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her loving husband, Johann, her children - Gwen (Norm) Prenger: Wayne (Robyn) DeBruin, Gregory (Kayla) DeBruin, - Theo (Diane): Jeremy, Brandon, Danielle, - Jeffrey (Ingrid): Connor, Dylan, Chelsea, Darren, - Miriam (Mark) Hordyk: Landon.
She is also survived by her siblings, Minze (Janneke), Jellie (Jaap), Marthys (Jannie), Renske (Klaas), as well as many nephews, nieces, and other relatives.
Rika was predeceased by her parents, Freerk and Gepke Leistra, brother in laws Frens Schelhaas, niece Ageeth Schelhaas, and her grand-daughter Kaitlin Alissa in infancy.
Rika’s family would like to thank the Oliver-Paipoonge Emergency Services team, the officer who assisted from the Thunder Bay Police, and Dr. Haddad and the emergency staff at the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital. Your compassion and care did not go unnoticed, and we greatly appreciate all that you did.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2017 at 11:30am in the First Christian Reformed Church, Arthur Street with Pastor Joe Hamilton officiating. Interment will precede the service in Stanley Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday February 16 2017, from 7:00pm to 9:00pm in First Christian Reformed Church, Arthur Street. If you so desire, memorials to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.
Behold, I am with you wherever you go……Genesis 28:15a
