Barb was born in in Holland, November 29, 1933, to Albert and Marion (Slag) Van Huis. She married Kenneth Strengholt on May 21st, 1954, and they were married for 71 loving years prior to Kenneth passing away in February of this year. She was a lifelong resident of the area and spent 30 years working at the Russ’ restaurant in east town. When Barbara wasn’t working to support the family, she was a devoted member of Central Park Church and choir. Barb’s Family can remember her strong sense of adventure, her many musical talents including singing and playing the piano as well as her love for riding her bike. One of the best memories that Barb’s family shared was her bike trip to the Netherlands where she had always dreamed of going on a bike ride through the country.
She was preceded in death by her parents Albert and Marian; husband Kenneth; siblings James Van Huis and sister-in-law Carolyn Van Huis.
Barb is survived by daughters, Dawn (Howard) Bultman, Jan Schouten, and Lynn (Paul) Streur; grandchildren, Ashley, Keenan, Devin, Chelsey, Jazzmine, Lauren, and Courtney; great grandchildren, Abree, Josiah, Mary, Cora, Finn, and Indy; special neighbors, Joe and Gail Rodgers; and honorary grandchildren, Ally Rodgers and Joey Rodgers.
Ken was born in Chicago, IL and later moved to Holland Michigan with his parents Phil and Evelyn Strengholt. He graduated from Holland High School and attended Hope College. He married Barbara (Barbie) Van Huis and were married for 71 years. Ken serviced in the National Guard. He was a member of Central Park Reformed Church where he served as a Deacon, went on mission trips and many other things to serve the Lord. Ken worked at Dr. Pepper Snapple Group (Brooks Producer), for over 60 years. Ken was known for his sense of humor and would often joke that he had so much energy that “Consumers Energy wanted to buy him”. Ken loved baseball, football, and playing golf. He also loved spending time in Florida, and riding bikes with Barbie. Ken’s faith in the Lord and his love of family were very important to him.
Ken is survived by: his wife of 71 years, Barbara Strengholt; brother, Phil (Sandie) Strengholt; daughters, Dawn (Howard) Bultman, Jan Schouten, and Lynn (Paul) Streur; grandchildren, Ashley, Keenan, Devin, Chelsey, Jazzmine, Lauren, and Courtney; great grandchildren, Abree, Josiah, Mary, Cora, Finn, and Indy; special neighbors, Joe and Gail Rodgers; and honorary grandchildren, Ally Rodgers and Joey Rodgers.
Ken was preceded in death by: his parents, Phil and Evelyn Strengholt; brother, Roy Strengholt; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jim (Carolyn) Van Huis.
The family wished to extend a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful and caring people at Life Circles and Appledorn Living Center for taking such good care our parents.
A memorial service to celebrate Ken and Barb’s life will be at Central Park Church on 10/10/2025 with visitation beginning at 10 AM with a Service to follow at 11 AM.
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