Jack Edward Veenstra

1961 - 2015

Jack Edward Veenstra obituary, 1961-2015, Santa Clara, CA

FUNERAL HOME

Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary

466 North Winchester Blvd

Santa Clara, California

Jack Veenstra Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 9, 2015.

Jack Edward Veenstra, age 53, of Santa Clara, CA went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 7, 2015, after a 5-month struggle with leukemia. He was born April 4, 1961, in Grand Rapids, MI, the second of three children born to Maurice and Nell Veenstra. After being valedictorian of his high school class, Jack graduated from Calvin College with a double major in Mathematics and Computer Science. He enjoyed teasing his parents and sisters with questions like, "what do you think the probability of.....would be if...." His oncologist wanted him to drop out of college for a term when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease, but he refused and graduated with his class. Always a learner, Jack obtained a MS from University of Illinois, and another MS and PhD from University of Rochester, NY. He enjoyed his career in Silicon Valley as a Senior Software Engineer. Jack was always interested in life, and loved learning. He liked music, singing, chess and other challenging board games. His friends were often entertained by his magic card tricks. He will be greatly missed. Jack is survived by his wife Laura, whom he loved dearly, his dear children, Brianna age 13, Jason age 10; his parents; his sisters, Julie (Timothy) VandenBos, and Linda German; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Scot German. We will celebrate Jack's life and all that he meant to us with a Memorial Service on Sunday, January 18, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church, 728 West Fremont Ave., Sunnyvale, California. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jack's honor to Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI, or to World Renew.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Jack Veenstra

What is your first memory of Jack?

Share a favorite memory you have of Jack.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Jack.

Describe a time when Jack made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Jack?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Jack.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Jack.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Jack.

What is something you learned from Jack?

Not sure what to say?

January 20, 2016

Priscilla Beaujon

Today I was thinking about Jack and wondering how he was doing. I haven't seen him in years. I did a quick Google search to find out what he was up to. I was shocked to find this. I'm so sorry. I knew him when he lived in Rochester. We attended the same church. He was a really nice guy and I am so saddened to learn about his passing.

June 25, 2015

Art Mulder

I knew Jack briefly while at Calvin College. He was a big friendly smiling guy - patient with this doofus two years below him who knew so much less than he in our shared major. To me he appeared to be constantly full of energy and ideas.

Years later we had occasion to trade some email on our shared interest in biking, and I came across his hilarious blog about his family: http://laura-sayings.blogspot.ca/

I was saddened today to read about his passing in the Calvin Spark (Alumni magazine.)

I pray for peace and comfort for his family, and wanted to express my condolences to you.

...art

June 14, 2015

Dale Bos

Jack was a gentle, quick-witted, super smart, prankster, non-complainer in rough circumstances..while dealing with Hodgkin's disease. Super sad to hear of his passing to a better place. Best wishes to his family.
Dale B - suitemate at Calvin C.

January 30, 2015

Dan Holtrop

I am so sorry to hear this! While I haven't seen him in many years, knowing Jack at River Terrace Church, Hannah Middle School and Calvin College was a joy and a privilege. I will always think of him as one of the really nice and good guys. I recall being sad and afraid when Jack was diagnosed with Hodgkins many years ago and being so happy when he went on to many years of good living. My thoughts and prayers go out to Mo, Nell, Julie, Linda, Jack's wife, children and other family members.

January 24, 2015

Jason Peters

On the first day of basketball practice I landed on Jack's large foot and sprained my right ankle. Jack was a junior and a genius; I was a freshman and an idiot. My injury was a joke between us until the usual malignant forces sent us in differing directions and we saw one another no more. Jack was a great guy, even on that excruciating day in the late 1970s. And the news of his death breaks my heart.

January 18, 2015

Heidi Abele-Ralston

Jack was a wonderful father and teacher. We knew Jack as Brianna's and Jason's Dad. Calm, patient, involved. Laura we grieve for you and your loss. Heidi and Chris

January 13, 2015

Dave L

I did not know Jack well but my few interactions were with a man of patience, depth, intelligence, critical thinking, calm, commitment, and loyalty. No doubt he leaves behind many quality friends. So sad for them and his immediate family.

January 12, 2015

Nancy Gilmore

May The Lord be Your Comforter! Sounds like Jack IS A REAL Eternal Blessing for you! Praise the Lord.

January 10, 2015

John and Tineke Ehrman-Graafland

It has been a privilege to have known Jack the many years since he joined the Palo Alto Christian Reformed Church (PACRC). His quiet kindness and humor, plus tenor voice will be missed. the day Jack introduced Laura to the PACRC we all fell in love with Laura, our funny, funny friend. Later to be "introduced" to Brianna and Jason, who stole everyone's heart. Their unconditional love for their Dad was so apparent. We shall all miss Jack, but know that some day our paths will cross again ... the best we can do now is rally around Laura, Brianna and Jason. "JACK, REST IN PEACE'

January 10, 2015

Dani Smith

My heart goes out to Laura, Brianna, and Jason. I am so sorry for your loss. While I did not know him, I know he must have been special to have the three of you in his life.

January 10, 2015

Tom LeBlanc

I was on the faculty at Rochester when Jack was completing his PhD. He was a wonderful member of the graduate student community and a good person. I was unaware of his illness (our community has scattered since those years), so I was both surprised and deeply sorry to hear of his passing. He will be missed.

Tom LeBlanc
Provost
University of Miami

January 9, 2015

Yvonne Dobbenga Rhodes

Your love for life and our Lord continue in the legacy you've left with your family and friends.

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results

Make a Donation
in Jack Veenstra's name

Memorial Events
for Jack Veenstra

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary

466 North Winchester Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95050

How to support Jack's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Jack Veenstra's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more