Aug. 27--Donald Holwerda spent nearly two decades volunteering at two Christian-based thrift stores in the south suburbs. Holwerda treated it like missionary work and felt compelled to serve his community and to share his Christian faith with others.
"He was upbeat all the time and never had a hard word for anybody," said Henry Kamp of Tinley Park, a retired builder and developer who helped open Orland Park's Bibles for Missions Thrift Center in 1996 and volunteered there with Holwerda. "He was always friendly and he was a kingdom worker. It was a privilege to work with him."
Holwerda, 93, died of complications from pancreatic cancer on July 29 at Peace Village in Palos Park, said his son Don. He had lived in Evergreen Park from 1970 until moving to Peace Village in October.
Born in Chicago, Holwerda grew up in Evergreen Park and graduated from Chicago Christian High School, where he played basketball. After finishing high school, Holwerda served as a staff sergeant in the Army during World War II, his son said.
Holwerda considered attending dental school but decided against it in favor of pursuing a career working for specialty lumber companies. A skilled cabinetmaker, Holwerda worked for several lumber companies, starting out in the yard and rising up to become a salesman and then vice president of operations at Carr Lumber Manufacturing in Bedford Park.
Holwerda retired in 1987, shortly before his wife of 42 years, Ruth, died. After her death, Holwerda started volunteering. For many years, Holwerda spent one day a week volunteering at Pass It On Thrift Center in Crestwood, whose proceeds benefit students attending the three campuses of Southwest Chicago Christian Schools. Holwerda also spent one day a week volunteering at Bibles for Missions after it opened in 1996, a thrift store in Orland Park that is a subsidiary of Bible League International and raises money to deliver Bibles around the world.
As part of his work with Bibles for Missions, Holwerda traveled once to Russia to bring Bibles to people.
"He had worked as a salesman, so he was used to meeting people and enjoyed meeting with people, and he had a talent for remembering people," said his sister, Catherine Solle. "And he always had a smile and a hug for most people."
Holwerda continued volunteering past his 93rd birthday, Kamp recalled.
"He was always well-organized," Kamp said. "It was always a blessing to work alongside Don."
Holwerda also served on the board of Roseland Christian School and as an elder and deacon at Third Roseland Christian Reformed Church.
When his wife was alive, Holwerda enjoyed spending weekends staying in a trailer along the Illinois River in downstate Marseilles. He also stayed in shape, participating in lengthy bikeathons for charity until he was in his mid-80s, his son said.
In addition to his son and sister, Holwerda is survived by a daughter, Linda Sperling; two sons, James and Robert; 15 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.
Services were held.
Bob Goldsborough is a freelance reporter.
