Jack Haumersen

Jacobus "Jack" Johannes Haumersen passed peacefully on June 19, 2015 with his loving family at his side. Jack was born Nov. 28, 1929 in Groningen, Netherlands to Johannes and Grietje Haumersen.

After enduring Nazi occupied Holland during World War II as a teen, finishing school and serving in the Dutch Military for two years, Jack set off on an adventure to the United States in 1955. After several years of hunting, fishing and exploring the U.S. and Canada, Jack returned to the Netherlands to live and to marry his childhood sweetheart Wilhelmina "Mina" Van Lingen. Upon his return, Mina decided to leave her family and immigrate to the U.S. with Jack and his family.

Jack and Mina were married in Groningen on April 2, 1958 and then settled in South Haven where they have resided ever since. A proud moment in Jack's life was when he and Mina became U.S. citizens in 1968.

Jack is survived by his loving wife of 57 years Mina, as well as his son, Jody (Karen) Haumersen and their two sons Kyle and Andrew. Also surviving is a son Frans (Debbie) Haumersen and daughter Wilma (Mark) Wilson, and their son Nickolas and daughter Marlee, and a sister Rie Reinkingh and her daughter Jessica and family, cousins Cor and Jo Vink and their grandson, Co's buddy, Rowin Paapst all of  the Netherlands. A nephew, Ron (Linda) DeJong and niece, Linda (Steve) Brzezinski are close family members who also survive. Jack was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Meta DeJong.

Jack, or "Dutch" as many knew him, worked at Bohn Aluminum in South Haven for 30 years as an electrician, retiring in 1991. Jack loved the outdoors and the many fishing trips he took to Ontario with many family members. He would fish for hours on end, often by himself, and especially enjoyed catching perch and walleye.

Jack's biggest passion was watching his children and grandchildren play sports. Jack and Mina spent thousands of hours traveling throughout the country to watch hockey, baseball, soccer, swimming and softball events. While his children and grandchildren played high school and college sports, "Papa" -- as he was

lovingly called -- was almost always there in the stands watching. Jack and Mina were adopted by many of their grandchildren's teams as #1 Fans.

Jack also enjoyed working in his yard and taking care of his pond, both of which he was very proud. Jack and Mina also spent hours with a close circle of friends in South Haven referred to as "The Gang," traveling or just going out to dinner.

Private family services were held.  Jack's body has been donated to the University of  Michigan to further medical research.