December 8, 1939 – September 28, 2022
Information provided by Smits Funeral Home
Tekla (Thea) Antina Ausema (Kap), age 82, of Schererville, IN, formerly of Homewood, IL was called to her heavenly home on Wednesday, September 28, 2022. Thea was a Jesus follower, an encourager, and one devoted to her family, praying for her kids and grandkids every morning. She focused her life on caring for people through her gift of hospitality and out of her love of Christ. Thea was born in Loppersum, Groningen in the Netherlands. At age 15 (1954) she emigrated to the south side of Chicago. They attended First Reformed Church of Roseland (where she met her husband Howard). When they moved to Homewood, IL they joined Homewood Reformed, which later became Living Springs Community Church. Their family built many lifelong friendships and were devoted to the church and building up the body of Christ. She was known for her diligence, faithfulness, warmth, and elegance. She enjoyed working in her garden, drinking mid-morning tea, and being with friends and family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Geert and Martina Kap, her husband, Howard Ausema, and her grandson, Brandt Ausema. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, David Ausema (Ruth), Susan (Ausema) VanPoolen (Steve); grandchildren, Kathryn, Pieter (Faith), and Caroline Ausema and Eliza and Lola VanPoolen; siblings, Hilda (Kap) Kuiken and Menzo Kap; and many loving siblings in law, nieces, nephews, extended family, and good friends.
Relatives and friends may visit the family Saturday, October 1, 2022, from 9 – 10:45 a.m. at Living Springs Community Church, 19051 S Halsted Street, Glenwood. A funeral service will be held Saturday, October 1st, 2022, at 11 am at Living Springs, with Pastor Jason Perry officiating. A luncheon will immediately follow the service. Interment Monday, October 3, 2022, at Fairmount Willow Hills Cemetery – Willow Springs, IL.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be given to either Elim Christian Ministries https://www.elimcs.org/donate/or Living Springs Community Church https://livingspringscc.org/give.
