July 22, 1923 – December 26, 2023
Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine! This is my story, this is my song,
Oh what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood
Praising my Savior all the day long.
Talena Marie (Bulthuis) Van Drunen
The only child of William and Mary (Boeringa) Bulthuis, Talena was born into Chicago’s west side Dutch community, centered at the First Christian Reformed Church of Cicero, Illinois. Affectionately known as Cicero One, this vibrant spiritual community of three hundred families included nearly all of Talena’s forty aunts and uncles and her seventy first cousins. Talena was one of six cousins named after their paternal grandmother, so to distinguish between the many Talena Bulthuis’s in Cicero One, mom became known as “T.”
Already at a young age it was noted that T had an extraordinary contralto voice, and she was welcomed into Cicero One’s sanctuary choir when she entered seventh grade. She also sang in Chicago Christian High School’s a cappella choir during her high school years, and in the school’s alumni choir after her graduation in 1941. These experiences propelled a lifelong love of sacred music. T continued praising her Savior in church and community choirs throughout her life.
T’s parents, her extended family, Cicero One, and Christian High shaped mom’s life. They nurtured her spiritual growth and led her to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
T’s high school locker mate, Evelyn (Van Drunen) Vogel introduced Mom to Willard, Ev’s older brother. Captivated by this dark-haired, dark-eyed beauty, Willard made many thirty-five mile trips from South Holland, Illinois, to attend Cicero One’s Sunday evening services and spend time with T. Willard received his draft notice shortly after World War II was declared in December 1941. Despite the turmoil of the war years, Bill and T remained committed to each other and were married on February 12, 1944.
After the war, Mom and Dad settled in South Holland. We baby boomers — Jim, Jane, Barb, and Beth — soon followed. Mom and Dad’s commitment to their family, church, and Christian school community never wavered. These decades were also filled with business ventures: The Whistle Stop drive-in, the Speedex Company, Van Drunen Lumber, RV sales, and land development. In Mom’s words, “Bill and I faced all decisions by first praying together, and then working things out. We had a lot of laughs, and some tears as well.”
Mom and Dad shared sixty-three years until Dad’s death on February 22, 2007.
Mom taught by example.
As she put her energy to the tasks of supporting church, home, and school, Mom taught us the Joy of Work.
As she gave her time and tithe, Mom taught us the Joy of Generosity.
With the welcome mat out and the coffeepot on, Mom taught us the Joy of Hospitality.
Studying maps in hand to point the way, Mom taught us the Joy of Travel.
By her testimony through a century of days, Mom taught us the Joy of our Salvation.
Now three generations call her blessed.
James (Patricia Hathaway):
- Mark (Sarah Patrick) – Abigail, Hannah, and Caleb
- Peter (Toni Jabaay) – Nolan, Carson, and Paige
- John (Lauren Kilby) – Micah, Gideon, and Benjamin
Jane (deceased 7/28/2023) (Albertus Zwiers):
- Jill (John Russell) – Parker
- Paul (Susan Howard) – Sydney and Lane
- Mary (Benjamin Taylor) – William and Cole
Barbra (Robert Ely):
- Rachel (Leo Willman) – Laura
- Robert (Nicole Sundquist)
Beth (Jacquelyn Thompson):
- Adam (Haley Montgomery) — Makenna
Visitation Thursday, January 4, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Funeral Service Thursday, January 4, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to:
- Calvin Christian School
528 E. 161st Place, South Holland, Illinois 60473 - Illiana Christian High School
10920 Calumet Avenue, Dyer, Illinois 46311
