Obituaries & Guestbook

Harlan J. “Shorty” Roerdink
OOSTBURG – Harlan “Shorty” Roerdink, 86, went home to his heavenly Father on Thursday, September 28, 2023.
Harlan was born on November 10, 1936, in the Town of Lima, to Harry J. & Adelaide Roerdink. He attended Oostburg Christian Grade School and Oostburg Public High School. On August 10th, 1956, he married Carol M. Gabrielse at Christian Reformed Church in Sheboygan.
Harlan is survived by his wife, Carol Roerdink, of 67 years. They were blessed with six children: Sandra (Henry) Teunissen, James (Penny) Roerdink, Brenda (Lonnie) Stecker, Julie Tayloe, JoAnn (Curtis) Newman, & Eric (Kristen Otterson) Roerdink.
Harlan was a hard worker and diligent provider. Starting at 15 years old, he worked for Van’s Dairy Supplies, Harry Rauwerdink Farms, and Wykhuis Hatchery. He started at Stemerdink’s Livestock in February 1954, where he learned to be a butcher and bought and sold livestock for Stemerdink’s and for various farmers. When the business closed in 1984, he had been working there for 33 years. He then worked for various other employers: DeBlaey Excavating, Ongna Wood Products, and a financial services group. Throughout his life, he supplemented the family income with other part time jobs.
He was a devoted husband and father, teaching his children in the faith and to be workers for the Lord. He was a member of First Reformed Church, Oostburg. Harlan previously served as a deacon for Christian Reformed Church in Oostburg and served on the board of Pine Haven Christian Home for 9 years. He and Carol participated in various Bible Study groups over the years, forming deep relationships. Some of his enjoyments in life were to go coon hunting, fishing, hosting neighborhood pig roasts & fish boils, and camping & traveling with family & friends. He also enjoyed polka music, playing cards, pies, and desserts, and visiting friends.
In addition to his wife and children, he is further survived by 26 grand & step-grandchildren, 28 great & step-great grandchildren, and 12 great great & step-great great grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother-in-law, David (Helen) Gabrielse and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by sister, Marjorie Liebelt, and nephew, Gary Liebelt.
A Funeral service to celebrate Harlan’s life will be held on Friday, October 6, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at First Reformed Church, 927 Superior Ave. Oostburg with Pastor Bob Rook officiating. Family and friends may gather at the church on Friday morning from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Sunrise Memorial Gardens in the Town of Wilson.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staffs of St. Nicholas Hospital, Sharon S Richardson, and Dr Bettag and staff for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is established for the Oostburg Christian School and the Sheboygan County Cancer Care Fund.