Jan Vrieswyk

Jan Vrieswyk passed away peacefully in his home on September 1, 2025 surrounded by his family. Jan was born in Brandgum, Netherlands to Thomas Vrieswyk and Tietje Hellenga Vrieswyk on May 24,1941. Traveling on the ship, “the Maasdam” which sailed past the Statue of Liberty, Jan immigrated to the United States in May of 1960. Jan was very proud that he obtained his US Citizenship and taught himself to speak as well as read the English language. Jan loved his family, pointing out that he came alone to the US and marveled at how his family has grown with numerous members added through the years. Jan was a hard worker. His love of gardening began at an early age and continued until he was no longer able to do that. He was a dairyman, served on the Hebron VFD including a term as their fire chief, and loved mowing grass. He had a servant’s heart. He was a church deacon, ministering to the needs of others. He loved to share the gospel with everyone he met. He took great joy in serving as a Gideon and loved passing out Bibles at the fair each year. He was well-loved and cared for by his family and friends with the assistance of Comfort Care Hospice who provided excellent care to him throughout the remainder of his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Tietje Vrieswyk; brother Johannes Vrieswyk, sister Aaltje Wiersma, brother-in-law Hank Wiersma, son Edward Vrieswyk, parents-in-law Daniel and Kathryn Nelson, brother-in-law Walter Nelson, sister-in-law Dorothy Smith, brother-in-law Frank Smith, sister- in-law Jikkie Vrieswyk, and nephew Walter Kevin Nelson. Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife Aurella Vrieswyk, sons Tom (Lara) Vrieswyk, Jacob (Kristin) Vrieswyk, and daughter Trina (Tony) Herrington, brothers, Douwe Vrieswyk, Durk (Meinie) Vrieswyk, sister Tsjettie (Folkert) Van der Velde, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Visitation will be at Audubon Drive Bible Church on Friday, September 5, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Funeral service will be at Audubon Drive Bible Church on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 10 a.m. followed with a graveside service at Hebron Cemetery officiated by Pastor Jerry Marcellino. Pallbearers are Andrew May, James Ruth, Mark Reape, Bud McLemore, Jamie Lyons, and Stan Pickering. Honorary pallbearers are JT Vrieswyk, Ryan Vrieswyk, and Tom Vrieswyk. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gideons International or Choices Clinic of Laurel. To sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Jan Vrieswyk

May 24, 1941 - September 1, 2025