Tillie Vander Werff

Tillie Vander Werff of Randolph, Wisconsin went home to be with her Lord on June 5, 2024 at the age of 97. She was currently a resident at the Barrett House in Markesan, Wisconsin. Tillie was born on August 8, 1926 to George and Alice (Zylstra) Meekma. She was raised on a farm near Randolph, Wisconsin. She was one of 11 brothers and sisters. She attended grade school in a small country school and High School in Randolph.

On October 7, 1944 Tillie married Alfred Vander Werff at the First Reformed Church of Randolph. They farmed outside of Randolph for several years after they were married until Al purchased a milk route. Shortly after purchasing the milk route, they moved to Randolph. During their time in Randolph Tillie was employed at Van’s Electric and Hardware for several years and later at DeYoung Insurance Agency. She was known as the Avon Lady for much of her time in Randolph.

Tillie spent her entire life as an active member of the Randolph First Reformed Church. During that long relationship, Tillie was active in choirs, Sunday School and Bible Class, women’s groups and bible studies, as well as helping out in numerous luncheons and dinners. She loved the lord and her time with her church family.

Tillie enjoyed watching the Milwaukee Brewers as well as playing golf with Al and their friends at the Fox Lake Golf Club. She was an active member of the Randolph Homemakers for several years. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She hosted her family and relatives for holiday get togethers for many years. These will continue to bring fond memories to her family.

Tillie is survived by her three children, Dennis (Sue) Vander Werff, Fox Lake; James (Judy) Vander Werff, Markesan; and Barbara Vander Werff, McFarland; five grandchildren, Craig Vander Werff, Port Washington; Keri (Lee Handwerger) Vander Werff, Deephaven MN; Jeremy Vander Werff, Markesan; Jenna Vander Werff, Middleton; and Zackary Butson (Kryssy Bilsky), McFarland; three great grandchildren, Jacob Vander Werff, Denver CO; Simon Handwerger, Madison; and  Kaitlyn Vander Werff, Green Bay, One brother, Ted Meekma, Beaver Dam; one sister-in-law, Evelyn Meekma, Beaver Dam and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, step mother, four sisters and five brothers, Betty Petrungaro, John Meekma, Art Meekma, Katherine Koehn, Mary Bender, Sam Meekma, William Meekma, George Meekma, Alice Tamminga, and an infant brother.

A memorial fund has been established for Randolph First Reformed Church and Barrett House.

A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at Randolph First Reformed Church, 406 South High Street, Randolph, WI 53956.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at Randolph First Reformed Church with Pastor Luke Baehr officiating. Burial will follow at Randolph Cemetery.