Nellie H. Deruiter

Nellie H. DeRuiter
January 15, 1929 – April 22, 2018

Nellie Hilda DeRuiter (nee DeVries) was born to eternal life on April 22, 2018. Born in South Holland, Illinois on January 15, 1929, Nellie was the first-born child of Nellie and Claude DeVries and a first-generation American. She had many happy times growing up with her loving parents, grandparents, sister Hilda and brother Ken, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Nellie was known for her ever-present smile, her love of family and friends, and her abundant faith in God. As a child of the Great Depression, she was a tireless worker, helping to support her family, lending a hand to others, or finding that one dust bunny that invaded her home.

Nellie married the love of her life, Harold DeRuiter on June 5, 1948. Harold was a distinguished WWII veteran and skilled carpenter, and the two built their first home together in Harvey, Illinois. Soon after the Northwoods called to them, and together with Nellie’s parents they built a beautiful resort on Dam Lake, near Sugar Camp, called “3D’s Resort”, the 3 D’s being DeRuiter, DeVries, and Dam Lake. There, they raised their beloved children, daughter Diane and son Randy, while managing the heavy workload of running the resort and providing many families fond memories of Wisconsin summers at the lake. Through church and other community activities, they formed many strong friendships in the area, which held fast after they sold their creation and returned to Illinois.

Nellie worked as an accountant and bank clerk, using skills she attained while managing the resort, and Harold returned to work as a Union carpenter. When the time came to retire, the two knew they wanted to return to the Northwoods, making their home in St. Germain, enjoying their family time, friends, and the beauty of the area. Nellie put her faith into action with her volunteer service at church, and offering up prayers for those in need. Nellie and Harold relished life’s joys and weathered life’s challenges, always looking ahead as steadfast partners, for nearly 70 years.

Nellie has joined her parents, brother Ken, brother-in-law Bob, brother-in-law Dick, and other loved ones with the Lord. She is lovingly missed by her beloved husband, Harold, her cherished children, Diane (Ray) Weber, Randy (Val) DeRuiter, dear sister Hilda and dear sister-in-law Phyllis, 6 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many wonderful friends. She touched countless lives and leaves an enduring legacy of love.

“Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love
and faithfulness.” – Psalm 115

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” – Ephesians 2:10

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” - Matthew 6:33
A memorial service will be held at the St. Germain Evangelical Free Church on Thursday April 26, 2018. Visitation will start at 10 am, and a memorial service will be conducted at 11 am. Lunch at the church will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either the St. Germain Evangelical Free Church or to the Howard Young Foundation at howardyoungfoundation.org.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.nimsgernfuneral.com.

Nimsgern Funeral & Cremation Services is serving the family.