Jennie K. Vanderkleed, 89, of Lafayette IN, passed away Sunday, February 1, 2026 at her daughter’s home in Hendersonville, TN.
Jennie was born December 10, 1936, in Lafayette, IN, to the late Charles and Jennie “Kay” (Dexter) Bishop. She was a 1954 graduate of Lafayette Jefferson High School. She attended Calvin College in 1955 and graduated from Blodgett Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in 1957.
She married the love of her life, Curtis L. Vanderkleed Sr. on October 25, 1957. They were married for 54 years before his passing on September 29, 2011.
Jennie was a Nurse at Home Hospital then later for Dr. Sondgerath for many years. She was a member of Sunrise Christian Reformed Church. Jennie enjoyed gardening, reading, traveling and shopping. She loved spending time with her cats and reading a book while fishing with her husband.
In the 89 years that Jennie Kay lived, she was so many things to so many people. She was a daughter, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a great-grandmother, an aunt, a cousin and a friend.
Over the years she opened her home and her heart to many people from all walks of life. She enjoyed gathering with family and friends for a meal and a game of cards. For years, she and her late husband vacationed with family to Minnesota and went on various trips across North America with friends. Jennie Kay also left a piece of her heart in Peru, South America as she and fellow church members, for a time, ministered to orphans and young moms in Lima once a year.
At the heart of all Jennie Kay did was her love for Jesus Christ. She unabashedly proclaimed His grace and mercy in all areas of her life. He was and still is her shepherd, her redeemer, her savior and her God.
Surviving are her children: Curt (Lori) Vanderkleed, Dave (Sara) Vanderkleed, Kathleen (Monte) Wright, Larry (Denise) Vanderkleed, Jerry (Kelley) Vanderkleed and several fostered children including Sheila and Ramon; 16 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson.
Along with her beloved husband, Curtis, she is preceded in death by her parents and great grandson Logan Curtis Vanderkleed.
Visitation will be held from 4pm – 7pm Friday, February 13, 2026 at Sunrise Christian Reformed Church. Funeral service will begin at 10am Saturday, February 14, 2026 at the church with Pastor Randy Bergsma officiating. Her final resting place will be at Rest Haven Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Sunrise Christian Reformed Church. Share memories and condolences online at www.hippensteelfuneralservice.com
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This obituary was published by Hippensteel Funeral Home, Inc..
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