Auke was born to Willem and Lysbeth Schoonveld on January 27, 1936, in Zuidbroek, Netherlands. He had 13 brothers and sisters and was the baby of the family. His mother “lived her faith in Jesus” and always took people in. His father, Willem, was a strong, hardworking farmer who supported his large family. While his family did not have much growing up in the Netherlands, they had the love of Jesus and a strong sense of family. This sense of family is still evident as the connection among Schoonvelds is strong regardless of which country they are in.
Art’s young years were impacted by the German occupation that began when he was four and ended when he was nine. Shortly thereafter, his mother died suddenly. His brother, Piet, died in the war in Indonesia. Following high school, Art made the tough decision to leave his family and follow his older brother, Klaas, first to Canada and then to Michigan at the age of 19. He was called to serve in the US Army and spent two years as a tank driver.
After leaving the army, Art was able to attend Calvin College where he would meet his wife, Anita (Bouma). Art and Anita got married in 1962. He attended Calvin Theological Seminary to fulfill a lifelong goal to be a pastor and he became pastor of the East Martin Christian Reformed Church in 1965. While serving at East Martin CRC, Art and Anita welcomed their first two children, Eric and Sheri. The family moved across the country to take the lead pastor position at the Calvary Christian Reformed Church, in Chino, California. While in Chino, Art and Anita welcomed Tim and Ryan. In 1977, Art accepted a position in Orland Park, Illinois at Orland Park Christian Reformed Church where he would serve for 10 years. In 1987, Art moved to lead Faith CRC in Holland, Michigan and in 1994 moved to his last church, Ivanrest CRC in Grandville, Michigan. He retired from his church position in 2001 but continued to work for the Christian Reformed Church denomination, locally and internationally, following his retirement. Art was a frequent volunteer at the Gateway Mission in Holland. His table welcomed everyone, especially those who were otherwise forgotten or unappreciated.
From a very young age, Art was adventurous, service oriented, always stood up for what he believed, and was usually a little mischievous. He was a giving person and was always looking out for others. He and Anita raised their family with faith in their Lord, and service to others as their main focus. His love for a good laugh was never lost, even up to his last moments with his family. Art and Anita cultivated an environment of love and laughter which has continued and is a legacy with each of their children and grandchildren.
Art was preceded in death by his parents, Willem and Lysbeth; his siblings, Willem (Klazien), Pilke (Hidzert), Sien (Sacharias), Johannes (Fokje), Klaas (Annie), Piet, Martje (Klaas), Jacoba (Heero), Sjoukje (Joop), Boukje, and Trijntje (Dik). He is survived by his loving wife, Anita; children, Eric (Shawna) Schoonveld, Sheri (Darin) Dehaan, Tim (Lisa) Schoonveld, and Ryan (Heather) Schoonveld; grandchildren: Ashley (Nicholas) Miller, Kenedy (Lucas) Shelton, Alyssa Main, Elle Schoonveld, Hunter Main, Elijah Schoonveld, Jared Dehaan, Lucy Dehaan, Teagan Schoonveld, Ziggy Schoonveld, Charlie Schoonveld; sister, Ynskje (Harm); brother, Harke (Elly); and many loved nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 11:30 am on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at Ivanrest Church, 3777 Ivanrest Ave. SW, Grandville, 49418. Burial will take place at Lakewood Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the family Wednesday, November 20 from 5-8 pm at Ivanrest Church. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Gateway Mission or World Renew. Condolences may be sent online at www.mkdfuneralhome.com.