In loving memory of

Dennis John Roosendaal
January 24, 1939 - January 31, 2015

Dennis John Roosendaal, age 76 of Shoreline, WA, journeyed from this life into the presence of Jesus, the Master Teacher and Carpenter on the evening of January 31, 2015, surrounded by the prayers and songs of his family. Denny was born in Lynden, Washington on January 24, 1939, the firstborn son of John and Anna Roosendaal. He loved to tell stories of a fun childhood filled with family, friends and faith. He developed a life-long passion for music and singing while he was young, and he joyfully shared his strong deep bass voice whenever the opportunity arose. Denny attended Calvin College in Michigan and got a bachelor's degree at the University of Washington and a post-graduate degree at Western Washington University. He married his high school sweetheart, Lavonne (Likkel), on August 24, 1960. They spent more than 54 years together raising their family, teaching at Watson Groen/Shoreline Christian School and serving the local and global church and community through countless, selfless acts of service. Denny was particularly gifted in carpentry, the trade he learned from his father and he used his skills tirelessly. Retirement provided increased opportunities in numerous places for both Denny and Vonnie to serve. Together they touched the lives of many people, sharing the joy of Jesus as they worked together and with others.

Denny was preceded in death by parents, John and Anna and brothers, George and Bob. He is survived by his loving wife, Vonnie, and their children and families: Gene & Theresa Roosendaal and children Lora, Tim and fianc�'© Marisa, Katy and Hannah; Lois & Clarence Deelstra and children Kim and Kristopher Walhof, John and Evelyn and great-granddaughter, Miriam Deelstra, and Andrew; Sheri and Jon Roelofs and children Kristin, Kyle and Megan; Tania and Brent Molendyk and children Nicole and fianc�'© Kevin, Victoria and Kara; brother, sister, and in-laws: Liz Roosendaal, Mary Ann and Steve King, Roger and Joan Roosendaal, Doris Mae and Sherm Bajema, Mary Lou and Arlyn Plagerman, Allen and Lynn Likkel.

Tributes

Evergreen Washelli wrote on Feb 6, 2015:

"Michelle Ramsey Williams"

The Wachtveitl Family wrote on Feb 6, 2015:

"Dear Vonnie and family, "Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal." (Thomas Moore) We will miss Denny's smile, his encouragement, his laughter, and his love. May you be comforted each day by God's immeasurable grace and peace, and may happy memories fill your hearts and minds, now and always. "

Evergreen Washelli wrote on Feb 5, 2015:

"Dawn Lemoi McKiernan"

Todd and Sondra Chamberlain wrote on Feb 5, 2015:

"We remember Mr. Roosendaal as a very scary Algebra II teacher but after we graduated from HS we knew him as an amazing servant. He was always busy at school or First CRC. He often served without recognition. He was a very witty man who never stopped going. We are thankful for his life and how he cared deeply for his community. Lots of love to your family during this time of remembering and celebrating his amazing life. "

Trudi Kolk wrote on Feb 5, 2015:

"To Vonnie and family My prayers and thoughts are with you, I wish I could be in Seattle to give you all hugs. I treasure so many memories of Denny. He was an inspiration to me, encouraging me in my teaching, in my Christian walk, and as a friend. I won't forget his cheerful greetings whenever he caught sight of me, and his boundless energy while he worked, and his confident words of wisdom and discernment. May you all feel God's loving arms surrounding you in this time. "

Marcie (Immik) Beardsley wrote on Feb 5, 2015:

"Vonnie and Family, Denny was always so patient with me in Geometry and Algebra. I have such fond memories over the years including those basketball trips. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you all."

The Undseth family wrote on Feb 5, 2015:

"I'm sure we speak for many, many students who attended Watson Groen Christian when we say how much Mr. Roosendaal impacted our lives as a teacher, coach, and beautiful Christian man. We pray that his family will be comforted in the knowledge that he is in the immediate presence of his loving Savior. Oh, what a sweet reunion it will be!!"

Michaela Block wrote on Feb 5, 2015:

"I am so grateful Mr. Roosendaal was in my life. Mr. Roosendaal saw potential in me when I did not. Instead of commenting on my struggles, he commented on my strengths. To help me bring up my math grade, he let me decorate the bulletin boards around his class. I loved to stay after school and decorate his classroom. In turn, I learned about perseverance, the love of teaching and caring for students. It stuck with me my whole life. Proverbs 22-6 Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. "

Gaye Davis wrote on Feb 4, 2015:

"For Vonnie and family, I wish I could put all your names down - every one. Brothers and sisters and in-laws, too. Our hearts, Paul's and mine, go out to you in your loss. You are and will continue to be in my prayers. Vonnie, I have always thought of Denny as a genuine follower of Jesus, a godly man, and I know how precious he was to Lynn and Allen. He will be missed by many. May all of you, his loved ones, be held up by God's love and enveloped by his peace"

Joy Tjoelker wrote on Feb 4, 2015:

"For Vonnie and family, We are praying for you as you remember and celebrate Dennis' s life. May God bring comfort to you. I can hear Dennis singing Jesus Loves Me! The Lord be with you. "

Joy Tjoelker wrote on Feb 4, 2015:

"For Vonnie and family, We are praying for you as you remember and celebrate Dennis' s life. May God bring comfort to you. I can hear Dennis singing Jesus Loves Me! The Lord be with you. "

Boots Roosendaal wrote on Feb 4, 2015:

"Vonnie and family Thoughts and prayers are -with you all at this time. The Lord will never leave you or forsake you Hebrews 13:5"

Shari and Jim Hudson wrote on Feb 3, 2015:

"He brought light, love, and compassion to all those around him. It was as if he was an Angel living here on earth. An amazing man who will be so missed!"

Evergreen Washelli wrote on Feb 3, 2015:

"With heartfelt sympathy, Evergreen Washelli"