Service Details
Services celebrating Elizabeth’s life will be held at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Friday, May 22, 2020 at 6:00 pm with Rev. Verlan Van Ee and (Pastor of Kenosha Christian Reformed Church) along with Pastor Henry Perez officiating. You can witness the live stream service at https://youtu.be/psc0IF6I2B8. Public visitation will be in the funeral home on Friday from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. Interment will take place at the family cemetery in her native island of Tonga.
In accordance with Racine County mandate, only 50 people will be allowed to enter the funeral home at a time. You may be required to wait outside until others leave the building. For the safety and security of our guests we also require those in attendance to wear a face covering. We thank everyone for their understanding and cooperation during this difficult time.
Memorial Suggestions
Memorials to Kenosha Christian Reformed Church or to Operation Outpour have been suggested.
Mount Pleasant – Elizabeth (nee: Helu) Hoogenhout, age 84, passed away peacefully, surrounded with the unending love of family, late Monday evening, May 18, 2020.
Elizabeth was born in Nuku’Alofa, Tonga in the South Pacific on September 16, 1935 to the late Viliami and Nanisi (nee: Jameson) Helu. Years later, it was in Tasmania, Australia while visiting relatives, she met a handsome young man from Holland by the name of Jan Gerdinus Hoogenhout. They were united in marriage on February 7, 1959. They shared 61 glorious years of love together.
Elizabeth served as a first generation hospital nurse until she met Jan. Following, while sharing Jan’s passion for baking & cooking, she became a master cake decorator. They owned & operated various bakeries throughout the world. In recent years, Elizabeth & Jan (of whom are Canadian residents) retired to Tonga, spending 6 months of the year in Tonga with their son Chris, and 6 months between their other two children’s residences in the US. Born with an artistic eye, Elizabeth was fabulous at crafts, sewing, crocheting & gardening. Above all, family was her everything!
Surviving are her loving husband, Jan “Gerry”; their children, Christopher Hoogenhout of Tonga; William (Jayme) Hoogenhout of LaGrange, GA; and Corine (fiancé, Tim Krenzke) DeGroot of Mount Pleasant; her beautiful granddaughters, of whom followed in Elizabeth’s as third generation nurses, Jordan Hoogenhout & Tiah (Jordan) Lee; step-grandsons, Andrew & Jacob DeGroot; and many other dear relatives worldwide from the USA, Australia, New Zealand & Tonga – too numerous to mention all by name.
Services celebrating Elizabeth’s life will be held at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Friday, May 22, 2020 at 6:00 pm with Rev. Verlan Van Ee and (Pastor of Kenosha Christian Reformed Church) along with Pastor Henry Perez officiating. You can witness the live stream service at https://youtu.be/psc0IF6I2B8. Public visitation will be in the funeral home on Friday from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. Interment will take place at the family cemetery in her native island of Tonga. Memorials to Kenosha Christian Reformed Church or to Operation Outpour have been suggested.
In accordance with Racine County mandate, only 50 people will be allowed to enter the funeral home at a time. You may be required to wait outside until others leave the building. For the safety and security of our guests we also require those in attendance to wear a face covering. We thank everyone for their understanding and cooperation during this difficult time.
Jerry Tarwid says
Corine,
I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. I’m sure your dad must be devastated!
My condolences to you & your family.
Amelia Tupou Tonga says
Aunty Pesi will me forever be cherished in all my loving memories of her. When I was in college at UCSB, I lived briefly Aunty Pesi and uncle Gerry in Lompoc, Ca. Where they had a bakery. We had lovely early dinners as Uncle had to get up at midnight to work in the bakery. I enjoyed every moment with them both. My heart goes out to you Uncle Gerry as I know you’re missing the love of your life. She was so special and heaven will be even sweeter with aunty Pesi. Ofa atu, your niece Tupou from California xo
Helena Bouma says
My condolences to all the family. ❤️ Aunty Liz was a beautiful amazing lady.
Paula Ann says
Sending you all love, strength and peace.
James & Lasa Medina says
Dearest Uncle Jerry, Christopher, Corine & Bill,
We’re saddened to hear of Aunty Pesi’s death but take great comfort knowing they were with her beloved family during this difficult time.
We find hope in the Bible’s promise Isaiah 25:8 …. he will do away with death forever…. wipe away the tears “
Thank you all for your unfailing love and care.
Sincere condolences,
James & Lasa Medina (NY)
Lani & Nicholas Bale says
Sending our love and deepest condolences for the huge loss to your family. Aunt Elizabeth will be sadly missed by our family as well. We wish you God’s comforting embrace in the coming days. ‘Ofa Lahi Atu. Kavapalu Family, UK.
Susan Evans says
Corine I was so sorry to of your Mom’s passing. So sorry not to have made her homecoming. I wish you well. Sue Evans
Tevita Solopani Helu family... says
From the Helu’s in Oro Valley, AZ. I, Soma the youngest is writing this on behalf of aunty Pepsi’s little brother Tevita Solopani Helu. Uncle Gerry and kids, Tevita and family send nothing but hugs, love and share in the grieving and passing of his beloved sister. Dad has so many fond memories of her and he deeply wishes he could attend tonight’s funeral services. We bow our heads in grace to give thanks for the blessing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for giving us our belsssing and time with Auntie Pesi. Dad sends his love to you all and hope to one day meet. Mou Ofa Lahi Atu! Rest in paradise Auntie Pesi🙏🏾💚
Nanisi Laufala Mabbs says
Our deepest love and sympathy and prayers we extend to you from Nanisi Laufala and Peter Mabbs ,our children and grandchildren, for the loss of your dearly beloved wife mother and grandmother.
We will cherish you Pesi of all the good times we share with you and Gerry.
Rest in peace until we meet again🙏💖💐
Unga Faupula says
She was such a beautiful lady. Love and prayers to the family. Toka aa i he nonga moe ofa ae Otua. Love you Aunty Pesi❤
Mr & Mrs Talitaufa Helu says
We love ❤️ and miss you.RIP 💗
Michael Drew says
Bill, your Mom sounded like a truly lovely and intelligent woman which explains how we got lucky to have you, with your great personality and good heart! I am sorry for your loss and will pray for peace for you and your family.
Shirley van der Hoeven de Mos says
Dear family my condolences for Lizzie /. Elsisabeth she was a wonderful lady have good memories when she and john / gredines were in holland and Tasmanie 7 years ago when a visited ant aartje simons IAM your coussin a daughter from sister of john / gerdines dicky and arien when I was young I remember Corina William we were in a park in the town ijmuiden were we living IAM now 47 years greetings to my uncle my hope and prayers to you all and blessings
John Pynnaken says
Hello Everyone. Condolences from all the Piet and Catie (Toos), John, Piet and Fitzgerald Pynnaken in Canada. You are all (Oom Gerry, Chris, Bill and Corina) in my thoughts. Think of you often. I have a lot of love for you all. You have been so kind to us (me) when we lived in Manitoba. Lots of fond memories. My mom also sends her love and condolences.
John Pynnaken
Toniseni Havea says
It comes as a shock to learn that Pesi Hoogenhout has been called from this world to the next. As one of Christopher’s students, I vividly remember Pesi’s iconic figure in every chapter of school life. She and Gerry were like grandparents to the student body, always present and always supportive in every activity and initiative undertaken by Maamaloa Side School, Tonga.
Her smiling face, soft-spoken speech and gentle demeanour are unforgettable and it is with great sadness that I bid farewell to this hero of my childhood, and an even greater joy in the assurance of the eternal bliss that awaits those who fall asleep in Christ.
Thank you for being like a grandmother to us all, Pesi. May you rest in the peace of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Juanita Casey says
I met Elizabeth (Pesi) and Gerry when I was fifteen years old, as well as Chris, Billy and Corine with Pesi’s brother Heneli!
She later became my sister-in-law.
A beautiful lady with a beautiful smile! Unforgettable!
My heart goes out to her family, friends and loved ones.
‘Ofa ‘o ta’engata
Juanita Jameson (Casey)