Hilbert Van Ankum

Hilbert Van Ankum of Listowel and formerly of Wroxeter passed away at Listowel Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015. He was in his 75th year.
Hilbert was the beloved husband of Janneke (Hekman) Van Ankum and dear father of Tasha Van Ankum and Rob Hiemstra, Kitchener; Matthew Van Ankum and Danielle Van-Sant and Jonathan Van Ankum, all of Gorrie. He was the grandfather of Jenna, Caleb, Ella, London and Riggins. Hilbert was the brother of John and Sonja Van Ankum, Rimbey, Alberta; George and Alice Van Ankum and Arnold and Jayne Van Ankum, all of Drayton; and Jake and Marlene Van Ankum, Arthur and brother-in-law of Mildred Jean Van Ankum, Drayton and Klaas and Aly Hekman, Henk and Rita Hekman, Geeske and Hein Brinkman and Willem Hekman and his friend Geesje, all of the Netherlands.
Hilbert was predeceased by his brother Allan Van Ankum and sisters-in-law Jean Van Ankum and Alie Hekman.
Hilbert immigrated from the Netherlands with his parents and five brothers in 1960. They settled on a farm near Parker. 
He studied Crop Science at the University of Guelph and was a member of the 1965 OAC Aggies.  He returned to the Netherlands in 1966 to get engaged to the love of his life, Janneke Hekman. They were married in 1968. They spent most of their married life on the farm near Wroxeter. 
During that time they raised a family and Hilbert built a world class herd of Simmental cattle. He served as a General Manager and President of Beef Improvement Ontario. He also served as an elder at Bethel Christian Reformed Church. 
With Hilbert’s health declining and Janneke’s need for care increasing, they moved to Listowel in 2013. Hilbert experienced joy in time spent with his much-loved family and friends and in time outside enjoying walks and exploring God’s creation.
Visitation was held at the Bethel Christian Reformed Church, Listowel on Sunday. The funeral service was held on Monday, Dec. 14. Interment was in Molesworth Cemetery.
Memorial donations to the Alzheimer Society would be appreciated and may be made through the Eaton Funeral Home, Listowel.
Online condolences may be left at www.eatonfuneralhome.ca