Hilda Dekker Gaalswyk

Hilda Dekker Gaalswyk December 9, 1931 – November 9, 2025

Hilda Dekker Gaalswyk, age 93, passed away peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on November 9, 2025. She was born on December 9, 1931, in Hartley, Iowa, to John and Catherina Dekker. Hilda lived in California for 83 years and in Idaho for the past 3 years.

On July 25, 1952, Hilda married the love of her life, Marinus Gaalswyk. Together they welcomed two children, Donald Lee in 1953 and Ruth Ann in 1956. Hilda and Marinus shared 59 and a half wonderful years of marriage before Marinus passed away in 2012.

Hilda worked as a school bus driver for Salem Christian School in Bellflower, California, before beginning a long career as an Administrative Assistant with the Chino Unified School District, where she served faithfully for more than 30 years until her retirement.

In her retirement, Hilda filled her days doing what she loved — mending, crocheting, and baking cookies for her little “popje’s” (dollies). She lovingly sewed church dresses for her granddaughters, patched countless pairs of jeans for her grandsons, and later crocheted beautiful blankets for her great-grandchildren.

Hilda and Marinus were devoted members of their church communities throughout their lives. They participated in dinners, Bible studies, and social events and were charter members of Zion United Reformed Church when they moved to Ripon, California. Hilda’s musical gifts brought her great joy — she sang in the choir and played both piano and organ in worship.

Together, Hilda and Marinus enjoyed many happy years camping and fishing with their close circle of friends — their “kliek” — creating treasured memories from their early family years through retirement.

Hilda is survived by her children, Don (Dianna) Gaalswyk and Ruth (Jim) Van Groningen; her grandchildren, Deb (Tim) Reeves, Donny (Sarah) Gaalswyk, Darlene (Russ) Isaak, Denise (David) Silva, Rebecca (Jason) Gilbert, Rachel (Joey) Smith, and Jordan (Hayley) Van Groningen; and her great-grandchildren, Alicia (Spencer) Miller, Hannah, Daniel, and Nicolas Gaalswyk, Kole, Emily, and Lee Kuyper, Averee, Austin, Andrew, and Arthur Silva, Salien Gilbert, Jaxon and Jameson Smith, and Oaklee and Knox Van Groningen. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Norma Dekker, Bubs Dekker, Lavina Dekker, and Liz Blom.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Marinus; sisters, Fem and Corky; brothers, Nick, Pete, John, and Richard; and her grandson, Brandon Easterday.

Christian education was very important to Hilda, a graduate of Bellflower Christian School. In her honor, donations may be made to any Christian school of your choice.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Rosenau Funeral Home on Friday, November 14, at 2:00 p.m. Hilda will be laid to rest in California on November 21.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Josie Farmer, Grace Memory Care, and Visions Hospice for their compassionate care during Hilda’s final years.