The Orange City Fire Department is mourning the loss of lifetime member Henry “Hank” Jonker.
Jonker passed away Sunday at the Orange City Area Health System. Current Fire Chief Dan Roghair states that Jonker served on the Orange City Fire Department from 1962 to 1988, dedicating approximately 26 years to the department. During that time, Jonker held several leadership roles, including captain and department president.
Roghair joined the department shortly after Jonker’s retirement and says Jonker’s leadership style left a lasting impression on those who followed.
Roghair says Jonker remained closely connected to the department even after retiring, regularly attending the department’s annual banquet with other former members. A few years ago, Jonker was honored at that banquet with a wooden engraved plaque representing the fire service.
Roghair says the recognition was especially meaningful.
Roghair says Jonker was respected not only for his service to the fire department, but for the legacy he built in the Orange City community.
Funeral services for Henry “Hank” Jonker of Orange City will be held Friday at First Reformed Church in Orange City. His full obituary and service details can be found at oolman.com. Hank was 94.
The featured photo is courtesy of Oolman Funeral Homes
