He was born in Heerlen, Netherlands on July 29, 1929, a son of Karel and Anna (Yaeger) Ligtvoet. They preceded him in death. He married Georgia “Jo” Button on January 10, 1958 in Peoria. She survives.
Dutch is also survived by his sons, Tim and Terry Ligtvoet, both of Peoria, and Bill (Donna) Fox of Dallas, TX; daughters, Julie (Denny) McCullough of Peoria and Marie Kesser of Atlanta, TX; brother, Loek (Bertie) Ligtvoet of the Netherlands; sisters, Suzan Ligtvoet and Gertrude “Teddy” Schlosser, both of the Netherlands; as well as many nieces and nephews in the Netherlands and the United States.
He is also survived by two beautiful granddaughters that he was very proud of, Codie Ligtvoet of Lowpoint and Kaylie McCullough of Peoria. He loved being a “Papa”.
Dutch came to the United States in 1950 and was a U.S. Army Korean War Veteran. He was a member and past Vice Commander of the American Legion Post 2 in Peoria and a member of AMVETS Post 64, also in Peoria.
He retired in 1991 from Caterpillar, Inc. Building SS in East Peoria, after twenty-six years of service. He was a proud member of the U.A.W.
Dutch was an avid fan of St. Louis Cardinals’ baseball and Chicago Bears’ football. He loved gardening; collecting Delft blue china and wooden shoes; and listening to accordion music, ABBA and André Rieu. Dutch also enjoyed spending his time at Steak ‘n Shake and sitting in the sun at “Dutch’s Beer Garden”.
His family is proud of him for the way he raised and provided for them and for becoming a citizen of the United States. His wife, children, granddaughters and extended family gave him his greatest enjoyment in life.
Graveside services will be at noon on Thursday, April 22, 2010, at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, with Pastor Jim Poole officiating. Military Honors will provided by the Interveteran’s Burial Detail of Sangamon County. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 21, 2010, at Clary Funeral Home, 428 West McClure Avenue, in Peoria.
Memorial contributions may be made in Dutch’s memory to the American Heart Association.
| Tim Ligtvoet |
| Codie | i love you papa!! | April 24, 2010 |
You have been the greatest Grandpa I have ever met. We have had soo many good memories together and wish we still could but your in a way better place and that makes me even happier. I miss you papa so much. Every tear I cry means that I miss you right by my side telling me what is the right thing to do. I love hearing the story that when my mom was pregnant you were so happy that you were finally going to have a grandchild. You were so full of joy and couldn't wait until I was born and you could hold me in your arms. I miss it when at graduation you hugged me and told me that your little angel was growing up so fast and turning into a beautiful girl just like your mom. Whenever my mom or dad drove me over to your house you would always call me your little angel. I will NEVER regret holding your hand when you took your last breath. When you were gone half of my heart went with you. When I came to your visitation I looked into your beautiful casket, I looked at you and thought to myself that isn't the Grandpa I loved so much because you were gone. I will keep on moving forward and I will never forget you papa. I love you so much and always will!!!!!!!!
| Jody (Meetup) | Thoughts & prayers for you | April 24, 2010 |
Tim & family:
I enjoyed learning more about your dad and seeing pics of him on this site. It sounds like he was a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with you:)
Jody
| Toni (Kull) Lutz | Family memories | April 24, 2010 |
Jo, Tim, Terry and Julie,
The memories of Dutch and times we had together as a family will be cherished. I know he loved his grand-daughter Codie very much and I am so glad we came home for her to be apart of his life. I remember many happy times when papa held her and he was so proud of her when she was born. The stick of gum he always put in her cards. We will both miss him very much. Family stays together during this difficult time and time will heal us, but the memories we have of Dutch will never leave our hearts. I was very proud to be apart of Dutch's family. I will miss his smile and the joy he had talking with me when I visited. Rest in peace Dutch for I will miss you very much.
| Kaylie | My PaPa | April 22, 2010 |
I will always love my papa. I will cherish every moment we ever spent together. It's impossible for me to ever forget such a great man like my papa was. I miss him very much and it's a tough time right now but our great memories keep me going. When we went in Sunday and told the Dr. pull all the plugs it was very upsettting but he's not suffering anymore. I held his hand those last 2 in a half hours of his life...down to his last breath. Though it was the hardest thing i ever did watching someone I love so much die, I'll never regret it because I know that if I was dyingI would want someone that i love to hold my hand and talk to me so that I knew it would be ok and I would see them up in heaven one day. I want so badly him to wake up and say, "I love you baby girl." like always but I know he's in a better place now. But that was close to to the last words he ever said to me. he said, "Hey baby." He could just barely, and I knew it was hard for him and I understand!
I will love you always, You're baby girl, Kaylie
| Andy Simmons | Special Memories | April 22, 2010 |
