Henry Pyl

Hendrick (Henry) Pyl, 96, died at Showalter Villa on August 18, 2021, surrounded by his family.

He was born March 1, 1925, in the Friesland province of Grou in the Netherlands, the son of Jelke and Aaltje (Postumi) Pyl.

During World War II Henry was part of an underground network of French, Dutch and Belgian resistance against the Nazis. The organization’s goal was to save lives and smuggle documents. After the war, Pyl served for five years with the Dutch Army.

In 1960, Henry, his wife Annie, and their children came to the United States, eventually settling in Newton. Henry was proud to be a U.S. citizen and could always be seen wearing an American flag pin.

For 30 years Henry and Annie ran Nu-Way Janitorial. Henry also owned a business building garages for two years, was part of the janitorial and maintenance staff at Axtell Clinic, and was a foreman with American Coach.

Henry is survived by his children, Jelke (Cindy) Pyl and Alie Gadd; and 7 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jelke and Aaltje Pyl; wife, Antje (Annie) Bouma Pyl; daughter and son-in-law, Geesje and Terry Goodwin; 2 brothers and 4 sisters.

A visitation will be from 1:00p.m. – 4:00p.m., Sunday, August 22, at Petersen Funeral Home, 215 N. Main, in Newton. A funeral service will be at 10:30a.m. on Monday, August 23, also at the funeral home. Following the service, a graveside service will take place at Greenwood Cemetery in Newton.

Memorial contributions in Henry’s names may be made to Schowalter Villa or to the Disabled American Veterans, in care of Petersen Funeral Home.