Jessie Breedyk

Jessie Breedyk entered into the presence of the Lord on May 25, 2025 at the age of 92. She was born July 13, 1932 in Friesland, The Netherlands, to John and Gesina Bloemhof. There she went to Christian School for six years.

When Jessie was fifteen years old her parents, her dad’s family, her brother Ted and sisters Anna and Elaine immigrated to the United States. They arrived in New York February 24, 1948 and then continued on by train to Norwalk, California where they started in the dairy business. Jessie never attended school in the United States due to the need for her to work on the dairy. Despite this, she was an avid reader and very good at math. When she went to the grocery store at check-out she would know what she owed as she would calculate as she was picking up the items.

Jessie met her sweetheart, Arie Breedyk, after church at a skating rink in Paramount, CA and married on October 22, 1953, after dating for one year . Their first home was in Artesia, California; they lived there for one year. There they were blessed with their first daughter Gert. They moved on September 1, 1954 to Duarte, California where they started their own dairy business. Here their first son, John, was born. Jessie was always very busy doing housework, cooking, taking care of the milk house, feeding calves, and cleaning the barn. Two years later they moved to Chino, California where they dairied for 33 years. Here two sons, Neil and Adrian, were born. In July 1961 Arie and Jessie were excited to build their first home. They also had two more children, Arie Jr. and Ina. Each of their children were named after a grandparent or uncle, which is a Dutch tradition.

Jessie had a very strong and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ and she passed this on to all of her children, grandchildren and just about anyone she came in contact with. She read through the Bible many times in her years. All her children attended Ontario Christian School. She was always active in the Church, serving by playing the piano, organ and singing in the choir. She loved music. After her passing her oldest daughter said, “Now mom is singing in heaven’s choir.” She bounced many children on her lap and sang them Dutch songs. She hosted many New Year’s Eve Day Oliebollen get-togethers. It was a priority for Jessie to keep her family together and to be with each other often. Her family was blessed with lunch at her home after Church on Sundays. She enjoyed reading, crocheting, bowling, playing cards and the casino. And if you knew Jessie you knew she valued butter. If you went out to eat and the restaurant did not serve butter, she would not go back there and they would be told so. She loved the USA. She shared how special it was to become a U.S. citizen; she had to study and learn about our wonderful country and would be tested on her knowledge. She loved her homeland Holland where she grew up and ice-skated from the age of 5.

In 1988 they moved to San Jacinto, California along with their son, Adrian and his wife Michele, and son Arie, Darla and children. They dairied for five years. In March 1993, they made their home in Dexter, NM and continued in their dairy business. A year and a half later John, Lorraine and family decided to relocate to New Mexico as well. Six months later they were followed by Neil, Shill and family. Arie and Jessie were thrilled to have all four of their sons in New Mexico. They were proud to be members of the Dexter 1st Presbyterian Church.

Arie and Jessie were able to celebrate over 50 years of marriage. In celebration of 50 years together, they took their family on a once in a lifetime trip to Holland where 30 of them saw special places from their past and their love for their heritage. Most importantly, they always taught their children and grandchildren to love the Lord and acknowledge that every blessing we receive comes from Him alone.

It was difficult for Jessie when Arie Sr. passed away, followed by their son Adrian and two years ago granddaughter Shiloh Breedyk. Her faith gave her much comfort; she found strength in scripture and peace in the promise of eternal life.

Jessie is survived by her children and their families. Gert and Jim Delzer. John and Lorraine Breedyk and their family Griff and Christy Crocker, Adrian and Jazlyn, Kevin and Jessica Breedyk, Hurley, Kylie and Koen. Stephanie and Lauren Breedyk, Piper and Cami. Neil and Shill Breedyk and their family, Lance and Rachelle Bateman, Reagan, Jayden, Hunter and Aillie Abernathy. Martin and Amanda Bogle, Mo and Nel. Hank and Tracy Rietkerk, Tristan, Andrea and Stephanie De La Rosa, Arie C. Breedyk, Bryce Breedyk and Anthony Mendillo. Kathy Breedyk, Arie and Darla Breedyk and their family Ryan and Morgan Breedyk, Evelyn, Anniston and Scarlett. Aaron and Rachel Breedyk, Kaden and Brecklan. Justin Breedyk. Colin and Arielle Mauro, Sienna. Neil and Ina Visser and their family Travis and Ashley Gorzeman, Grace, Brooklyn and Savannah. Phil and Alexandra Owens, Rhett, Emerson and Miller. Jess and Katie Visser, Rhodes, and Sonia Visser.

Jessie is reunited in heaven with her parents, John and Gesina Bloemhof, her brother Ted Bloemhof and sisters, Anna Notterman and Elaine Schakel, her husband, Arie Breedyk Sr., son, Adrian Breedyk and granddaughter, Shiloh Breedyk.

Viewing will be held at Ballard Funeral Home on Thursday, June 5 from 4pm - 6pm. Graveside service will be held at the South Park cemetery, in Roswell at 1:00 pm followed by a Celebration of Life service at the Dexter First Presbyterian Church at 2:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to First Presbyterian Church of Dexter, NM (PO Box 367, Dexter, NM 88230) or a Christian School of your choice.