Peter & Wilhelmina Vis

Peter Vis, Jr. – May 15, 1937 - January 2, 2024 

Wilhelmina (Dykxhoorn) Vis – March 13, 1945 - January 17, 2024

Peter Vis, Jr., 86, and Wilhelmina (Wilma) Dykxhoorn Vis, 78, of Sunnyside, WA, passed away unexpectedly from injuries received from an automobile accident.

Pete was born in Moulton Township, MN, to Peter and Alice Vis. After attending school and working on the family farm in Chandler, Peter moved to Escalon, CA, to work with his uncle and cousin in their custom crop farming business. While he was in California, he was drafted into the Army and spent three years serving in Texas. During his military service, he spent much time driving trucks and chauffeuring officers. 

Wilma was born in Delft, Holland, to Dirk (Dick) and Teuntje (Tena) Dykxhoorn. At age 2, Wilma and her family immigrated to the United States. After short stays in Michigan and Montana, Wilma’s family settled on a dairy in Escalon, CA. After high school, Wilma attended beauty school and began working as a beautician.

Pete and Wilma were married nearly 60 years ago on June 26, 1964. During their 59 years of marriage, Pete and Wilma shared their love for God, for each other, and for their family and friends. They worked hard, and in 1973 they took on the custom crop farming business. They served the local farming community until they sold the business and moved to the Vis family farm in Chandler, MN, in 1980. Due to some financial challenges in farming, Pete eventually took a job driving semi-trucks long-distance, and Wilma again put her beautician skills to use while also working for Huisken’s Meat Center. 

In 1987, Pete and Wilma moved back to California (Modesto). Pete continued using his semi-truck driving expertise. Wilma continued using her beautician skills at Park View Assisted Living and eventually opened her own beauty shop. She also began making and selling flower arrangements in her shop. When Pete and Wilma retired in 2008, they made the decision to move to Sunnyside, WA, to be near their two daughters. After adjusting to their slower pace of life, they enjoyed long drives to explore the Pacific Northwest, visits to see their grandchildren, watching westerns and game shows together, playing “Nines,” and Friday night dinners or ice cream treats with their daughters. Pete enjoyed reading Reader’s Digest and the newspaper from cover to cover. Wilma loved working in the yard during the warm months and making flower arrangements when the weather turned cold. She also enjoyed using her creativity to build and make things, especially when it was a “bargain!” During the past several years, they honored their vows to love in sickness and in health as they supported each other in their respective battles against cancer. 

Pete and Wilma are survived by their six children and six grandchildren, Sandy Vis in Sunnyside, WA, Ken (Pia Elvina; son, Jacob) in Newark, CA, Marv (Christy Shoemaker; sons, Terry and Adrian) in Boulder, CO, Karen in Sunnyside, WA, Ron (Cheryl; children, Abby, Braden, and Brynlee) in Bloomington, MN, and Randy in Sedro Wooley, WA. Pete is survived by siblings, Henrietta Bruxvoort, Allen (Bud) Vis, Alvin Vis, Roger Vis, Janice Veldhuizen, and Jim Vis. Wilma is survived by siblings, Rena Poot, Tony Dykxhoorn, Mary Coba Mensonides, Elizabeth Bellin, Marinus Dykxhoorn, and Dirk (Rick) Dykxhoorn. They are also survived by many special nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Pete and Wilma were preceded in death by their parents, Peter and Alice Vis and Dirk and Teuntje Dykxhoorn. They were also preceded in death by infant daughter Cynthia and siblings, Jeanette Alice Vis, Fred Vis, John Vis, and Annie (Dykxhoorn) Rosales. 

Visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.   at the Smith Funeral Home Sunnyside, WA.  Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the Outlook Cemetery, Outlook, WA with Celebration of Life to follow at the Sunnyside Christian Reformed Church at 11:00 a.m. with Military Honors.   Services will be Live Streamed,Go to Sunnyside CRC's website -- Sunnyside Christian Reformed Church website link

Those wishing to honor Peter and Wilhelmina may contribute to either:

Sunnyside Christian School   811 North Ave. Sunnyside, WA 98944  **Because of Mom and Dad's commitment to Christian education....as attendees when they were young, as parents sending their children, and as supporters of their local Christian schools wherever they were living.

Gary Sinise Foundation P.O. Box 40726 Suite 1500 Nashville, TN. 37204-0726  https://www.garysinisefoundation.org **Because of Dad’s service in the military and his continued love for his country and those who serve.

Those wishing to sign Peter's or Wilhelmina's online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com    Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

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