Hendrik A. Celosse's Obituary
Hendrik A. Celosse, 90, of Clearwater, Florida, passed away Thursday, April 23, 2020. He was born in Blitar, Indonesia on January 25, 1930. He is preceded in death by parents, Frederik and Esther (Mangindaan) Celosse; and siblings, Alex and Minnie. Hendrik is survived by his wife of 53 years, Marsha; children: Mike (Mary Margaret), Shana (Dan), Michelle (Tim); grandchildren: Jared, Katelyn, Evan and Leah Celosse; Samantha, Ethan, Mikaela and Elliana Ness; MacKenzie, Madyson and Mallory Fortier; siblings, Jake, Ernst, and Martha.
Hendrik loved his family and friends. He loved people and made a lasting impression on everyone he knew. Hendrik celebrated his Dutch-Indonesian heritage. After WWII, Hendrik and his family left Indonesia and moved to the Netherlands. After completing school and his military service, Hendrik immigrated to the United States. Soon after arriving in the US, Hendrik started his career as a Chemical Engineer with the 3M Company in St. Paul, MN. As a bachelor, Hendrik loved sports cars and owned two Porsches. He was a member of the 3M Sports Car Club and the Porsche Club of America, participating in road rallies, races and other events. He also had a love for tennis and played well into his 80’s.
It was during his early years in St. Paul that Hendrik met and married Marsha (Colman) and settled down in White Bear Lake, MN to start their family. Hendrik sold his Porsches and bought a Volkswagen camper van. Hendrik and Marsha made a home for their three kids, and later their 11 grandchildren. They loved to host parties, usually including Indonesian food - satay, peanut sauce, krupuk, fried rice and more. Many people passed through their house to share a meal, a story and a laugh. Their hospitality extended to family, friends and strangers. When Hendrik came to the US as an immigrant, he was hosted by families who opened their home to him. Hendrik opened his home and hosted many dinners for foreign students and visiting officials, including hosting foreign exchange students.
Hendrik’s life was changed in 1975 when he embraced a relationship with Christ after a private meeting with Corrie Ten Boom in a hotel lobby in MN. Hendrik was active volunteering with kids and students at his church, Lakewood Evangelical Free Church (now Rockpoint). As an engineer, Hendrik was always drawing up plans, building something or generally tinkering around with something. He enjoyed photography, computers, futbol, ice hockey and of course tennis.
Hendrik retired to Florida and enjoyed the warm weather, building new friendships and hosting family and friends who came to visit. He continued to spread his contagious and warm spirit (and jokes) and introduced new friends to his Indonesian cooking. His 90 years on this earth were full and well lived. Hendrik will be missed by his family and friends. Many of us take comfort in knowing that we will see him again.
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26
Services: A Celebration of Life will be held in Florida and Minnesota at a future date (TBD), due to the current COVID-19 restrictions. The family will post information on social media when a date has been determined.
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