Jeffrey C. Achterhof, 68, of Union Grove, WI, passed away Thursday, September 26, 2024. Born in Chicago on November 29, 1955, he was the oldest son of Burton and Mitsy (Niessink) Achterhof. He graduated from Tinley Park High School in Tinley Park, IL, in 1974. Later that year he enlisted in the US Navy. During his 3 years of service on the USS Raleigh Jeff was a member of the Ship Maintenance team and was promoted to the Fireman Apprentice program. He left the Navy with much praise for the work he did and the way he did it.
On November 10, 1978, he was united in marriage to Twila Van Der Meide at Calvary Reformed Church in Orland Park, IL. They lived in Homer Glen, IL, for many years before moving to Union Grove, WI, in 2016 for their retirement years.
Jeff was a hard worker who had many jobs over the years, in the maintenance field eventually retiring from Willow Falls in Crest Hill, IL. In retirement, Jeff worked part-time supporting the Firemen Training Program through Gateway Technical College in Burlington, WI. His most important job and legacy was being a devoted husband, loving father, and Opa (grandfather).
No matter how busy Jeff was he always made time for family meals, sports games or shooting hoops with his sons. He loudly cheered for the Chicago White Sox and the Chicago Bears through the good and bad times. In his spare time he enjoyed puzzles, traveling, and time with his grandchildren. Family celebrations and Thanksgiving dinners always held a special place in his heart. He was a kind, caring, selfless person who loved his family and touched many hearts and lives throughout his life.
Jeff is survived by his wife Twila; sons Drew (Colleen), Blake (Valerie), and Kyle;
grandchildren Riley, Dylan, Lennon, Graysen; brothers, Doug (Gail), Russ;
brother-in-law, Ron Van Der Meide, and five nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; Burt and Mitsy Achterhof.
A Celebration of Life for Jeff will be held on Friday October 18th 2024, at Racine Bible Church (12505 Spring St. Sturtevant, WI). Relatives and friends may visit with the family from 4PM to 6PM followed by a Memorial Tribute.
A special thank you to the Men’s Bible Study group at Racine Bible Church for their support and fellowship.
In place of flowers, please consider donating in Jeff’s memory to Breast Cancer Research Foundation at https://give.bcrf.org/give/302920/#!/donation/checkout
