Peter "Petrus" Rooyakkers

Peter “Petrus” Christianus Rooyakkers, 89 years, of Temperance, MI passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 4, 2024. Peter was born December 17, 1934 and raised in Lisse, The Netherlands. He was in the Dutch Army and he studied horticulture. He met his wife, Rita, at ballroom dancing lessons in 1954. They married and immigrated to New York State, US in 1958. Their honeymoon was spent on The Holland-America Line on their passage to the United States. They moved to Bedford Township, Michigan with their two children in 1971. Peter worked in retail management with his fondest memories being at Frank’s Nursery where he was able to apply his degree in horticulture and his passion for flowers and plants. Upon retirement he worked for The Home Depot in Lawn and Garden for fourteen years. Peter and Rita spent many winters in their happy place, Fort Myers, Florida.

Peter loved gardening, sitting in his backyard watching birds and wildlife, reading, and spending time with children and grandchildren.

Peter is survived by his sister, Tine T’Hoen; daughter, Vicki Rooyakkers-Egan; son, Michael Rooyakkers; granddaughters, Allison (Will Bennett) Egan, Madeline (Kevin) Driftmyer; grandson, Caleb (Brenna) Rooyakkers, and his great-granddaughter, Cassidy Fitzgerald. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rita (Maria) Rooyakkers-Verhart; his parents Henk and Margaretha; sister, Nelleke Veltkamp and his brother, Theodorus (Donald) Rooyakkers.

Visitation will be Saturday, January 13, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until 12 Noon in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church 8330 Lewis Ave. Temperance, MI where the funeral mass will be celebrated at Noon. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Urbanski’s Bedford Funeral Chapel 8300 Lewis Ave. Temperance, MI.  Online condolences may be shared at www.bedfordfuneralchapel.com