Lyman J. Noordhoff, 96, of Hendersonville passed away Sunday, May 26, 2013 at Spring Arbor Assisted Living of Hendersonville. A native of Oshkosh, WI, he lived in Henderson County the last thirty-six years. He was a son of the late Dr. Luke Henry and Florence Alma Lyman Noordhoff, and was also preceded in death by two brothers, Robert ìBobî C. Noordhoff, and Bruce H. Noordhoff.
He graduated from Oshkosh High School, and the University of Wisconsin with a B.S. degree in Agriculture, and a Masterís degree in Agriculture Journalism. He was a writer-editor with the Cooperative Extension Service of the US Department of Agriculture, retiring in 1977. An Army Air Corps veteran of WWII, he served one and a half years on the island of Saipan. He enjoyed bowling and collecting autographs.
Lyman relied on faith in Jesus Christ, being fully convinced that God would never leave him nor forsake him (Hebrews 13:5). He openly showed his loving kindness with those with whom he came in contact. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Hendersonville.
Survivors include his wife of seventy years, Ruth H. Noordhoff; a daughter, Karen Noordhoff Hagstrom and her husband David of Portland, OR; a son, David James Noordhoff and his wife Anne H. Noordhoff of Gainesville, VA; a grandson, Matthew H. Noordhoff of Herndon, VA; a sister, Jeane Olson of Washington, DC; and a number of nieces and nephews.
A funeral will be at 2:00 pm Friday in the Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Wally Shamburger will officiate. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Hubert M. Smith American Legion Post 77, Hedrick-Rhodes Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5206, and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 14 will render military honors. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 pm prior to the service in the chapel.
Memorials may be made to Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201, or Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.
Lyman: You and Ruth were always special relatives for me. May Jesus hold you in a loving embrace forever. Cousin Bob
Ruth, Karen, David and families,
We, from brother Bruce’s family, send our love your way and our thoughts and prayers are with you. From my earliest memories, I recall Lyman as a gentle, kind soul – steadfast in his faith. His words of encouragement to me through my adult years mostly at Christmas time were profound and inspirational – I still re-read his letters when I need a boost! We have been blessed to have known him and are grateful for you all! Thank God for Lyman and the beautiful legacy that remains. He touched many lives~ Our love to you all.
Uncle Lyman, I know you’re in a better, more peaceful place now! You are in my prayers, as is your whole family. Love, Alix
Please know that you Canada family is holding you in our hearts with peace and comfort, LaDonna and Matthew
Mrs. Noordhoff I talked to Lyman many times at Spring Arbor my mother was there also. He was a very interesting and kind man. Pleas accept my sympathy in your lose. Blessings Virginia and Larry Hill
Please accept my sincerest condolences. I knew Mr. Noordhoff from my childhood at church. Each Sunday as my family entered the sanctuary, I’d look for him and see him waiting for us to share a pew. Mr. Noordhoff was a wonderful mentor to me and took interest in sharing God’s word and powerful stories of his military service, his career, his family and the important things in life that all young people should have told to them. As the years went on and I graduated college, later married and moved out of state, I always looked forward to visiting him each Christmas Eve when I was home for the holidays. Mr. Noordhoff never missed an opportunity to share his pride in his family; especially when it came to his beloved Ruth. To know a man so grounded in the word of God, who walked the walk every day, made a difference in my life. I can say simply, my life was made all the better by his example. I will carry with me his words and his unshakable beliefs as part of who I am and I am grateful for these gifts.
Dear Ruth, Karen, David, and David,
After reading Lyman’s biography, I know more about the man you called husband, father, and father-in-law. I’m thankful I had the opportunity to meet Lyman when he was still living at home. Several years ago, when I saw him at a friend’s birthday party at Spring Arbor, he remembered me and talked about what a wonderful day he was having.
My prayer, especially during the next few weeks, is that you rejoice in the memories even as you grieve.
Much love,
Karen
Dear Family,
I met Lyman at Spring Arbor while my mother, Gladys Wirtz, was a resident there and while my church, Calvary Baptist Church, did a ministry there.
There are so many words that could describe Lyman! He was faithful in his witness for the Lord, funny, wise and compassionate. He often spoke of his family and how he loved you. Our lives are richer for having known him! May God give you His strength and grace and peace and preserve all those good memories of sweet Lyman.
I was so sorry to hear about Uncle Lyman’s passing. I am Phyllis’ daughter. Lyman was so kind to us children the few times that we’ve seen him through the years. He was also very kind when my husband and I passed through Hendersonville many years ago on our way to Myrtle Beach. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.