Elzo Tenyenhuis

Peacefully in hospice, surrounded by family singing hymns and praying over him, Elzo Tenyenhuis went home to meet his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, on July 2, 2026. He had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in April. 

Elzo was born in the Netherlands on September 23, 1955, the youngest of eight children. At the age of three, he immigrated to Canada with his family, settling in Kentville, Nova Scotia. Elzo attended Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he met his wife of 47 years, Marijke (née Plaisier). He later earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Guelph and Bachelor of Education from Brock University. Together, Elzo and Marijke made their home in Sarnia, Ontario, where they raised their two daughters, Jeannette (Daniel Moes) and Elizabeth (Kevin Hoekzema). 

After a career in teaching, Elzo graduated from Calvin Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree and pastored churches in Hamilton, Ontario, and Kincardine, Ontario. 

Elzo was the beloved brother of John (June), Elsina (Frank Radsma), Lainey Rozema, and Gretha (John Hutten). He was predeceased by his siblings Lammert (Barb), Gerry (May), Seita and Clarence VanderHeide, and brother-in-law John Rozema. 

He was also deeply loved by Marijke’s family. Elzo was the beloved son-in-law of Piet Plaisier (Ineke), and brother-in-law of Peggy and Marv DeVries, Mike and Helen Plaisier, Yvonne and Sam Linton, and Henriette and Mark Price. 

Elzo often spoke of how blessed he was by his family. He was a loving father to Jeannette and Daniel Moes, and Elizabeth and Kevin Hoekzema. He was a proud and delighted grandfather to Hudson, Isabella, Hart, Adele, John, Ford, Miller, and Dutch. He also loved his many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. 

Elzo’s heart belonged to his best friend and dear wife, Marijke. Together they built a beautiful life filled with the richness of laughter, adventure, and love. 

Elzo will be remembered by family, friends, and neighbours for his hospitality, willingness to help, ability to listen and connect, humour, curiosity, and integrity. He held a strong faith in Jesus throughout his life, and through life’s hardships he chose hope and remained open to God’s work in him. He faced this final battle with pancreatic cancer with courage, grace, and steadfast confidence in his heavenly Saviour. In these last months, Elzo showed us what a life fully surrendered to God could look like, and it was beautiful. 

A visitation will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. A funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2026, with a reception to follow. Both will be held at The Harbour Church, 249 Bruce Avenue, Kincardine, Ontario. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Huron Shores Hospice in Tiverton, Ontario.