Tom and Rose Roosendaal as they were on their wedding day in 1960
After spending a half century together, Tom and Rose Roosendaal will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary Thursday, Sept. 2.
Tom Roosendaal grew up in Lynden, and Rose (Gortsema) grew up in Grangeville, Idaho. Both moved to Sunnyside and met while in high school.
The happy couple married in 1960 at the Sunnyside Christian Reformed Church. They have three children; Steve, who is married to JoAnn and is currently living in Colorado, Gloria, who is married to Vance Nordine and is currently living in California, and Melinda, who is married to Eric Parkes and is currently residing in Oregon. Tom and Rose Roosendaal also have eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Tom, with Rose by his side, joined the U.S. Army and made a career of it. The Roosendaals traveled extensively, stationed in places like Alaska; Heidelberg, Germany; Colorado and Texas, to name a few. Tom Roosendaal is also a Vietnam veteran.
After retiring from the army Mr. Roosendaal completed a second career at Farmer's Insurance.
Both are retired now and living in Vancouver. They love to spend their time enjoying the outdoors, camping, motorcycle riding and being active members in their church, as well as various other volunteer work.
Rose's mother, Grace Gortsema, and sister, Eileen and husband Jesse Timmermans, reside in Sunnyside. Tom's brother, Clarence and wife Maria live in Sunnyside, as well, as do numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Tom's sister, Alyce, currently lives in Yakima.
To what do they attribute their long marriage? They answer...faith and trust in God...living a life pleasing to the One who created it all and glorifying Him in every aspect of their lives.
