Hendrik "Hank" Mulder

Hendrik “Hank” Mulder was welcomed into the kingdom of Heaven on Jan. 13, 2024, in Moses Lake, Wash., at the age of 81. His life and legacy were in his children and the plants and animals he cared for.

Born on Nov. 6, 1942, in Venhuizen, Netherlands, “Hank” embarked on a journey to Canada in 1958 at the age of 16. He then found the courage to migrate to Washington in 1960 at the age of 18. For the majority of his life, he worked for farms and dairies. His hard work, dedication and love for animals were evident in every aspect of his life. He met his first wife, Maria, in 1967 and they had five children, Hank, Linda, Richard, Martha and Jim. They moved to Grant County, Wash., in 1980. They divorced in 1989. 

He married his second wife, Susan Mulder, in Ephrata, Wash., in 1990. 

He went back to school at Washington State University in the early 2000s to be a certified master gardener. He retired from the grounds maintenance crew at Columbia Colstore in Quincy, Wash.

A man of deep faith, Hendrick found solace and joy in playing the organ at the First Presbyterian Church of Ephrata. His favorite verse, Matthew 6:9-13, resonated in his heart, reflecting his commitment to prayer, family and a life well-lived.

In his leisure time, Hank cultivated a passion for gardening and flowers, tending to vibrant blooms with the same care and tenderness he showed his loved ones. He particularly liked his Dutch daffodils, tulips and roses. His green thumb was matched only by his love for horses and cows, a passion that brought him immense joy throughout his life.

Hendrick joins his parents, Hendrick and Geertje Mulder, sister Sietske Van Benthem-Mulder, brother Tuenis (Tony) Mulder and daughter Linda Kay Hill. 

He is survived by his brother Karel Mulder, and sister Antonia (Ann) Platteel. He leaves a lasting legacy in the hearts of his children, grandchildren and all who were fortunate enough to know him. He will be remembered for his hard-working spirit, unwavering faith and the beauty he brought into the world through both flowers and friendship. 

Hank was kind, gentle and patient. He could be stubborn at times, the Dutch in him, but he would give the shirt off his back for anyone in need.

A graveside service for Hendrick Mulder will be held at Cypress Lawn Memorial Park in Everett on Feb. 10, 2024, at 1 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Ephrata later this spring.

May Hendrick Mulder’s soul rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the flowers and horses he cherished so dearly, and may his memory continue to bloom in the hearts of those he touched.

Please express your thoughts and memories for the family at www.kayserschapel.com. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser's Chapel of Memories.