Ale Veenstra

Ale Theunis "Sonny" Veenstra, 92, was born September 18, 1922 in Houston, Texas to Cleo (Lacy) and Theunis Veenstra. Sonny passed away Tuesday, February 10, 2015 in Kingsland, Texas. He was the second oldest of five children, all of whom preceded him to Heaven.

Sonny grew up on a dairy farm and later established his own dairy operations in Seabrook and Smithville, Texas. He met and married Mildred Reitz in 1945 while he was enlisted in the U. S. Army. They enjoyed over 69 years of married life together. Sonny served his country during WW II as a front line medic in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater and during the occupation of Japan. Their son Van was raised in Smithville as Ale continued running his dairy operation.

Sonny was preceded by his wife Mildred, his parents, and all his siblings; Essie Plough, Tommie Korenek, Vera Bucek, and Martin Veenstra. He is survived by his son Van; grandson Eric and his fiancée, Jeni; grandson Adam and his wife Diann and their son Evan.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Smithville Volunteer Fire Department, or your local fire department, in memory of Sonny Veenstra.


Funeral services were held Saturday, February 14, 2015 at Marrs-Jones Funeral Home in Smithville. Sonny then joined Mildred at Wharton City Cemetery, Wharton, TX.