THE GRAND RAPIDS PRESS
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2017
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GR 2/12
OBITUARIES
FAITHFULLY SERVING FAMILIES SINCE 1893 Memorials • Signs • Plaques
AKEY, JR. Jack Robert ANTONIDES Marion J.
2223 Kalamazoo Ave. S.E. • Grand Rapids, MI 49507 • T. 616.452.7802 • F. 616.452.0598
AUKEMAN Elizabeth, 92, Hudsonville (VanderLaan Funeral Home)
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BEILBY, JR. Ralph O., 65, Grand Rapids, MI BOERMAN Gerald H. BRECHLIN NATHAN, 77, Jenison, MI (Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home, Grandville, MI) BUSSLER Gaylene, 74, Grand Rapids (Van't Hof Chapel ) BYKER Donald, 80, Alton, NH (Lord Funeral Home, Center Ossipee, NH ) CLINE Carol C., Grand Rapids (Simply Cremations) CORSIGLIA, SR. Louis DAVIDOSKI Arlene J., 83, Grand Rapids, MI (Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel) DEJONG Linda C., 78, Grand Rapids (Bliss-Witters & Pike) GRUSCINSKI Vivian Madonna, 94, Wayland, MI HADDAD Mark, 56, Grand Rapids HAGSTROM Carl, 75 JONES Thomas, 73, White Cloud (Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care) JURA Robert E., 91, Belmont (Stegenga Funeral Chapel ~ Belmont) MALEFYT David (Zaagman Memorial Chapel) MAY Carl, 96, Alpine Twp. (Beuschel Funeral Home) MCNALLY Edward "Ed", 91, Grand Rapids (Cook Funeral & Cremation Service) MCNAMARA Louis Michael MORRIS Elizabeth M. (Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Directors, Wyoming) MULL Steven, 60, Hastings, MI (Arsulowicz Brothers Mortuaries Inc.) MULVIHILL Donna May Kalawert, 90, Grand Rapids, MI NOWICKI Janice, 68, Grandville (Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Directors)
AKEY, JR., JACK ROBERT Age 70, went to be with his Lord, Sunday, February 5, 2017. He was preceded in death by his parents Jack “Bob” Akey and Jean MacMillen; siblings Patricia Klimp and David MacMillen. He will be remembered by his wife Susan Akey; children Karen (Gary Vanden Bosch) Akey, Steven (Jan) Akey; grandchildren Andrew, Jennifer, Christopher and Jennifer; six great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; siblings Ruth (Bob) Burr, Michael Akey and Suzanne (David) Burke, sister-in-law Mary Meyers; many nieces and nephews. Jack served four years in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. After his service he worked in the materials handling industry for over 40 years. The last 20 of those years he and his wife owned and operated Lift Parts Service in Grandville. Visitation with the family will be held from 7-9PM Monday, February 13, 2017 at Cook Funeral Home (West Building) 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, MI 49418. In honor of Jack and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcares.com.
PEEL Jerry, 77, Byron Center, MI (Stroo Funeral Home) POPMA John Jay, 61, of Grand Rapids SANDERS Verna, 86, Grand Rapids (Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Service)
AUKEMAN, ELIZABETH Hudsonville Elizabeth “Betty” (DeJong) Aukeman, age 92, was born February 17, 1924, in Hanford, CA. She passed away peacefully at home on February 9, 2017, and claimed her place in the arms of her Savior and Lord. She was preceded in death by her only son, Mark; parents, Gerrit and Apolonia; seven brothers; four brothers-in-law; and seven sistersin-law. Elizabeth is survived by her loving husband Mark; children, Carol (Rich) Rienstra, Shirley (Rick) Bultema, Gloria Aukeman, Nancy Aukeman; grandsons, Troy, Chad (Jennifer), Luke (Amy) and Mark Rienstra, Brandon (Maggie) and Ryan (Robin) Phillips, Derrick (Jessica) and Jordan Bultema; 15 great grandchildren; her brother, John DeJong in California; five sistersin-law and one brother-in-law. Elizabeth had a kind and gentle soul with a heart of gold. She put others’ needs before her own. Elizabeth showed sincere appreciation for her family and the caring aides and nurses from Hospice of Holland. Visitation will be on Sunday, February 12, 2017, from 2 to 4 P.M. at VanderLaan Funeral Home, 4917 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, MI. Interment Georgetown Cemetery. Funeral service will be held on Monday, February 13, 2017, at 1 P.M. at VanderLaan Funeral Home with Rev. Jake Weeda and Rev. Rich Rienstra officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to East Ottawa Special Ministry.
SEGAVAC Margaret, 86, Grand Rapids (Alt and Shawmut Hills Chapel) SOBOLEWSKI Chester (Arsulowicz Brothers Mortuaries, Inc.) STEINER (SWART) Judith A, 75, Grand Rapids, MI and Bonita Springs, FL (Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home) THOMAS Marcia, 84, Fort Worth TIMMER Nancy
ANTONIDES, MARION J.
VANZANT (TODD) Helen Elaine
Marion J. Antonides, age 86, went to be with her Lord, Wednesday, February 8, 2017. She was born April 3, 1930 in Grand Rapids, Michigan daughter of Louis and Julia (Miller) Bellgraph. She is survived by her son Gregory Antonides; step-children Eve (Rich) Ekkens and Gordon (Roberta) Antonides; her grandchildren Terri (Al) Hagen, Lee Antonides, Judy Antonides, Mark (Wendy) Antonides, Mark (Sue) Ekkens, Mike (Cindy) Ekkens, Janice (Steve) Spangler, Marguerite (Tom) McRedmond, Allen Jay (Melissa) Antonides, Sue (Tim) Sackman, numerous great and great-great grandchildren; her brother Louis (Shirley) Bellgraph; sister-in-law Lil Bellgraph, step-daughter-in-law Barb Antonides, along with several nieces, nephews and extended relatives. She was preceded in death by her husband Albert Antonides; her parents; her step-son Al Antonides; her siblings Beatrice McGihn, Jean Davis, Doris Loring, Dean Bellgraph and Jim Bellgraph. A private family interment will take place at a later date. Marion’s family welcomes messages and memories in their online guestbook at www.kubiakcook.com.
WALLACE Robert Bruce, 76, Lake Panasoffkee, Florida (Beker Funeral Home of Minneola, Florida) WENZEL Robert "Bob" (Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Directors, Wyoming) ZANDBERGEN Margaret "Peggy" Helen, 82, Hudsonville (Cook Funeral & Cremation Service) ZYLSTRA Sia (Siertje), 80, Ionia, MI
BOERMAN, GERALD H. 9/29/1929 - 2/5/2017 “This is the the Lord made, and will rejoice be glad it” Ps 118:24
day has we and
Gerald H. Boerman, 87, of Green Valley, Arizona, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017. Jerry passed away peacefully at Northwest Hospital surrounded by many of his loved ones. Jerry was born in Grand Rapids, MI, to Rev. Jacob and Catherine Boerman. He was preceded in death by his dear wife of 62 years, Joyce M. Boerman (Dec. 26, 2016), his parents, Rev. Jacob and Catherine Boerman, his brother and sistern-law, Dr. Walter and Betty Boerman, his younger sister, Gerita Haensel, his precious daughter, Marjorie Lynn, and his first-born granddaughter, Kristi (Jason Pridmore). His loving sister, Jackie Stark of Muskegon, MI, survives him. He was the loving father of Robert and Shelly Boerman; grandchildren, Kristi Pridmore (Jason) and Gerald; daughter, Julie (Steven Graham); grandchildren, Deanna (Nathan Sherman); Harrison and Kaitlin Graham daughter,
BRECHLIN, NATHAN
SCHUSSLER Cleo (Arsulowicz Brothers Mortuaries Inc.)
VINKEMULDER James, 68, Grand Rapids, MI (Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Service)
BYKER, DONALD
BLACK MONUMENT
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BEILBY, JR., RALPH O. 9/6/1951 - 9/21/2016 Grand Rapids Ralph Orville Beilby, Jr., 65, of Grand Rapids, MI, passed away on Wednesday, September 21, 2016. Ralph was born September 6, 1951 in Kalamazoo to the late Ralph, Sr. and June (Lawes) Beilby. He graduated from Gull Lake High School in 1971, worked for ADT for more than 35 years, and had been a member of Roadbed Ministries for many years. Ralph enjoyed riding his motorcycle, traveling, and spending time with his friends and grandchildren. In fact, he valued his relationships with family and friends more than anything else. Ralph was preceded in death by his sister, Sharon Beilby. He is survived by his children, Shelly Beilby, Tricia (Guy) Austin, Trevor (Tara) Beilby, and Lexi Beilby; 8 grandchildren; mother of his children, Margaret Bessey; and fiance, Starr Horrigan. Cremation has already taken place. His Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, February 17, 2017 from 5pm-7pm at Faith Chapel Ministries, 7736 W G Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009.
Nathan Brechlin, age 77, of Jenison, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 9, 2017. He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell Arnold Franklin Brechlin and Irene Evelyn (Dissmore) Brechlin. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 15 years, Peggy Brechlin; children, Carla and Rick Pollard, Sharon and Virgil Wethy, Phyllis and Robert Huff, Paula and Rick Brown, Linda and Paul Blue, Russell and Pauline Brechlin; stepchildren, Eric and Kristina Duffy, Brian Duffy, Jeremy and Lisa Duffy; 25 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; sisters, Nancy and Ron Einspahr, Edith and Daniel Fox; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 16, 2017 at 11 AM at MatthysseKuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Drive SW with brother workers, Mark Peters and Jason McInally officiating. Interment Georgetown Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Wednesday from 5-8 PM at the funeral home. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center. Condolences may be sent online at www. mkdfuneralhome.com.
Amy (Steven Slater); grandchildren, Lauren (James Martzall); great-granddaughter, Elaine Kay Martzall; George and Kelly Slater and Jessica Boerman. Jerry completed his undergraduate degree at Hope College, MI. He served three years in the Army as a highspeed radio operator in the Korean War. After returning, he completed his doctorate degrees in Bacteriology and Dentistry from the University of Michigan. He and Joyce settled in Grand Rapids, MI, in 1961 where he began his dental practice and raised their four children. Jerry adored his family, always enjoying a good laugh; he entertained his grandkids, and so many, with his poems, stories, and silly jokes. Even after hearing them for the umpteenth time, his wife Joyce would still smile and giggle. Jerry was a man after God’s heart and had a special way of making those around him feel comfortable and valued. These qualities led him in life and throughout his professional life as a dentist as well as the many years he served at Riverside Christian Ref. Church. He enjoyed pheasant hunting, coin collecting and planning the next adventure. We are so blessed as a family by the love and example of our Parents and by God’s perfect plan for their lives. Friends and Family are welcomed to join us on Friday, Feb. 10, for a 3 p.m. service and celebration of his (their) life at the home of Steve and Julie Graham, 2600 N. Amberwood Drive, Tucson, Arizona 85749.
BUSSLER, GAYLENE Ms. Gaylene Bussler, aged 74, of Grand Rapids, went to be with her Lord on February 6, 2017. She was preceded in death by her parents, LaVerne and Kathryn Bussler; and brother, Bruce Bussler. Gaylene is survived by her sister, Beverly (Victor) Maki; nephew, Chris Maki; nieces, Katie Maki and Megan Maki; and great-nephew, Ayden. A private family service will be held in her memory. Interment in Washington Park Memorial Gardens. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to archive a memory, photo, or sign the guestbook online.
Donald Byker of Alton, NH died on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at Catholic Medical Center in Manchester. He was born on July 27, 1936 in Perkins, IA and was raised in Hudsonville, MI. He received his B.A. degree from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI and his Ph.D from the University of Michigan. He worked as a teacher at Unity Christian High School in Hudsonville, MI, then as a professor at Calvin College and Harvard University. In 1980, after more than a decade as a professor, Don began working in business consulting at Bain and Company in Boston and then co-founded Affinity Industries in Ossipee in 1990. In 2001, Don retired from Affinity and co-founded Dignity Business Partners in 2010. Since founding Dignity, Don labored tirelessly with Dignity on the development of Christian missions-oriented business, primarily a coconut processing factory in the Philippines, to create meaningful jobs and high-quality export products for the rural citizens of that country. Don’s life was centered on the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Biblical command in the Book of Micah to “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” Don’s love for his family and his colleagues, and his work to help build God’s Kingdom, was beyond measure. Don is survived by Wyn, his wife of 58 1/2 years; his son and daughter-in-law Patrick and Ingrid Byker of Durham, NC; his son-in-law and daughter-in-law Guy and Patience Wood of Lottsburg, VA; his grandchildren Thomas and Helen Wood and Joshua Byker; his sister Kay Hamstra and brothers Will and Harry Byker. Wendy Byker Wood, Don and Wyn’s daughter born in 1960, has been in heaven since June 25, 1998. A service to remember and celebrate Don will be held at First Congregational Church of Ossipee, 50 Route 16B, Center Ossipee, NH, at 2:00PM on Saturday, February 18. In lieu of flowers, Don would wish for contributions to be made to Dignity Coconuts (www.dignitycoconuts.com/donbyker) or to Camp Brookwoods Scholarship Fund, 34 Camp Brookwoods Road, Alton, NH 03809, where Wyn has worked summers for the past 36 years.
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