Gertie A. VanOostendorp, age 96, of Kentwood, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, February 6, 2016. She was preceded in death by her husband, John, daughter-in-law, Mary VanOostendorp, sister, Agnes Maintz. She will be greatly missed by her sons: Jack, Doug, “daughter” Debbie (Randy) Brewer; grandchildren: Aneke (Ben) vanBaal, John (Sarah) VanOostendorp V, Paula (Tyson) Hoekstra; great-grandchildren: Andrew, Kiersten, Kourtney, and Daniel vanBaal, Breigh VanOostendorp, Caleb and great grandson-to-be Hoekstra on the way. Funeral services for Gertie will be held on Tuesday, February 9, 11:00 am at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave., SE, Kentwood with Rev. Peter TeWinkle officiating. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Hope Reformed Church, 2010 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507.
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February 10, 2016 12:07pm
My condolences for the family of Ms. Gertie. She was one of my favorite residents! I loved her dearly and looked forward to the time that I got to spend with her. She always had great stories to tell. When I brought my son in to see her she always sang to him in one of the many languages that she knew. She has forever touched my life and I am glad that I was able to provide care for her during this last year. I love you Gertie!
- Breanna Hyde
February 09, 2016 8:05am
Gertie, you will always be my favorite hairdresser. I remember my Mom, June Keane, having you cut all of our hair as a group. And I always had to have my hair short, and would ask why, and you said that it will grow in thicker if your keep it short, and guess what-I have a lot of hair now, you wise wonderful Lady. I loved your accent. And I remember helping you to shuck peas on your stoop on Lemyra. They don't make great neighbors like you and Jack anymore. Thank you for being a wonderful part of my childhood. Love, Kris Keane Ferguson
- Kris Keane Ferguson
February 08, 2016 8:29am
John sorry to hear about your mother's passing. She certainly had long productive life. I look back at the days your folks and my in-laws Gladys & Dick Trowbridge were neighbors. It was always fun to watch your dad & Dick play tricks on each other. Always liked the interactions with both families. I don't know that Janet passed away in August of 2014 . Will keep your family in thought and prayers.
- Dennis Klumpp Sr.
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