Laverne Kearny Zoerhoff

Laverne "Kearny" Zoerhoff, age 85, went to be with his Lord and Savior on October 22, 2015, surrounded by his family. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, son, brother, and friend. Kearny graduated from Holland Christian High School in 1947, and was a loyal member of Sixteenth Street Christian Reformed Church and Providence Christian Reformed Church for over 50 years. He loved sports, whether it was playing the game, watching it on TV or watching his grandkids play. He enjoyed wintering in Florida, spending time sitting around the kitchen table with family and friends, doing burgers on the grill, and being on the back deck with friends and loved ones. Kearny loved music and thoroughly enjoyed playing the organ and piano with Mom. When they were no longer able to sing, they would send birthday wishes by playing the harpsicord and ukulele. He loved hymn sings at church and singing with the kids around the piano. Spending time with his kids and grandkids brought joy to his heart. He was a proud army veteran who served with distinction during the Korean conflict. Kearny spent time in Japan and Korea during this war, and always held a place in his heart for the veteran. He was a member of the local VFW. Kearny was a quiet man of faith and a carpenter by trade, who built a family that loves each other and knows the Lord. His lasting gift to us is his daily example of how to be a good father and husband by living his faith and loving his family. He was preceded in death by his wife and soulmate of 61 years, Viny; his parents, Harvin and Mabel; and his grandson, John Zoerhoff. Kearny is survived by his six children, Diane and Dave Zwiers of Chicago, Doug and Nancy Zoerhoff of Grand Rapids, Lonnie and Dave LaGrand of St. Louis, MO, Lori and Doug Knap of Hamilton, Tom and Kami Zoerhoff of Knoxville, TN, and Tim Zoerhoff of Seattle, WA; eleven grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; sister, Rosalyn and Laverne VanderPloeg of Holland; sisters-in-law, Lillian Slenk of Holland, Elte Klynstra of Borculo, Euni Timmer of Zeeland, Nancy and Jim Meyer of Hudsonville; and brother-in-law, Lee and Carol Karsten of Zeeland. Funeral services with military honors are planned for 1:00pm Sunday, October 25 at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E 16th St., Holland, with Pastor John Hutt officiating. In lieu of visitation, a time of fellowship and refreshments will follow. Memorial contributions may be made to Holland Christian Schools.