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Ken Geurink Obituary
Ken was born on August 21, 1945 as the middle of 5 children to Gradus and Hazel (Bonzelaar) Geurink in Holland, MI. Mary was born on October 4, 1945 as the youngest of 5 children to Peter and Mary (Zwagerman) Nykamp in Zeeland, MI. The two were high school sweethearts, who would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this fall.
While officially retired, they were currently working for Brinks Farms and Dr. York respectively. They were active members of Gibson Christian Reformed Church while living in Holland, and later joined Mason County Reformed Church after moving to Walhalla, Michigan. The two were highly involved in church activities, with Ken serving as deacon and elder, while Mary played piano during services. Additionally they lead Cadets and Calvinettes, and taught Sunday School classes. Their zeal for the Lord was evident to everyone who knew them.
Ken and Mary preferred to do everything together, and not even death could separate them. Ken especially enjoyed hunting, fishing, flying, watching NASCAR, and hanging out on the river with his dog Kody. Mary also took pleasure in flying and fishing, and was often found reading and solving Sudoku puzzles in front of the river. But they were happiest when surrounded by family, most especially their beloved grandchildren. Upon retirement, Ken and Mary turned their home into a sanctuary for their family and friends to visit, adhering to the saying that "Heaven seems a little closer in a house beside the water."
Ken and Mary are survived by their 3 children and 7 grandchildren, Amy (Andy) Young of Battle Creek; Kristin (Rick) Hartman of Grand Rapids, and their daughters Paige and Kelly, and Bryan (Anita) Geurink of Zeeland and Lesotho, and their children Elijah, Faith, Mercy, Polita, and Nthabeleng.
Also surviving are siblings, Terry (Kathy) Geurink of Marble Falls, TX; Sharon Rowder of Holland, Linda (Ron) Ludema of Holland, Vern (Mary) Geurink of Holland, Paul (Joan) Nykamp of Paradise Valley, Arizona, Dort (Joe) Czerkies of Douglas; two sisters-in-law, Norma (Edward) Postma of Grand Rapids and Loie (Dale) Hulst of Holland; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Hazel & Grad Geurink. Mary was preceded in death by her parents Mary & Peter Nykamp, and two brothers Roger Nykamp and John Nykamp.
A handful of years ago, Mary wrote about their life for a family heritage book. "As in the story book, I married my high school sweetheart who swept me off my feet literally. He was then and still is a pilot and we love to fly. His parents started Tulip City Airport in Holland. We are still life partners and best friends today. Ken taught this indoor bookworm to love the outdoors and the beauty of nature. I went to Calvin College and Blodgett Memorial Hospital School of Nursing and obtained My RN there. Ken and I were married at First Christian Reformed Church in Zeeland by Reverend Robert Nykamp on November 10, 1967. I worked mostly at Holland Hospital in Med/Surge, but later ended up in home care, retiring from Holland Home Care as director in 2001. Ken worked at West Shore Construction doing asphalt paving and retired as vice president of operations, also in 2001. The Lord blessed us so richly throughout the years so we decided to retire in 2001 at the age of 55 in order that we might return that blessing to others by working for Him. Since our retirement, we sold our home in Holland and moved to a little chalet in the middle of the Manistee National Forest along the Pere Marquette River, where we both love to go fly fishing. We spend most of our time volunteering, however, mostly for the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee doing disaster relief work throughout the United States. We enjoy this work very much and have found that we are blessed much more than we are a blessing to others."
Friends and family are invited to visit from 4-8 P.M. on Friday, July 21 at Langeland Sterenberg Funeral Home at 315 E. 16th Street in Holland. A celebration of life service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, July 22 at Graafschap Christian Reformed Church at 5973 Church St. in Holland. Interment will immediately follow at Graafschap Cemetery, followed by a luncheon at the church. Condolences and favorite memories may be shared with the family at www.langelandsterenberg.com
Memorial contributions may be made to Beautiful Gate, in memory of Ken and Mary, by visiting http://www.beautifulgatelesotho.org.
The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away; blessed be the name of the Lord!
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ken Geurink
Sponsored by Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home.
Sonya & Nicole
July 22, 2017
We would like to give our deepest sympathy. Our hearts are breaking for your family, friends and the community who lost such a remarkable and loved couple. We only knew them briefly but we could clearly see and feel the love they had for each other. Our world has lost an unbelievable and unique couple. Our biggest comfort is to know they had this extraordinary love for our heavenly Father... and met Him together. They were (and are) a true blessing to anyone who knew them.
May God bless & comfort their family & friends during this difficult time, and heal their hearts.
With our deepest sympathy.
July 22, 2017
Dear Children and Grandchildren and the rest of the Geurink family:
It is with sadness when we heard of Ken and Marys passing. Don graduated with Ken and Mary, and I graduated a year later.
Our memories of Ken and Mary are of them being in love most of their lives. They were always so cute together.
Best of all is that they were so in love with the Lord, and now they are in His presence enjoying Heaven. What a comfort!!
But still thinking of you in your sadness and may you feel God's loving arms wrapped around you each day.
Love and Prayers
Don and Judy Michmerhuizen Hudsonville MI.
July 21, 2017
Our deepest sympathy to the family . You are in our thoughts and prayers. We had wonderful times on the river with Ken and Mary .,and their friends Tom and Mary .We were neighbors for many years . There are friends in your life that make you strive to be a better person, that was Ken and Mary .We felt blessed to have met them and became friends . They will be greatly missed .
Don and Diana Brandvold
Victor and Amanda Hurtig
July 20, 2017
I was lucky to have fished with Ken quite a few days this spring, 'hootin and hollerin' over nets too small, fish too strong, and as usual, kodys latest misadventure. He taught us a few tricks on the water, but the way they treated others was a lesson that was much more impactful. He and Mary were profoundly gracious and kind to us ever since we met them five years ago. They had such a positive attitude that it would rub off on you even if you only crossed paths for a few minutes. A rare couple - anyone they met could plainly see that.
We will miss seeing Ken, Mary, and kody walking the river bank in the evening light. We were just thinking that, to us, their memory is as much a part of that river as the trees or rushing water. We were crushed to hear the news, and are eternally grateful to have known them.
We are so sorry for your loss.
Dean and Lorie Compagner
July 20, 2017
So very sorry for your families loss , we have such good memories of your parents at Gibson Church. Praying for you all.
Ben and Char Dykema
July 20, 2017
So sorry to hear of your grief. We worked with Mary and Ken on the site of CRWRC. They were a wonderfully gifted couple and used their gifts to benefit others. Special condolences to cousins Joe and Dort.
With love, Pastor Bob and Judie Boertje
July 20, 2017
Dear Amy, Kristin & Bryan and your spouses and your children,
We were shocked and saddened when we heard what happened to your parents and we are sure that you were as well.
As you walk through this time of loss and sorrow together, our thoughts and prayers go with you as a family.
And may the Lord who has promised to be with us always be with each one of you.
What a friend we have in Jesus . . .
Jennifer Leslie
July 19, 2017
Kristen and family. I'm so sorry to hear of your tragic loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Jen from HCH surgery.
Steve and Pat Brunink
July 19, 2017
Tragedy and sadness were the first two thoughts that came to mind when we learned of the accident that involved Ken and Mary. Then the question "how could this happen to two such devoted people to God and to family and friends?" We are not to question but to hold fast to our Faith and the Love and Comfort of our God. Our memories will live on for ever that we share with the Geurink "clan". Ken and Mary were an inspiration to so many and touched so many lives and they are now "Shinning angels lighting up the Heavens". Our condolences to the entire family. RIP Ken and Mary!
Jai Mahtani
July 19, 2017
We are not known to this family personally. A fellow Chaplain at Pine Rest, Randy Meyers, who knows the family, asked for prayers for the family. This morning I was singing: "Near to the Heart of God" at a Team Meeting with the doctors and nurses and social workers I shared at opening devotions that we are at the center of God's Heart. God is Love. In His love He created the universe, center of galaxies is the earth, center of all beautiful creation is the human race, and at the very center of His heart, His children. No wonder at the center of all history He sent His Son Jesus. Now Ken and Mary go to be at the center of God's heart to be with Jesus. Reading the obituary compelled me to write this. Our prayers are for all the family.
- Chaplain Jai Mahtani, Grandville, MI, July 19, 2017
Tammy Chapman
July 19, 2017
Amy, Andy, and Family - my deepest condolences to all. May your memories, your family, and your friends help you through this difficult time.
Marilyn Schmidt
July 18, 2017
I was shocked and saddened to learn the news, my heart goes out to the family. Ken and Mary were high school classmates of mine, and Mary and I were roommates at Blodgett. They were such a cute, devoted couple. A couple of memories stand out, the night Mary revealed at a 'candle-light' ceremony at Blodgett that she and Ken were engaged. And a rather funny memory is the time we were both studying when a mouse squeezed under our dorm room door. We both jumped up on our beds and screamed until the poor thing probably left terrified!
My thoughts and prayers to the entire family, cherish the good memories.
Bob and Sherry Hunt
July 18, 2017
Our sincere sympathy and prayers to the family of Ken and Mary. May God grant you His peace
Teri Hill
July 18, 2017
So sorry for you loss. May the comfort God gives and his promises bring some solace and endurance at this most difficult time.
Petra and Marv Van dem Brink- The Netherlands
July 18, 2017
Words are too short for this unimaginable loss. We wish Rick and Kristen and ofcourse the rest of the family and friends very much a lot of strenght these days and that god is your power. Marc and Petra
Jason Frank
July 18, 2017
I first met Ken and Mary when they started visiting Baldwin Bait and Tackle picking up Fly Tying and fishing materials to support their love of fly fishing. Over the years we always managed to share a lot of stories and laughs when he was in the shop. I was completely caught of guard when I realized it was them that had lost their lives in that accident. To say I am crushed is an understatement. Ken always invited me to stop by and visit but I am sorry to say that I never did. I have one funny memory to share though, My girlfriend and I were fishing down by Ken and Mary's place on the river and pretty soon here came Kody. lol He kept us company swimming and hanging out by us until a turtle caught his attention. He ignored us after that and was carrying the turtle around and playing with it in a harmless manner. All of a sudden he dropped the turtle and it swam under a log. Kody stood there barking and digging frantically trying to find his turtle. After awhile he realized the turtle was gone and gave his attention back to us. When we were done fishing, Stacey and I walked Kody back to Ken and Mary's house and shared a laugh over Kody's mischievous time spent with us. God Bless both of them and I feel honored to have called them friends. I wish comfort and Peace to the family and fellow friends dealing with this difficult situation.
Cathie and jeff Funke
July 17, 2017
I can't even begin to tell what a blessing they have been to our family.prayer to the family.
Tom and Amy Geurink
July 17, 2017
Ken and Mary were my uncle and aunt. I was a young teenager when Ken would take me fishing for Lake Trout in his little olive green boat with it's Johnson 55 motor. One early morning, heading out to Lake Michigan I saw this huge orange ball for the first time, which Ken explains, "It's the sunrise!" (my first). My heart breaks with my family as we will miss them, but we know Ken and Mary are seeing the best sunrise ever with the Lord! We lift the family in prayer as they move forward.
Scott Johanson
July 17, 2017
I am so sorry for yor family's loss. I do consider myself fortunate for having met such a good Christian family. I continue to pray that God gives uou all comfort.
Doug and Mary VanDerMeulen
July 17, 2017
We worked with Ken And Mary on Reconstruction and Needs Assessment for DIsaster Relief. They were a dedicated, hard working couple who Blessed many, us included! We missed them after they went back to work. We pray now for their family and friend. May God hold them in the hollow of His hands and give them comfort and peace as only He can give. Doug and Mary VanDerMeulen
Phil and Sally Genzink
July 17, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Geurink family. Ken and Mary were very special people. What a great memory to know their passion in life was being servants of their Lord and Savior, by serving others with unconditional love. We will be praying for Jesus arms to embrace you as you take one day at a time. With love and sympathy.
Kent Rowder
July 17, 2017
It is with heavy heart thank I pass On my deepest condolences to Geurink family at this tragic loss of two of the finest people that I was blessed to have been part of their lives. We have a lot of memories that will never go away. May God bless them, and help ease the pain of those that are grieving their loss. I pass on my love to all. May they rest in peace with God. Kent Rowder
Kris Swieringa
July 17, 2017
Vern and I were so shocked and saddened to hear this news. We have such wonderful memories of them from Gibson CRC. What a blessing they have been and I know that they impacted many people for Christ through their work. Our prayers to the family!
Margaret and Bill Colyn
July 17, 2017
Our Condolences to the Geuring Family, It was a shock for us to hear the sudden passing of your Moman Dad
We worked with them for DRS and remember them both as hard working couple, full of joy at work and play, Mary used her roller blades right in the mesh hall at the army base in Little Rock Ark.
Mau our God give you comfort in these difficult days We will keep you in our Prayers
Margaret and Bill Colyn 113 4320 Lincoln ave S Beamsville on lor1b2
.
Leslie Ewing
July 17, 2017
I had the pleasure of working with Mary, at Dr. York's office, when she first started there. We only worked together for a few years, as I have since moved to another office, but I have always remembered her loving, caring personality. I met Ken at several work related gatherings, and he was just as kind. I remember her sharing their love story with me, and always talking about her children and grandchildren, with such love! My thoughts and prayers will be with the family in the days ahead!
Jennifer Collins
July 17, 2017
I worked with Mary for several years. She was such a sweetheart. Her & Ken were the nicest people. She was always sharing stories of her kids and grandkids. My thoughts and prayers are with there family and friends.
Ken Gibbs
July 17, 2017
Ken and Mary brought joy into our hearts every time we saw them. Served with Ken as an Elder and really appreciated his wonderful spirit for service and Christ's love. Our sincere sympathies and prayers to their family. -- Ken and Shari Gibbs
Judy DenBleyker
July 17, 2017
They were servants of God and a blessing to their church and community. Deepest sympathy to the family.
Natalie Zuvers
July 17, 2017
This is so heartbreaking. Our sincerest sympathy and prayers.
Vicki Stoffer
July 17, 2017
God received to beautiful angels, gone from this earth to soon. Deepest sympathy to their children and grandchildren whom they loved dearly. We were blessed to have had them in our lives. I take peace in knowing they were going to sunset together at the beach and enjoying the beautiful evening.
Cindi Lampen
July 17, 2017
Deepest sympathy to the family of two beautiful people......I loved working with Mary in home care, she was so caring, sweet and kind. A great woman of faith who will be missed by many
Meika Weiss
July 16, 2017
Ken and Mary were people of such good humor; I always enjoyed seeing them. Our family sends our deepest condolences to all their children, grandchildren, and others who loved them. We weep with you.
Wayne Hop
July 16, 2017
We are sorry to hear of their passing, but they loved the Lord and served Him. Our prayers are for your families comfort. Know we will be remembering our times together, Wayne and Ken jogging after church and camping where Ken was trying to catch the BIG ONE at Beula vacationland camp. God Bless you all! the Hops
Chuck and Kathy Busscher, Melissa's parents
July 16, 2017
Dear Kristen and family,
We are so sorry to hear of the terrible
accident and passing of both of your parents. Our hearts ache for you. We pray that God will miraculously wrap his arms around you and protect you and help you through these difficult days ahead.
Fred and Mary Visser
July 16, 2017
We worked closely with Ken and Mary following hurricane Katrina. We are so sorry for your loss. Many prayers and blessings to your family. Wonderful,Christian couple.
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