Ernie Leep

04/07/1938 - 10/07/2025

Proverbs 3:5-6
Ernie lived so much life in that dash between his birthdate and the day of his death. There were two constants in that time - he loved Jesus and he loved people. Ernie was born in his grandparents' Byron Center home to Jerry and Irene Leep. He grew up on an asparagus and onion farm in Martin, Michigan, and graduated from Martin High School in 1956. He showed up on crutches to a blind date with Mary Piersma and married her on the stormiest night of the winter on March 17, 1960, at Oakdale Park CRC. Together, they raised their 4 children - Chris, Scott, Rick, and Mike - pointing them to God, instilling in them a strong work ethic, an unwavering sense of justice, and the importance of practical care for people. Ernie worked in the field of electronics for his career. It was not unusual to drive around Grand Rapids and have him point out all of the buildings he had worked in over the years. He started at Electronic Sound (1957-1960), partnered to start Millbrook Service Company (1960-1977), then struck out on his own with Leep Electronics (1977-1990). When he sold the business and "retired," he started doing some "Monkey Business" and was busier than he ever was while working. Ernie purchased his first rental property in 1967 and grew that endeavor into a ministry that deeply impacted his tenants, their neighbors, and the wider community. His "Mobile Ace" van was immediately recognizable and always had just what the job needed whether it was fixing a toilet, repairing a fence, or a snack to hit that craving. His experience and insight gave him the ability to dial down to what really mattered on the Advisory Boards that he sat on, the ministries he was involved in, and at Covenant CRC, his church of 61 years. Ernie's compassion characterized his interactions with everyone from family to hardware store staff, from tenants to colleagues. However, his compassion didn't keep him from jokingly hassling anyone who would hassle him back. The last months of Ernie's life were particularly difficult for him, partly because cancer treatment is always difficult. But mostly they were difficult because he couldn't be out serving people like he loved to do. His life was characterized by his service for others. He repaired most anything that needed repairing, painted walls and floors, installed sinks and antennas, replaced mower blades and light switches, and the list goes on. I Corinthians 13 describes love as patient and kind, not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. As Ernie grew in his faith, he grew in that kind of love, humbly looking for ways to serve those who God brought across his path. Ernie's wife, kids, grandkids, great-grands, great-great-grands, extended family and friends are already looking forward to the day they will reunite in Heaven! Until that time, Ernie will be sorely missed in the cheering section at ball games, in the phone calls for advice that usually turned into a visit with the Mobile Ace, for his 3x5 cards with the names and numbers of someone who could fix the things that he couldn't, at the coffeeshop with his breakfast buddies, for his constant supply of Altoids, walking the pier in Grand Haven and eating ice cream around the campfire…really ice cream anywhere, anytime. Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry and Irene Leep, his brother Harold and sister-in-law Jean. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary (Piersma) Leep; his children - Chris & Ken VanWeerdhuizen, Scott & Brenda Leep, Rick Leep & Susan Fox, Mike & Amy Leep; his 15 grandchildren and their spouses - Jen & Gerrit, Becca & Jason, Lisa, Rachel & Eric, Anna & Don, Holly & Matt, Alex & Jeff, Tim & Lauren, Brandi & Nik, Kegan & Rachel, Anna & Spencer, Dawson & Gracey, Esther, Remi, and Isabelle; his 21 great-grandchildren and their spouses; and his 3 great-great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 12, from 2 – 4 and 6 – 8 PM at Covenant CRC. The funeral service will be held on Monday, October 13, at 11 AM at Covenant Christian Reformed Church, 7171 Willard Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, 49548, with a one hour visitation prior to the service from 10 - 11 AM. Rev. Evan Heerema and Rev. Jeff Vanderhooft will officiate. Interment will be held in Blain Cemetery. Memorials may be made to South Christian High School's Industrial Technology Department https://www.schs.org/giving/#donate or Streams Food Center https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E253698&id=1. Please indicate that it's in memory of Ernie Leep; add a note for the specific designation.