George T. Wennersten

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of George T. Wennersten at 94 years of age, on Monday June 9, 2025. Our loss but heaven's gain!

I have struggled with this obituary, putting into words, the life of this amazing man. My cousin said he was "All Creatures Great and Small." That is the short version! George (Butch) was a wonderful father, husband, uncle, and friend. He was also a caring generous veterinarian to his many clients and their pets at his home office on 152nd in Holland and Robbins Road Animal Clinic in Grand Haven. There he made many dear and lasting friends. If you were out having coffee or a meal with him, there would always be a buzz of, "Hey Doc," "How are you doing Doc," "Been fishing Doc?"

George grew up in Holland, graduated from Holland High School, started at MSU Agricultural College in 1949. In 1951 he joined the Air Force. He was stationed at Elmendorf Air Force base in Alaska, 3rd Radio Squadron with top security clearance. The FBI went to Holland to check on him for his security clearance. That got the neighbors talking! After the Air Force, he completed his undergrad at Hope College and then was accepted at MSU College of Veterinary Medicine. He graduated on June 9, 1962, interesting fact, his daughter Jolee graduated exactly 20 years to the day after him.

He married Sandra Myrick in 1956 and Jolee was born a year later, Rebecca arrived 7 years later when George worked for the federal government in Madera, California. He started Robbins Road Animal Clinic in 1964 in the little brick building Art the Barber was in on Robbins Road in Grand Haven. He built the current building and moved in in 1996. He was of the era where you did everything yourself. That included stained glass, reupholstering furniture, woodworking and making furniture, putting the underground sprinkling system in at his huge yard, planting bushes and trees and flowers. Building a ski slope with rope tow with Bill Porter. He taught many children how to ski, ice skate, and ride horses. He never sat down. He was an amazing teacher and mentor. He was so smart, he passed his California boards with a 98 percent. That was unheard of in those days. He was funny and had a quick wit, making us laugh to the end.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra Myrick Wennersten in 2018. His dear friend Betty Wiersema in 2024. George and Betty were high school sweethearts and reconnected after both of their spouses passed away. They had several years of love and laughter at the end of both of their lives.

He is survived by his daughters Jolee Wennersten (Corbin Kingsbury) and Rebecca Baar (Tim). The grandchildren he loved dearly, Haley Baar and Phillip Baar (Kristen). Numerous nieces and nephews. Thank you to Becky and Phillip and Comfort Keepers for their loving care that allowed him to stay in his home to end. Also a special thank you to Lois, Linda, Dr. Ryan and Lucy Dodde for their many visits with cookies, special breads, and Ryan's wonderful homemade soups. You have no idea how much George enjoyed those visits and the food. We will always be grateful for your kindness.

A Celebration of Life will take place later this summer for both George and Sandra.