Gordon L. Grevengoed

Gordon Louis Grevengoed transitioned peacefully from home into his heavenly home on July 12, 2025, at the age of 93, one month shy of his 94th birthday, where he was embraced in the loving arms of his God. Gordon was a devoted and loving husband, a committed father to his six children, and a fun and supportive grandfather and great-grandfather of 36. But most of all, he was a man of deep faith in his Lord Jesus Christ that fueled his life of passionate service. Gordon was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on August 11, 1931, to Clarence and Alta Grevengoed. His birth came four years after his brother Merle’s, and his sister Eleanor followed six years later. Already mischievous as a boy, Gordon combined his fun-loving nature with instruction of the importance of faith and family and living a life of dedication to God. He met the love of his life, Marilyn Dykstra, when his family moved into the same neighborhood in Holland, Michigan, though he didn’t quite know it then. Gord loved sports and played whatever he could while attending Holland Christian High School, graduating in 1949. He attended Calvin College for two years, then Davenport Business College, when he was offered a job at Holland Motor Express. In 1952 he joined the Marines and was stationed in Japan where he awaited transport to Korea, though the war ended before he was sent. Following these years of service, Gord began working in the boys’ department at Sears. The friendship with Marilyn was rekindled, as she worked in the women’s department at Sears. In 1956, he was offered the position of a teller at Ottawa Savings & Loan, entering as their fifth employee. Once there, he worked his way through various management positions, culminating in the position of President. He delighted in bringing his innovative energy to help the company grow, resulting in the merger with AmeriBank and the eventual sale to Fifth Third Bank. His commitment to giving his all at whatever level of responsibility he had were lessons he passed on to all who worked with him as well as his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Meanwhile, the friendship with Marilyn flourished into a strong, loving bond and they were married in 1957. They were blessed with a large family of six children within ten years. Gord took his responsibilities as a father and provider seriously and worked diligently at the bank, as a basketball referee, and as a manager of the Holland softball league throughout these years. He said he never felt he was going to work because he loved what he did and was able to participate in the sports he loved. As a father, Gordon's first priority was to teach his children about God’s love and the importance of serving Him in every way. He taught integrity, faith, and strong character through both word and action. His love of music permeated his life and his home. He sang in the Magnichord Group and his rich tenor voice blessed many marriage ceremonies, church services, and funerals. He passed this love of music on to every one of his children and many of his grandchildren. In 1979, Gordon devoted some of his energy into developing a summer home on the lake to host his growing family. There he taught kids and grandkids to ski, (captaining the boat well into his 80’s) and kayaked in the early morning with anyone who would go with him. He was as adventurous and young at heart as the kids and there was always a blend of goofiness, fun, and laughter while maintaining his high standards. In the midst of work and fun, Gordon lived a life of service. He was a dedicated member and leader of Faith Christian Reformed Church, and served on multiple boards in the community including Holland Rescue Mission (now Gateway) and Resthaven. He was a member of the Rotary Club and as president made sure to open each meeting with a good, clean joke. In later years while spending winters in Florida, Gordon prioritized service projects with Cru and volunteer work helping the homeless, right along with his golf games. Gordon was predeceased by his parents, Clarence and Alta (Vork) Grevengoed, his in-laws Jack and Kay (Vos) Dykstra, his brother and sister-in-law Merle and Marlys Grevengoed, his brothers-in-law Larry Dykstra and Jim Rozendal, his son-in-law Scott Witteveen, and his great-granddaughter Luna Rose Veenstra. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years Marilyn (Dykstra) Grevengoed and by his children Deb Witteveen, Sandra Stoller, Nancy and Bob Jonker, Kathleen and David Veenstra, Kristi and David Gortsema, and David Grevengoed; as well as by 15 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Eleanor Rozendal, his sister-in-law Patricia Dykstra, and his brother- and sister-in-law Calvin and Linda (Hertel) Dykstra along with several nieces and nephews. Grandchildren: Katie and Kevin Rynbrandt, Rob and Stephanie Witteveen, Tom and Krissie Witteveen, Austin and Katie Stoller, Aaron Stoller, Anson Stoller, Jonathan and Chanlyn Jonker, Benjamin and Megan Jonker, Daniel and Janelle Veenstra, Nate and Katelin Veenstra, Zach and Julia Veenstra, Ben and Alex Veenstra, Torie Gortsema, Noelle and Matthew Pupel, and Alecia Gortsema. Great-grandchildren: Andrew, Luke and Annie Rynbrandt; Anderson and Matthias Witteveen; Greta, Emmaline, Clara and Millie Witteveen; Attikus Jonker and a brother on the way; Mason, Jasper, and Ezra Veenstra; Eleanora and Silas Veenstra with a brother on the way; Aria, Elijah, and Emmy Veenstra. The family would like to express appreciation to Hospice of Holland who supported Gordon and the family through his final months of life. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Gateway, Mission India, or Hospice of Holland. Funeral services with military honors will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, July 18, 2025, at Faith Christian Reformed Church, 85 W. 26th St. Holland. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Thursday, July 17, at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St. Holland. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.

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Gordon L. Grevengoed

August 11, 1931 - July 12, 2025