Jake Visser

Jacob “Jake” Visser, age 88, of Holland, passed away on Wednesday, July 5, 2023. Beloved husband, father, Opa, and great Opa, Jake Visser, AKA “Mr. Perfect”, was exactly that to his family. Born in Haarlem, the Netherlands, to Henry and Renee Visser, Jake grew up surrounded by his older brothers Harry and Klaas, and younger brothers Johan and Ron. When the family immigrated to the United States on The Nieuw Amsterdam in 1953, Jake, then 19, and his brothers burned through a variety of different jobs before Jake eventually settled into a career as a mechanic for DeNooyer Chevrolet, a position he would hold for 30 years before moving on to a career with the Parks and Rec Department for the City of Holland. An avid soccer player, he also was a college soccer referee, and was scouted but turned down an offer to play professional soccer, as it would take away time from his family. In 1955, on a blind date, Jake met the love of his life, and his wife of over 67 years, Bea Menken. Together they raised two beautiful girls, Pat and Judy. Jake, or Opa, as he was affectionately called by his grandchildren, was known for always instigating the fun. During any family function where cake was involved, he would offer to cut the cake, and served the pieces upside down with a little grin on his face. He loved to swim in the neighbor’s pool with his grandchildren, while wearing short, white swim trunks that needed to be retired long before they ever were. Jake loved to golf, and spent many afternoons, weekends, and most of his retirement, on the golf course. He also thoroughly enjoyed tinkering around in his yard and every grandchild has memories of riding the lawnmower with Opa. Jake and Bea spent many winters as snowbirds, enjoying their time and sunshine in Pompano Beach, Florida. He was a member of Montello Park CRC and more recently enjoyed services at Providence Church and Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church. Jake will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, Opa, and great Opa to his family, and a loyal friend to many. Jake is survived by his wife of 67 years, Beatrice Visser; daughter Pat Root, and daughter and son in law Judy and Mike Wolters; grandchildren: Katie and Alex Emery, Sarah Kozal, Christopher and Abby Wolters, and Rachel Root and Raheem Hawkins; great-grandchildren: Cole, Reagan, Oliver, Harper, Roya, Mia, and Colin. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Harry, Klaas, and Johan, and many, many great friends he made over the years. Visitation is scheduled for 11:30-12:45 on Monday, July 10, at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E 16th St., Holland. A funeral service, with Pastor Dean Slenk officiating, will follow at 1:00pm. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Pine Rest Geriatric Psych Unit. Condolences may be left online at www.langelandsterenberg.com.

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Jake Visser

September 15, 1934 - July 5, 2023