Cornelius "Cornie" Versendaal

Cornelius (Cornie) Versendaal, 101, passed away on Sunday, November 9 after a brief illness. Cornie was born on August 24, 1924 in Graafschap to Dirk and Magdalena (Noble) Versendaal. Cornie was a WWII veteran serving in the Navy in the Pacific and Atlantic theatres on the destroyer, USS Whipple. After the war, Cornie married Gertrude Alphenaar and together they raised their 4 children in Holland. Cornie spent a lifelong career in the automobile industry starting at Maycroft and McEachron Lincoln Mercury in Holland as a mechanic. He then entered the sales force and worked his way up to one of the top salesmen in the industry. In 1960 and 1961, he received the “Top Salesman of the Nation” award. In 1962, Cornie became a partner in the business when it was renamed, Maycroft and Versendaal. Cornie became the sole owner in 1974. In 1991, his son Cal joined him in the business, and it was renamed, Versendaal Lincoln Mercury. Cornie continued to sell cars to 100’s of customers in West Michigan before retiring in 2003 when the business was sold. In 1995, Cornie married Judith (Bouman) Harris. They enjoyed traveling and spending time with their combined families. In 2006, Cornie married Cheryl. They spent 19 fun filled years together. They also enjoyed traveling and spending time with friends and family and spending the winter months in Florida. Cornie was a member of Community Church of Douglas and Fellowship Reformed Church. He was an avid Detroit Tigers fan and even sponsored 3 innings of their games on WHTC. Erine Harwell would state in the advertisement for Versendaal’s that, “When you go see Cornie, tell him the Ernie sent you”. It was the best advertisement Cornie said he ever had. Cornie was a fixture at the Elk’s Club for many years and gained numerous friends from there. He was a kind and generous host whether he was entertaining family and friends at home, family gatherings or out with friends. Many people remember his famous, “Cornie’s Chicken” at numerous events where he cooked for 100’s of people. “It’s surly yet”, “It’s 5:00 somewhere” and “I guarantee it” were his favorite bylines. Trips to Las Vegas or casinos around the state were a regular past time which he greatly enjoyed with family and friends. More often than not, he came home with more cash than he started with. Cornie was preceded in death by his wives, Gertrude and Judy; siblings, Arie & Martha Versendaal, Tina and Nick Leep, Marie & Corrie Brouwer, Gary & Joan Versendaal, Dick Versendaal and brother in law, Jack Bouman. Cornie is survived by his wife of 19 years, Cheryl; Children, Kathy & Jerry Wittingen, Sherry & Bob Bredeweg, Glenda & Steve Forsten and Cal & Sally Versendaal. Stepchildren, Brett & Jen Zeerip, Jodi Matson, Steve & Marti Garvelink, Jodi & Steve Oudendyk and Kirk & Lanelle Garvelink. Grandchildren, Troy & Allyson Dominic, Michelle & Dan Dobs, Chad Bredeweg, Tricia & Cory Buiskool, Chris & Katie Bredeweg, Jessica & Derrick Stuart, Danielle & Adam Strode, Jena & Andrew Tucker and Sara & Kyle Bouman, Taylor Overman & Will Bartz, Delaney Overman & Bennett Sinner, Ryan & Brittany Garvelink, Mandy & Brian Kent, Mike DeWitt, Courtney & Jacob Smith, Chelsea Woltjer, Connor Garvelink and Kara & Jason Burklow. Siblings, Sister Jackie & Ted deGroot, sister in law Jorena Versendaal, brother & sister in law, Pat & Bill Henson. Numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. To view a livestream of the service, please visit, https://www.fellowshipreformed.org/livestream Visitation will be at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home at 315 E. 16th St., Holland Michigan from 4:00 to 7:00 on Monday, November 17. Funeral services will be at Fellowship Reformed Church, 2165 W. Lakewood Blvd., Holland, MI 49424 at 11:00 am on Tuesday, November 18. Donations can be made to Hospice of Holland and The Wounded Warrior Project.

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Cornelius "Cornie" Versendaal

August 24, 1924 - November 9, 2025