Serving West Michigan Since 1899

Willard "Bill" Rooks

October 25, 2017
Holland, MI

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Visitation

Tuesday, October 31, 2017
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM EDT
Dykstra Funeral Homes
Mulder Chapel
188 West 32nd Street
Holland, MI 49423
(616) 392-2348
Driving Directions

Service

Tuesday, October 31, 2017
11:00 AM EDT
Dykstra Funeral Homes
Mulder Chapel
188 West 32nd Street
Holland, MI 49423
(616) 392-2348
Driving Directions

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Harbor Humane Society
14345 Bagley St at US 131
West Olive, MI 49460
(616) 399-2119
Driving Directions
Web Site

Resthaven Care
9 E 8th Street
Holland, MI 49423
(616) 422-4002
Map
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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Willard “Bill” Rooks, age 97, of Holland passed away on October 25, 2017. Bill was born at home in Holland to Gerrit and Della (Mulder) Rooks on October 5, 1920.

Raised by his grandfather Dr. William J. Rooks, Bill grew up in the Zeeland area. He graduated from Zeeland High School and attended Hope College until the start of WWII. Bill served in the Navy from 1942 through 1946 seeing duty primarily in North Africa and Italy. While assigned to Indiana University, Bill and a buddy went bowling and due to a shortage of lanes, had to share an alley with two IU coeds. One of them, Laura Ruth Stafford became his wife.

Bill and Ruth were long time members of Bethel Church where Bill served as a deacon, elder, and church treasurer. After Bethel closed, they became members of Christ Memorial. After retirement as a painting contractor, Bill and Ruth traveled the world, visiting over 40 countries. They continued to stay active with their love of square dancing and playing cars with their many friends. They enjoyed golf and Bill was a life-long Tigers fan. Bill was also a life member of the American Legion.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife Ruth of 70 years.

Bill is survived by his son Ward (Pam) Rooks; grandsons Weston (Brooke) Rooks, William (Vicki) Rooks, and Scott (Katie) Rooks. He was also blessed with 5 great-granddaughters, Kendall, Allie, Alex, Olivia, and Emily.