Dr. Bernard Meeuwsen

The dictionary describes a provider as “one who provides, furnishes, or supplies what is needed". Dr. Bernard Meeuwsen was the epitome of a good provider. He spent his life supporting his parents, his family, and his children. But such generosity was not limited to just family. Throughout his life, Bernard gave of his time and talents to colleges and church missions. His legacy of giving will be remembered by many.

The 1910’s was a decade of great change for America. It was the decade when the United States was first considered a world leader. Many of the issues we face today were important including the escalating of immigration and poverty, labor and monopoly battles, work safety and child labor problems. For William and Helena (Hans) Meeuwsen, life in Grand Rapids was far removed from such cares. William worked as a foreman at the Imperial Furniture Company and Helene was a homemaker, caring for their daughter Marion. On May 26, 1919 the family was delighted to welcome the birth of son, Bernard. Perhaps the issues of this time helped to mold the man that Bernard would become.

As a child, Bernard was always involved with his church, an involvement that would continue throughout his life. Not afraid of hard work, as a teenager he worked on a muck farm. After graduating from high school, Bernard continued his education at Calvin College. From there he went on to the University of Michigan Medical School, doing his residency at Wayne State. When World War II called young men to service, Bernard answered, serving as a surgeon with the 97th Infantry Division in both Germany and Japan. During this period, Bernard found time to marry his sweetheart, Louise Van Soest. The two had been dating since high school and even lived on the same street while growing up. Bernard had sat behind Louise in Latin class and would “show his interest” by pulling her hair. Louise was a practical girl, and being war-time, she made her own wedding dress. The ceremony took place at the Calvin Seminary Chapel, and Bernard always said this was the greatest day of his life. Their first child, daughter Sheila, was born during wartime and proud father Bernard was able to obtain a pass home to greet his new daughter. The family would later be blessed with the birth of son, Kenneth. Bernard always wanted the best for his children and although it was mentioned that he was too busy with others to be involved with his own family, he was always willing to provide many opportunities for family fun and enrichment.

With the end of the war, Bernard returned to the Grand Rapids area and started a Urology Practice serving both Grand Rapids and Holland. In 1966 he closed his Grand Rapids office and maintained a fulltime practice in Holland until his retirement in 1980. However, retirement did not mean an end to his medical duties. He became Corporate Medical Director for Herman Miller, Inc., until 1986.

Although still involved in the medical field, retirement did provide Bernard and Louise time for relaxation. They spent their winters in Sun City, Arizona, and enjoyed entertaining friends and going to the theater. One of their highlights was the annual tradition of attending the holiday presentation of “The Messiah”. They especially enjoyed live theater productions. Bernard also enjoyed fishing trips with friends to Canada and racing across the water in his speed boat. He loved having a new car and was very proud of his collection of swords from the war.

A generous man, Bernard gave freely to others. A “take charge” kind of guy and a terrific fund raiser, many groups benefited from his talents. Both Hope College and Calvin College were recipients, and a Scholarship Program was started at Calvin. An avid church-goer (except in the 1950’s when Elvis was appearing on the Ed Sullivan Show), and member of the Faith Christian Reformed Church he supported many of the church’s mission endeavors. He was also instrumental in starting HASP (The Hope Academy of Senior Professionals) in Holland.

Most of all, Bernard loved his wife and took great pleasure in treating her like a queen. The two spent their final years living at Freedom Village in Holland.

Dr. Bernard Meeuwsen of Holland died Monday June 28, 2004 at the Inn at Freedom Village. His family includes his wife Louise Meeuwsen of Holland; his children Sheila and David Frens of Marshfield, WI and Kenneth Meeuwsen of Jenison, MI; 6 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren; in-laws, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday at 2:00 pm at the Auditorium at Freedom Village. Officiating will be the Rev. Eugene Bradford. After the service there will be a time of fellowship and refreshments with the family. Arrangements are by the Downtown Chapel, Dykstra Funeral Homes Inc 29 East 9th Street, a Life Story Funeral Home. Please visit Bernard’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory or make a memorial contribution. Memorial contributions may be made to Louise-Bernard Meeuwsen Medical Scholarship Fund at Calvin College or Hospice of Holland.