Gerald DeWeerd

Gerald F. DeWeerd was a stubborn man, he worked hard and got things done, but he was a softy for his family. Loving them more than anything in the world and doing his very best to take care of every one of them, Gerald was a wonderful and remarkable man.

Gerald was born in Zeeland where he attended school. Growing up, he always found himself outdoors. He felt much more comfortable hunting, fishing or even golfing than he ever did being stuck inside. The love of outdoors followed him throughout his life, and following school he joined the United States Army during WWII.

After he served his country he came back not only to his home and family, but also to his sweetheart, Donna Van Wieren that he had left behind. It was a mere two weeks following his return that Donna and Gerald got married!

They had affectionate names for each other, he was her “Fred” and she was his “Donna Mae,” for 62 years. They had three amazing children together, Gary, Mark and Cindy. Around them, and each other their family was built and nurtured.

To support his family, Gerald worked for Davis Die Cast until his retirement in 1988. And after retirement was where he discovered his love of cribbage. He could spend hours at a time playing with his “partner in crime” Hubert Timmer not to mention all his other friends and neighbors. It was something he found he really enjoyed and he kept at it. Donna and Gerald didn’t travel too much, and preferred to stay close to home but they would go out to see their son Gary where ever he was stationed while he served in the Air Force.

Gerald died Thursday, June12, 2008.

He was a man of true merit, always ready to help out a friend or a member of his family. He knew how to get things done, and followed through. He worked hard to support his loved ones, and he dearly loved his wife and children.

Gerald’s family includes, his wife Donna and children: Gary and Teri DeWeerd of Hagerstown, Maryland, Mark and Kathy De Weerd of Saugatuck, Cindy and Rick Polinskey of Zeeland. Grandchildren; Tammy, Kurtis and Christina DeWeerd, Cameron and Traci Polinskey , Randy Thompson, Tanya (Larry) Dordon and Marcus (Tara) DeWeerd, Eight great grandchildren and sister, June Gebben of Holland.

Friends may spend time with Gerald’s family on Monday, June 16, 2008 from 7-9 p.m. at Dykstra Lifestory Funeral Home, Downtown Chapel, 29 East 9th St. Funeral services will be held at the same location, on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Henry Vanden Heuvel officiating. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.

Please visit Gerald’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory, sign the online guest book or make a memorial contribution to the Hospice of Holland.