Serving West Michigan Since 1899

Gerrit Van Houten

January 16, 2004 - July 21, 2021
Hamilton, MI

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Service

Friday, July 30, 2021
6:30 PM EDT
Community Church of Douglas
6874 Wiley Road
Fennville, MI 49408

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.

Ottawa Area Center
10160 96th Ave
Allendale, MI 49401
(616) 738-8960

Life Story / Obituary


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Gerrit Calvin Van Houten left our earthly home to be with Jesus the morning of Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at the age of 17.

Gerrit’s birth was a much anticipated all-hands-on-deck affair as the second born of sextuplets January 16, 2004 at 25 weeks. He was a tiny warrior right from the start as he fought many health challenges in the NICU at DeVos Children’s Hospital. As he grew, Gerrit spent his days enjoying and being enjoyed by his family, with many physical limitations but uninhibited in spirit. He began school at the Ottawa Area Center as a 3 year old, a place that became his home away from home. He was always an old soul who lit up at the sound of Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. The bond he shared with his siblings was strong and while we rejoice at his freedom with the Lord, his absence leaves a huge hole in our family.

He had a smile like no other, able to cheer anyone up even on their darkest day. Never saying a word, he was able to communicate who Jesus was by his unconditional love and spirit of Joy through all circumstances - that smile was freely and unconditionally given.

Gerrit is preceded in death by his father Ben, grandfather John Van Houten, and grandmother Sharon Hilsman. He leaves behind a family who adored him: mom Amy, dad Dan, brothers John Nolan and Peyton, and sisters Sammy Kennedy and Drew, as well as Grandparents Cal and Sandy Reimink, Karen Van Houten, Rick Hilsman, and many aunts, uncles and cousins who were a special part of his life.

A memorial service is planned for Friday July 30, at 6:30pm, at Community Church of Douglas, 6874 Wiley Road, Fennville. An ice cream will follow the service. In lieu of any flowers or memorials for the family, if you would like to honor Gerrit please consider a memorial in his honor presented to a place he loved so much:

Ottawa Area Center

10160 96th Ave

Allendale, MI 49401

616-738-8960

Arrangements are by the Dykstra Funeral Home-Mulder Chapel.