Gordon M. Van Putten

As a lifelong resident of the community he loved, Gordon M. Van Putten made a significant impact in the lives of so many around him. Accompanied by a personal faith as his constant companion, he was mindful in the steps he took, living life on purpose each day. With the love of his life by his side for 74 years, Gordon witnessed his family tree grow to include numerous branches of young ones who were his greatest source of pride and joy. With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Gordon created a brilliant tapestry of memories that will be a lasting treasure in the hearts and lives of those too numerous to count.

Nearly a century has passed since our nation emerged from WWI as a world leader for the very first time. With the war’s end in 1919, we were shifting from being a nation at war to a nation at peace. As the 1920s came into focus, we were poised for greatness as innovation fueled numerous advancements in both the business and industrial sectors in cities all across our great land. It was during this exciting and vibrant time that a young couple from Holland, Michigan, was overjoyed to announce the birth of their healthy baby boy on July 21, 1920. Gordon M. was one of three sons born to his parents, Jacob and Dora (Molenaar) Van Putten, and was raised in the family home alongside his brothers, Adrian and Milton.

In many ways Gordon experienced an upbringing that was reflective of the times. He looked forward to spending time at the family cottage during the warm days of summer when the days just never seemed to end. During the year Gordon was a student at the local Christian school including Holland Christian High School where he played drums in the marching band.

Life was forever changed for Gordon when he met the young girl who stole his heart. Her name was Geraldine “Jerry” Teusink, and they met while she was riding her bike and took a little spill. A romance soon blossomed, and after dating for a time the couple found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to build a life together Gordon and Jerry were married in 1939. Together they were blessed with two sons of their own, Thomas and David.

Throughout his life Gordon was greatly involved in the community he called home along his entire life’s journey. He spent 35 years working for Hart and Cooley until he retired as a personnel director. Gordon served as a justice of the peace in the area during the early sixties, and for 16 years he served on the Park Township Board, retiring in 1988. Gordon was a member of various professional societies in the area including the Holland-Zeeland Personal Club. For over 75 years Gordon called Central Park Reformed Church his church home. He also served there in a variety of ministries over the years, making great friends along the way.

As his friends and family can attest, Gordon was a man of many interests. In addition to being involved in his community, he was an avid golfer who got out to play as often as he could whether it was with his wife or his friends. In fact, Gordon and his wife traveled to Florida and Mississippi during the winter months so they could keep playing golf. He was a member of the hole in one golf club, too. Gordon was also a part of a coffee club that met Monday through Friday at a local McDonald’s where he and his buddies would meet to discuss the matters of the world around them. He was a fan of University of Michigan football, and during his later years he enjoyed collecting state quarters.

A man who was content in all things, Gordon Van Putten taught us so much about what it means to be a man of honor, integrity, and compassion for others. He was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather who loved holding his great-grandchildren whenever he could. Gordon had a gentle and mild demeanor, and he was someone who was able to keep his cool no matter what was going on in the world around him. Although he will be deeply missed, Gordon’s family and friends find comfort in knowing that death has no sting for those who believe, and they look forward to a glorious reunion one day in their eternal home.

Gordon M. Van Putten of Holland died Wednesday, November 21, 2012, at Holland Community Hospital. Gordon’s family includes his wife, Geraldine “Jerry” Van Putten of Holland; sons, Thomas and Suzanne Van Putten of AZ, David and Jeanne Van Putten of Elkhart, IN; 5 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews and cousins. Gordon was preceded in death by his brothers, Adrian and Milton, and a daughter-in-law Lori Van Putten. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at Central Park Reformed Church. Visitation will be Monday 5-8 p.m. at the Mulder Chapel, Dykstra Funeral Home, 188 West 32nd Street and Tuesday 10-11 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in Graafschap Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Holland Christian Schools. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.