Herb Baar

Herb Baar was a wonderful man, a strong man, a funny man, but most of all, a family man. He was a hardworking husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, who devoted his life to providing for his family. Herb was really the glue that bonded his family and many friends together, just as his memory does today.

Herb's story began on a warm spring day in 1928, in the little town of Zeeland, Michigan. Those were good times in this country, the twilight of the Roaring 20s, and the calm before the terrible storm of the Great Depression. Jazz and Big Bands were king, and Prohibition was still the law of the land, as many had reason to celebrate. On May 17, 1928, Sam and Ethel (Cook) Baar found even more reason to celebrate, with the birth of a baby boy, a son they named Herbert.

Herb joined his brothers Don and Warren in the family's Zeeland home. A few years later they were blessed with a sister, Marilyn. Herb spent most of his time on his Dad's farm, helping with the chickens. Herb learned his impressive work ethic cleaning those coops, and watching his hardworking Dad, who never seemed to stop. When he wasn't busy tending to the chickens he worked at their gas station or bait shop.

Herb attended Zeeland Public Schools through the 10th grade, when he left school to work fulltime, like so many young men in those days. He took a job at De Witt's Hatchery, where he would remain for 20 years. But his personal life was about to get more interesting, as well.

One day Herb was at the popular skating pavilion in Saugatuck, when he spotted a beautiful young woman named Evelyn from across the way. Herb thought Evelyn was a real "hottie" with long, gorgeous legs, and wasted no time in asking her out. She was pretty taken with the handsome, strapping Herb, too, and after dating for about a year, they were married on July 15, 1949. The newlyweds spent some time up north for their honeymoon, before settling back in Zeeland to begin their life together.

It wasn't long before the husband and wife became father and mother, as well, with three beautiful daughters blessing the family over the coming years, Lin, Sandy, and Cathy. Herb was such a proud, loving father, and being a family man couldn't have made him happier. He was a passionate outdoorsman, who loved to hunt and fish, and the family spent many wonderful vacations up north at Lake Autrain and later at Lake Goegebic. He loved it up there for the good walleye fishing, great friends they made, good food and fellowship found there. The family made so many fond memories there together.

Herb worked hard to provide for his family, first at the hatchery and later at TNT Holland Motor Express, as a truck driver. He loved his job and loved the camaraderie he had with his fellow trucker friends. He enjoyed driving the truck all night, talking on the CB to his buddies who knew him as the "Rusty Nail". He stayed at TNT for 27 years, until he finally retired. He had more than a job to keep him busy, though. In addition to driving truck, Herb was a volunteer fireman for Holland Township, Station #3, as well as a member at the American Legion, and a past, long time member of the Holland Elks. Herb was also a man of faith, and a faithful member of the Haven Shores Community Church in West Olive, where he made so many friends. Herb made friends wherever he went, though. He was such a fun-loving, likable man, who loved to talk (and loved telling the same stories over and over even more!).

Herb was a man who enjoyed his life immensely, and had no trouble filling his time after he retired. He loved to hunt, fish and do woodworking in his workshop downstairs. He also loved bowling and golfing. He didn't watch much television, but everyone knew not to disturb him between 11 a.m. and noon, when the Price Is Right was on! He also loved to grill, and when he wasn't grilling, he loved to eat, too! His favorite eateries were the Crazy Horse, the Embassy, and some thin-crust pizza at Fricano's in Grand Haven. Herb loved nothing better than having his whole family over for the holidays, and firing up his grill to do some cooking.

Of course, Herb's most cherished times were always spent with his beloved family. The births of his grandchildren were without question the greatest days of his life, in a life so full of great days.

His family became so much more beloved to him after he sadly lost his wife Evelyn in 2000, which was so hard on him. Herb loved his girls and would show up every Wedndsday night at Zeeland Lanes and every other Friday at Northland Lanes to watch them bowl. He also loved to take road trips to the Blue Chip or the River to join the many friends he made for a friendly afternoon or evening of Black Jack. He just love being with people and sharing stories.

Herb sadly died Thursday, March 22, 2007, at his home, at the age of 78.

Herb was a wonderful man, an honest man of great character, charisma and integrity. He was a strong man, and a strong-willed man, who lived a long and full life, a life so full of fun, friendship, and most of all, family. He will be so greatly missed.

Herb was preceded in death by his wife-Evelyn in 2000 and a son-in-law-Bruce (Buzz) Bruursema in 2004. Surviving are his children-Lin Bruursema of Zeeland, Sandy and Jack Garvelink of Holland, and Cathy and Bob Johnson of Zeeland; 6 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter; brother-Warren and Evelyn Baar of TX; sister-Marilyn and Warren Cook of Beaverdam; in-laws-Jay and Ruth Vander Bie of Holland, Tressa Zuverink of Zeeland, Sylvia and Alvin Van Dyke of Holland, Harvey and Ruth Vander Bie of Holland, Henry Vander Bie of Grand Rapids, Bill and Carla Vander Bie of Holland, Joanne Van Hekken of Zeeland; nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Services will be 2 pm Monday at Haven Shores Community Church, 9608 Hiawatha Dr., with the Rev. Terry De Young officiating. Burial will be in the Restlawn Memorial Gardens. Visiting will be 5-8 pm Sunday at the Northwood Chapel-Dykstra Life Story Funeral Home, 295 Douglas Ave. Memorials may be made to the Bruce Bruursema Memorial Youth Bowling Scholarship Fund. To read his Life Story, share a memory of photo of him, visit www.lifestorynet.com.