Marvin Ver Hoef

Marvin Ver Hoef was a man cut from a different cloth, in a different era, a hardworking man of faith, love and loyalty. He was an ironworker by trade, an outdoorsman by choice, and a loving husband, father and grandfather by the grace of God. Most of all, Marvin was a good man with a good life, a life we were so blessed to have shared.

Marvin’s story began on a warm summer day in 1916, in the shoreline city of Holland, Michigan. Those were tumultuous times around the globe, as the terrible battles of World War I raged on, and anxious Americans re-elected Woodrow Wilson as President on a platform of peace. Amid these uncertain times, Albert and Minnie (Harmsen) Ver Hoef found reason for hope, with the birth of a baby boy on September 3, 1916, a son they named Marvin.

Marvin was a very typical little boy, who loved playing outside. He fell in love with the outdoors at an early age, and enjoyed hunting and fishing in his youth, which became lifelong passions for him.

Times were tough on the family when Marvin was growing up, especially during his teenage years, when American was caught in the teeth of the Great Depression. During those dark days, his family lost their home, like so many others, and the event had a profound impact on Marvin.

After he graduated from Holland High School, Marvin grew up and got out on his own. He eventually landed a great job at Louis Padnos Iron & Metal, a family-built business where he felt appreciated, and where he remained the rest of his career.

Marvin also met a wonderful woman named Gertrude, and before he knew it, he was a loving husband and the proud father of four fine children. Marvin and Gertrude were blessed with daughters Beverly and Phyllis, and sons James and Bob, who brought them so much pride and joy.

Marvin eventually saved enough money, and he bought back his childhood home, where he raised his own children, and fulfilling a promise he made to himself many years before.

The family did much together over the years, especially going up to their beloved cabin in Deerton, Michigan, in the Upper Peninsula on the shores of Lake Superior. They shared so many wonderful memories there, and Marvin loved it the most, bringing him so close to nature. He loved to hunt and fish there, bagging everything from deer and geese, to even bear!

The family was also faithful members of the First United Methodist Church in Holland, where Marvin was an active member of the congregation. He served as church treasurer, and also as an elder for many years, always a man of deep faith in the Lord.

Marvin’s faith would be tested over the years, as he suffered the loss of his daughter Beverly in 1972. Two years later, his beloved wife Gertrude died, which was so difficult for him. He wasn’t meant to remain alone forever, however.

One day Marvin met a wonderful woman named Ruth Bloemsma, and a great love grew between them. The two were married, beginning so many happy years together. Marvin treated his new stepchildren as his own, and they all shared many great times at the cabin in Deerton together.

Marvin and Ruth especially enjoyed spending time there together, one of the many things they shared in common. They also became members of the Central Wesleyan Church in Holland, as well.

Ruth sadly died in 2001, and Marvin relied on his large family for love and support. His days were always brightened by his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

As the years went by, Marvin’s health declined, and he eventually moved to the Golden Orchard Assisted Living center in Fennville. Marvin died there on Thursday, March 27, 2008, at the age of 91.

Marv was a wonderful man, a hardworking family man of faith, love and loyalty. He was an ironworker by trade, and an outdoorsman at heart, with a great love for the woods and water he called home. Most of all, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, and an example to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Gertrude Wise Ver Hoef in 1974 and his second wife, Ruth Bloemsma Ver Hoef in 2001. Also preceding him in death were his daughters, Beverly Thiell in 1972 and Phyllis Ter Vree in 2004; his son, James Ver Hoef in 2004; his step son-in-law, Roger Yntema in 1995; a stepson, Jerry Bloemsma in 2007; and his granddaughter, Kristi Yntema in 2006.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Deb Ver Hoef, his son-in-law, Dick Thiell, and his son-in-law, Alvin Ter Vree Jr.; his stepchildren, Tom and Pat Bloemsma, Mary and Howie Bouwens, Barb and Stub Hulst, and Jeannie Bloemsma; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; and his sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

Burial will take place in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00pm on Friday April 18, 2008 at the Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes, Downtown Chapel, 29 East 9th Street, Holland.

Arrangements by Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes, Inc., Downtown Chapel. To share a memory of Marvin, or to sign the online guestbook, please visit his Memory Page at www.lifestorynet.com.