Richard Fenske

Richard Norman Fenske, 68 years old, went to be with his heavenly Father on July 5, 2011.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Cor. 5:17

Richard leaves a legacy of Faith, Family & Service.

Richard was born in Grand Rapids, MI, into a Christian family as the son of Russell & Emma Fenske and the younger brother of Kenneth and Ginger. He, as well as all his children, were baptized at Home Acres Reformed Church where he grew up in the faith, professed his faith and married Irene Buitenhuis. In his tenure at Home Acres he served as a dedicated deacon.

While attending Ottawa High School, Richard was a track star, taking first in state. Throughout his life he never lost his runner's body nor his winning spirit. Starting at Grand Rapids Community College, he continued his studies and graduated with a BS from Ferris State. Richard served his country in the United States Army Reserve.

Dick and Irene raised four children in the faith; Kimberly Sue, Michelle Dawn, Steven Troy and Jeffery Pak. Adored by his many grandchildren, he had a circle of love surrounding him.

He worked as a Financial Controller starting at Wolverine Brass, Pluene, Koeze's, and Stanco. He also used his entrepreneurial skills as owner/operator of Packages Plus and ran two car washes with his brother "Kenny" and "Uncle Marvey." His real passion, however, was sailing. Weekend trips for the whole family all over the Great Lakes gave many fond memories. Other hobbies he enjoyed were photography, MG cars, and gardening.

A move to Grand Haven brought another chapter full of walks along the beach, iceberg jumping, storm viewing, and playing with grandchildren. Richard loved playing with his kids and grandchildren. Often at parties, rather than visit with the adults, he would be found playing with the youngsters. Grabbing their wrists and ankles together, he would swing them through the air just like his father had done with him and his children. Here too, Richard led his family in faith, volunteering at Haven Shores Reformed Church.

Life can sometimes bring storms. When Richard experienced these trying times, he hung a poster that read "Faith isn't faith unless it's all you're hanging onto."

He never stopped worshiping, studying God's Word, reading quality books, remaining fit, continuing to learn, and following the LORD's way as his lighthouse to shelter.

His journey of faith brought him to his beloved Lori. On the eve of their wedding, they sailed off into the sunset of Lake Michigan on the sailboat Sanctuary. Eventually, they relocated to Holland and retired from their occupations, and began a new focus on ministry. His passion was volunteering at Barnabas Ministries, Kid's Hope, Families Victorious Prison Ministry, Wycliffe, Macatawa Resource Center Community Gardens, Calvary CRC and numerous mission trips here and abroad. Just as he was intimately in love with Lori, he desired to be intimately in love with Jesus.

Before being diagnosed with glioblastoma, Richard and Lori had traveled throughout the United States including missions to Gulf Shores, Alabama; Haiti; Chiang Mai, Thailand; Queens, New York and Dallas, Texas. Richard had just been approved by Wycliffe Associates to travel the world serving and contributing to their work by doing audits for them. He was very proud of this accomplishment. As the disease progressed, family, friends, and cherished dog Ty were always at his side. As his family, we could not be more proud of the legacy of Christian faith, family and service Richard has left us.

"Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on ... that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them." Rev. 14:13

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Emma Fenske, sister, Ginger Christie, and a stepson, Brian Van Voorst.

Surviving are his wife, Loretta of 11 years; children, Kimberly and Rev. Mark Hofstra of Decatur, MI, Michelle and Dr. Brian Boscaljon of Erie, PA, Steven Fenske of Grand Haven, MI, and Jeff and Gamze Moss of Clearwater, FL; stepsons, Barrett Van Voorst of Holland and Robert and Devi Van Voorst of Holland; many loving grandchildren; brother, Kenneth and Donna Fenske of Grand Rapids; in-law, Carl Christie of Grand Rapids, Rev. Ron and Jean Beyer of Holland, Dr. Darell and Mary Schregardus of Holland; aunt, several nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Funeral services will be 11 am Friday, July 8, 2011 at the Calvary Christian Reformed Church, 400 Beeline Rd., with the Revs. Frank Wevers and Mark Hofstra officiating. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Grand Rapids, MI. Visitation is 6-9 pm Thursday at the Dykstra Funeral Homes-Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Ave.

Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary CRC Kids Hope, Barnabas Ministries, Families Victorious, and Wycliffe Associates.