Dear Arlene and Family, Kent Intermediate School District wishes to express our condolences in the passing of Rodger. His work in the education of students throughout Kent County was very significant and noteworthy. We appreciated his abilities and strengths
as an employee and will miss him at future retired administrators luncheons. Take care as you are each in our thoughts and prayers. Ginny Hess, Human Resources Kent Intermediate School District
Ginny Hess
Northuis, Rodger Lee
Rodger Northuis, age 81, went to live with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, October 11, 2011. Rodg was born in Holland, Michigan on August 3, 1930 to Elmer and Betty Northuis. At the age of 16 he became an Eagle Scout and won a trip to the Boy Scout National Jamboree in Paris, France. He graduated from Holland High School, Hope College, and the University of Michigan. He served 8 years in the Michigan National Guard. His first job was teaching at Godwin Heights High School where he also coached varsity tennis. Next, he became Principal and Athletic Director at Byron Center High School. His proudest achievement there was being one of the organizers of the O.K. League. He continued his career with the Kent Intermediate School District where he became director of the College Avenue Skill Center. He retired in 1989 after 37 years of educational service. Rodg was a director of the Grand Rapids Teachers Credit Union for 20 years. He sang in church choirs for over 60 years and sang at many weddings. He was a lifetime member of TTCM and a charter member of Grand Valley Travel Trailers Club. Also, he was a member of the Grand A’s, a Ford Model A Restorers Club. He enjoyed traveling in his 1928 Sports Coupe. His greatest joys were camping, hunting and fishing trips with his family. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Kenneth Northuis; and brother-in-law, David Haverdink. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 59 years, Arlene; children, David and Barbara Northuis, Steve and Kathy Northuis; grandchildren, Josie Muller, Tim and Heidi, Matthew, Danielle and Jacob Northuis; his great-grandchildren, Damien and Arianna Muller, and Lauren Northuis; brothers, Don and Eunice Northuis of Grand Haven, Paul and Marsha Northuis of Holland; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Donald and Myrna Beekman, Wayne and Shirley Larsen, Carol Haverdink of Holland, and Donna Northuis of Florida. A Memorial Services will be held Friday at 11:00 am at Beverly Reformed Church (2141 Porter SW, Wyoming) with Rev. Eildert Zwart officiating. Relatives and friends may meet the family Thursday from 6-9 pm at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home, (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Drive. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Beverly Reformed Church for “The Connection”. The family would like to express their thanks to the staff at Cambridge Manor for their wonderful, loving care of Rodger.Guestbook
Rodger Northuis
October 14, 2011
Dear Arlene and Family, Chris and I were so sad to hear of Rodger's passing. We always will remember the great care he showed us as beginning teachers. He was so excited when we got engaged and married on his watch. Thanks for being there for us Rodger.
Chris and Barbara Lyndrup from Cypress, Texas
Chris and Barbara Lyndrup from Cypress, Texas
I was so sorry to hear of Rodger's illness & passing. It was a real pleasure working with him at Kent Skills Center. He was a good administrator & always had a smile for everyone. Glad he is at peace now. My sympathies to the family.
Jan Gunnett
Jan Gunnett
Lynette Nawrot & Lynne (Nawrot) Campbell