Wierenga, Melvin Jay

WIERENGA:  Melvin (Mel) Jay Wierenga, age 78, of Byron Center, was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, January 13, 2012.  Mel served his country during the Korean Conflict and then was active in the National Guard for 34 years.  He was also the proud founder and co-owner of Ascom of Grand Rapids and AscomNorth of Traverse City.  He served as an elder and deacon at Lee Street CRC and on the Calvin Chr. School Board, as well as many local and national boards.  He was preceded in death by his brother Ken Wierenga. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 58 years, Ruth; his children, Dan and Peg Wierenga, Sue and Gary Pipping, Joel and Jan Wierenga, Dave and Linda Wierenga, Kris and Nate Vander Stelt; 13 grandchildren, seven great grandchildren; sister, Elaine and Ron Veenstra; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Donna Wierenga, Jeanette Bergakker, Larry and Geneva Bergakker; many nieces and nephews.  Funeral  services will be held Tuesday, January 17 at 11 am at Lee Street Christian Reformed Church, 1261 Lee Street SW, Wyoming with Rev. Kent Rottman officiating.  Interment at Kent Memorial Gardens Cemetery.  Relatives and friends may meet the family Sunday from 6-8 pm and Monday 2-4 and 7-9 pm at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home, (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr.  Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Lee Street Christian Reformed Church, Calvin Christian School Association, or Alzheimer’s Association.