Our dad, Arie Verkaik, went peacefully into the arms of Jesus surrounded by his loved ones on Saturday, June 29, 2019. He was preceded in death by the love of his life for 65 years, Bert; his son, David; his daughter-in-law, Sally; and his brother, Dr. Peter Verkaik. He will be lovingly missed by his children, Richard (Ginny) Verkaik, Duane (Ruth) Verkaik, Maribeth (Jim) Stech, Michael (Dawn) Verkaik; 14 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; brother, Hank (Nancy) Verkaik; and sister-in-law, Edna Verkaik. Arie was a kingdom builder, a founding member of the Calvinist Cadet Corps, and a dedicated child care worker at Wedgwood Christian Services and the VFW National Home for Children. His love and passion for kids was evident to all who knew him. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 3, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. in the Sunset Manor Chapel, 7215 Baldwin St., Jenison, with his son, Rev. Rich Verkaik officiating.  Interment will be held at Georgetown Township Cemetery.  Relatives and friends may meet the family on Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW and also on Wednesday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to the service at Sunset.  Memorial contributions may be made to Oceans Ministries or to CSL Haiti.