Bernard J. Mackus

Bernard J. Mackus, age 83, of Jenison went to be with the Lord Wednesday, February 7, 2018. Bernie proudly served in the U.S. Naval Reserve. He served Georgetown Township for 23 years as a volunteer firefighter and an additional 7 years as the first full time Fire Chief. After retiring, Bernie became a member of the board for the next 8 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Betty Mackus; and brother-in-law, Dave Groothuis. Bernie is survived by his wife of 63 years, Carole Mackus (Groothuis); four children, Luanne and Leland Rambo, Douglas Mackus, Gail and Chris Hodyna, Joan and Vern Hirdes; 11 grandchildren, Joanna and Todd Gaver, Sarah and Bryan Chapman, Nathan and Mary Rambo, Melissa Mackus and Chad Gromko, Stacy and Tyler Mayo, Zachary Hodyna, Elyse Hodyna, Emily Hodyna, Benjamin and Emily Hirdes, Michelle and James Jager, Kimberly and Neil Culkins; 11 great grandchildren, Dylan, Curran, Ian, Quinn, Jonathan, Bella, Lydia, Westley, Ella, Joshua and Weston; brothers-in-law, Sam and Kathy Groothuis, Dan and Cheryl Groothuis; sister-in-law, Sandy Groothuis; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, February 12, 2018 at Baldwin Street Christian Reformed Church, 2101 Baldwin Street, Jenison with Rev. John Witvliet officiating. Interment Georgetown Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Sunday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Drive SW. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Love INC.