Donald Frank VanWoerkom

December 13, 1958 ~
January 1, 2022

Don VanWoerkom, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, age 63, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on January 1, 2022, following a courageous battle with bone cancer. Don was born in Grand Haven, Michigan, to his parents, Charles and Lois VanWoerkom. He graduated from Calvin College and went to work at Gentex Corporation as the Director of Information Technology until he retired in 2020 after 34 years. He was a man of steadfast faith and a longtime member of Lee Street CRC. His greatest joy and love was his family. Don married Sheri (Groenenboom) VanWoerkom, the love of his life, nearly 37 years ago. Together they raised their children in a home they loved. Don was greatly admired, loved, and respected for demonstrating great faith throughout his life. He gave selflessly of his time and resources to family, church, and countless others in need. Don shared his love with family, friends, and strangers alike. It was a joy and privilege being counted as one of Don’s family members and friends.

He will be lovingly remembered by Sheri and their children and grandchildren: Cara and Nate Zokoe and grandsons Logan, Weston, and Henry; Mark and Liza VanWoerkom and awaited granddaughter; and Alex and Samantha VanWoerkom. Don is also survived by his siblings, Ken (Arlene) VanWoerkom, Glenn (Denise) VanWoerkom, Bonnie (Scott) Speelman, Bill VanWoerkom, Mary (Bob) Kool, and Rick VanWoerkom; parents-in-law, Carroll and Lois Groenenboom; siblings-in-law, Steve (Carla) Groenenboom and Mark (Monica) Groenenboom; and many cherished nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Lois VanWoerkom, and his sister-in-law Shirley VanWoerkom.

Relatives and friends may meet with the family on Thursday, January 6, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4145 Chicago Drive, Grandville, Michigan. The funeral service celebrating Don’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 7, 2022 at Lee Street Christian Reformed Church, 1261 Lee Street SW, Wyoming, Michigan. Pastor and friend Kent Rottman will be officiating. The service can also be viewed virtually at https://youtu.be/I47qzzK3zyY. Memorial contributions may be made to Grand Rapids Christian Student Support Services or Grandville Calvin Christian Student Support Services.

Visitation
Thursday, January 6
2:00pm - 4:00pm

MKD - Grandville
4145 Chicago Dr. SW
Grandville, MI 49418
Get Directions

Phone: (616) 534-8656

Visitation
Thursday, January 6
6:00pm - 8:00pm

MKD - Grandville
4145 Chicago Dr. SW
Grandville, MI 49418
Get Directions

Phone: (616) 534-8656

Funeral Service
Friday, January 7
11:00am

Lee St. Church
1261 Lee St.
Wyoming, MI 49509
Get Directions

Leave Your Tribute Message

January 06, 2022 10:20pm
Sheri, Cara, Mark, Alex and the entire Van Woerkom. I wanted to send my condolences and say that I am so sorry we couldn't work out the logistics so I could attend Don's service with Ken. Know you are all in my prayers and I will be watching the service online. Sending you all hugs.

- Arlene A Van Woerkom

January 06, 2022 4:24pm
Sheri and and family, Eddi and I are not able to make the visitation. We will livestream tomorrow. Just know of our love for all of you. My dad will be joining Don soon in Jesus arms. We are so thankful for your visits to dad. You and our small group from years ago are still so special to Eddi and I. We love you all and pray continuously. Tom and Eddi

- Tom Hofstra

January 05, 2022 10:28am
Rest in Peace in God's love! Your courage inspires all of us. You will be missed and remembered! May God give strength to your family and loved ones during this difficult time and days and years to come.

- Sue Franz

January 04, 2022 11:13am
Sheri, Cara, Mark & Alex -- my heart goes out to you. Worked with Don for over 30 years at Gentex. Thoughts and prayers are with you for the coming days, months and years. No more pain. Rest in peace, buddy!

- Beth Diekevers

January 03, 2022 3:55pm
My heartfelt condolences to the Van Woerkom family on the passing of Don, my good friend and neighbor. Don's faith inspired me and many others. I cherish my last visit with Don the week of Christmas. He told me that he enjoyed the chili that I made for him, making me feel so good inside. He always had a way to make others feel good. A more positive and upbeat person I have never met. Don is now pain free and with Jesus, God Bless Sheri and Don's family. -Joe Seidl

- Joe Seidl

January 03, 2022 2:13pm
Goodness. through and through. Even in high school we knew Don was a special kind of person. Never a mean word. Always made a person feel loved. Then I was blessed to marry into the same family as him and I got to share life with him, watch him cherish his Sheri and kids, and even Steve and my kids! Even before he was ill we would sit and marvel over the kindness of Uncle Don. He was a quiet giver, as so many know. I have said this a few times lately, but now I cherish the memory of his bright and happy face as he carried in a platter of grilled meat to feed us all AGAIN, and how over-the -moon thrilled he was at Kirk and Kelly’s wedding as we watched our kids have fun together and as we looked forward to more weddings in the fam. This doesn’t make sense, but we accept with hope and faith and await the day when we will see Don’s smile again, free of pain forever. Love you and thank you, Don! Your SIL, Carla

- Carla Groenenboom




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