Obituary

Remembering Esiquiel “Zeke” Cardenas

Esiquiel “Zeke” L. Cardenas, age 75, of Grandville, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, February 26, 2021. Zeke served his country in the Army in Vietnam. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rosalie Loredo Wilcox and Miguel Cardenas; brother, Miguel Cardenas Jr.; and his former wife, Kathleen. Surviving are his children, Kelly and Jose Rodriguez, Melissa and Lupe Rivera, Jennifer and Edwin Cook, Christina Ellis, Esiquiel M. Cardenas, Anita and CJ Cardenas-Craigmiles, Kathleen P. Cardenas; 13 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sisters, Guadalupe and Mike Krieger, San Juanita Meyers, Berta Ramirez, Rita and Doug Buck, Bernie Gonzales, Mary and Orlando Castaneda, Rene and Martha Cardenas, Raul Cardenas, Felipe and Tomasa Cardenas; and several nieces and nephews. A private family service will be held on Thursday, March 4, 2021, at 1 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW., with Rev. David Brower officiating. The service will be live streamed and can be viewed on the funeral home website by clicking on the live streams and recordings tab. Relatives and friends may meet the family Wednesday, March 3, from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the National Organization for Rare Disorders.

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How time has pasted by sense we first met at Inland Fisher Guide. I don't know how many in your family even know that for a short time you would meet with me and a small group for a Wednesday night bible study. And at times we would talk about the Lord and how he was working in our lives. I take a lot of comfort in knowing that you are in his presents now. And in his Grace.

— Dave Thurkettle

Uncle Zeke, It is hard to believe you are gone, but I know your no longer suffering. I have always loved to share your stories, how you ran into a burning home and saved the family inside, or how you saved a swimmer from drowning. You are a true hero! However, my favorite story is the "spanking" story. Not sure if Kelly or Missy remembers the naughty thing, we did that day, but I do. LOL. You will always be in my heart! Give my dad and brother a hug for me. Until we meet again.

— Tracey Beattie

My mom was Ramona me Robert. Every mealtime at Railside, Zeke and mom, shared a table..along with their food. When mom came to Railside she had just lost her husband of 50 years and was not able to live alone in the home she so loved. She was very sad. Wonderful Zeke helped her smile and laugh again. I can’t even express what that meant to me and my siblings. Zeke, you were an amazing one of a kind guy. You will forever be loved. Your presence will forever be missed. So from our family...see you later alligator...after while crocodile...mom and Zeke will continue this conversation...

— Cindy Welsh

My mom was Ramona Robert. Every mealtime at Railside, Zeke and mom, shared a table..along with their food. When mom came to Railside she had just lost her husband of 50 years and was not able to live alone in the home she so loved. She was very sad. Wonderful Zeke helped her smile and laugh again. I can’t even express what that meant to me and my siblings. Zeke, you were an amazing one of a kind guy. You will forever be loved. Your presence will forever be missed. So from our family...see you later alligator...after while crocodile...mom and Zeke will continue this conversation...

— Cindy Welsh

Zeke, I am going to miss you so much! It is so hard to have you leave me, but we will be together again someday. You are not suffering and struggling anymore with this horrible STIFF PERSON SYNDROME DISEASE. I love you so much and always will!

— Gloria Vegter

I was glad we were able to zoom on Wed. not knowing it was was for the last time i would see you. My heart is broken right now, but i will see you again brother. Then we can play marbles again, listen to mexican music and motown. Love and miss you hermanito. Lupe

— Lupe Krieger

Rest in peace, Zeke. You will be missed. Our hearts go out to your family.

— Maggie Hart Salois

Zeke, you put up a great battle here on Earth. Until we meet again, enjoy your heavenly home. Wonderful memories in our hearts forever. ❤️🙏

— Patti Agers Atkinson

Ecclesiastes 12:7 Living Bible 7 "Then the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it." 2 Corinthians 5:8 New Living Translation 8 "Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord." 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Christian Standard Bible The Comfort of Christ’s Coming 13 "We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. 15 For we say this to you by a word from the Lord: We who are still alive at the Lord’s coming will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are still alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words." Zeke, though we didn't get to know each other more than what we did, I'm glad for the time we did spend together. You are still my oldest big brother and no distance can change that between us. May the Lord bless you and receive you into His eternal glory and protect and bless your family. I love you big brother. Grace and peace to your family until we see each other in the clouds when our Savior returns.

— Felipe Cardenas

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