Frederick Butterworth

Frederick Martin Butterworth, age 91, was called Home on October 28, 2024, surrounded by family. Fred started his adulthood entering the United States Army at 17 where he served his beloved United States for 9+ years, lastly as Supply Sergeant. He deployed twice to the Korean War. His loyalty to the US and its red, white, and blue flag colors were a testament to Fred’s dedicated and responsible nature and flying those colors was always important to him. Once back home in Grand Rapids he made a lot of acquaintances as a grocery delivery truck driver at Spartan Stores for almost 30 years. Most, if not all of those acquaintances soon became friends as Fred’s personality was engaging, genuine, and fun-loving. He worked hard, loved his family fiercely but quietly, and also the people he interacted with using the same dedication and fortitude he gave to most everything he did. During retirement, Fred spent most of his time working on many different classic cars, campers, boats, helping his friends and family with all kinds of projects, and wintering in Florida with his wife Gladys. He was gifted and talented at repairing many different things. Besides his parents, Fred was preceded in death by his twin sister, Shirley Little; brothers-in-law, Carl Haveman and Ed Vandyke; son-in-law, Jon Burman; and grandson, Joshua Butterworth. Fred is survived by his wife of 62 years, Gladys Butterworth; daughters, Donna (Randy) Osborne, Debra (Scott) Boer, Diane (Rick) VanderWest, Darlene Burman; son, Doug (Michelle) Butterworth; his many grandchildren: Kevin VanderWest, Ryan (Ashley) Boer, Brandon (Rachel) VanderWest, Malyn (Keith) Heyboer, Erika (Jason) Van Hoven, Elle (Bryan) Powell, Mitch VanderWest, Jordon Burman, Kalee (Tim) Isenga, Jon Burman (fiancee' Ryleigh Beute), Kassie Butterworth, Krystal (Zack) Deemter, Coleton Butterworth;  11 great-grandchildren; sister, Deloris Thiebout; sisters-in-law, Geneva VanLoo, Mina Haveman, Shirley VanDyke; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Monday, November 4, 2024 at Baldwin Street CRC, 2101 Baldwin St., Jenison with Pastor Don VanSlyke officiating. Burial will take place at Georgetown Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the family Sunday, November 3, from 3-6 pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW and on Monday from 10-10:45 am at church prior to the service. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Harbor House Ministries. 

Service Livestream Link: https://www.youtube.com/live/6YUDFtDX1Zw