Obituary

Remembering George Berends

George Irwin Berends, age 82, of Grand Rapids, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, July 19, 2016.  George served as a missionary in Brazil.  After returning to the U.S., he helped establish NorthPointe Christian Schools. He also worked at Custom Music.  In his retirement, he ministered with New Creations Prison Ministries. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife and best friend, Joy; children and grandchildren, Steve and Kathie Berends (Tricia, Joshua, Seth), Sharon and Brad Possehl (Andrew, Daniel, Kate, David), Sheryl and Tim Kuzimicz (Laura, Jenna); brother, Eugene and Eileen Berends; sisters-in-law, Joan Berends, and Gloria Meyer; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Friday, July 22, at 11 AM in the Prayer Chapel at Grand Rapids First Church, 2100 44th St SW, Wyoming.  Relatives and friends may meet the family Thursday, July 21, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Drive SW.  Memorial contributions may be made to NorthPointe Christian Schools.

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August 01, 2016 12:02pm

Praying for comfort for all his family, and thankful for some of the precious and fun memories of outings to the Nautico Club and beach/dunes, and things like pool wrestling matches and harem scarem- thanks for the "dad" away from dad time he gave. Thanks for sharing him with us Berends family!

— Brent and Jocelyn Lewis

July 29, 2016 11:11am

We long for one more day Dad, to hold your hand, to share your laughter, to listen to your wisdom, to sing with you, and to hear your voice. You loved us for so long and you did it so well. What a gift to be your daughter and in this family. Our hearts are broken, but soon we will be together again. ~All my love

— Sheryl Berends Kuzmicz

July 29, 2016 10:04am

Our condolences on George's passing. We feel bad that we were out of the country and unable to attend his visitation. God used George in a mighty way while he was on this earth. I very much enjoyed working for George when he was the Executive Director of GR Baptist Academy. He will be missed.

— Tom TenBrink

July 24, 2016 1:35pm

Praying for comfort for the family. What a wonderful man of God and a fabulous uncle! I look forward to seeing him again soon in Eternity!

— Joy Berends

July 22, 2016 4:15pm

I am very saddened by this news, but am so thankful that we will see Uncle George again. Uncle George was a great man and will be missed. Aunt Joy I am praying for you and your family. You and Uncle George have always meant so much to me. Love you, Andrew and family

— Andrew Lind

July 22, 2016 9:18am

Steve, Sharon and Cheryl, Judy and I just heard that your Dad left for heaven. We will be praying for your families during this tough time. Your Dad gave me great advise a number of times.

— Mark & Judy Miller

July 22, 2016 7:13am

Joy, we just saw the news about George (11 a.m.) We send our sympathy and love to you and the family. We certainly would have been there last night if we had known. Rolf gave a big moan when I told him. He thought very highly of George, as well as I. With our prayers -

— Rolf/Bobbi Beerhorst

July 22, 2016 4:50am

Peace to all: George sang in a male quartet with us from Lee High School and we met at the Berends home. Ah, great times. So thankful for his accomplishments for Jesus. . 3Jo2 Yvonne and Al ... BytworkAJ.4t.com

— al bytwork

July 22, 2016 3:03am

Steve, Sharon and Cheryl - so sorry for the loss of your dad. It's been 12 years since my dad passed and I know it's not easy. Praying that you will feel God's comfort and that you will be able to support your mom as she grieves.

— Suzanne Potter Fedewa

July 21, 2016 9:36pm

Love and prayers for Aunt Joy and this very special family. I'm so thankful for Uncle George's influence in my life in my teens years as a FA student! He was a very wise, positive, caring and godly man. He will be always in my heart but also in many others, for he left us a legacy. Vera Pinho Stolze

— Vera Pinho Stolze

July 21, 2016 3:33pm

A good friend is a treasure, and we found that treasure 49 years ago when we met George and Joy Berends. George's enthusiasm for the Fortaleza Academy and Brazil was infectious. His life was a wonderful testimony of his sincere love for Jesus Christ, his love for Joy and all his family, and his passion for lost men and women. His joyful spirit encouraged all who crossed his path. We are grateful for the legacy George leaves us. Our prayers are with Joy and all the family.

— David and Ann Lind

July 21, 2016 1:17pm

"Uncle" George was one of the best examples of a Godly man that I have ever seen. His love for God and compassion for man was such a great witness for all to witness. He was a great husband, father and friend. God welcomed a great man into Heaven. Sending prayers of comfort for the family. He will always be in your heart..

— Lynea, Robert and Mark D'Angelo

July 21, 2016 7:53am

While we sorrow not as those who have no hope, we are saddened at the separation of families, but happy that there will be a glad reunion day. George was a great and wonderful man, friend, professional and christian, Praying for you, family. Thank you for being a part of our family.

— Russell and Judy Gordon

July 21, 2016 7:12am

My deepest sympathies to Aunt Joy and three children (& grandkids). Fondest memories of being at FA, and having Uncle George as my 5th & 6th grade teacher. Love & prayers.

— Judi Forbes Paularinne

July 21, 2016 6:44am

Praying for Aunt Joy and the family. I was at Fortaleza Acdemy as a student in the early 1970's, when the Berends family served at FA. Great memories. Abraços.

— Martha Cooper McMahan

July 20, 2016 7:00pm

The Baptist Mid-Missions family acknowledges his devoted ministry to MKs and Brazilians during he and Joy's years in Brazil. He/they made a contribution for the LORD in the lives of many that will endure for time and eternity. Our prayers are with you all at this time.

— K. William and Nanette Mosher

July 20, 2016 12:13pm

Our love and prayers for a special family.

— Bill and Dorothy Kettlewell

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