Gerald “Gerry” Vellenga

Gerald P. “Gerry” Vellenga, aged 91 of Grand Rapids, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, August 6, 2016. He was preceded in death by his son, Calvin; brothers, Jay, Peter and Joe; and sister, Marie Merritt. He is survived by children, Curtis (Donna) Vellenga, Keith (Mary) Vellenga, Julie (Jack) Bos; grandchildren, Kate Vellenga Meriwether and Stephen Pavelko, Ashley Vellenga, Kyle and Elizabeth Vellenga, Conor Vellenga, Jessica and Ryan Ogle, Jacqueline Bos; three great-grandchildren; sister, Pat (Ken) Walcott, brother-in-law, Joe Merritt; sisters-in-law, Leona Vellenga, Marilyn Vellenga, Loretta Vellenga; many nieces and nephews. He proudly served his country in the US Navy during WWII. Gerry enjoyed his career in the car business from owning a dealership with his brother to being the top sales person in many dealerships and retiring from Harvey Cadillac at the age of 80. His greatest joy was studying the scriptures and sharing his faith with others. Members of the family will receive relatives and friends Thursday from 6-8 pm at the Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Chapel (Kentwood), 4646 Kalamazoo SE. Funeral services for Gerry will be held Friday at 11:00 am at American Reformed Church, 3179 – 68^th St. SE with Rev. Ken Kok officiating. Interment in Washington Park Cemetery. The family requests that donations be made to American Reformed Church General Fund.  “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” 1 Cor. 13:12 (ESV)