Gerald Mulder

July 10, 1938 ~
December 14, 2020

Gerald (Jerry) Dale Mulder, age 82, of Jenison passed into the arms of Jesus on Monday, December 14, 2020. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Fanny Mulder; an infant son; and a brother, Harry Mulder. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 56 years, Karen; his son, Kelly (Astra) Mulder; grandchildren, Krew and Aiva Mulder; sisters Ethel (Louis) Wallinga, Ruth Rotman; brothers, Rev. Bernard (Vieve) Mulder, Roger (Gerry) Mulder; sisters-in-law, Ethel Mulder, Barbara Roberts, Beth Roberts; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Jerry was a caring, warm, loving husband, father, and grandfather. He received his social work degree from MSU and his PhD from the College of the Holy Cross. Jerry spent the majority of his career as a social worker with Jenison Public Schools. Jerry had a special gift for looking at a student and knew there was something troubling them. He saved, inspired and improved many student’s lives. He was also a sports enthusiast and was dedicated to cheering on the underdog including MSU, the Lions, and Tigers. He enjoyed playing baseball for Calvin College, skiing in Colorado, and golfing at least once a week. Jerry was deeply committed to the Lord and his church, Fellowship Reformed Church, where he served as a an elder and led a men’s bible study group. He was a volunteer therapist for Love, Inc. and lived out his Christian faith by example. A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 18, 11 am at Fellowship Reformed Church, 6610 36th Ave., Hudsonville (please use door D), with Pastor Shawn Hulst officiating. Burial Georgetown Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm, and one hour prior to the service on Friday at Fellowship Reformed Church. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Love, Inc. or a charity of one’s choice.

Visitation
Thursday, December 17
2:00pm - 4:00pm

Fellowship Church
6610 36th Ave.
Hudsonville, MI 49426
Get Directions

Visitation
Thursday, December 17
6:00pm - 8:00pm

Fellowship Church
6610 36th Ave.
Hudsonville, MI 49426
Get Directions

Visitation
Friday, December 18
10:00am - 11:00am

Funeral Service
Friday, December 18
11:00am

Fellowship Church
6610 36th Ave.
Hudsonville, MI 49426
Get Directions

Leave Your Tribute Message

January 11, 2022 4:08am
Jerry was a deeply insightful, compassionate and fun-loving friend and therapist to me over 18 years. I experienced unconditional love for the first time in my life with him and his gift of humor was priceless in defanging my traumatic family. When I told him mom often told us little (5) kids, "You kids are driving me crazy" sometimes fake calling the police on the rotary phone and once dropping us off in an apple orchard in Alpine to scare us. He quipped, "Sounds like it was a short drive." I loved that about him! He could really understand and pull you up from your knees to deal with life and put things in perspective. And we shared a passion for children. He loved being a grandpa and his heart was his home, family and the many friends he made with those sparkling eyes and ready grin.

- Barbara Cote

December 19, 2020 8:02am
Karen and Kelly, My deepest sympathies to you both. I had the privilege to work with Jerry at JPS at the High School for 14 years. The wisdom, love and care he gave was truly a gift to us all. In my role working with the special needs students he provided me with guidance to best serve their needs. He will be held in so many hearts and his lessons will live on. Connie VanBelois

- Connie VanBelois

December 18, 2020 10:59am
Chad is blessed with adhd and aspergers syndrome. He was one of Jerry's special kids, they were buddies all the way through school at JPS. Jerry did amazing things for Chad's mental well being. We will always treasure the blessing Jerry was in our lives during many challenging years. Chad is a highly functioning adult today in part because of Jerry's friendship. Thank you for sharing him with us. Prayers and condolences to you, we are heartbroken. Chad and mom

- Deb and Chad Prinz

December 16, 2020 1:44pm
Mr. Mulder always made you feel better with a kind word and a smile. Mrs. Mulder & Kelly he loved you both very much and often talked how proud he was of you. May you find comfort knowing he's with Jesus and cling to all the memories you all shared together. I am lifting you in my prayers. Angie Phillips

- Angie Phillips

December 15, 2020 11:45pm
Jerry was always a person that brightened your day no matter what. Heaven gained a gem of a man pray ers for the family

- Donna Faber

December 15, 2020 7:14pm
Dear Mulder Family, My deepest sympathy to you on the loss of a tremendous and gifted person. Jerry was the sole reason I was able to cope with my father’s death 40 years ago. I was 11 years old and in a very bad place. Life was passing me by and I was missing out on all life had to offer. It was after many counseling sessions with Jerry that I was finally able to move in the right direction. I ran into him many years later and told him just how much he meant to me, but I cannot say enough about his caring and giving heart. I will be forever grateful to him for his expertise and ministry afforded me. God bless all of you!

- Rick VandenBerg

December 15, 2020 2:27pm
Karen and Kelly - May the God of creation comfort you at this time as you say goodbye to your husband, father and friend, he was a man who loved to play outdoors, always quick with a smile and a positive word; he will be missed! Love, Melanie and Steve

- Melanie Karr

December 15, 2020 10:10am
Jerry, a genuine, giving man. It was an honor and privilege working with Jerry at Jenison Public Schools for seventeen wonderful years. My deepest condolences to Karen and Jerry's family.

- Doug Grossa

December 14, 2020 9:53pm
Our sincere sympathy and condolences!

- Kris and Irina




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Floral arrangements provided by Love Knots Floral.