Gerrit   Docter

Gerrit Docter, age 89, of Bauer, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, October 3, 2014.  He was born April 18, 1925 in Doornspyk, The Netherlands where he grew up.  During the German occupation, he was called to go into military service by the Germans in 1943.  He was able to hide himself for two years on a farm.  While in hiding, he became acquainted with the farmer’s daughter.  They were married July 8, 1948 and immigrated to the United States.  They lived in Fremont, MI for 9 years before settling in Byron Center for 35 years.  Finally in 1999 they moved to Bauer where they became members of Bauer Christian Reformed Church.  He was preceded in death by his daughter, Aleida “Lia” Oosterbaan and his brother, Henry “Hank” Docter.  He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 66 years, Grada “Dien”; their children, Cobie and Bob Wagner, Grada “Ada” and Steve Groen, Arend “Arie” and Nancy Docter; son-in-law, Dale and Linda Oosterbaan; 13 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; brothers, Bill and Tena Docter, Ben and Hermina Docter; sisters-in-law, Hennie and Harley Schmidtke, Riek Wisman, Wilhelmina and Wim Koskamp; several nieces and nephews.  A memorial service will be held on Monday 7 pm at Bauer Christian Reformed Church, 4958 Bauer Rd, Hudsonville.  Interment Blendon Township Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to Holland’s Right to Life.