Gerrit Zylstra, age 86, of Grandville, Michigan, was called to his heavenly home on Sunday, November 1, 2026. 

He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Scott (Anna) Zylstra, Norman (Mindi) Zylstra, Shonna (Jeff) Geels, Ann (Chuck) Pawloski; grandchildren, Nathan (Naomi) Zylstra, Alayna Zylstra, Isaac Zylstra, Jessica Zylstra, Brandon (Sarah) Geels, Kaylee (Dilan) Moss, Carissa (Damon) Groen, Justin (Ella) Geels, Jaron (Ellie) Geels, Luke Pawloski, Noah Pawloski, Sarah Pawloski; great-grandchildren; siblings, Grace Albers, Dirk Zylstra, Uko (Jane) Zylstra; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Norman (Char) Prins, Jenine Bird; special cousin-in-law, Fran Hekstra; nieces and nephews. He was a proud and loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle. Gerrit was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Carol; parents, Peter and Trijntje; brothers, Wilbur, Roger and Bernard; sisters, Louise Dupon and Ann Postma; special cousin, Fred Hekstra; and several in-laws. 

Gerrit was born on September 19, 1940, in the city of Dokkum, The Netherlands, to Peter and Trijntje Zylstra. He, along with his family, immigrated to Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1948. Gerrit graduated from South Christian High School and studied at Calvin College where he met his wife, Carol. Gerrit and Carol were business partners for over twenty years in the building and operation of the Somerset Group Assisted Living Homes. Gerrit explored 67 countries across six continents, often with Carol by his side. From quiet back roads to bustling cities, he collected a rich mosaic of experiences, lifelong friendships, and remarkable adventures along the way. He cherished bringing those stories home—sharing with family and friends the unforgettable tales of the places he’d seen and the people he’d met. His generosity, kindness and love will be greatly missed by those who knew him.

Family and friends are invited to visit with the family on Friday, November 6, from 4-8 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4145 Chicago Drive SW, Grandville, MI. A private family graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 7, at Grandville Cemetery, followed by a private gathering for immediate family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Gerrit’s memory to Faith Hospice.