Gertie VanOostendorp

Gertie A. VanOostendorp, age 96, of Kentwood, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, February 6, 2016. She was preceded in death by her husband, John, daughter-in-law, Mary VanOostendorp, sister, Agnes Maintz. She will be greatly missed by her sons: Jack, Doug, “daughter” Debbie (Randy) Brewer; grandchildren: Aneke (Ben) vanBaal, John (Sarah) VanOostendorp V, Paula (Tyson) Hoekstra; great-grandchildren: Andrew, Kiersten, Kourtney, and Daniel vanBaal, Breigh VanOostendorp, Caleb and great grandson-to-be Hoekstra on the way. Funeral services for Gertie will be held on Tuesday, February 9, 11:00 am at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave., SE, Kentwood with Rev. Peter TeWinkle officiating. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Hope Reformed Church, 2010 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507.

Leave Your Tribute Message

February 10, 2016

My condolences for the family of Ms. Gertie. She was one of my favorite residents! I loved her dearly and looked forward to the time that I got to spend with her. She always had great stories to tell. When I brought my son in to see her she always sang to him in one of the many languages that she knew. She has forever touched my life and I am glad that I was able to provide care for her during this last year. I love you Gertie!

- Breanna Hyde

February 09, 2016

Gertie, you will always be my favorite hairdresser. I remember my Mom, June Keane, having you cut all of our hair as a group. And I always had to have my hair short, and would ask why, and you said that it will grow in thicker if your keep it short, and guess what-I have a lot of hair now, you wise wonderful Lady. I loved your accent. And I remember helping you to shuck peas on your stoop on Lemyra. They don't make great neighbors like you and Jack anymore. Thank you for being a wonderful part of my childhood. Love, Kris Keane Ferguson

- Kris Keane Ferguson

February 08, 2016

John sorry to hear about your mother's passing. She certainly had long productive life. I look back at the days your folks and my in-laws Gladys & Dick Trowbridge were neighbors. It was always fun to watch your dad & Dick play tricks on each other. Always liked the interactions with both families. I don't know that Janet passed away in August of 2014 . Will keep your family in thought and prayers.

- Dennis Klumpp Sr.