Family owned and operated for over 85 years.
Harold Grifhorst, age 97, of Grand Rapids, went to be with his Lord Jesus Christ on Sunday, May 15, 2016. As a young man, he was involved in scouting and attained the status of Eagle Scout. He proudly served his country during WWII and received the Purple Heart for his injuries. As a businessman, he started Rollaway Movers, Inc. Harold used his gifts and talents for several church and mission projects. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 50 years, Gertrude; grandson, Mark; daughters-in-law, Fran Grifhorst and Jean Grifhorst. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 24 years, Eleanor; children, Ed and Kathi Grifhorst, Steve and Mabel Grifhorst, Judy and Jim Smith, Dave and Ellen Grifhorst, Tim and Judy Grifhorst; 28 grandchildren; 65 great grandchildren; 6 great-great grandchildren; step children, Phyllis and Ron Dolislager, Ronald and Bev Porter, Charles and Gayla Porter, Darcia and Brad Kelley; 12 step grandchildren; many step great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday 11 am at Grand Valley Baptist Church, O-3186 River Hill Dr., Grand Rapids, with Pastor Cliff Owens officiating. Interment Rosedale Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet the family Tuesday from 5-8:30 pm at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to Pine Ridge Bible Camp.
Leave Your Tribute Message
May 20, 2016 3:55am
My sympathies to the Grifhorst family and my Grandma.
- Fred and Sue Dolislager
May 18, 2016 12:31pm
So sorry for the family of Uncle Harold, he was a very nice and kind man.
- Howard, Jr. & Carol Grifhorst
May 18, 2016 7:11am
My sympathies to the Grifhorst family.
- Linda Kort-Hovey
May 17, 2016 1:22pm
On behalf of American House we want to convey our deepest sympathy to you in the loss of your Husband/Father. We want to thank you for the privilege of caring for him at Cherrywood Manor. May God bless and comfort you as you grieve.
- Julie Ann Mesman
May 17, 2016 8:48am
Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Harold, I know he was a wonderful man...because his children and grandchildren are all kind, caring, wonderful people. My deepest sympathy to all of the Grifhorst family, especially my dear cousins Tim and Judy and family.
- Susan Bowersox
May 17, 2016 7:42am
My deepest sympathy to the Grifhorst family. Your parents were among the first clients of mine back in 1989. I believe they were referred to me by Ken Jipping. I enjoyed your father immensely and still think of his Christian nature and generosity every time I enter a certain Ace Hardware or pass a certain home in Grandville.
- Jack A. Vande Bunte
May 17, 2016 3:59am
My sympathies and condolences to Kevin Grifhorst and all the family. I always enjoyed inspecting camp and listening to the stories of the early days. God Bless you all.
- Mike Larabel
May 17, 2016 3:47am
My heartfelt condolences to the while Grifhorst family. What a great man of God to lead the family in His ways.
- Bonnie (Meerman) Esther
May 16, 2016 2:16pm
John and I are sorry for your loss. But what a long life and what a legacy to leave behind in the strength of his family.
- Leslie Anne Wood
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