Herman Zylstra, age 92, left this life on December 10, 2019 and now basks in God’s presence free of the pain and frailty through which he lived in recent years. Herm was born May 24, 1927. He lived his entire life in the Grand Rapids area where he and his wife of 69 years, Joan (Wiersma), raised their four daughters. Herm was known for his upbeat personality, jokes (which he retold on a regular basis) and his ability to convey friendship and hospitality with nearly everyone he encountered. His Christian faith and service to others were the foundation of his life. Herm served as an Elder and Deacon in the congregations of which he was a member and contributed to the community as a volunteer at Guiding Light Mission and DeGage’ Ministries among others. He served his country in the U.S. Army at the end of World War II and worked as a salesman throughout his career. Those who mourn his loss and will miss him include his wife, Joan; his daughters and sons-in-law, Jan and Lowell (Scott) Demarest; Laurie and Tom Vander Kodde; Beth and Ed Vander Ploeg; and Paula and Tom Huyser along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends and acquaintances whom he loved dearly. Family will greet visitors at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Avenue SE, Kentwood 49508 on Monday, December 16 from 9:30-11:30 AM with Herm’s funeral and celebration of life at 11:30 am with Rev. Brian White officiating. A luncheon to follow. Interment Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Guiding Light Mission or the Christian School of your choice.

Leave Your Tribute Message

December 28, 2019 6:55am
My Uncle Herm and Aunt Jo were the Master and Mistress of Ceremonies at Terry's and my wedding 54 years ago. We unexpectedly crossed paths in San Antonio, where we were visiting the same museum at the same time. Both were so lively. I want to extend my sympathy to Aunt Jo and the four daughters. May you experience the comforting presence of God as you grieve. Ruth Hager, Claremont CA

- Ruth Hager

December 17, 2019 4:53am
Mr. Zylstra was a frequent visitor to my court in Wyoming. He would sit in the back of the court room and watch cases. After everyone left I would ask him how I did that morning and he would always say "great" then walk up to the bench and tell us a joke. Godspeed Herman, it was a pleasure knowing you.

- Hon. Pablo Cortes

December 16, 2019 10:07am
Dear Aunt Jo & clan, Missing Uncle Herm will hit me squarely when I'm by to visit in May & June. Yet, I'm smiling. Now the heavenly multitude have someone to keep them in ACTION --no more sitting around for long periods of, um, eternity. Uncle Herm puts hustle into holy.

- Mark Wiersma

December 16, 2019 8:07am
Gail and I want to express our deepest sympathies and condolences to Aunt Jo and the whole family. We learned of Uncle Herm's passing over the weekend and were not able to get to GR for the visitation this morning.

- JIM WIERSMA

December 13, 2019 1:38pm
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your loved one. Resting in the arms of Jesus....

- Dorothe Rhodes

December 13, 2019 5:02am
Uncle. Herm was an amazing family member to have had. He was so loving and kind and I loved sitting and chatting with him. I hope he enjoys heaven with my grandparents.

- Amanda Streyle-Slagter

December 12, 2019 4:13pm
Uncle Herm was a special guy. Those jokes, his hallmark. We loved him dearly and eagerly anticipate enjoying our Savior together in eternity. We send sincere condolences, across the miles that separate us, to Aunt Jo and kids/grands/great-grands <3

- Scott - Ellen Korthuis, Lynden WA

December 12, 2019 6:42am
Thinking about your family while you celebrate the life of a very special man. He will be greatly missed.

- Debra Clemens

December 12, 2019 4:22am
It was a real blessing to be able to say Good-bye to Grandpa on Monday night 12.9.19.

- Jason Vander Kodde




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