Jack J. Alberts

Dr. Jack J. Alberts, DDS, age 96, died peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family and went home to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Alberts; mother, Esther V. (VanEck) Ek; brother, David Alberts; and two great-grandchildren, Swan Groom and Mason Gonzalez.

He is survived by his beloved wife Joan, of 50 years; children, Cynthia Alberts, Karen (Ed) Thauer, Susan (Jed) Groom, John (Jacoba) Alberts, Judith (Eric) Burnham, Mike (Donna) Crooks, Steve (Tara) Crooks, and Laura (Simon) DenHartigh; 14 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; and his brother, Jim Ek.

Jack served in the U.S. Army Air Corps and then went to the University of Michigan (Go Blue!) and graduated in 1955. He earned his doctorate in dentistry and opened his practice in Wyoming, Michigan, where he faithfully served his patients for 35 years.

He was always known for his love of God, cheerful disposition, servant heart, hard work, and generosity to those in need. He served in any capacity needed in his church and served for many years at Degage Ministries. After retirement, Jack and Jo traveled to Haiti for many years and did dental work for the needy of that country. These barely scratch the surface of the good he did.

Jack loved Joan dearly and they enjoyed a lot of fun together. Traveling, square dancing, bible studies, serving together, hosting friends and getting everyone they knew to play pool volleyball. They walked the Mackinac Bridge every year and loved to pick fruit together. He was known for his great whistling, his love of good jokes and great comics and getting Joan to make his favorite dishes.

He had no interest in luxuries, but found joy in simple pleasures, the sound of Joan singing hymns in the morning, a great cup of coffee, a beautiful garden, a lovely walk, a gorgeous vista.

He was devoted to all his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always trying to make gatherings fun and special, creating beautiful memories with all of them and always willing to step in with guidance and help in any trouble. He was held in highest esteem by all his children and leaves a lasting legacy. He will be greatly missed by all his family along with many dear friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 27, at 11 a.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW with Haiti Missionaries Larry and Diana Owen officiating. The burial will take place at Grandville Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Saturday from 10-11 a.m. at the funeral home prior to the service. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Corewell Health Hospice and Palliative Care.