Martin Prins

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Martin Prins, age 92, of Jenison, passed into the arms of his loving Savior, Jesus Christ on Monday, May 15, 2023. He was preceded in death by his wife Marlene, who passed away five weeks ago, and was joined in heaven by his granddaughter, Stephanie Sanford just two days later. Mart was also preceded in death by his brothers and sister, Jeannette (Jan) Faber, Hank (Trace) Prins, Gerrit Prins, Harry Prins and Arnie (Harriet) Prins; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Joan (Bob) O’Hara. He will be lovingly remembered and missed by his children, Mike and Sue Prins, Doug and Kerry Prins, Beth and Joe Yoskovich, Laurie Takens, Amy and Mike Rundhaug; grandchildren, Taylor (Jackie) Prins, Ginger (Pete) Herman, Jacob Cerda, Lonny Sanford, Abby (Mark) Devich, Rachel Yoskovich, Hannah (Phong) Le, Josh (Alicia) Takens, Alison (Austin) Westhuis, Whitney (Joe) Ritsema, Micaela Rundhaug, Jordan Rundhaug; great-grandchildren, Eli and McKenna Prins, Cora Sanford, Henry Devich, Ayla Braun, Kolson Stacy, Porter and Malia Westhuis, Brynley and Grady Ritsema; sisters-in-law, Winnie Prins and Lorraine Prins; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Phil (Vange) VanHuesen; along with many nieces and nephews. Mart came to the United States from the Netherlands when he was 17 and shortly thereafter, he served in the Korean War from 1951-1953. He and Marlene married on June 14, 1956 and immediately started a family. Mart was a barber for his entire life, still cutting hair until suffering a stroke when he was 83. He ministered to so many people while in his chair, sharing his faith openly and unashamed. He would even share his faith while taking his daily walks. He and Marlene spent many years singing in the choir at Calvary Church where they were members for many years. His kids and grandkids remember his long-winded prayers before dinner, which we now all appreciate. He and Marlene were prayer warriors, lifting each and every family member up daily in prayer. He was active his entire life running, rollerblading, biking, playing racquetball and pickleball. He and Marlene traveled in their later years and one of his favorites was taking Marlene back to the Netherlands to show her where he grew up. He lovingly cared for her as her dementia worsened. The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Sunset Manor where both their parents were so lovingly cared for - we love and appreciate each and every one of you. A Celebration of Life for both Mart and Marlene will be held Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 11:30 am at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. Relatives and friends may meet the family from 10:00 - 11:30 am prior to the service. Private family burial and graveside after. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Right to Life of Grand Rapids, 2340 Porter St SW, Wyoming, MI 49519.