Richard and Janice Verkerke

Richard Jack Verkerke, 64, and his wife Janice Lennae Verkerke, 59, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 22, 2017. They were both born in Grand Rapids, grew up in the same neighborhood on Campau Lake and graduated from Caledonia High School. They married March 17, 1979 and left this world as they had been for the last 37 years – together. Rich served four years in the U.S. Army and was a proud member of Teamsters, Local 406, driving trucks more than 20 years for Grand Rapids Gravel. Jan worked at Thornapple Insurance. But more than anything, they were supportive and loving parents to Monica and Jennifer and doting and devoted grandparents to Ryan. Affectionately known to their families and friends as Roy and Stella, they were the rock of their family. Their presence alone provided comfort and joy. They were generous, quick to dispense hugs and ended every conversation with “I love you”. They are survived by their daughters, Monica (Josh) Rohs and Jennifer (Brandon) Duprey; their grandson, Ryan Jack Duprey; Rich’s mother, Eleanor Shimmel; his sister, Sandra VeenKamp and her children; Jan’s mother, Shirley Burd; and her sister, Debra Burd. Preceding them in death are Rich’s father, Jack Verkerke; Jan’s father, James Burd; and her brother, Ricky Burd. The family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. at Community of Christ Church, 8146 68^th St. SE, Alto, MI with funeral services following at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Alaska Cemetery.