Poel, Ross William Ross William Poel, age 30, died of an undetected heart condition on Thursday, March 27, 2014. He is survived by his daughter, Natalie; parents, Bill and Kathy Poel; sister, Emily Poel and Erik Winter of Berlin, Germany; grandmothers, Doris Poel and Carolyn Morren; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Ross graduated from Grandville High School in 2002. He became ensnared in the monstrosity of a severe drug addiction. In 2010 he transformed his life and overcame his addiction to heroin after months of intensive treatment at CMI Abasto in Buenos Aires, Argentina, a unique program combining medical treatment with philosophical coaching. Ross’ dream and desire to help others struggling with addictions led to the creation of the Ross Poel Organization in 2012 (501C-3 nonprofit). His legacy of hope continues – www.rosspoelorganization.com. A Celebration of Ross’ Life will be held Wednesday at 10 AM at Fellowship Christian Reformed Church, 4375 Ivanrest, Grandville. The family will greet friends Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Drive SW. For those who wish to give memorial contributions, please consider the Ross Poel Organization.
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March 26, 2015 10:33am
Bill, Kathy & Emily: I was so saddened to learn yesterday of Ross' passing. However, it must be a great comfort to remember the testimony I heard he gave after his struggles. I still have the blue stained glass angel Bill made that Emily gave me as a gift when I was her Sunday School teacher. Each Christmas when I put it out, I will remember your angel Ross in heaven. May God comfort and give you peace. Our prayers will be with you. Sandy Beyer-Nederveld
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March 26, 2015 10:33am
Dear Bill, Kathy, Emily and the entire Poel family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this unbelievably sad time. Ross was an amazing man who will remain in so many hearts forever. Sending hugs to all of you. Judy Mosterd
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March 26, 2015 10:33am
Dear Poel Family, Please accept our deepest condolences extended to your family. Our heart and so many others breaks with you, and for you! Ross was a light to so many, a flame that shined bright. Doing Gods work and helping those desperately in need. Doing work that many of us couldn't even grasp. His light will continue to shine bright for those who desperately need it. May you find strength in God's hope and be wrapped tightly in His love. We are here for you as a community, and are extremely saddened by the loss of another Bright Soul, far too soon. With love and respect, Jordan Painter and Valerie Painter Valerie Painter
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March 26, 2015 10:33am
Dear Bill and Kathy and family, Mark and I were deeply saddened by the news that we received by e-mail from Fellowship CRC. Both my husband and I have also been touched by a family member with an addiction. My dad, who was a CRC minister, passed away in 1982 from a combination of alcohol and a heart attack (probably brought on by the alcohol). Our family, too, struggled with Dad as he attempted to overcome his addiction. The CRC church, back then, unfortunately had some members who were in the DARK AGES, as far as dealing with addiction was concerned. Dad never lost his faith in God, but he did resign from the ministry, and did lose his life at age 52. Those years were dark and unhappy, but I was told that there was a "big revival in the church" after Dad passed away. I was living in Texas at the time, so I did not actually see much of this. But Mark and I do know that God, in His wisdom, never forgets His sheep, and Ross is now experiencing the "peace that passes all understanding," and living in God's house, where there is no sorrow, no tears, no pain anymore. Marcia Behrens
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March 26, 2015 10:33am
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Poel and family- Ross was a student in my class at GHS, and I remember him as being friendly and respectful, with a quiet sense of humor. I am so very sorry to hear of his untimely passing. My deepest condolences to all of you. Rest in peace, Ross. Amy (VandenBerg) Lomer Amy Lomer
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March 26, 2015 10:33am
I am so terribly sorry for the loss of your beloved son. May our Lord and Savior wrap His loving arms around the Poel family and give you comfort now, and always. Teresa Kastelz
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March 26, 2015 10:33am
Dear Uncle Bill and Aunt Kathy and Emily, Our hearts and love are extended to you at this very difficult time. Just thinking of all the progress Ross had made and how proud we were of him as a family. We are praying for you all. Rest in the Peace of God my dear cousin Ross. Shawn Morren
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March 26, 2015 10:33am
You will be missed ❤ Ashleigh Clous
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March 26, 2015 10:33am
Dear Bill and Kathy, Our Hearts have been heavy hearing of your loss we are so very sorry. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Ross was a great young man. He will be truly be missed. Robert and Roberta Landstra Robert and Roberta Landstra
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March 26, 2015 10:33am
Kathy, Bill, Emily, and Natalie, Sending you my deepest sympathy in this time of loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. Rest in Peace Ross. Stephanie - Cousin Marianne's daughter Stephanie Dantuma
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March 26, 2015 10:33am
Rip sir mark shoemas
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March 26, 2015 10:33am
Kathy, Bill, and Emily My memories are of a terrific Mom bringing a little guy in for health care. He was cute, engaging, and full of life. What an incredible grief for you. But it sounds as if his life has been an inspiration for those who struggle. He inspired chapters of hope for others and today I believe that he is full of life again. Even in the darkness of the day. Ron Hofman
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March 26, 2015 10:33am
Dear Kathy, Bill and Emily We send you our deep sympathy. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May our Lord comfort you and give you His Peace. Charles & MaryLou Lovett
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March 26, 2015 10:33am
I have known Ross since 7th grade and will always remember him. He gave me my first kiss and was a close friend all through high school. I have seen over the years the awesome things God was dong in Ross' life. I have the peace in knowing that he is with The Lord in heaven and I will see him again someday. Ross was a living testimony to the grace and mercy that our loving God gives to all who ask and surrender their lives to serve Christ. I know God will use this tragedy to change lives. To Ross' family...you all will be in my thuoghts and prayers in the coming months. I pray that The Lord will flll you all with His peace and open your eyes and hearts to see how God will take this loss and breathe new life into many people. I know the pain of losing a close family member expectantly, and the heart ache that follows. But Christ came so that He could heal the broken hearted. Hold tight to the promises in Gods Word and he will never leave your side and healing will come with time but Ross will never be forgotten and will always be missed. I find comfort in knowing that I will see him again someday and that he is with The Lord. Melodie Tate-Baas
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March 26, 2015 10:33am
Bill and Kathy, I am deeply sorry for your loss. Ross was a great friend and I'm glad he had straightened his life around. I had just spoken with him about 2 weeks ago when I caught wind he was coming home. Was looking forward to some softball this summer. I know it can not be easy to see a child pass before their parents. Nobody should have to experience that. I am truly sorry I could not make the funeral due to being out of state for work, as much as I wanted to be there for you guys. Ross is and has been an inspiration to MY sobriety the last 6 years. See you on the other side my friend. You and your family will be and continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Steven Baio
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March 26, 2015 10:33am
Kathy & Bill Our "Hearts,Thoughts,& Prayers" are with you at this time of great loss. May our Heavenly Father sustain you, in the days that lay ahead. Jake & Marcia Miedema Juno Beach, Florida Jake & Marcia Miedema
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March 26, 2015 10:33am
Kathy & Bill, Your son was a true inspiration and will not soon be forgotten. I was hoping to meet Ross in person during his time back in MI but God had other plans. Thank you Kathy for the countless "Ross stories" of hope you shared. His memory and purpose WILL live on. I love you and wish so much I could hug you. My family and I leave for FL tomorrow so we are unable to attend visitation. I'm there with you all in spirit and am praying for you daily. Prayers and love!! Julie Boehr
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March 26, 2015 10:33am
Dear Bill, Kathy and Emily, we were so very sad to hear the news of Ross's passing. We cannot even to begin to know how heavy your hearts are. He was a young man so full of life, passion and true desire to help others. I pray you can take solace in knowing how much good he did in his life. And he is only receiving his eternal reward a little earlier than we would have liked. Praying for peace and grace to surround all of you in the coming days. God's blessing! Mike and Patti Grillo
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March 26, 2015 10:33am
The time you spend with a friend is never lost for it forever lives on in you. I sit around and wonder and watch the days go by. I look at alll the pictures and ask myself, why did you have to die? You've always been there for me, because we were like brothers and I was always there for you until the end. But now its time to let you go, your spirit is free. Even though you wont really be gone, because you'll live inside me. So when we have to leave you at your resting place I will always remember your smiling face. This is hardly a goodbye so I wont weep anymore, because now you're in a better place then you ever were before. Even though I will miss you, and I'll think about you everyday you'll always be my brother and that's all I have to say. Love you brother. I'll see you on the other side. Mr. and Ms. Poel my thoughts and prayers are with you. May God turn your sorrows into happiness during these hard times. Kenny VandenBerg
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March 26, 2015 10:33am
Bill & Kathy, Im very sorry for your loss. Bill you know I personally related to Ross and all his struggles. Im at a loss of words that can truly express how I feel and how I felt when I heard the news. Crying just didnt do justice to loosing Ross. He touched so many peoples lives, and Bill you touched mine in a profound way that I will never forget. I could go on for days about what a good person Ross was and how I envied his outgoing personality and good looks. He was always a leader, people looked to him for advice, myself included. I am so so sorry. May you find happiness in your family in these trying times. Jonathon Holmes
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Order flowers for Ross's service.
Designer’s Choice Grand Vase Arrangement
White Wonder
Thinking of You Basket
Tender Touch
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Gerbera Greetings
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Blooming Duo
Bells of Beauty
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