Theodore Lubbers

Theodore Lubbers, age 81, of Grandville, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 9, 2017. He was preceded in death by his son, Daniel; grandson, Anthony King; brothers, Gordon, Harvey, Marvin, Richard, Melvin; and sisters; Thelma, Elizabeth, Doris. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Geneva Lubbers; children, Dawn and Lynn Wassenaar, Sue Lubbers, Tom and Jonna Lubbers, Scott Lubbers; grandchildren and great grandchildren, Dan (Matthew), Lisa and Josh (Jocelynn, Zoyee, Brody, Eli), Michael and Jodi (Anthony, Mikayla), Valerie and Jordan (Jaelynn, Isaiah, Lailah), Gemilla and Nick (Dayton, Cece), Uriah and Jaci (Hudson), Aubree and Tyson (Hugh), Zabrea and Tabias, Theodore and Kyra, Isaiah, Cori, Lukes, Alex; sister, Beatrice and Dick Martin; brother, Donald and Joyce; sisters-in-law, Edith and Lloyd Vugteveen, Lois and Don Hoogerhyde, Norma and Billy Paskiewicz, Ruth Lubbers, Elizabeth Lubbers, Jenny Lubbers; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and his faithful companion, Jersey. Ted was a warm, loving, hard working man who loved his family and his God. He delighted in telling stories, playing practical jokes, and stringing along telemarketers. Ted was a proud 1955 graduate of Grandville High School. He enjoyed tube fishing at his cabin with his fishing buddies. Ted was dedicated to helping the less fortunate and took many mission trips to foreign countries to build homes and churches. He valiantly served his country in the Army as a military police officer. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. on Monday, November 13, 2017 at Grandville Baptist Church, 4325 40th St. SW, Grandville, with Pastor C. Powers Payton and Pastor Jason Tovey officiating. Interment will be held at Georgetown Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Saturday from 5-8 p.m. and Sunday from 5-8 p.m. at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW and on Monday from 10-11 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Pine Ridge Bible Camp. Condolences may be sent online at www.mkdfuneralhome.com.

Leave Your Tribute Message

December 25, 2017

Ted was one of the greatest guy I known. We used to do a lot of talking and joking around the camp fires deer hunting. Talked about wrestling and many other topics. I will miss him Rest in Peace my friend

- Tom Ahrendt

November 13, 2017

It has been an honor knowing Ted for many years and I would like to send my sincere condolences to the family. Ted was a founding member of Grand River Woodturners’ guild and was dedicated to the growth and vitality of the guild. He shared generously both his time and his supply of wood! I will miss him.

- Lars Larson

November 13, 2017

Geneva and Family - my sincerest condolences to you at Ted's glorious homegoing. He was such a blessing on our excursion to Japan and a marvelous helper with the projects there. He was a joy to know and fellowship with.

- Pastor Terry Fulk

November 13, 2017

An obituarity, even a great one like this written for Ted, can never capture the true impact a person has. Ted IS one of those blue collar men that, while highly successful in business, never forgot his roots and how he got to where he was in life. He didn’t take life for granted. Nor did he forget the one debt he still owed: the debt he owed to God for giving him eternal life through Jesus Christ. He showed his appreciation for that by being faithful to Geneva and his family—and through giving his time and money to missionaries and the people they served. Ted is one of the people Suzanne and I missed most after we moved to Colorado, and one of the people I made a special effort to visit with when I would go back to Grand Rapids for visits. Suzie and I had one of the highlights of our summer this last July when we visited GR and connected with Ted and Geneva for a lunch date. He rolled out the convertible and the four of us headed off for cheap Mexican—laughing all along the way. I even got him to pick-up the check (no small thing!). 😉)) We talked about their upcoming 60th anniversary and are now sad that we won’t experience together—at least here. Our afternoon together was a blast, and a memory we will cherish forever. It was not unlike so many great memories we/I have had with Ted. So many of them involved eating kielbasa, cheese, bread, and beer around the wood stove cause “Ma kicked him out of the house!” We had great meaningful conversations as well as random ones, like how challenging it was for him to pay the monthly rent on the cell tower. 😉)) As my father-in-law, Jack, said often, “Ted lived close to the earth.” Now...He’s living close to the Throne. I trust that he is causing God to smile in the way that only Ted can. We will miss you, Ted—but only for awhile—until we are standing next to you again. I sure hope they have kielbasa and cheese in Heaven! He leaves behind a great and simple legacy. I hope and trust that all the kids and grandkids will try to honor and emulate it. God bless all of you! Keith & Suzie

- Keith & Suzanne Sparzak

November 13, 2017

Mr. Lubbers was a very nice man. I always enjoyed talking with him and appreciated his since of humor.

- JP West

November 12, 2017

Ted was one special guy with a heart bigger than his brawn.Had a ton of fun working for him over the years and learned never to forget those that weren't as fortunate as I was to really know him. Will keep family in our prayers as they deal with his home going.Sorry we will miss funeral home as we are out town till 21st.

- Jack an Marcia Veldhouse

November 12, 2017

Ted was one of the kindest and good natured guys I've ever known. He will be missed by many.

- Eleanor J. Weller

November 12, 2017

Ted meant more to so many people than I could ever imagine. I feel so lucky to have had him and his entire family in my life. His smile and laugh I will keep forever.

- Nicholas J Wright