Timothy Allen Sarber

On Saturday, April 6th, 2024, held in the arms of his Heavenly Father and snuggled next to his cherished, beloved wife Linda, Timothy Allen Sarber (72 years young) breathed his last breath due to complications that arose during a new cancer medication trial that Tim courageously volunteered to join.

Tim was born on July 23, 1951, to Don and Dorothy Sarber in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Don and Grandma Dot preceded him in death, as well as his father-in-law Don Meyers. Tim will be greatly missed by his wife Linda of 52 years; his children, Lisa (Mike) Aldrich, Mandy (John) VanderBaan, and Scott (Ann) Sarber; and his grandchildren, Brennan (Heather), Tobey (Ally), and Riley Aldrich; Johnny, Ashlyn, and Kinley VanderBaan; Nolan, Graham, and Breck Sarber. He was deeply cherished by his sister, Cindy (Dan) Kleymeer, and he loved and enjoyed spending time with his mother-in-law, Neta Meyers; in-laws, Mark (Robin) Meyers, Dave (Lynn) Meyers, Nancy (Rick) Manshaem; and many nieces and nephews.

Supplying his grandkids with minibikes to ride, personalized model planes and slot cars for each of them, plenty of creative supplies for art, and Wallace & Gromit movies, Gramps was always ready for fun. Friends who spent time with Tim would agree that he was an extraordinarily kind and caring man who could strike up a conversation with anyone, and frequently did. Tim was never in a hurry but rarely would sit still. Not being able to throw away anything that might be turned into a piece for a model plane, toy car part, or other useful invention, Tim was constantly creating, and saw art everywhere he looked. He graduated top of his class from Kendall College of Art and Design, and he was proud of his 30+ years in advertising, marketing, and package design at Meijer. Over the years Tim shared his gifts with several churches by painting murals, decorating children’s classrooms, and producing incredible pieces of art for worship, festivals, and other areas in order to share Jesus without using words. As part of the church planting team for City Church Greenville, Tim and Linda enjoyed helping any way they could, regularly delivering food to those who needed it and serving in many other ways as well. His love of donuts and ice cream is well known, and he has instilled a love of baked goods in his children and grandchildren, along with his love of classic cars, airplanes, jokes, and above all, family. Tim understood that nothing is to be taken for granted, every day is a gift, and he lived that in his daily life. He will be celebrated and achingly missed.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, April 15, 2024, 10 a.m. at City Church (Rockford), 3233 10 Mile Road NE, with Pastor Tim Simon officiating. Relatives and friends may meet the family on Sunday, April 14, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at MKD Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 1601 Post Drive NE, Belmont, MI. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please donate to Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids or City Church Greenville (building fund).