Obituary

Remembering Wilbur A. Lettinga

Wilbur August Lettinga, age 86, of Holland, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 7, 2022, on the anniversary of his son Michael’s passing in 2011. He was preceded in death by his wives, Sharon, Mary Kay, and Judy; his son, Michael; stepson, Jeff; and brother, Theodore. Bill was the founder of Lettinga and Assoc., Co-founder of Laser Alignment, along with his sons Bill and Michael formed the Kentland Corporation, also was involved in the Kentwood Savings and Loan, GMI Composites, and Legacy Trust. Bill served on many boards, including Hope Network, Spectrum Health, and for almost 50 years at Davenport University. He was also a strong supporter of many area churches and Christian Schools. He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Bill and Rochelle Lettinga, Pastor Missy Lettinga, Cynde and Steve Damstra, Connie Lettinga and Robert Barto; stepchildren, Ben Ipema, Denise and Tim Tamminga, Diane and Brian Bartels; 17 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; brothers, Vern and Pat Lettinga, Ralph Lettinga, sister-in-law, Elly Lettinga; his caregivers, Renae Torres-Mares, Holly Schmidt, and his “adopted” daughter Carolyn Doyle; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Friday, August 12, 2022, at Harderwyk Ministries, 1627 W Lakewood Blvd, Holland, 49424 with Pastor Bill Lindner officiating. Burial Rest Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet the family Wednesday 6-8 pm and Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Michael P. Lettinga Pediatric Fund at Hope Network, Davenport University Foundation, or the South Christian Foundation.

Service livestream link: http://www.harderwyk.com/billlettinga/

Service Information

Visitation and Funeral Details

Funeral Service

Friday, August 12 · 11:00am

Location

Harderwyk Ministries

1627 W Lakewood Blvd.
Holland, MI 49424

Guestbook

Tribute Messages

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Wilbur was such a good person. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family

— Gale & Ann Schmidt

Bill, My condolences to you and your family. Wilbur was a pillar within the Grand Rapids Community. The tribute obituary really sums up a gratifying life, his generosity and commitment to helping others is something we would all be proud to emulate. Again, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Regards, Ralph Slider, Fellow DU Foundation Board Member

— Ralph J Slider

I am honored to have been able to work with and learn from Wilbur for the past 22 years. He is kind, caring, compassionate, generous and intelligent. He leaves a legacy that will be remembered and serve as a reminder of how to live your faith and give to others. Thank you for sharing your many gifts and talents Wilbur. I am better for having known you! Enjoy your reward in heaven my friend!

— David Veneklase

"The day is ending and our life is one day shorter. Let us look carefully at what we have done. Let us practice, diligently, putting our whole heart into the path of meditation. Let us live deeply each moment and in freedom, so the time doesn't slip away meaninglessly." You did not live meaninglessly and poured your generosity into the lives of many. The number never mattered. May we continue to live out your legacy of generosity, compassion, and philanthropy. May you look upon us and be pleased.. - Andrea, Alendrea, and Fred IV

— Andrea Bennett & Family

My prayers are with the entire Lettinga family. Some people are placed in your life to encourage you and help you to become the person that they know you can be, even when you don't see it yourself. That was your dad, for me. He taught me so many things and in such a gentle and caring way. I might add I got to see the patient side of him along the way.....along with a little rubbing of his head 😉 He was a great and loving man and heard "Well done, good and faithful servant" when he stood before our Lord. Heaven just got brighter when he arrived.

— Connie Hulll

Thoughts and Prayers with Lettiga Family from Ft.Myers

— Steve Brown

Spent time with Bill at Anchorage back in the day when he had the boat. Always made me laugh. I miss those conversations but am confident we will meet again. God Speed Bill!!

— Ken Wright

On behalf of the Aquinas community, we extend our sympathy as you grieve the loss of family members so close together. God grace you with Gratitude for your dad's service-filled life among us and with Peace as you celebrate his Risen Life. We will remember your dad by name during our monthly Memorial Mass for deceased friends of the College. We appreciate his Lettinga Endowed Insurance Fund started at Aquinas. Know of our prayerful support

— Sister Mary Ann Barrett. OP

I have so many great memories of times spent with your dad. I am so sorry for your loss and will keep you in my prayers.

— Louise Brummel Zeeff

Dear Letttinga family, our hearts & prayers are with you at this time of your loss, Mr. W. touched so many hearts & souls with his generous kindness & faith.

— Russ & Marilyn Tanis

For Lettinga family…Hoping you’ll find comfort in the memories that are yours to cherish always, and strength in the companionship of those who share your loss. Words are never sufficient at this time, but we want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Dick and Linda Antonini

— Dick and Linda Antonini

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Honor Wilbur with a floral arrangement delivered through Love Knots Floral.

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Beautiful Blessings Wreath

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Floral arrangements provided by Love Knots Floral.