Willa Verburg

Willa B. Verburg, age 83, of Walker, passed away peacefully and went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, November 7, 2025. Willa was a loving mother and “Grammy.” She was a hardworking nurse and a devoted mom—the kind of mother anyone would be blessed to have—and over the years, she became her children’s best friend. Known for her strong will and determination, Willa lived a life marked by faith, love, and service to others. She shared her love of music with everyone around her, singing in the church choir for many years and playing the piano, accordion, and clarinet. Her musical talent was just one of the many ways she blessed those she knew. Willa deeply loved spending time with her husband, Dale, especially taking road trips together. One of their favorite adventures was visiting many of the lighthouses along Michigan’s shoreline. They also enjoyed traveling around the country and creating lasting memories wherever they went. Family was at the heart of Willa’s life. She was a devoted and supportive wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who cherished every family member. She maintained a close relationship with each one and faithfully prayed for them throughout their lives. Willa’s strong faith guided her daily—she rarely missed her personal devotions and found joy in listening, encouraging, and being present for her loved ones. She took great pride in seeing her family remain close and continue gathering together, a reflection of the love and unity she nurtured throughout her life. She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Dale Verburg; brothers-in-law: Loren Verburg, Vern Poest, Bob Verburg, and Tom Kosten. She will be lovingly remembered by her children: Joy (Gary) Weersma, Tim (Anne) Verburg, and Paul Verburg; grandchildren: Simon (fiancée Sulma) Verburg, Aimee (Jake) Bentley, Sara (David) Riley, Kelsey (Sylvester) Taylor, Amanda (Zach) Watkins, Adam Okorowski, and Brandon Verburg; 14 great-grandchildren: Jacob, Nesecity, Mason, Destiny, Abbie, Gaven, Sylvia, Ellie, Kaylee, Haley, Anastasia, Benton, Isaac, and Elena; sisters: Laurie Kosten, Dianne (Ron) Verhaar, Coralee Bell, Bonnie Sheldon; sisters-in-law: Carol Verburg, Mary Verburg, and Mary Poest; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 13, at 11 a.m. at Westend Christian Reformed Church, 1015 Westend Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, with Pastor Brian Myers officiating. The burial will take place at Washington Park Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, November 12, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at MKD Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. and on Thursday from 10-11 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Westend CRC Christian Education Fund.