William D. Atkinson

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William D. Atkinson, of Holland, MI, passed peacefully surrounded by his family on January 15, 2024. (After the Lions won their playoff game of course!) Bill proudly served in the U.S. Navy. After returning from the service, he owned and operated several food businesses and later retired from the Michigan Department of Corrections. He was an avid reader, a huge sports fan who especially loved watching the Red Wings, Lions, Tigers, and University of Michigan teams. Bill will be especially remembered as a gentle giant, Big Daddy, and a great hugger who was always approachable. He loved big and was loved so much. He was preceded in death by his parents, William J. and Marion Atkinson; parents-in-law, Henry and Ann Driesenga; and brothers-in-law, Harve and Larry Driesenga. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of nearly 40 years, Joan Atkinson; their begatter family, Curt and Sally Vruggink (Justin and Nikki Vruggink and great-grandson, Winston; Kacy Vruggink and great-grandson, Zayden); Robin and John Nicely (Sam and Jacob); Julie and Dan Cech (David and Monica Cech and great-granddaughters, Quinn and Blake; Heather and Emir Ayala Romero, and great-grandson, Cameron Cech); Beth and Owen Smith (Magnus, Nolan, and Grayson); sister, Karol and David Ohman; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Beatrice and Junior Vereeke, Nellie Driesenga, Roger and Barb Driesenga, Ron and Marilynn Driesenga, Mary Lou Driesenga; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. HUG THE ONES You LOVE! A memorial service will be held at 4 pm on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Allendale) 6651 Scott St. Relatives and friends may visit with the family Wednesday from 2-4 pm prior at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Kid’s Food Basket, G.R.A.C.E. Ministries (Guatemala Relief and Compassion Effort), PO Box 223, Grand Bay, AL 36541, or Buses By the Beach, 7931 High Knoll Dr. SW, Byron Center, MI 49315.