​

Bill Sterk, age 89, of Jenison, was called home into the arms of Jesus, whom he loved and served, on the morning of Thursday, January 13, 2022, lovingly surrounded by his family. Surviving are his wife of 67 years, Reet; children: Laurie King, and Brian Sterk. He was preceded in death by his son, Randy. Also surviving him are his grandchildren: Nathan Bareman, Derek (Courtney) Bareman, Courtney (Dave) Bareman-Stevens, Allison Sterk, Hannah Sterk; great-grandchildren: Ava, Bellamy, Hudson, Micah; brothers and sisters: Ken Sterk, Betty (Bob) DeJong, Jeanette Visser; many nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Donna Sterk, Jim Schipper, Larry (Judy) Fredricks, Elaine Wierenga, Sandra (Robert) Zwemer, Barb Johnson, and William Doebler. Bill was also preceded in death by his parents: Peter and Anna Sterk; brothers and sisters: John (Marian) Sterk, Ann (Al) Root, Gerrit (Fran) Sterk, Sam Sterk, Joe (Alice) Sterk, Shirley Schipper, Hank (Wilma) Sterk; sisters-in-law, Carolyn Doebler, and Joyce Sterk; brother-in-law, Warren Wierenga. One of eleven children born to Peter and Anna Sterk, Bill was the first to be born in the U.S. after his family immigrated from the Netherlands. He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and he loved the American flag. He had many hobbies including his old Model A and motorhome, taking rides through the countryside with his family, enjoying a cup of coffee with friends, going to car and tractor shows, reading and doing puzzles. He found great fulfillment as a builder and getting to work with people throughout his career. Most of all, his faith was of utmost importance, and he loved spending time with his family, especially his great-grandchildren. A private burial will be held at Georgetown Township Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 17, 2022, at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4145 Chicago Dr. SW, Grandville. Relatives and friends may meet the family Monday from 10-11 a.m. at the funeral home prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cornerstone United Reformed Church or Spectrum Health Hospice.