
Don VanWoerkom, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, age 63, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on January 1, 2022, following a courageous battle with bone cancer. Don was born in Grand Haven, Michigan, to his parents, Charles and Lois VanWoerkom. He graduated from Calvin College and went to work at Gentex Corporation as the Director of Information Technology until he retired in 2020 after 34 years. He was a man of steadfast faith and a longtime member of Lee Street CRC. His greatest joy and love was his family. Don married Sheri (Groenenboom) VanWoerkom, the love of his life, nearly 37 years ago. Together they raised their children in a home they loved. Don was greatly admired, loved, and respected for demonstrating great faith throughout his life. He gave selflessly of his time and resources to family, church, and countless others in need. Don shared his love with family, friends, and strangers alike. It was a joy and privilege being counted as one of Don’s family members and friends.
He will be lovingly remembered by Sheri and their children and grandchildren: Cara and Nate Zokoe and grandsons Logan, Weston, and Henry; Mark and Liza VanWoerkom and awaited granddaughter; and Alex and Samantha VanWoerkom. Don is also survived by his siblings, Ken (Arlene) VanWoerkom, Glenn (Denise) VanWoerkom, Bonnie (Scott) Speelman, Bill VanWoerkom, Mary (Bob) Kool, and Rick VanWoerkom; parents-in-law, Carroll and Lois Groenenboom; siblings-in-law, Steve (Carla) Groenenboom and Mark (Monica) Groenenboom; and many cherished nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Lois VanWoerkom, and his sister-in-law Shirley VanWoerkom.
Relatives and friends may meet with the family on Thursday, January 6, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4145 Chicago Drive, Grandville, Michigan. The funeral service celebrating Don’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 7, 2022 at Lee Street Christian Reformed Church, 1261 Lee Street SW, Wyoming, Michigan. Pastor and friend Kent Rottman will be officiating. The service can also be viewed virtually at https://youtu.be/I47qzzK3zyY. Memorial contributions may be made to Grand Rapids Christian Student Support Services or Grandville Calvin Christian Student Support Services.