Earl Lloyd Raterink

Earl Lloyd Raterink, age 94, of Grand Rapids, went home to be with his Lord peacefully on Saturday, November 30, 2024.  He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.  He retired after 25 years from the Grand Rapids Press.  He loved traveling, hiking, square dancing with his wife, and watching sports and Nascar racing.  Earl will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 71 years, Lela Ruth; children: Robert Raterink, Jacqueline and Daniel Syswerda, Nancy and Donald Westra; grandchildren: Robert (Taryn) Raterink, Heidi Syswerda, Kami (Joshua) VandenBosch, Ashley (Joshua) Lanting, Colton Syswerda, Amanda (Lee) VandenBerg, Paul (Lisa) Westra, Lane Westra; great-grandchildren: Brycen, Brynlee, Kora, Jaxton, Jett, Eason, Rhettley, Monica, Joshua, Gabriel, Patrick; sister-in-law, Betty Raterink; many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his  grandson, Brandon Raterink; parents; Gilbert and Martha Raterink; brothers and sisters, Betty Troyer, Harold Raterink, Mildred Barton, Virginia Weimer, and Robert Raterink.  A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 6, 2024 at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4145 Chicago Dr. SW, Grandville, with Pastor David Veldt, officiating.   Relatives and friends may meet the family Friday from 10-11 a.m. at the funeral home. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Wounded Warrior Project.