
Elmer “Al” Wynalda, age 88, of Kentwood, passed away peacefully at his home and went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Elmer served his country in the US Army from 1959 to 1962. His career started with Grand Rapids Tile and then with Johnson Construction for 44 years. He retired for one month and then volunteered for 18 years at Habitat for Humanity finishing after their 500th home was built in Kent County. He also served the Crystal Springs community by taking care of the lighting and sprinkling. Most recently he was a volunteer for Home Repair services for about 18 months. He was a faithful member of East Paris CRC until its closing and for many years he served as Elder, Deacon, Cadet Counselor and Building Committee member. Currently, he was a member at Friendship CRC. Elmer was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; infant daughter, Laura; a brother, Marvin Wynalda. He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Linda Wynalda, Mary and Marc Faber, Bonnie and Kent Huyser; grandchildren and great grandchildren, Alyssa Huyser (LeBron, Malachi), Travis and Candice Huyser (Bennett, Weston), Emma and Travis Bouwman (Bodhi), and Mariah Huyser; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Char and Ron Heyboer, Don and Judy Wynalda, Sue Wynalda, Bruce and Lavina Wynalda; many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held 1 pm Friday, March 14 at Friendship Christian Reformed Church, 190 100th St. SE, Byron Center, with Rev. Cal Compagner officiating. Live streaming of the service can be viewed at https://friendshipcrc.online.church/. Burial will be held at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Relatives and friends may meet the family Friday from 11-12:45 pm at the church prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to Dutton Christian School Foundation, Habitat for Humanity Kent County.