Frederick “Fritz” Kolk

Frederick (Fritz) Kolk, age 84, of Lakewood Ranch, Florida, and Grand Rapids, Michigan, went to be with his Lord peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones on February 12, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Darrel and Florence (Boeskool) Kolk; brother, James; and brother-in-law, David VanSomeren. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Muriel; siblings, Sara (Paul) Block, Lisa VanSomeren; sister-in-law, Janet Kolk; former wife, Ella Mae; and children, Jeff (Sandi), Jami (Randy) Beek, Kris (Ren) VandeGuchte, Mark (Kristi), Robin (Greg) Kerkstra; and stepchildren, Joan (Roy) Visser, Barb (Oli) Olafsson, and Cory (Becky) Paauwe. His legacy also includes 32 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren who brought him immeasurable joy! Fritz graduated from Cedar Springs High School where he excelled in football, basketball and track. He attended Central Michigan University on a basketball scholarship and later Calvin College. Fritz was employed by Meijer for over 40 years, starting as a bagger in the Cedar Springs store and retiring from Meijer as Chief Financial Officer. In his retirement years, he enjoyed golfing with friends and family. He was a member of LaGrave Avenue CRC. Fritz's greatest love was for his Lord, his family and friends. His passions included music, sports, and gardening. He was a member of the His Men Chorus for over 20 years. He gave back to his community through serving on both church and school boards, as well as his support of many charitable organizations. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 14,  at 11 a.m. at LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church, 107 LaGrave Ave SE, Grand Rapids, with Rev. Peter Jonker officiating. The burial will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Thursday, March 13, from 6-8 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. and on Friday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Those wishing to make a memorial donation in Fritz's memory may consider Humanity for Prisoners, CURE  International, or Love Your Neighbor of Hudsonville. 

The service will be live streamed and can be viewed via this link.