Gerald Robert DeMaagd

Gerald Robert DeMaagd, of Kentwood, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, surrounded by his family. Jerry was born October 20, 1936 in Rockford, MI, to Dr. Gerald and Gordelia DeMaagd. He married his loving wife, Joan (Klingaman) DeMaagd settling in Kentwood, MI where they shared 63 years together, raised their four children and traveled the world. He is survived by his wife, Joan; children: Karen (Patrick) Droste, Shawn Eckhart, Ursula Joy Smith, Thomas (Jessica) DeMaagd; grandchildren: Spencer, Henry, Callie, Kaylin, Gerald Thomas “JT,” and Brandon; siblings: Patricia (Donald) Bixby, Susan (Donald) Reithel; many nieces and nephews. A graduate of Rockford High School he continued his education attending the University of Michigan, Columbia University, and Michigan State University eventually earning an MBA from Western Michigan University. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, he served as a member of the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion. He was proud to be a Marine and reflected often on his experiences in the military and lived by the principles he accepted as a Recon Marine. Honor, Perseverance, Spirit and Heart. He began his professional career as an Information Systems Security Professional in the infancy of the industry first working at Fisher Body in Grand Rapids and eventually retiring from Steelcase. A life of service was important to Jerry, volunteering his time as a member of many organizations throughout his lifetime, including 30 years as a docent at the Meyer May House in Grand Rapids, MI, serving on the Kentwood City Commission, and as a member of the Rockford Historical Society, to name a few. He was a self-described Frank Lloyd Wright / Arts and Crafts design nerd and made sure to stop and visit any Wright designed house or building he could throughout the US. He was loved and will be greatly missed by his family, and many friends including his lifetime best friend of 85 years Ken Ploeg. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood. Burial will be held at Pine Hill Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans or Rockford Historical Museum.