Herman Zylstra

Herman Zylstra, age 92, left this life on December 10, 2019 and now basks in God’s presence free of the pain and frailty through which he lived in recent years. Herm was born May 24, 1927. He lived his entire life in the Grand Rapids area where he and his wife of 69 years, Joan (Wiersma), raised their four daughters. Herm was known for his upbeat personality, jokes (which he retold on a regular basis) and his ability to convey friendship and hospitality with nearly everyone he encountered. His Christian faith and service to others were the foundation of his life. Herm served as an Elder and Deacon in the congregations of which he was a member and contributed to the community as a volunteer at Guiding Light Mission and DeGage’ Ministries among others. He served his country in the U.S. Army at the end of World War II and worked as a salesman throughout his career. Those who mourn his loss and will miss him include his wife, Joan; his daughters and sons-in-law, Jan and Lowell (Scott) Demarest; Laurie and Tom Vander Kodde; Beth and Ed Vander Ploeg; and Paula and Tom Huyser along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends and acquaintances whom he loved dearly. Family will greet visitors at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Avenue SE, Kentwood 49508 on Monday, December 16 from 9:30-11:30 AM with Herm’s funeral and celebration of life at 11:30 am with Rev. Brian White officiating. A luncheon to follow. Interment Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Guiding Light Mission or the Christian School of your choice.