Lambert “Bert” Ponstine

Lambert “Bert” Ponstine, age 95, of Jenison, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, November 14, 2020. He is survived by Kathleen, his wife of 71 years; his children, Jim (Judy) Ponstine, Jack (Kris) Ponstine, and Rick Ponstine; three grandchildren, Mark (Laura) Ponstine, Scott (Betsy) Ponstine, Lisa (Mark) Dykstra; seven great-grandchildren, Hannah, Abi, and Isaiah Ponstine, Dominic and Grant Ponstine, Karis and Moriah Dykstra; sister, Clara Dieterman; sisters-in-law, Lillian Westdorp, Mae Mulder, Gert Mulder, Lois Mulder, Marian Mulder, June Mulder; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Herman; sister, Kay Bell; and his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. He proudly served in the Navy during World War II from 1944-1946. He was privileged to join the Honor Flight in September of 2014 and wore his hat proudly. Lambert enjoyed driving vehicles and drove a semi until he was 80 and drove cars for the auction until he was 90. He could recount every place he had made a delivery that week as well as every restaurant in which he had stopped. He had an amazing ability to remember directions and was a human GPS. Lambert was also a gifted fix-it man. He loved watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren play sports and perform in the arts. His hobbies were playing golf and water skiing up to and on his 80th birthday. He also loved to bowl and meet with the guys at Park Lanes until his 90’s. Lambert and Kathleen volunteered for the Family Network of Wyoming for many years. They would ask local businesses to place a canister for donations on their counter and then go back once or twice a week to get the donations and count them. Early in his life, Lambert learned to recite the alphabet backwards and he taught his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren the same ability, and enjoyed reciting it with them. He was a charter member of The Singing Hims, a men’s chorus group directed by his son, Jack, and accompanied by his daughter-in-law, Kris, and sang with them in churches, nursing homes, jails and prisons for over 40 years. Lambert and Kathleen were members of Faith Community Christian Reformed Church. Lambert loved the Lord and his life was a great example of a man who walked with God. He was a wonderful blessing to his family and they have many precious memories of fun family times together. The family thanks God for Lambert’s kindness, gentleness, patience and love. The family also wishes to thank Faith Hospice and Sunset Manor for the loving care given to their husband, dad, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Private services will be held on Saturday, November 21, with Rev. Roger Groenboom officiating. The service will be posted on the funeral home website and can be viewed on Saturday. The burial will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions can be made to the Family Network of Wyoming, the Sunset Legacy Foundation, Faith Hospice, or a Christian school of your choice.