Arden G. Alexander M.D.'s Obituary
Arden G. Alexander, M.D. passed away peacefully at home, early Thursday morning, June 20, 2019, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born November 7, 1935 in Whitley Co., Indiana; and at age five he and his family moved to Three Rivers, MI. Following graduation from high school, Arden served his country in the US Army, for 3 years, during the Korean War, most of which was at Camp DeBaumholder, Germany. Following his honorable discharge, he attended the University of Michigan for his undergraduate studies. He then studied Medicine at U of M Medical School, graduating in 1966. Dr. Alexander served his residency at Wayne County General Hospital and his Fellowship in Rheumatology & Immunology at U of M. He practiced Rheumatology in Muskegon for just over 30 years. He was on staff at both Hackley and Mercy Hospitals; and was a member of many professional societies. Arden was a member of Calvin Christian Reformed Church. He loved practicing medicine and deeply cared for his patients. He also loved boating and fishing the “Big Lake”. Upon retirement he enjoyed his home in Arizona and traveling to many of the National Parks. He was an avid reader, often enjoying as many as 15 books a week from the library. He is survived by his wife, Dena, and their children, Eric (Betsy) Alexander of N. Kingstown, RI, Todd (Stacey) Alexander of Jenison, MI, Jennie (Joe) Gavin of East Grand Rapids, MI, Joel (Kim) Alexander of Muskegon and his beloved 9 grandchildren, Daniel, Erin, Spencer, Emilie, Isabella, Noah, Owen, Miguel and Tyler. He is also survived by his brothers, Ben (Suzi) Alexander of Gladwin, MI, Larry (Elaine) Cearbaugh of Indiana, his sisters, Susan Outman and Sally (Dale) Stuby, both of Constantine, MI; his mother-in-law, Jennie Timmerman; and his sisters and brothers-in-law, Jane (David) Dornbos, Wilma (Ken) Doctor, Linda (Jeff) Jeltema, John (Jodi) Timmerman. Arden was preceded in death by his brother, Charles Alexander, sister Delores Gamble and parents Alton B. and Lucille (Cave) Alexander. A MEMORIAL SERVICE for Dr. Alexander will be held 11:00 AM Monday, June 24, 2019 at Calvin Christian Reformed Church, 973 W. Norton Ave., Norton Shores, MI 49441. VISITATION with his family will be 2:00 to 4:00 Sunday at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Svcs., 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444, (231) 798-1100. For a more lasting memorial, you are asked to consider Western Michigan Christian High School or Love INC. You are also invited to sign the family’s Online Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com.
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