Ernie J. Van Wingerden's Obituary
Ernie J. Van Wingerden, age 88, of Spring Lake passed away Friday, April 26, 2019, at Faith Hospice at Trillium Woods in Byron Center. He was born October 27, 1930, in Detroit, MI to Bert and Anna (Veen) Van Wingerden, and married his high school sweetheart H. Jean VanZytveld on March 21, 1952, in Grosse Pointe Park, MI. She preceded him in death on June 19, 2010.
Ernie served his country in the Army during the Korean War. He worked for IBM as a sales engineer from 1959 until retiring in 1990. Ernie studied for his maritime shipping license and became a ship captain, working for many years with Bolhouse Charters, staffing charter fishing boats. He was a member of Second Christian Reformed Church in Grand Haven. Ernie loved to fish, golf, and was a skilled carpenter. He had a heart of a servant, evidenced by his work with numerous individuals and charitable organizations.
He is lovingly remembered by his sons and daughters-in-law, Jim and Mary Ellen, Tom and Mary, Dave and Jodi; dear friend and companion, Maxine Veurink; nine grandchildren: Erin (Scott) DeYoung, Sarah (Justin) Bratt, Tim (Rachel) Van Wingerden, Ryan (Jenna Hoek), Christian, Dena, Anna, Will, and Arie Van Wingerden; four great-grandchildren: Samuel, John, Luke DeYoung; Olivia Van Wingerden; his sister, Genevieve DeVries; and sisters-in-law, Janet Van Wingerden, Joanne Hasper, and Sharon Brammel. He was preceded in death by his brother, Clarence Van Wingerden.
The funeral service for Ernie will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 1, 2019, at Second Christian Reformed Church in Grand Haven with Rev. Eugene Los officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the Charles A. Conklin American Legion Post # 28 Honor Guard. The family will receive visitors on Tuesday evening, April 30, from 5-8 p.m. at Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services – The VanZantwick Chapel. Memorial gifts to Second Christian Reformed Church Endowment Fund or Friendship Ministries are welcomed. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.sytsemafh.com.
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