Mr. Gerard "Jerry" Van Damme's Obituary
Mr. Gerard A. Van Damme, age 92, passed away Sunday, December 10, 2017, at Christian Care Nursing Center. He was born April 13, 1925 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands to Albert J. and Louise (Meulenberg) Van Damme. As a young man in Amsterdam, Jerry played professional soccer. He served his country in the Dutch Army during WWII. On April 8, 1952, he married the former Elisabeth Bot and she preceded him in death on September 22, 2001. The family moved here in 1954 and Jerry continued to enjoy traveling and having his family visit him in the States. Jerry worked with Yonkers Supply for 35 years prior to his retirement in 1996. Earlier on, he was a bricklayer, both here and in the Netherlands. Jerry was a member of Unity United Methodist Church and is survived by his children, Maryon (Edmund) Schultz of Fruitport and Richard (Pamela) Van Damme of Muskegon; 5 grandchildren, Stephanie Langlois, Richard Van Damme Jr., Kristine Van Damme. Eddie Schultz and Craig Van Damme; 3 great-grandchildren, Carter Van Damme, Keagon Van Damme and Roman Langlois; and several loving nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Elisabeth, he was preceded in death by his son, Eddy Van Damme; a granddaughter, Bethany Van Damme; and siblings, Johan Van Damme, Nel Van Damme and Ritje Van Damme. A PRIVATE FAMILY SERVICE will be held. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Harbor Hospice Foundation. Many thanks to Harbor Hospice and to the staff at Christian Care Nursing Center for all their love and attention. Arrangements by The Sytsema Chapel, 737 Apple Ave., 726-5210. Share memories with the family at Jerry’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.
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