Gordon R. Poel's Obituary
Mr. Gordon R. Poel, age 84, went to be with his Lord on Thursday, January 23, 2014. He was born on July 19, 1929 in Grand Haven to Jacob and Elizabeth (Schaffer) Poel, and resided in the area all of his life. Gord was a lifetime member of Second Christian Reformed Church, where he was involved with building projects and church council. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, carpentry, but most importantly spending time with his family. Gord and his brother, Harvey owned Poel Shoe Repair and Poel Bros Aluminum Door and Window Company. He was a draftsman for Ottawa Truss and Rycenga Homes before retiring in 1989. Gord spent countless hours helping construct the Grand Haven Christian School. He was a trusted friend and confidant. Gord was always there to lend a helping hand and to fix what was broken. On July 14, 1950, he married the former Ruth Rosema, and together celebrated 63 years of marriage this past summer. SURVIVORS include his loving wife, Ruth; 3 children, David (Mariel) Poel of Fremont, Dianne (Alvin) Tao of Lafayette, IN; and Sandi (Terry) DeGroot of Grand Haven; 8 grandchildren, Rebecca (Scott) Sytsema; Jonathan (Susan) Poel, Matthew (Shannon) Tao, Daniel (Jessica Frasso) Tao, Betsy Tao, Kristin (Michael) Geertsma, Ashley (Alex) Houseknecht and Nathan Wybenga; 6 great grandchildren, Zoe, Sydney and Owen Sytsema, Ethan and Asher Geertsma, Molly Poel; brother, Harvey (Jean) Poel of Grand Haven; brothers-in-law, Clyde (Jean) Kinkema and Cal (Carol) Rosema, sister-in-law, Dorothy (Allen) Collins; and several nieces and nephews. Gord was preceded in death by brothers, Oscar and Kenneth Poel; and sisters, Clarissa Kroeze and Phyllis Kinkema. FUNERAL SERVICES will be 2PM Monday at Second Christian Reformed Church (2021 Sheldon Rd.) with Rev. Michael Koetje officiating. VISITATION with the family will be 4-6PM Sunday at The Lee Chapel, Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 6291 S. Harvey St. 231-798-1100. Burial will take place in Lake Forest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Gord’s name to Grand Haven Christian School will be appreciated. Share memories online at www.sytsemafh.com.
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