Mr. Vernon D. Kortering's Obituary
Mr. Vernon Dale Kortering, age 80, passed away Saturday, January 17, 2015. He was born March 27, 1934 in Holland, MI to Bert and Henrietta (Naber) Kortering. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1952-56 and graduated from Hope College in 1959. Vern married Lois E. Griffes of Muskegon Heights on June 6, 1959. He was a law clerk for Michigan Supreme Court Justice Eugene F. Black, graduated from U. of M. Law School in 1962, and began his illustrious career at the largest firm in Muskegon-Marcus, McCroskey and Libner. Vern represented those who felt that the Vietnam War and subsequent draft were against their philosophical and religious beliefs, supported the Black Panther movement, and the Teamsters Union. He was an active member of the NAACP, Planned Parenthood, and Every Woman’s Place. Vern was referred to as a “Maverick” and built his reputation as a prominent civil rights advocate, trend setter, and pioneer who fought for the underprivileged and downtrodden. He focused on Workers Compensation, Labor Law, and Disability Law, all the while remaining very active in politics and the Democratic Party. Vern was called a “lawyer’s lawyer” as well as a “judge’s lawyer.” He was joined by his son, David, into the Kortering Law Firm in 1997. He is survived by: his wife Lois; 3 children: Dr. Kathryn Kortering, Karyn Verge, and David (Katherine) Kortering; 5 grandchildren: Alison and Owen Verge; Kyla Kortering and Natalie Jeter; and Rachel Kortering: brother, Earl (Betty, deceased) Kortering, of Holland, MI; sister, Norma Brower of Spokane, WA; sister-in-law, Joan Kortering of Holland, MI; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Vernon Dale II; and 2 brothers, Lloyd and Ronald Kortering. A MEMORIAL SERVICE will be held 3:00 PM Saturday, January 31, 2015, at Hope Reformed Church with Rev. Steven Hyma officiating. VISITATION with the family will be one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Harbor Hospice. Share memories with the family at their On-line Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com. Arrangements by The Walburn Chapel, 1547 W. Sherman Blvd., (231) 759-8565
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