Willem David Gossens' Obituary
Willem David Gossens, son of Caleb and Karla Gossens, passed away on February 2, 2025, surrounded by family and held closely by his parents. His departure was unexpected, but peaceful with the love and support of his family.
Willem was born in Grand Rapids, MI following the excitement of Independence Day. He entered the world on July 06, 2023 with a funny shaped head (oh the cone!!) and a heart full of love. He was loved deeply through sleepless nights and daylong cuddles as he and his parents got to know one another. Willem was curious from the beginning and quickly learned about the world around him. His first words, ‘Momma’, ‘Dadda’, and ‘No’, came simultaneously, the last of which was practiced often. He was an experienced chef that cooked often with Momma and a stuntman that spun around with Daddy in the yard. He also spent many hours sitting in their laps, reading books and cuddling before bedtime.
Willem became an active child, loving to climb to new heights and fearlessly exploring the limits of himself and the world around him. This exploration was shared with ‘Duckie’ and “Deer”, his faithful stuffed companions. Willem loved to cook (real and pretend), dance, read, eat, and tackle Daddy. The darkest of his days were spent brushing his teeth and having his diaper changed, though he managed resilience through these moments.
Willem was deeply loved by those around him. He loved talking with and spending time with his grandfathers, Papa (Dave Gossens) and Bumpa (Dean Kantola). Bumpa shared tractors, cows, and the sounds that deer make, while Papa held him on his lap to look for animals, ran around, and shared the front seat of the Nova. Willem also loved both his grandmas, Victoria Gossens and Nancy Kantola. He and Grandma V shared many peaceful walks, followed by stacks of books and mealtimes (which were a full body experience). Grandma Kantola was his favorite partner in crime, from chocolate treats and silly faces, to secret excursions to check the deer blinds. Willem was also fortunate enough to know his Great Grandma Kantola, with whom he loved to visit and play.
Willem loved, and was deeply loved by his aunts, uncles, and cousins. Willem spent many of his early days walking with his godmother, Aunt Abbey, and jamming out to spotify ‘womb’ playlists. Later, Willem and his godfather, Uncle “Tommmmmmmm”, had fun playing on the furniture and giving each other big hugs.
Uncle Phillip and Aunt Lisa were the first to buy Willem a stuffed Duckie, starting a passion his parents had a hard time keeping up with. They also helped his tummy with “1 potato, 2 potatoes” and Uncle Phillip would always make a funny scowl that made him laugh. Willem also loved playing with cousin Jessa, whom he chased and liked to read with.
Willem’s Uncle “DREWWW” helped him perform his first stroller burnout in the early days following walks with Aunt Lisa. Willem made Aunt Lisa laugh when Willem left a wet present on Drew’s shirt at a photoshoot later that visit.
Auntie Whitney sang Willem many sweet lullabies in the early days and helped him embrace his water sign at Lake Michigan. They also shared an affection for Olive, whose feline curiosity and affection caught his attention during a visit.
Willem is survived by much of his family: Parents, Karla and Caleb Gossens; Grandparents, Dave & Victoria Gossens, and Dean & Nancy Kantola; Aunt Lisa, Uncle Drew, and cousin Everett Gossens
Auntie Whitney Gossens; Aunt Abbey, Uncle Tom, and cousin Wrenley Kantola; Aunt Lisa, Uncle Phillip Kantola, and Cousin Jessa; and Great Grandma (Christine) Kantola.
Willem was met in heaven by several unborn cousins, both named and unnamed. His parents find peace in knowing that they play often and share each other’s joy.
Viewing and Visitation will be held 5-8 PM Thursday, February 13, 2025 at Ravenna Baptist Church, 3186 Blackmer Road, Ravenna, MI 49451. We will celebrate the Love and Joy that Willem knew in this world at a Celebration of Life to be held 10:00 AM Friday, Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2025 at the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, 1000 East Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525. Viewing and Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service in Grand Rapids. For those wishing to make an expression of sympathy, please consider financial support to the Gossens Family or donations to the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Foundation Team Member Well-Being, 25 Michigan St NE, Suite 4100, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Arrangements have been entrusted to The Ravenna Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 3570 Thomas Street, Ravenna, MI 49451. Sign the online guestbook at http://www.sytsemafh.com
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