ZUIDERVEEN - Merlin “Merl” Zuiderveen, age 81, passed away Wednesday, July 11, 2018. Merl was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Helen Zuiderveen; son, Tim Rounds; sisters, Harriet Zuiderveen, Eleanor Zuiderveen; brothers, Karl James Zuiderveen and Bob (Carlene) Zuiderveen. Merl is survived by his wife of 42 years, Marlene “Marty” Zuiderveen; children, Charlie Rounds, Doug (Karla) Rounds, Randy (Lynette) Zuiderveen, Greg (Tina) Rounds, Rick (Lori) Zuiderveen, Richelle (David) McKinney, Sue (Ray) Burrows; 24 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; brother, Roger (Judy) Zuiderveen; sister, Phylllis (Michael) Phillips, brother-in-law, Lloyd (Sharon) Kamp; sister-in-law, Shirley (Jack) Klinge; faithful buddy and companion, Rusty, a chocolate lab . Merl owned and operated Merl’s Towing for over 30 years providing service to Grand Rapids and the West Michigan area. The pinnacle of his career was being selected to provide towing and recovery services for the 1980 winter Olympics in Lake Placid, NY. Merl enjoyed several years of retirement by spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and friends. His infectious smile and sense of humor will be missed by many. A Celebration of Life will be held at noon on Thursday, July 19 at Plainfield Christian, 7255 Pine Island Drive NE, Comstock Park. Merl’s family will receive visitors 1:00 to 3:00 PM and 5:00 to 8:00 PM Wednesday, July 18 at Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 1601 Post Drive NE, Belmont and 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Thursday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice. To share a memory, photo, and sign the family’s online guestbook please visit www.stegengafuneralchapel.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Merlin “Merl” Zuiderveen please visit our Sympathy Store.
JUL 18. 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM (EDT)
Stegenga Funeral Chapel - Belmont
1601 Post Dr. NE
Belmont, MI, 49306
[email protected]
https://www.stegengafuneralchapel.com
JUL 19. 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (EDT)
Plainfield Christian Church
7255 Pine Island Dr. NE
Comstock Park, MI, 49321
JUL 19. 12:00 PM (EDT)
Plainfield Christian Church
7255 Pine Island Dr. NE
Comstock Park, MI, 49321
My first memorable meeting with Merl was upon my graduation from boot camp for the Navy. I wasn't sure how I was going to get home when my mother and Merl showed up for graduation. That was November of 1975, well before cell phones or even pagers. Needless to say, I rode home in the back seat of a Cadillac rather than a greyhound bus. Although I spent many years away from home, when I was able to take leave, he was always there to make it a memorable visit. I seem to remember a story of Merl taking a sledge hammer to the kitchen wall, and stating "There, now we have to expand the kitchen and remodel", as the family of five children had just expanded to eight, with Randy, Rick and Shelly. Merl was always busy, hard to keep up with, even for someone of youth and vigor, he was unstoppable. I learned a great deal from this man and benefited from his experience as well. There are many words that describe Merl, from driven, steadfast, honorable, wise, caring, kind, understanding, and intelligent, to name but a few. He will be missed, and never forgotten, by his family and friends alike. Fair winds and calm seas my friend and father.
- Charles Rounds
Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of Merlin “Merl” Zuiderveen.
- Beautiful in Blue
The Jacobsen family purchased the Florist Choice Bouquet for the family of Merlin “Merl” Zuiderveen.
- Karen D Green
"To be remembered simply as a good and decent man." Having worked for Merl for quite a few years I have many great memories. He will be missed. Marty and family I hurt for your loss. Mike Burrows
- Mike Burrows
You surely will miss Meri. I remember all the great times we had at GS. You always made us laugh.You may be gone but you will always be remember.Payers go out to Marty and your family
- Barb and Bob Culp
To the family of Merl Zuiderveen: I had the pleasure of knowing this man through Jack and Shirley Klinge. It is with a heavy heart my mom and I send our condolences and prayers for the family. He was an important part of so many lives. We will truly miss him.
- Arlene and Kelly Harrison and family
Merl you are missed, Clarence and I never laughed as much as we did with you and Marty. Your smile and laughter were contagious. We will always remember you. Our prayers are with you Marty and family. Jan Bagwell
- Jan Bagwell
Merl, you will live on in all the memories you made. Your smile and laugh will never be forgotten. May God wrap your family and friends in your love and good memories to see them through this difficult time. Charlie and Judy (Rider) Brown and family.
- Judy Brown
My thoughts and prayers are with Merl's family and friends He was such a fun guy and always there when you needed him He may be gone but never forgotten as ever Dee Harris
- Delores Harris
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Merlin “Merl” Zuiderveen.
- Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum
Merle you could always make us laugh. A pleasure to be around with your up-beat and positive outlook on life. We will miss you dear friend. You will live on forever in our fond memories from Gulf Shores. Ron and Linda Justesen.
- Linda Justesen
Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of Merlin “Merl” Zuiderveen.
- Beautiful in Blue
Both Merl and Marty will always have a special place in my heart. He was special from the moment I met him. Rest In Peace dear friend. Linda Mallon
- Linda Mallon
merle will always be in our hearts he was a special man. always smiling, we will miss him greatly. may god provide comfort to marty and his family. goodbye to you merle .
- gary and lonnie bedard
We loss a great friend. He will be miss greatly. May God provide comfort for the family.
- john dykstra
Prayers and condolences to the family May God give you strength through this time and after Merl was a wonderful man always smiling whenever we saw him His employees where not just employee's but also friends Such a kind gentle man Thank you Merl for giving us the opportunity to work for you we gained a awesome friend May you dance with the angels Ray and Michelle Herring
- Ray and Michelle Herring
WE lost a great friend. Thankful for all of the memories that we shared with Merl and the family. Keeping all of you in thoughts and prayers.
- Hook Hoogstra
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