Jerrold Dantzer

Jerrold M. Dantzer, aged 59, passed away Wednesday June 19, 2019. Jerry was employed by Request Foods in Holland for the past 30 years where he managed multiple national accounts including Costco. He was a longtime member of St. Jude Parish where he served as a lector and volunteered for other activities through both the church and school. To many he was known as the “lasagna man” due to Request Foods’ generosity in providing pasta for all kinds of church and school events. He was also a member of the West Branch Knights of Columbus Council #2022. He was an avid sports fan, continuing to cheer on the Lions despite many losing seasons, and learning to become a fan of the University of Michgan after his oldest daughter Lauren attended college there (but he was always a Spartan at heart). He loved to play golf, even when his ability didn’t quite measure up to his ambition. He especially liked to golf with his son Nick where, always the coach, Nick was continually reminded to slow down and quit swinging so hard. His proudest athletic accomplishment was coaching his youngest daughter Jess’ 6th grade softball team to an undefeated season. He taught us what matters most in this world - to always do the right thing, that your word is your word, that your legacy reaches farther than you’ll ever know. He taught us that family comes first, that anything worth having is worth working for, and how important it is to come through for the people who count on you. He fought through multiple health complications since his cancer diagnosis in 2016 and displayed enormous resilience to push on in spite of constant pain and other limitations, continuing to work both at the office when possible and at home later on. His wife Wendy was his best friend, standing by his side through every challenge and trying to make his life a little easier. Knowing how tiring his care could be, he would, after he couldn’t speak, point to her and mouth “you go” very forcefully to remind her to take a break every once in a while. He is greatly loved and will be enormously missed. The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at Mayo Clinic, especially Dr. Peter Rose and Dr. Brittany Siontis, for giving Jerry the best possible care and Dr. Stephen Winston at Michigan Pain Consultants for doing his best to keep his pain under control, Angel MedFlight for emergency transportation, the Request Foods Family, for their constant support over the past three years, and friends Jim and Tami, for being an unwavering source of comfort for the entire family. Thanks also to Faith Hospice, including Lindsey and Rob. He was preceded in death by his parents, Adrian and Maxine Dantzer and sister-in-law, Terri Walburg. Surviving are his wife of 30 years, Wendy, children, Lauren (Nick) Swanson, Nick (Jennifer Johnson) Dantzer, Jess (Tyler Boogaard) Dantzer; brothers, Ron (Clara) Dantzer, Larry (Eileen) Dantzer, Jim (Sandy) Dantzer, Dave (Missy) Dantzer, Mark (Sharol) Dantzer, and sisters, Linda (Dick) Dunn, Sandy (Chris Donahue) Dantzer, Patty (Dave) Walby. Also surviving are his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Myron and Kayrene Walburg; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Starla (Bob) Thompson, Wayne (Carmen) Walburg, Bonnie (Joe) Vloedman, Steve (Janice) Walburg, Barry (Denise) Walburg, Mick Walburg and Marc Walburg, along with many nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 AM Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at St. Jude Catholic Church, 1120-4 Mile Rd. NE, Grand Rapids. As Jerry was not a formal guy, the family is requesting everyone to dress comfortably, preferably no suits and ties. His family will greet relatives and friends Monday, June 24, between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM, at the Stegenga Funeral Chapel-Belmont, 1601 Post Dr. NE, as well as one hour before the service on Tuesday. A private family burial will follow at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to: Adelante Youth Mission, an organization providing medical clinics, housing, tutoring, and clean water in the Dominican Republic, or Faith Hospice. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Jerrold M. Dantzer please visit our Sympathy Store.