Allan John Rietberg

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On the eve of August 10, 2022, Allan J. Rietberg took his final tractor ride into the open, golden pastures of heaven. His loving wife, two daughters, and the angelic staff of Faith Hospice Trillium Woods were by his side.

Al was the husband to the love of his life and best friend, Julie Rietberg, for 38 years. Together they had two children, Renee (Tyler) Smyth and McKenzie Rietberg, and three grandchildren, Carson (6), Chandler (4), and Nora Smyth (2). Al is also survived by his son, John (Kathy) Rietberg and his grandchildren, Holland (Susan), AJ (Ali), and Jonah (Sarah); his niece and nephews, who he embraced as his own when their father, Andy, passed away far too early: Rhonda (Tom) Jelsma, Drew (Cindy) Holwerda, and Scott Holwerda; great nieces and nephews, Jill Jelsma, Kris (Ben) Frederick, Christine (Troy) Flodin, Blake (Kara), Josh and AJ Holwerda; father-in-law, Rodney Ballast; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Doug Ballast, Pam (Bob) Machiele, Marvin (Holly) Ballast, Curt Ballast; and Cindy (Mark) Miller who was also a special provider during Al’s final five-week journey; many nieces and nephews. Al was preceded in death by his loving parents, Albert and Gladys Rietberg; mother-in-law, Joyce Ballast; and his sister and brother-in-law, Sharon and Andy Holwerda.

Al and Julie built an incredible life together, centered on their dedication and love for their Christian faith, family, and passion for their work and service to others.

Al was known for his career in real estate first working in residential real estate and construction, later as a commercial real estate broker and developer with Rietberg Companies. He was a leader who led with grace and integrity, and a mentor to many who successfully learned by his example. He was elected by his peers as President of the Grand Rapids Association of Realtors and the Michigan Association of Realtors. One of Al’s greatest virtues was his instinctive ability to assume and see the best in everyone he knew and met.

While he was known for his career in real estate, Al found his true passion when he was offered a pair of cattle in exchange for a real estate commission, which he accepted. He went on to grow this newly discovered hobby and poured his heart and soul into farming for over 40 years, much of that time with his right-hand man and honorary son, David VanDenBerg, with a specialty in breeding registered Angus beef cattle. Nothing made him happier than walking the electric fences, going down to the barn to check on his girls (the cows), or baling hay on his John Deere tractor.

Al could often be found—several times a day—enjoying coffee and a bran muffin at Grandville’s Rainbow Grill with his community of friends, including long-time colleagues, Greg DeJong and David VanDenBerg.

Al was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, dedicated businessman, passionate farmer, and man of God. Our loss was more sudden than expected, which reminds us again that we don’t know what the future holds, but we know God does and that this was part of His perfect plan.

Al’s recent 5-week journey gave us a glimpse into the selfless service of those who have chosen to be doctors, nurses, techs, patient companions, and caregivers. We are forever grateful for the care he received at University of Michigan Health West and Faith Hospice Trillium Woods.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Monday, August 15, 2022, at LaGrave Ave. CRC, 107 LaGrave Ave SW, with Rev. Peter Jonker and Rev. Kristy Manion officiating. Burial Georgetown Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to U of M Heath West Foundation, LaGrave Ave CRC Benefactors Trust Fund, or Faith Hospice.