Gerald Oosterhouse

On September 15, Gerald H. Oosterhouse, age 94, of Cutlerville, entered the joy and peace of his eternal home. He was born July 30, 1929, on a farm just outside of Grand Rapids in Paris Township to Dan and Dorothy Oosterhouse. After 8th grade, Gerald joined his dad in the hard and rewarding full-time work of running and managing a family farm, an experience that gave him a lifelong appreciation for the role agriculture has in our society.

Gerald always had a smile and story and was immensely proud of the institutions and professions he worked for: John Deere, Rozines (Construction Vehicle Maintenance), Kentwood Fire Department (where he worked for 40 years and was Suburban Firefighter of the Year in 1985), and Steelcase (where he served as a millwright for 24 years). In addition, he was involved in camera clubs and volunteered for Meals on Wheels.

Most importantly, Gerald had a Christ centered faith and loved his church communities (East Paris CRC and Cutlerville East CRC) and his family and friends. Gerald’s good nature was best seen as he lovingly played and laughed with kids and animals at family dinners. Gerald was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce; and brother, Howard. He is survived by his four children and their spouses: Ken (Linda) Oosterhouse, Shirley (Jim) Zaagman, Dan Oosterhouse, and Janet (Steve) Weeda; grandchildren: Matt (Bethany) Zaagman, Chad (Kara) Zaagman, and Lance (Julie) Zaagman, Autumn (Richie) Hogle, Chelsea Oosterhouse, Eric (Meghan) Weeda, Neil Weeda, and Hope Weeda; and six great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW with Rev. Ed Visser officiating. The burial will take place at Pine Hill Cemetery. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Wednesday, September 20, from 6-8 p.m. as well as one hour prior to the funeral service on Thursday from 10-11 a.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made in Gerald’s name to Cutlerville East CRC or Rehoboth Christian School.