Rev. Gary VanKoevering

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The Reverend Gary VanKoevering, age 80, of Jenison, passed away and is now in the presence of his Lord Jesus Christ. He received his Master of Divinity from Western Seminary. As a minister of God’s Word with the Reformed Church in America, he touched many lives while serving at First Reformed in Maurice, IA; First Reformed in Fremont, MI; and Fair Haven Church in Jenison, MI. Gary was known for his hugs that healed, encouraged, and expressed his love. In recent years, he knitted hundreds of hats that he gave away to family, friends, and local ministries. His motto for living was to do what he could, with what he had, where he was, for the Lord. Gary was preceded in death by his brothers, Glenn, Earl, Ivan, Gene, and Robert; sisters-in-law, Norma and Leona; and Elaine’s brother Harvey Mast and his wife, Barb. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 59 years, Elaine (Mast); children, Curt and Kristi VanKoevering, and Kara and Brian Tacoma; grandchildren, Hannahjo VanKoevering, Moses and Hailey VanKoevering, Bethany Tacoma, Hilary Tacoma and her fiance Mason Underhill; and his great-granddaughter, Hadassah VanKoevering. He is also survived by his brother, Paul VanKoevering; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Betty VanKoevering and Joyce VanKoevering; John and Sue Mast, Mary and Bern Brower; as well as many dear nieces, nephews, and friends. Funeral services will be held at 2 pm on Sunday, January 15, 2023, at Fair Haven Church, 2900 Baldwin St., Hudsonville with Pastor Greg VanderMeer officiating. Relatives and friends may meet the family Saturday from 2-6 pm at Fair Haven and also one hour prior to the service on Sunday. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Mission India or Fair Haven Church Hand2Hand Ministries.