Born and raised in Holland Michigan, the son of Henry and Gertrude Wassink, Sam married his high school sweetheart and began a lifelong adventure beyond their dreams. Boots always looked forward to hearing the “glass packs exhaust” of his 2-door ‘55 Chevy a mile away as he came down James Street to pick her up.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Leona; children: Randy (Kris), Barry (Rebecca), Kurt (Kris), Candace (Ryan) Brotherton; 12 Grandchildren, 4 Great Grandchildren; siblings: Harold “Bob”(Evelyn) Wassink, Marcia Martin, Janice DeJonge; sister-in-law, Marilyn Wassink. He was preceded in death by his brother and sister, Gordon “Buzz” Wassink and Frances Eding
As a family, Sam loved camping with his 4 kids and instilling in them a love for the outdoors and conversations around the fire.
Hand in hand with Boots, he loved traveling the country in their motorhome and experiencing the beauty of God’s creation and the various cultures they had the privilege of meeting around the world.
Sam loved serving with his family at both Pine Creek CRC & Calvary CRC volunteering in various roles over the decades. He also enjoyed participating in mission work here and abroad.
In addition to serving the church and the Army National Guard, he spent his career serving the people of Ottawa County as a volunteer fireman and 31 years at Ottawa County Sheriff Department where he started on the road patrol and retired in 1995 as Detective Sergeant. One of his highlights was meeting and providing protection for Presidents Gerald R. Ford & again for George H.W. Bush during their Holland visits.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 31, 2022, at Calvary Church, 400 Beeline Rd. Holland. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, August 30, at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St. Holland. Memorial contributions may be given to Calvary Church and Hospice of Holland. To leave condolence and more information, please visit www.langelandsterenberg.com.
