Herbert George Holtgeerts, age 99 passed away and went to his Heavenly home on February 26, 2021, at Resthaven Maplewoods.
He was born February 23, 1922, in Holland, MI, the youngest child of Louis and Jessie (Vos) Holtgeerts. He lived his childhood on 64th Street (the Old Pike) and also in Graafschap, MI. He attended Harrington school the first year it opened.
Herb was a man of quiet strength, tender-hearted, confident in his convictions and his faith in God. He lived his life as an example, more than speaking with words.
In 1943 Herb married Gertrude (Trudy) Blaauw from Graafschap while he was stationed in Amarillo, Texas during WW2. He served in the Army Air Corps as a gunner on a B-17 airplane in England. Herb and Trudy made their home in Holland and were charter members of Maranatha CRC. In 2016 he was privileged to go on the Honor Flight for veterans to Washington DC.
He was a carpenter, working for many years at Chris Craft, and later retired from S2 Yachts. Herb enjoyed working with wood and making various wood products, as well as making and selling picnic tables for several years.
His wife Trudy preceded him in death in 2013 after 69 years of marriage. He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Gert Hofstee, Frances Boerman, Henry Holtgeerts, Louise DenBleyker, Josie Holtgeerts, and Lawrence Holtgeerts, and also his grandson Brad Christian Kamphuis who passed away in 2010.
Surviving is his two daughters, Judith and Nick Unema, and Faith and Daryl Kamphuis, grandchildren, Corey and DeLynn Unema, Todd and April Kamphuis, Tricia and Tim Greving, Sally and Jeff Oosting, and Kevin and Monica Unema, 18 great-grandchildren, several nieces, and nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff at Resthaven Maplewoods for making these last eight years of dad’s life his happy home. Your smiles and perseverance through this last year of COVID-19 restrictions are a shining example of God’s amazing grace. We would also like to thank Hospice of Holland for their loving and faithful care this past year. Jacob, he thought the world of you. God bless you all in your difficult work.
A visitation will take place on Wednesday, March 3, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at Maranatha Christian Reformed Church, 918 Central Ave in Holland. A family service will take place following at 2:00 p.m.
