Harry Heersema

Harry Heersema, Jr. born June 2, 1931 in Chicago, IL died November 17, 2019 in Grand Rapids, MI at the age of 88 of heart failure.  He resided in Mears, MI.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Harry Heersema Sr. and Wilhelmina née Vander Myde, brothers Robert and James, and granddaughter, Tirza.  He is survived by his wife, Marilyn née Stanis, children Richard (Sharon) Heersema, Jennifer (Karl) Lundberg, Scott (Shelly) Riggles, Julie Sudlow and Bethany (Tim) Postma; ten grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Harry attended Chicago Vocational High School and Illinois Institute of Technology and became a mechanical engineer.  He devoted his spare time to the Boys Brigade of Thorn Creek Reformed Church of South Holland, IL.  His love for God and his devotion to this ministry led him to marry widowed Marilyn, adopt her four children, and adopt another son.  His work moved the family from Chicago to Dallas TX, Cincinnati OH, Palos Heights IL, Pittsburgh PA, Grove City, PA, and Olean, NY.  Harry retired from Dresser Industries to Upper Silver Lake in Mears, MI but continued his participation with the Gideons International’s Bible distributions.  He continued to support Grace Adventures, where he sent all his children to camp to learn more of Jesus.  Each of his children then went on to work and volunteer at Grace.  He and his wife send each grandchild and great grandchild to camp to learn of our Savior’s salvation and love.  As a dedicated disciple of Christ, Harry worshipped with Cornerstone Community Church and assisted with numerous ministries there.  His steadfastness and love for his family was only surpassed by his love of his Lord.  He faithfully guided his family in the Word and by his actions.  He was Harry the Hero, our Gentle Giant, our Kinsman-redeemer and will be missed greatly by his family, friends, and all who labored in God’s field with him.

A public viewing and visitation for family and friends will be held Thursday, November 21 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at Harris Funeral Home in Shelby, MI.  A second viewing and visitation will take place at Cornerstone Community Church on Friday, November 22 from 11 am until noon. A service at the church will begin at 12:00, followed by a luncheon at Grace Adventure's Camp Dining Hall.  A private interment will be at 2:30 pm at the Hart Cemetery.  Donations may be made to Gideon's International (Sendtheword.org) or Cornerstone Community Church at 7640 W Taylor Rd, Mears, MI 49436.

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