Gerrit Buitenhuis, age 75 of Grand Haven, passed away on Monday, July 20, 2020 at home, surrounded by his family. He was born on August 24, 1944 to Gerrit and Hillegonda (Boterenbrood) Buitenhuis in the city of Woerden in The Netherlands. Gerrit married Reka Verweij on September 8, 1966 in The Netherlands.
Gerrit moved to the Grand Haven area in 1965, working as an architect for Vandermeiden Koteles for 16 years, and then became owner and operator of Buitenhuis Builders & Design. He was a member of Second Reformed Church and was a big Michigan State Spartans fan. Gerrit loved his family, and enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting and school events, as well as biking and gardening.
Gerrit is lovingly remembered and missed by his wife of 53 years, Reka; two sons, Rob (Dawn) and Rich (Laura) Buitenhuis; five grandchildren: Brad, Curtis, Olivia, Abby, and Ava Buitenhuis; sister, Johanna (Ron) Francis; sisters-in-law, Grace and Lenie Buitenhuis; brothers, Aart (Janet), Bill (Sandy), John (Kathy) Buitenhuis; brother-in-law, Teus (Marie) Verweij; and niece, Barbara Verweij.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerrit and Hillegonda; brothers, Henry and Ben Buitenhuis; and in-laws, Jaap (Ineke) Kostelijk.
A private graveside service for Gerrit will be held at Grand Haven Township Historic Cemetery with Pastor Dan Eisnor officiating. Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice of North Ottawa Community.
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