Jeffery Allen Bewalda

Jeffery Allen Bewalda, age 58 of Grand Haven, passed away on Sunday, March 12, 2023 at Trinity Health Saint Mary's Hospital - Grand Rapids. He was born on May 14, 1964 in Grand Haven, MI to Allen and Charlene (Bethke) Bewalda.

Jeff graduated from Grand Haven High School and then graduated from Western Michigan University with his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. He worked as a Juvenile Services Officer for Ottawa County for his entire career. Jeff had a passion for helping kids who were heading down a bad path and getting them back on the right track. Those kids endearingly referred to him as “Mr. B.,” and Jeff would often run into them, taking much care and interest in how they were doing in life.

Jeff coached his two son’s many sporting activities, and rarely missed a Grand Haven Bucs Football or Basketball game. Although he had a passion for football and basketball, to him, hockey was the best sport in the world. Jeff enjoyed being outdoors, going running, fishing, and playing many intramural sports later in life.

Jeff will be remembered and missed by his two sons, Jeren and Jack Bewalda, and their mother, Karen Gjestrum Bewalda all of Grand Haven; his mother, Charlene VanDoorne of Grand Haven; long-time girlfriend, Deb Deyoung, and her children, Matt, Megan, and Melissa; and his aunt, Ruth Horton.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard VanDoorne in 2019.

The Funeral Service for Jeff will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at the Watermark Church in Grand Haven, with Pastor Steve Deur officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 17th, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Klaassen Family Funeral Home. Interment will be at Lake Forest Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Grand Haven Buccaneer’s Gene Rothi Scholarship Fund c/o Sharon Yonker, 507 S. Seventh St., Grand Haven, MI, 49417.

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