Gerrit VanRavenswaay

Gerrit John VanRavenswaay, 78, of Holland, died peacefully September 1, 2014. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Judith (Vermeulen), and their 5 children: Steve and Corrie VanRavenswaay, of Grand Rapids; Gary and Sandy VanRavenswaay; Julie and Cal Kortman; Tim VanRavenswaay; and Tom and Becky VanRavenswaay, all of Holland. Gerrit was grandfather to 16 and great-grandfather to 3.

Born in Kalamazoo, MI, Gerrit was the oldest of 13. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Agnes, and brother Henry, sister-in-laws Carol (Henry) and Sue (Fred), and brother-in-laws Charles (Anita) and Ralph (Victoria). He is survived by siblings Fred, Anita Shoemaker, John (Sharon), Victor (Georgann), Vincent, Victoria Brown, Robert (Dianne), Tim (Kathy), Alida DeCamp, August (Shelley), and James (Susan).

Gerrit, or “Mr. Van”, touched many lives as he taught at Holland Public Schools for 30 years, from 5th grade beginning strings to conducting the High School Symphony Orchestra. After retiring from Holland, he filled short-term positions at Holland Christian Schools and Zeeland Public Schools. Gerrit was the founding conductor of the Holland Symphony Orchestra. He also spent ten summers teaching at Interlochen Music Camp.

Mr. VanRavenswaay was a member of Christ Memorial Church, where he enjoyed singing in the Sanctuary Choir with his wife.

Visitation will be held Thursday, September 4, 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Dykstra Mulder Funeral Home. Funeral services will take place Friday, September 5, 11:00 am at Christ Memorial Church.

The family requests gifts be made to Christ Memorial Church Sanctuary Choir.