Serving West Michigan Since 1899

Earl J. Gemmen

April 3, 2014
Saugatuck, MI

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Service

Saturday, April 26, 2014
12:00 PM EDT
Community Church of Douglas
6847 Wiley Rd
Fennville, MI 49406
1 (269) 857-1492

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Cow Hill Yacht Club
P.O.Box 554
Saugatuck, MI 49453

Life Story / Obituary


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On Thursday, April 3rd, Earl J. Gemmen, age 65, succumbed to illness and returned to his heavenly Father. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife Jude, mother Gladys Gemmen, brother Dale(Marcia) Gemmen, stepdaughter Meagan ( Travis) DeSplinter; grandchildren, Mason Williamson, Meara Williamson, Jaden Davis and Fisher De Splinter, an uncle Julius Meyer, an aunt Joanne (William) Vanderwal, God-daughter Lynn Coney-Essling, a special cousin Ron Meyer and three nephews.

Sadly, Earl was preceded in death by his father P. Ray Gemmen.

Earl was born in Holland, Michigan on March 9th 1949. He graduated from Holland Christian High School in 1967. After attending Muskegon Business College, he went on to graduate from Ferris State University with an accounting degree. Earl attended Community Church of Douglas, was a member of Cow Hill Yacht Club and National Society of Public Accountants. He was an enrolled agent with the Internal Revenue Service. When Earl’s father became ill, he took over his practice: P. Ray Gemmen and Associates in Holland, Michigan. Earl loved his work (even during tax time). He took special interest in each of his clients and was always willing to take the time to provide solutions to their problems. Earl had a lifelong love of boating and the water (especially Lake Michigan). He spent his childhood summers living on the family’s boat, “The Glad-Ray,“ and traveling the Great Lakes. He had many wonderful memories of summers with family and friends. Later, Earl bought his own power boat, which he enjoyed for many years. Earl lived his whole adult life in Saugatuck, Michigan. Earl was a bachelor for many years, before he married the love of his life and soul mate, Jude, on June 29, 1996. Earl felt blessed to have gained a stepdaughter and, later, four adorable grandchildren. They had a special place in his heart and brought him great joy! Earl treasured his friends and made new ones everywhere he went. He loved spending time with his lifelong friends in Durango, Colorado, which he considered his second home. He had special memories of sailing with his friends in Mexico and The Virgin Islands. In his later life, he looked forward to time in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where he loved the ocean, Old Town, and more new friendships. Earl always enjoyed traveling with an entourage. Earl had many “best friends” because they cherished his generous heart and fun-loving ways. He had a mischievous nature, which magically brought out the best in everyone.

You will be truly missed by all who knew you, “Earl the Pearl.” But you will live in our hearts forever….You made the world a better place!

A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 26th at 12:00 noon at Community Church of Douglas, 6847 Wiley Road, Fennville, Michigan with a Celebration of Life to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Cow Hill Yacht Club (a local charitable organization) P.O. Box 554, Saugatuck, Michigan. Arrangements are by the Saugatuck Chapel, Dykstra Funeral Homes Inc.

For an online registry, visit www.dykstrafuneralhome.com.