Albert Twiest

Independent, strong, and hardworking, Albert Twiest had a certain sparkle about him that drew others near with ease. He was a self made man who took great pride in making his own way as his desire to provide for his family was the driving force behind his determination to succeed. A devoted husband and father, Al also took his role as a grandfather to heart as there was nothing that made his heart fill with joy more than being with his grandchildren as often as he could. A man of faith, his beliefs were the compass he used to direct his steps along both the peaks and the valleys of his life’s journey. Although Al will be deeply missed, his memory will be forever cherished by all who were blessed to know and love him.

Life in America was drastically different in 1919 than the life we know and love in America today. WWI came to an end in 1918, which left America recognized as a world leader for the first time. With the eyes of the world focused on our shores for what was to come, we did not disappoint as our innovation brought us radios, motion pictures in both color and sound, and the wide implementation of the assembly line that made cars more affordable for the average American. Amidst this exciting time there was a time of great anticipation in the lives of Frederick and Theresa (Opdendyk) Twiest as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as winter covered the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1919. The big day finally arrived on December 21st when the baby boy they named Albert John drew his first breath. He was the youngest of three children in his family and was raised alongside his older sister, Florence, and his older brother, Fred.

In many ways, Albert, or Al as he was usually known, was a young boy of his generation. His father supported their family as a storekeeper while his mother was a busy homemaker. Growing up in Grandville, Al attended local schools including Grandville High School.

After graduating in 1940, Al began working as an assembler in a factory, but he soon set his civilian life aside as he was drafted in 1943 during the days of WWII. He honorably served overseas as a soldier in the Army in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. With his military duties fulfilled, Al was discharged in 1945.

New and exciting changes were in store for Al when he met the young woman who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Wilma Bergsma, and they met at a small hamburger joint on the West Side known as Ben's and later known as Bud’s. Sparks flew right from the start, and it wasn’t long before the couple found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together, the sweethearts were married on April 24, 1947.

Initially, the newlyweds lived with her parents for a few weeks until renovations were completed on their own place. It must have been a long couple of weeks, too, because Wilma was one of 13 children! With their house complete, Al and Wilma moved into their own home at 4047 Leonard, NW, which was the place they called home for the rest of their lives. Together they welcomed their son, Jerry, into their hearts and home in 1947. Al worked hard to support their family, first as a bus driver for over 10 years before taking a job in the factory at General Motors. He remained there for nearly 30 years before retiring. Al and Wilma were longtime members of Standale Baptist Church, which met in Zinser School before their own building was constructed. It was a family tradition to go out to eat at a local buffet after church, but Al was always the first one to the car because he couldn't hear very well, which meant that after eating it was just time to leave. Some of their favorite family memories were made playing badminton and catch and taking trips to California on Route 66 and trips to Florida. Also, a highlight, was the family going to Grand Haven State park with their travel trailer. Of course, Al chronicled their adventures all on home movies that were so much fun to watch. A time they will never forget was on April 3, 1956, when they experienced the Standale tornado that devastated much of the area.

Albert was one to keep busy. He was an avid sports fan, and most Saturday nights found him in Muskegon with his son, watching the Muskegon Mohawks. Occasionally, they went to Detroit for a Tigers game. He was an even bigger fan of every MSU team, and he also enjoyed bowling and golf. Around home, Al loved being out in his garden, and he was meticulous when it came to keeping his yard. His granddaughter, Amy, loved riding along on the lawnmower with him while he worked. Eventually, Al’s age left him unable to work outside any longer. As someone who was self-reliant and independent, he preferred doing the work around the house himself and taking on various projects, learning as he went. With a special place in his heart for dogs, two of his most treasured companions were his cocker spaniel, Rex, and Pal, a beagle that he took with him when he went small game hunting. Albert loved fried chicken as well as spaghetti and meatballs, and he also frequented Burger King and Subway. During their later years, he and Wilma traveled to Florida for a couple of weeks each winter, and later they went to Las Vegas to visit their relatives. Sometimes, their granddaughter, Amy, went along. Also during his younger years, Al did enjoy a good cigar, much to the dismay of both his doctor and his wife! Although the war left him with damaged hearing, Al did manage to enjoy country music in a limited way.

With unending devotion to his family, his work, and his community, Albert Twiest was an extraordinary man to know and love. He was someone who was content in all things, and he worked hard to make his own way without worrying about building great wealth. Blessed to share his life with his true love, Al treasured every moment spent with his loved ones. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Mr. Albert Twiest, age 95 passed away Friday, April 3, 2015 at Sanctuary of St. Mary’s. He was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma in 2012 and his sister Florence Twiest and brother Fred Twiest. Surviving are his son, Jerry (Francis) Twiest; grandchildren, Molly Berzley, Amy and Ricky Wyma; great grandchildren, Tyler, Makala, Samantha, and Andre Jr., sister-in-law Dorothy Twiest and several nieces and nephews. Albert was a US Army veteran who served in the European, African Middle Eastern Theaters

Albert was a longtime member of Standale Baptist Church, 3714 Lake Michigan Dr. NW where the funeral will be held Tuesday at 2:30PM Interment in Washington Park Memorial Gardens.

Friends may meet the family on Monday from 6-9 PM at Heritage Lifestory Funeral Homes, 851 Leonard St NW. Memorial contributions to Spectrum Health Hospice, 4500 Breton Ave. SE 49508 or Standale Baptist Church, 3714 Lake Michigan Dr NW 49504 would be appreciated. To sign the guestbook, leave a memory or read Albert’s lifestory please visit his web page at www.lifetorynet.com