Debora Geurink

When reflecting on the life of Debora Geurink, it is easy to see that her faith radiated through everything she did. She loved all things outdoors and found such beauty in even the simplest of things. Deb was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, and aunt who treasured the time she spent with her family. With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around her, she created a priceless collection of memories that will be cherished by all who were blessed to know and love her.

It seems only fitting that Debora’s journey began during a time in society that was as vibrant as she was. Amidst this eventful time was the year 1958 when John and Winifred (Bill) Kabboord were eagerly anticipating the birth of their new baby as the new year unfolded in the city of Kalamazoo, Michigan. The big day finally arrived when the baby girl they named Debora Lyn drew her first breath on January 10th. She was the youngest of three children in the Kabboord clan and was raised in the family home alongside her older sisters, Candy and Jan. Deb’s father worked at Upjohn while her mother was a homemaker.

In many ways Debora was a young girl of her generation. She had a love for animals from the time she was very young, and it continued throughout her life. When she was 13, Debora’s grandparents bought her a horse without her parents knowledge. It was her first one, and her parents said they could keep it if they helped contribute to the cost of caring for it. The girls all worked hard, putting in numerous hours at the place in Schoolcraft where they boarded the horse since they lived in the city. Deb’s parents were willing to drive them back and forth to take care of her horse, Copper, and since the girls worked so hard for the free boarding and other necessities her parents never had to pay a dime for Copper! As as student Deb attended Kalamazoo Christian. Debora went on to graduate from high school in 1976.

New and exciting changes were in store for Deb when she met the young man of her dreams. His name was Doug Geurink, and they met during her junior year in high school. They began dating and soon found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together the sweethearts were married on March 21, 1981, at Southern Heights Christian Reformed. Although cooking wasn’t really her strong suit, Deb did make a good jello salad. In addition to caring for her farm, she worked as an animal tech for Pfizer Farms, which is now known as Zoetis Farms.

Throughout her life Deb was a woman of many interests. She had a strong and unwavering faith as her constant companion, and she had been attending Martin Reformed Church. Deb absolutely loved being outdoors and doing things like camping, hiking, horseback riding, and fishing. She was very musically gifted and was entirely self taught on the guitar and harmonica. Debora had a beautiful voice that was very angelic. Her favorite music had to involve a Christian message, and she was a member of the Ragged Royalty Band for a time.

Described as a fighter who was as selfless as they come, Debora Geurink was a blessing to all who were within her reach. She lived life to the fullest each day, and her zest for life was truly contagious. Deb was never one to worry about the things of this world, rather, her focus was continually on how she could exemplify what it means to be a woman after God’s own heart. She will be deeply missed, but her family rejoices in knowing that she is now in glory.

Debora Lyn Geurink, of Plainwell, passed away Saturday, August 20, 2016. Deb is survived by her husband of 35 years, Doug; her mother: Winifred Kabboord; two sisters: Candy (Joe) Misner, of Battle Creek; Jan Kabboord, of Plainwell; and several nieces and nephews. Debora was preceded in death by her father, John Kabboord. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. at Martin Reformed Church, 1073 West Allegan St, Martin. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, 11 a.m. at the church with an hour of visitation prior to the service. Please visit Deb’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign the guestbook, share a memory and/or photo. Those who wish may make contributions to Martin Reformed Church and/or West Michigan Cancer Center. The family is being assisted by Life Story Funeral Home, 120 S. Woodhams, Plainwell, MI (269-685-5881).