Gene Pointer

Merle “Gene” Pointer, age 91, of Grand Rapids, formerly of Holland died Friday, April 8, 2016.

Gene was a veteran of World War II serving in the US Navy. He moved to Holland after the war to attend Hope College. He was a charter member of Christ Memorial Church. Gene and his second wife, Marion, owned The Amsterdam Gift Shop on South Shore Drive in Holland from 1968 to 1979. Gene enjoyed fishing, canoeing and spending time with his family. He was preceded in death by his first wife Ruby (Schrotenboer) Pointer, second wife B. Marion (Wise) Pointer, his son Robert Pointer, daughter Barbara Van Slambrouck and brother Gale Pointer.

He is survived by his wife Coral Pointer and children: Margaret (Peg) and Michael Jipping and Kathryn (Kate) Corbett; grandchildren: Debra and Steve Pierce, Tammy and Brian Sherman, Bethany and Brandon VanAller, Kari Jipping and Gabriel Dvorak, Austin Jipping, Alex Corbett and Shelbe Williams and Kelsey Corbett; great grandchildren: Nathan, Noah, Abby and Jacob Pierce, Nicole Sherman, Benjamin, Aiden and Connor VanAller; stepsons: Martin Byle and Dan Byle; step grandchildren: Emily Byle and Madeline Byle; sister-in-law: Merle J. Pointer; sister-in-law and Brother-in-law: Madge and Jack Bolt; loving cats: Tuti and Tina.

A memorial service will be 2:00 pm, Thursday, April 14, 2016 at Faith Christian Reformed Church, 85 West 26th Street in Holland. Reverend Eric Koulon will be officiating. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at Mulder Chapel, 188 West 32nd Street in Holland. Memorial contributions may be given to Faith Hospice.