Serving West Michigan Since 1899

Harold Ter Beek

May 20, 1923 - November 8, 2015
Holland, MI

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Visitation

Wednesday, November 11, 2015
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM EST
Dykstra Funeral Homes
Northwood Chapel
295 Douglas Avenue
Holland, MI 49424
(616) 392-2348
Driving Directions

Service

Thursday, November 12, 2015
11:00 AM EST
Parkside Bible Church
14461 James St.
Holland, MI 49424

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.

Parkside Bible Church
14461 James St.
Holland, MI 49424

Grace Ministries International
P.O. Box 9405
Grand Rapids, MI 49509

Life Story / Obituary


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Harold Jay Ter Beek was a self- made man, who succeeded in life on his own steam, his own character and a love for life. He was a man cut from a different cloth, in a different era, one of the greatest examples of our Greatest Generation. Harold was a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. And as example of all who knew him.

The 1920’s ushered in a rich period of American culture, and it was in this era, Harold was born. It was May 20, 1923 when Gerrit and Harriet Ter Beek had their son, Harold. He always enjoyed gardening, wood splitting and being outdoors.

In December of 1940, Harold met Arla Mills on a blind date arranged by his cousin and was convinced by the end of the date that she was the one! On July 31, 1942 they were wed.

Harold and Arla made their first home in Holland and began their family with their son Delwyn. When Harold was called into service during World War ll, serving in the army meant moves to many different bases. When Harold was transferred to Alaska, Arla and Delwyn moved back to Holland. At that time she was expecting their second son Eric. When Harold returned from the service, they settled in Holland and a few years later their daughter Sharla was born.

Harold was an electrician by trade and was employed for many years with De Pree Electric. Following his retirement he would spend his days “tinkering”in his workshop and building things such as "doodle bug" snowplows and an hydraulic log splitter mounted on his F-14 antique tractor. He traveled to antique tractor shows including Michigan Flywheelers just this past September!

Harold was a longtime member of Parkside Bible Church and along with Arla attended many Grace Gospel Fellowship Conventions. They were members of Holland Weekenders Camping Club and enjoyed NCHA National Rallies, and later participated in NCHA Retiree Rallies held in southern states during the winter hauling their 5th wheel trailer.

He was preceded in death by his son Delwyn in 1996 and his beloved Arla in 2003. He is survived by his children; Eric and Carol Ter Beek of Holland, Sharla and Peter MacLaren of Westford, Massachusetts, grandchildren; Jennifer and Darrel Elkins, Michael and Lea Ter Beek, Sarah and Brian Piekos, Jason and Birhan MacLaren, great grandchildren; Benjamin, Trigve, and Caralyn Elkins, Nora, Muriel, Lydia and Joseph Ter Beek, Evan, Finlay and Caelan Piekos, and Gabriel and Calum MacLaren. Also surviving are sisters and brother Beatrice and Gilmer Egbers, Sally Hubbard, Joanne Dykema, Barbara Cole, Dennis Adams; sisters-in-law Ida Mae Ter Beek and Glenna Fogg as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services are Thursday 11:00AM at Parkside Bible Church with Rev. Gary Spykerman officiating. Burial will be in North Holland Cemetery.

Visitation is Wednesday 6-8PM at Northwood Chapel, Dykstra Funeral Homes. Memorial gifts may be given to Parkside Bible Church or Grace Ministeries International.

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