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Jacob VanGiessen

November 18, 2020
Grand Rapids, MI

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VanGiessen, Jacob Of Grand Rapids, MI Formerly of Kalamazoo, passed away on November 18, 2020 in Grand Rapids, MI. Jacob died from complications of Covid-19. He was born December 16, 1933 in Kalamazoo, where he lived for 70 years before moving to Grand Rapids to be near his children and grandchildren. Jake graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School and Western Michigan University, where he studied paper technology. For 45 years, he was employed in research, development and sales in the Kalamazoo paper industry. Jacob also served honorably as a captain in the U.S. Army Reserves. Jacob was a long-time former member of the Kalamazoo Netherlands Reformed Congregation and a current member of Heritage Reformed Congregation in Grand Rapids. He labored for over 20 years bringing the gospel in the Kalamazoo and Kent county jails and in ministries that battled pornography. Jake's testimony and life showed that his only hope was in Jesus Christ. He often quoted Psalm 86:5, "For thou, Lord, art good and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee." Jacob was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Esther (Sluys) VanGiessen; by their only son, James Allen VanGiessen; 2 grandchildren, Amanda and Lauren Vroegindewey; his parents, Eliza and Martha (Stryd) VanGiessen; his step-father, Albert Sikkema, and his brother, Garrett VanGiessen. Surviving are his three daughters, Kathy (Mark) Scholten, Elizabeth (Kevin) DeVries, and Joan (Roger) Vroegindewey; 16 grandchildren, Sarah, Rachel, Jason, Bethany, and Matthew Scholten, Nathan, Abigail, Jonathan, Caleb, and Maria DeVries, and Luke, Isaac, Jeremiah, Noah, Grace, and Phillip Vroegindewey; 6 great-grandchildren; a brother Bart (Anne) vanGiessen; a sister Mary VanBeck; two half-brothers, Albert (Krys) Sikkema and James (Pam) Sikkema; and sister-in-law Helen VanGiessen; and nieces and nephews. Private visitation and funeral services will be held at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, 622 S. Burdick St. with Dr. Joel Beeke officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park South with Rev. Mark Scholten officiating. Memorial Contributions may be directed to Plymouth Christian School of Grand Rapids or Providence Christian School of Kalamazoo. Please sign Jacob's online guestbook and send condolences at: https://www.langelands.com