Kenneth Auwerda

Kenneth Auwerda, age 53, of Holland, passed away Tuesday, May 22, 2012, at Hospice House of Holland surrounded by his family after a valiant battle with cancer.

Today God brought his child Ken to heaven. Al­though we lost a great man, together we trust God as God watches over and pro­tects us and we thank God for Ken who watched over and protected his family so well. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfa­ther, son, uncle and friend. Ken was an avid boater and spent most of his life at the beach or on a boat. He loved to travel with his fam­ily including ski vacations or beach locations. Ken’s warm smile, gentle ways made him like a big teddy bear. He loved to spend time with family and friends.

He was a faithful servant to God with a deep faith; he served as a deacon at Beech­wood Reformed church and was involved in the music program. After graduating from Central Michigan Uni­versity he began a career in purchasing. He has worked at Siemens, Tennant Company and most recently, at Johnson Controls as a senior buyer.

His mother, Carole Auw­erda, preceded him in death in 1999. Ken is survived by his wife, Gwen Auwerda; children, Rachel and David Thomas of Wyoming, Ryan Auwerda of Holland; grand­daughter, Ava Jo Thomas; father, Nick and Peg Auw­erda of Holland; siblings, Karen and Ken Giovan­nini of Holland, Dan and Pat Auwerda of Holland; parents-in-law, Lloyd and Elizabeth Kitchens of Ann Arbor; brother-in-law, Da­vid Kitchens of Ann Arbor.

A memorial service is planned for 11 a.m. Thurs­day, May 24, at Beechwood Reformed Church, 895 Ot­tawa Beach Rd., Holland, with Revs. Jim Lankheet, Greg Ten Brink and Dawn Vagle officiating. Cremation has taken place. A lunch reception and visitation at the church will follow the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Beechwood Reformed Church/Ken Au­werda. Flowers can be sent directly to the church. The family is being served by Langeland-Sterenberg Fu­neral Home.