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George G. Goosen III

October 13, 1940 - October 13, 2017
Ravenna, MI

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Visitation

Wednesday, October 18, 2017
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM EDT
Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes
Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel
2120 Lake Michigan Dr., N.W.
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 453-8263
Driving Directions

Service

Wednesday, October 18, 2017
1:00 PM EDT
Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes
Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel
2120 Lake Michigan Dr., N.W.
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 453-8263
Driving Directions

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.

None were specified by his family.

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Ball Park Floral
8 Valley Ave.
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 459-3409
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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Print

The year 1940 introduced many new forms of entertainment for all to enjoy. The sounds of Glenn Miller and Bing Crosby filled the airwaves, yet with World War II well underway, America’s involvement was inevitable and the first peacetime draft was put into place. Amidst these changing times in the lakeshore city of Muskegon, Michigan, cause for celebration in the lives of George Garret Jr. and Angeline Marie (Durda) Goosen on October 13, 1940 was the birth of their son, George Garret Goosen III.

One of two children, George grew up alongside his sister, Carolyn. Despite his father leaving the family when George was four, he enjoyed a childhood typical of his generation. He enjoyed the friendships of many, attended the local schools and found his share of mischief as boys often do. He was close to his uncles who took George under their wing. His Uncle John often took George perch and walleye fishing on the area lakes and he also taught George a thing or two about carpentry. George loved spending time with his Uncle Matt at his junkyard where he loved tinkering on cars. As a young teen George moved to Grand Rapids where he was afforded more opportunity. He went on to graduate from Ottawa Hills High School in 1958 and shortly thereafter landed his first job working at the RC Allen Company, a typewriter manufacturer.

George met the young woman he came to know and love while visiting the Lincoln Dairy Ice Cream Bar and on July 14, 1962 he married Janice Walters at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. The newlyweds enjoyed a memorable honeymoon at Niagara Falls and soon made the Standale area their home. There they welcomed the births of their five children, Greg, Gary, Pam, Brian and Brenda who brought much joy to their lives. Family vacations were often spent camping throughout Michigan and eventually spending time at their trailer at Hardy Dam where they made numerous family memories boating, skiing, and fishing. The most memorable family vacation was the trip out west in Colorado staying with his sister Carolyn and family. While on Kinney, George raised horses and did some hobby farming, which he loved. Having developed a talent for growing roses, George loved spending time caring for the yard and his large vegetable garden, and there was nothing quite like fresh tomatoes, squash, beans, and zucchini for the dinner table. He always grew pumpkins for the kids, and later grandkids. A big meat and potatoes man, roast beef dinners were his favorite as well as a hearty Polish meal of kielbasa, kapusta, pierogi, and golumbki. He loved their big Sunday dinners surrounded by family.

A good and loving provider, George took a job with Steelcase, working his way to the position of supervisor before retiring after 30 years. In 1998, he and Janice moved to the rural area of Ravenna where George fulfilled his dream of having a home on acreage, deep in the woods where the family enjoyed the peace and quiet. He had a passion for antique cars, and even owned a few. George was a jack of all trades. He could fix anything, was handy with everything, and only hired help when he had to. An avid fan of Tigers baseball and MSU football in addition to their love for travel, George and Janice spent time in Hawaii, Arizona, Florida, Missouri and every summer stayed at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.

George loved being with his grandchildren and never hesitated attending their school and sporting events. He especially loved one on one time with them. Always dedicated to his family, George lovingly looked out for them and never ceased in offering a lending hand or wise advice. In his family, George found his greatest joy. Although he could be stubborn and had his share of opinions, George was a wonderful family man and provider to those entrusted to his care. Yet eight years ago when George developed kidney disease, life took a new direction. For the last five years he underwent dialysis three times a week in addition to surgery for heart issues. George was a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

George Garret Goosen III, aged 77, of Ravenna, MI, passed away at home on his birthday, Friday, October 13, 2017. He was preceded in death by his mother, Angeline Goosen and his sister, Carolyn Farnsworth. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Janice Goosen (Walters); children, Greg (Debra) Goosen, Gary Goosen, Pamela (Scott) Wilson, Brian (Jennifer) Goosen, Brenda (Daniel) Theile; grandchildren, Gabe Goosen, Mickey (Karmen), Tiffany, Cody, Kaylee, and Mandy Wilson, Spencer, Kyle, and Elizabeth Goosen, Alyssa, Sydney, and Chelsea Theile; brother-in-law, Ray Farnsworth; many nieces, nephews, and friends. Cremation has taken place. A service to celebrate George’s life will be held Wednesday, October 18, 1:00 pm at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home–2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Burial in Rosedale Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the funeral home Wednesday from 12:00 noon until the service begins at 1:00. To read more about George’s life, to sign his guest book, and to leave your own memory of him, please visit his web page at www.lifestorynet.com.

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